Cyclone Ockhi updates: NDRF deploys 7 teams in Gujarat as storm moves closer to Surat

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai urges people not to create panic

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has urged people not to create panic. It further said that road and rail traffic is running smoothly.

IMD says cyclone Ockhi is 230 kilometre west-southWest of Mumbai, likely to continue to move north-northeastward, weaken gradually and will cross South Gujarat and North Maharashtra coast.

Input from Sanjay Sawant

BJP cancels rallies of Manoj Tiwari, Vasundhara Raje

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari’s roadshow in Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad was also cancelled due to light showers since early morning, Bapunagar MLA Jagroopsinh Rajput said.

The BJP has also called off rallies and press conferences of Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Surat on Tuesday, a party leader said.

Rahul Gandhi urges Congress workers in Gujarat to provide all possible help

My thoughts are with people who will be braving the onslaught of #CycloneOckhi. Urge Congress leaders and workers in Gujarat to provide all necessary help and support to the needy during this hour of crisis.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 5, 2017

Gujarat chief secretary holds review meeting

The chief secretary of Gujarat held a review meeting with government officials to look at the state’s preparedness in the wake of Cyclone Ockhi, The Times of India reported.

Twelve Goa beaches affected by rising sea water

Twelve beaches in Goa have been affected by the rising sea level caused by Cyclone Ockhi, revenue minister Rohan Khaunte said on Tuesday. He said preliminary estimates suggested that the damage caused by the cyclone, which skimmed Goa’s coastline, was between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 30 lakh.

Those affected by the natural calamity have two days to approach government agencies with details of damage to their properties to get compensation, he told the media. – IANS

NDRF deploys seven teams in Gujarat to deal with situation due to Ockhi

7 teams of NDRF deployed @ Surat, Navsari, Amreli, Valsad, Bhavnagar and Somnath in Gujrat to assist the administration to deal with the situation arising due to cyclone OCKHI.

— NDRF 🇮🇳 (@NDRFHQ) December 5, 2017

Time-lapse of Cyclone Ockhi

Kerala women’s commission to contribute a day’s salary: Report

According to The Times of India, Kerala women’s commission members will contribute a day’s salary to the chief minister’s disaster relief fund to help the ones affected by the cyclone.

Areas in Gujarat and Maharashtra expected to be most affected by the storm

Damage Expected over south #Gujarat (Valsad, Surat, Navsari, Bharuch, Dang, Tapi, Amreli, Gir- Somnath, Bhavnagar districts), Daman, Diu, and Dadra, Nagar Haveli and north Konkan Districts of #Maharashtra (Palghar, Thane, Raigarh, and Greater Mumbai)#CycloneOckhi

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) December 5, 2017

NDMA urges fishermen not to venture into the sea

South Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts: Fishermen are advised not to venture into the Sea along & off South Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts during next 24 hours.#CycloneOckhi

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) December 5, 2017

Sea condition: Sea condition would be rough to very rough along & off north #Maharashtra and South #Gujarat coasts during next 24 hours.#CycloneOckhi

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) December 5, 2017

Rahul Gandhi cancels three rallies in Gujarat due to bad weather

Rahul Gandhi's rallies in #Gujarat's Morbi, Dhrangadhra and Surendranagar cancelled due to bad weather #CycloneOckhi

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017

Cyclone Ockhi pours cold water on poll campaign in Gujarat

Amid the heat of the Gujarat polls, cyclone Ockhi, eddying menacingly towards the states coast, poured cold water on the campaigning on Tuesday, forcing cancellation of rallies of several top leaders, including those by BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, appealed to BJP workers to extend a helping hand to those that would be likely hit by the cyclone, which is expected to make a landfall tonight on the states southern coast in Surat. –

High tide in Arabian Sea in Mumbai

Image source: AP

Meteorologist Mahesh Palawat says rainfall intensity over Mumbai likely to reduce

Convective clouds have reduced cover #Mumbai. Now #rain will also reduce. By tomorrow except only light rain. @SkymetWeather @mumbairains1 pic.twitter.com/3dzdsP2gan

— Mahesh Palawat (@Mpalawat) December 5, 2017

BJP MLA assures all safety measures in place in Gujarat’s Azadnagar

Looked after the condition in Azadnagar area. All safety measure regarding the well-being and protection of people against the natural calamity #CycloneOckhi have been taken. pic.twitter.com/Fa2U2TRf53

— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) December 5, 2017

Kerala govt under fire for lax response to disaster

Revenue minister and state disaster management authority (SDMA) vice-chairman E Chandrashekharan, who is supposed to coordinate the rescue and relief efforts, was seen nowhere in the picture even when the storm battered the coast and displaced hundreds of fishing families and destroyed their houses.

