(MENAFN) The Cyclone Ockhi that hit southwestern India has killed so far 24 people, while search operations intensified for scores of missing fishermen.

It has brought speedy wind and intense rains to the Tamil Nadu and Kerala states on the mainland before heading toward the Lakshadweep archipelago off the south-west coast of the country.

In Kerala, 16 people have been killed and 8 more in Tamil Nadu, as Ockhi destroyed several houses, knocked trees and cut power lines, while over 180 fishermen were still missing.

Tamil Nadu disaster management chief said: "Fifteen ships, five surveillance aircraft and five choppers are searching coastal areas to locate the men."

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