Cyclone Ockhi: Toll rises to 18 with 5 more deaths in Kerala
Cyclone Ockhi
Reports further confirm that only 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the Coast Guard is?at the scene
The death toll in Ochki cyclonehas gone up to 18 after three bodies were found by the coast guard in Thiruvananthapuram coast. Two deaths were reported from Kannur and Cochin.
Tamil Nadu Government had requested the Centre to send Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct a search for the missing fishermen from Kanyakumari.
According to news agency ANI 68 fishing boats have reached the shore. Out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fishermen on board.
Reports say that 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the state Coast Guard officers are on the rescue operations.
The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari is making its way towards Lakshadweep islands and has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm' with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km.
"The cyclone wrecked havoc on South Kerala with severe damage to coastal areas and has endangered lives of fishermen operating at sea," the Coast Guard informed in a press release.
Earlier, locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum's Thumba seeking better relief measures and rescue of fishermen missing from the area.