The chief minister and his colleagues have been claiming that the government was doing everything possible to save the fishermen stranded in the sea. But the hapless fisherfolk did not believe them. They have enough reasons not to trust the state government, which let down the fishermen by not acting on the weather alerts that they received from the meteorological department and other agencies.

About 33 tourists rescued from Lakshadweep: MHA

Vijay Rupani to hold press conference at 5.30 pm

According to The Times of India, Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani is expected to hold a press conference on Cyclone Ockhi at 5.30 pm on Tuesday in Surat.

Two merchant ships rescued in Lakshadweep: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs said that two merchant ships and 16 crew members have been rescued in Lakshadweep, The Indian Express reported.

Low pressure area over south-east Bay of Bengal

#CycloneOckhi over east-central Arabian Sea;
Well marked low pressure area over Southeast Bay of Bengal (1415 Hours)
Details: https://t.co/D72stuTVNy pic.twitter.com/5LKqoZFKuy

— PIB India (@PIB_India) December 5, 2017

Moderate to heavy showers over south Gujarat and north Konkan and Goa to continue

#CycloneOckhi #Update: #Rain in #Mumbai #Maharashtra; #Ockhi to move towards #Gujarat #MumbaiRains #Surat #Vadodara @TV9Marathi @RidlrMUM @indiannavy @CMOMaharashtra @Saamanaonline @abpmajhatv @BTVI @CNBCTV18Live @ETNOWlive @CNBC_Awaaz pic.twitter.com/LGk4T92NO3

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

As many as 39 people lost lives due to Cyclone Ockhi: MHA

The Indian Express quoted Ministry of Home Affairs as saying that as many as 39 people in Tamil Nadu and Kerala lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi. 167 are still missing.

Kerala govt cancels inaugural gala of IFFK

The Kerala government has cancelled the inaugural ceremony of the upcoming International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in the wake of cyclone Ockhi affecting many districts in the state.

The IFFK, which attracts a large number of cinema aficionados and film personalities from across the country, is scheduled to begin on 8 December.

Cyclone Ockhi is expected to cross south Gujarat by midnight

Rains in Mumbai expected to reduce by Wednesday

#MumbaiRains #weather #CycloneOckhi https://t.co/b6UaAyv4XV

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Arabian Sea records high tide; BMC urges people to avoid beaches

Times Now reported that the Arabian Sea has recorded a high tide of 5.04m and the BMC has advised people to stay away from beaches.

A boat with four people goes missing, agencies try to establish contact

#Maharashtra: One boat from Raigarh with 4 people goes missing, rescue agencies trying to establish contact #CycloneOckhi

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017

Gujarat on alert as storm moves closer to Surat

Surat Police has beefed up security and barred entry to Dumas beach, reported The Times of India . Surat collector has also ordered for schools and colleges to be closed till Wednesday.

Navy conducts search and rescue operations

#OpSahayam #CycloneOckhi #HADR #SAR Saving precious lives @DefenceMinIndia @nsitharaman @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/DYCF3WPnjv

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 5, 2017

 ‘Severe’ Cyclone Ockhi weakens into a cyclone

Skymet Weather reported that ‘Severe’ cyclone Ockhi has now weakened into a cyclone and is currently over East-Central Arabian Sea.

Gujarat’s chief secretary calls meeting to review preparedness

Gujarat’s chief secretary JN Singh has convened a video conference with the collectors of coastal districts to review their preparedness to deal with any eventuality.

The Met centre has warned that when the cyclone hits the Gujarat coast, “wind speed would remain between 50 and 60 kmph and may reach up to 70 kmph in south Gujarat”.

Eight naval ships were deployed for assistance on Monday

Eight naval ships, including frontline ships from Western Naval Command INS Chennai, Kolkata and Trikand, were deployed for rendering assistance to the cyclone Ockhi affected islands on 04 December 2017 pic.twitter.com/UeRDQRy5Y3

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) December 5, 2017

A look at deployment of Indian Navy and Coast Guard for search operations

#CycloneOckhi #HADR #OpSahayam Deployment of IN & ICG assets for #SAR of missing fisherman off the coast of Kerala (graphic representation) @DefenceMinIndia @nsitharaman @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/6CkAHevkan

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 5, 2017

Cyclone is just 380 kilometres from Surat

According to latest forecast released by the Meteorological Centre, the cyclone is now just 390 kilometres away from Surat. It is approaching Gujarat steadily and now lies centred in the Arabian Sea.

Yogi Adityanath gives Rs 5 crore to PM’s national relief fund to the cyclone affected people

UP CM Yogi Adityanath hands over a cheque worth Rs. 5 Cr to PM Modi from CM Distress Relief Fund towards PM's National Relief Fund, for the cyclone affected people in Lakshadweep and other States #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/vPxxQaE43A

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017

Cyclone Ockhi expected to make landfall in Gujarat today

After leaving a trail of destruction on the southern coast, #CycloneOckhi is expected to make landfall in coastal Gujarat today#LIVE: https://t.co/CjY0CwYAjq pic.twitter.com/vzHkbZIvQb

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 5, 2017

Search intensifies to find 92 missing fishermen

The Kerala government said intensified search and rescue operations are on to trace the 92 fishermen missing in high seas after Cyclone Ockhi hit the state’s coast.

‘Operation Synergy,’ a joint rescue mission by the Indian Navy, the Air Force, Coast Guard and state fisheries department had so far rescued 252 fishermen stranded in the seas in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Goa assesses damage caused due to cyclone

 The North Goa district has done a preliminary assessment of the damage caused due to Cyclone Ockhi in the coastal state.

Also, the shack owners, whose establishments suffered damages following high tide during to the cyclone, have decided to approach the state tourism department to seek compensation for their losses.

With Cyclone Ockhi expected to make landfall in Gujarat, Narendra Modi urges state BJP to extend all help

With #CycloneOckhi expected to make a landfall in Gujarat, I appeal to @BJP4Gujarat Karyakartas to focus on helping people across the state. Our Karyakartas should devote themselves to providing all possible assistance and stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow citizens.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2017

Take a look at how Cyclone Ockhi progressed on 5 December

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Weather expected to start improving by 7 December

Squally winds in order of 60-70 kmph, reaching up to 80 kmph are likely in Mumbai for next 36-48 hours, weather reports have said.

Moreover, the sea conditions are also expected to remain rough to very rough. As the storm surge will be high, this may even lead to local flooding in the low-lying areas.

The weather is expected to start improving by 7 December but until then, it is advised for the locals to stay cautious.

Fishing activities suspended for 2 days: Fishermen advised not to venture out in sea

With 22mm of rain in the past 24 hours, Mumbai broke the decade-old December rain record. According to Skymet, last time Mumbai witnessed the highest rains was in the year 2014 which was a mere 1.5 mm.

Strong surface winds will continue to blow over Mumbai in view of Cyclone Ockhi. The winds may gust up to 60 kmph in some area.

Fishermen have been advised to not venture out in the sea as the conditions will remain rough. Fishing activities should remain suspended for another two days at least.

Mumbai may experience intermittent rainfall on 6 December

In the last 24 hours, Santa Cruz has recorded 22 mm of rains and Colaba saw 23 mm of rainfall.

As per weathermen, intensity of rains in Mumbai will be more with moderate spells lashing the region and one or two heavy spells of rains could also be witnessed. Weather predictions did not rule out the possibility of some rain on 6 December.

Cyclone Ockhi will cross South Gujarat, North Maharashtra as Deep Depression by 5 Dec midnight

The intensity of this weather system has now reduced and at present, it lies over east central Arabian Sea, approximately 480 km south-southwest of Surat and 300 km west-southwest of Mumbai as a severe cyclone, reports said. 

This system is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further. This will cross South Gujarat and adjoining North Maharashtra coast near Surat as a Deep Depression by midnight of 5 December.

More Rains In Surat, Rajkot, Valsad, Ahmedabad

According to Skymet, the severe Cyclone Ockhi has weakened to a cyclone and is inching towards Gujarat. Though the intensity of these showers was light to moderate, these rains helped in plummeting the daytime high by a few notches. However, these rains were mainly confined to the southern and central parts of the state.

The weather models were already predicting some rains for Gujarat which were a result of cyclone Ockhi that started travelling towards northwest India. As of now, more rains are expected to continue over Gujarat.

In the last 24 hours, from 08:30 am as on Monday, Mahuva recorded 13 mm of rains, Diu 8 mm, Valsad 7 mm, Surat and Ahmedabad 1 mm, Veraval 0.6 mm while the stations such as Surendranagar, Gandhinagar, Idar, and Kandla witnessed some light traces of rains.

#MumbaiRains make #weather pleasant. #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/lrvHCmvwYi

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

#CycloneOckhi #MumbaiRains #Gujaratrains nowcast by VP of Meteorology at Skymet Weather @Mpalawat https://t.co/zYIaw0pjQj

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Light rains in Andheri, Lokhandwala

Twitter user @skiy7 tweeted visuals from Lokhandwala in Andheri West

In view of Mumbai rains, all roads leading up to Dadar Chowpatty have been closed to avoid traffic snafu, reports said

मुंबई : समुद्रात उसळणाऱ्या लाटांचा तडाखा लक्षात घेऊन दादर चौपाटीकडे जाणारे सर्व रस्ते बंद केले आहेत#rain #OkhiCyclone

— Maharashtra Times (@mataonline) December 5, 2017

High alert issued in Gujarat and Maharashtra

⚠️High alert has been issued in #Gujarat and #Maharashtra in view of #CycloneOckhi . Sea conditions to remain rough to very rough along and off north Maharashtra and South Gujarat coasts till tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/CMY1CfISH9

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 5, 2017

All exams for Mumbai University taking place as scheduled

The University administration has announced that the exams for various streams will continue as per schedule.

Police stop people from going near beaches

Mumbai police putting up barricades near Dadar chowpatty and Juhu chowpatty to prevent people from going near the beaches.

Rains lash Bandra-Kurla complex

#Rain lashes the Bandra Kurla complex in #Mumbai. #MumbaiRains #CycloneOckhi #OckhiCyclone pic.twitter.com/Z0HP1mOw0l

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Visuals from near Bandra-Worli sealink

Firstpost has not independently verified this video.

Driving through the Bandra-Worli sea link & now Worli, it seems like just another rainy day. Traffic is normal & nothing unusual, Mumbai is unaffected by cyclone Ockhi.#Ockhi pic.twitter.com/AC8PlUJ3YT

— salim merchant (@salim_merchant) December 5, 2017

Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology tweets about the cyclone

THE STORM ‘OCKHI’ OVER ARABIAN SEA MOVED FURTHER NNE WARDS & IS NOW 480 KM SSW OF SURAT LIKELY TO CONTINUE TO MOVE NNE WARDS, WEAKEN GRADUALLY & CROSS S GUJ & N MAHA AS A DEEP DEPRESSION BY TONIGHT. HEAVY RAINS AND STRONG WINDS ALREADY STARTED. BE CAREFUL & TAKE PRECAUTIONS. pic.twitter.com/M5YymjDD7W

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) December 5, 2017

Severe Cyclone Ockhi has now weakened into a Cyclone, is 230 km WSW of Mumbai

JUST IN: Severe #CycloneOckhi has now weakened into a #Cyclone and is currently over East-Central Arabian Sea about 390 km SSW of #Surat and 230 km WSW of #Mumbai. #OckhiCyclone #MumbaiRains

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Images of Mumbai rains

Firstpost has not independently verified these images.

#MumbaiRains #CycloneOckhi @SkymetWeather @Mpalawat pic.twitter.com/H5P2YwK7O4

— Rajesh Kumar Singh (@Rajeshkumar2974) December 5, 2017

IMD’s press release detailing conditions and the actions suggested

Weather update for the week by BBC

Visual representation of the cyclone

Ooooh. Look at that ! #Cyclone #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/EF5BviTl9l

— That Goan Guy (@schmmuck) December 4, 2017

Don’t trust rumours about Bandra-Worli Sea Link, says Mumbai Police

Several rumours are going “viral” on social media regarding Cyclone Ockhi and Mumbai Rains. #MumbaiRains started trending on Twitter on Monday and videos and GIFs have been circulating on social media and several Whatsapp groups which are more alarming in nature than true. 

Urging people not to trust unverified news, Mumbai Police on Tuesday said the “news” that Bandra-Worli Sea Link has “collapsed” is untrue. (The video attached here is by Twitter user @radhika1705). Similarly, videos of hailstorm near Mumbai circulating on Whatsapp groups and social media are unverified and it’s wise not to trust every video or “news” that comes your way. 

Drive on Bandra Worli Sea Link right now - Less traffic but low visibility #CycloneOckhi #MumbaiRains @TrafflineMUM @CNNnews18 pic.twitter.com/baDFt1a5Gw

— Radhika Ramaswamy (@radhika1705) December 5, 2017

Take a look at the Mumbai rain figures for the last 10 years in the month of December

Take a look at the #Mumbairains figures of last 10 years for the month of December. Light to moderate with few intense showers to continue across #Mumbai and adjoining regions. @RidlrMUM pic.twitter.com/1KtFMjFlyo

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

BMC has made arrangements for accommodation in some civic schools for people coming from outside Mumbai to pay tributes to Ambedkar

The BMC has made arrangements for accommodation in some civic schools for people coming from outside Mumbai to pay tributes to Ambedkar at Chaityabhumi in Dadar area.

“Intermittent rain/thundershowers very likely to occur in Mumbai and suburbs in next 24 hours,” said a report of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai at 8 am. “Heavy rainfall is likely at a few places with squally wind speed reaching 50 to 60-kms per hour gusting to 70-kms per hour very likely along coastal area in next 24 hours,” it further said.

Cyclone Ockhi currently less than 420-km southwest of Mumbai

Suburban train services running as normal. Water logging at some parts on WE highway near Goregaon, jogeshwari. The Central Railway has also said that it has geared up to the cyclone, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and MSSF arrangements for crowd control at all stations.

The cyclone is currently less than 420-km southwest of Mumbai in the Arabian Sea and moving northwards.

High and low tide timings in Mumbai

Day’s first high tide happened at 12:49 am (Monday-Tuesday intervening night), the next one will happen at 12:39 pm on Tuesday. The low tide will be around 6:49 pm, according to Tide Forecast . Day’s first low tide happened at 6:52 am.

Indian Navy's Sea King helicopter being used to carry relief material to #CycloneOckhi affected Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands. pic.twitter.com/O3KsPZpP7d

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017

Weather update from Skymet

Skymet predicts rain, thundershower, squally winds and rough sea conditions over Ahmedabad, Amreli, Aravali, Bhavnagar, Devbhumi, Dwarka, Gandhinagar Jamnagar, Kheda, Mahesana, Narmada, Navsari, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabar, Kantha, Surat, Surendranagar, Tapi, Vadodara and Valsad in the next 48 hours. 

#Rain #thundershower squally winds and rough sea conditions likely over #Ahmedabad Amreli, Aravali, Bhavnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, #Gandhinagar Jamnagar, Kheda, Mahesana, Narmada, Navsari, Porbandar, #Rajkot Sabar Kantha, #Surat Surendranagar, Tapi, #Vadodara #Valsad in nxt 48 hrs

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Take a look at the updated track of Cyclone Ockhi in seconds

#CycloneOckhi: Take a look at the updated track of #cyclone in seconds. #Gujarat #Maharashtra #Mumbairains @RidlrMUM @Saamanaonline @ETNOWlive @mataonline @abpmajhatv @MumbaiPolice @MirrorNow pic.twitter.com/QoGHXxBYoB

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Weather update for Maharashtra

Weather forecasting bureau Skymet on Tuesday predicts moderate rain and thundershower with strong winds in Maharashtra. Rough sea over Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Mumbai, Nandurbar, Nashik, Pune, Raigarh, Ratnagiri, Satara, Thane, Harnai and Kolhapur in the next 36- 48 hours. 

Weather Alert for #Maharashtra: Moderate #rain & #thundershower with strong winds, rough sea over Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, #Mumbai Nandurbar, #Nashik #Pune Raigarh, Ratnagiri, Satara, #Thane Harnai and #Kolhapur in next 36- 48 hrs

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Traffic slows down as rains batter city

The traffic on Eastern and Western Express Highways in Mumbai has slowed down after rain in some parts of Mumbai since Monday night. There are traffic curbs in some places in view of the rush of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary on Wednesday.

Intermittent rains in Mumbai for next 24 hours

Mumbaikars woke up to an overcast sky on Tuesday as Cyclone Ockhi passed by Maharashtra. Areas near the metropolis witnessed a spell of hailstorm, while schools and colleges in the city and adjoining districts have been closed today as a precautionary measure.

Some parts of the Munbai-Pune Expressway experienced a hailstorm early today, police said. The weather department has forecast intermittent rains in Mumbai and suburbs in the next 24 hours.

Hailstorm reported near Mumbai-Pune expressway

As Mumbai braces for Cyclone Ockhi, areas near the metropolis witnessed a spell of hailstorm early on Tuesday. The weather department has forecast intermittent rains in Mumbai and suburbs in the next 24 hours.

The traffic on Eastern and Western Express Highways in Mumbai has slowed down. There are traffic curbs in some places in view of the rush of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary on Wednesday.

Suburban railway and flights largely unaffected in Mumbai

Trains on the central line are running 10 minutes late, but the frequency of local trains in Mumbai has not been affected, a Railway official told  CNN-News18 . Public Relations Officer for the Mumbai Airport says flight operations haven’t been affected.

INSAT satellite images of Cyclone Ockhi

Take a look at the #INSAT #satellite image across #Maharashtra and #Gujarat: https://t.co/07qlec4B7s #MumbaiRains @RidlrMUM @ETNOWlive @abpmajhatv pic.twitter.com/ZaxBejFeyW

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

BJP president Amit Shah’s public rallies in Rajula, Mahuva and Shihor in Gujarat cancelled due to Cyclone Ockhi

BJP President Amit Shah's public rallies in Rajula, Mahuva and Shihor cancelled due to #CycloneOckhi (file pic) #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/gH8BnTVoFT

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017

NASA’s Terra satellite passed over the Arabian Sea on 4 December and found Cyclone Ockhi moving north as desert dust pushed into the region north of the storm

RECAP: With 96 fishermen still missing, Kerala govt under fire for lax response to disaster

State tourism and cooperation minister Kadakampally Surendran, who is in-charge of the capital district, and fisheries minister Mercykutty Amma were the only two ministers to visit the affected areas till Monday. Both of them also faced the fury of the fisherfolk.

While the tourism minister faced flak for his aerial surveillance of the havoc from a helicopter and then posting a selfie on his Facebook page, the fisheries minister invited the wrath of the fisherfolk for undermining their protests.

Visuals of relief operations to Cyclone Ockhi affected Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands

Indian Navy's Sea King helicopter being used to carry relief material to #CycloneOckhi affected Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands. pic.twitter.com/O3KsPZpP7d

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017

Heavy rains falling in Mumbai

In the last three hours between 5:30 am and 8:30 am today, Santa Cruz in #Mumbai has recorded 11 mm of rains. Expect more rains today. #MumbaiRains #MumbaiWeather #CycloneOckhi

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

Forecast for 5 December

#Weather Forecast for Dec 5: #CycloneOckhi to weaken; #Rain in #Mumbai #Maharashtra #Gujarat #Ockhi #MumbaiRains @RidlrMUM @tv9gujarati pic.twitter.com/ulOddLHHa9

— SkymetWeather (@SkymetWeather) December 4, 2017

Mumbai breaks December rain record

#MumbaiRains: #Mumbai has broken its decade old #December #rain record. The last record stands at 1.5 mm rain in the year 2014. #CycloneOckhi #OckhiCyclone

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017

IMD releases information on cyclone

Light to moderate rainfall is very likely at a few places over north Konkan including Mumbai on 4 December. Light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy rainfall is also likely over north Konkan on 5 December.

Sea condition would be rough to very rough along & off north Maharashtra and South Gujarat coasts from 4 December night to 6 December morning.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along & off South Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts from 4 December to 6 December morning.

Cyclone Ockhi moves northwards

A NASA satellite passed over the Arabian Sea & found Tropical Cyclone Ockhi moving north as desert dust pushed into the region north of the storm: https://t.co/WMA1wCMKa8 pic.twitter.com/A2U5w2TrHz

— NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) December 5, 2017

Images from Andheri locality in Mumbai

Visuals of rain from #Mumbai's Andheri. #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/609MTgxq26

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017

NDRF teams deployed in Gujarat

Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams each have been deployed at Surat, Navsari, and Rajkot, reported News18 . The Army, Navy, and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been alerted in the view of the cyclone’s landfall.

According to the IMD forecast, wind velocity would remain between 50 kmph to 70 kmph when the cyclone would make landfall.

Navy continues search and rescue operations in Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands

Indian Navy on Monday continued search and rescue (SAR) operations in full swing for the fifth day over Southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands in the aftermath of very severe cyclonic storm Ockhi.

The Navy said the whole of Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands are under the cover of its ships and aircraft with rescue and relief operations on in full swing. The lndian Navy is determined to bring back normalcy to Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands most expeditiously, a Defence release said. All other ships at the disposal of Indian Navy would continue the search and rescue operations and provide relief till normalcy is restored.

Western Railways gears up for cyclone Ockhi

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The Western Railway (WR) said it has taken necessary precautions and made suitable arrangements in view of the warning about cyclone Ockhi in coastal areas of Maharashtra, according to PTI. The WR’s engineering control has been kept on alert to keep a watch on water level over railway tracks, it said in a release.

Similarly, RPF and commercial control staff has been asked to monitor crowd movements and undertake necessary evacuation at stations in case of a disaster-like situation, the release said.

Patrolling of the tracks has been intensified over various rail sections. The Disaster Management Cell of WR is geared up to deal with any emergency, it added. According to the release, all emergency numbers have been updated.

Rains start in Mumbai

#CycloneOckhi #UPDATE | Mild rainfall in Mumbai and cloudy atmosphere #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/D6ylbb1ZRB

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 5, 2017

Path being taken by Cyclone Ockhi

#CycloneOckhi: Take a look at the updated track of #cyclone in seconds. #Gujarat #Mumbairains pic.twitter.com/hBZIYLdoUN

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 4, 2017

Narendra Modi attacks Congress over handling natural calamities

Asserting that the BJP governments at Centre and Gujarat are prepared to tackle the situation when Cyclone Ockhi makes a landfall on state’s coast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the Congress over its “inefficient handling” of natural calamities in the past, according to PTI.

Hitting out at the Congress, the prime minister said “the party couldn’t properly handle natural calamities including the 2013 earthquake in Kedarnath”. “The BJP government had managed (to handle) all natural calamities, including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake (in Gujarat) and is all prepared for Cyclone Ockhi,” Modi said addressing a rally in coastal Jamnagar.

He said the Congress delayed taking stock of the situation after a cyclone had hit Jamnagar 20 years ago.

NASA tweets images of Cyclone Ockhi

#NASAWorldview Image of the Week: Tropical Cyclone #Ockhi in the Arabian Sea, as observed by joint NOAA/NASA Suomi-NPP VIIRS on 12/3/17.https://t.co/loy1wWwWHd Interact w/image using Worldview: https://t.co/aGoVWvQ5QH pic.twitter.com/bUT9NhiSkD

— NASAEarthdata (@NASAEarthData) December 4, 2017

1,540 people hit by cyclone Ockhi rescued so far, says government

As many as 1,540 people, including fishermen, affected by Cyclone Ockhi in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Lakshadweep were rescued by various agencies, the government said on Monday, according to PTI.

A total of 243 fishermen in Tamil Nadu, 250 fishermen in Kerala and 1,047 people in Lakshadweep have been rescued so far, an official statement said after a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee, headed by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha.

Updates for 5 December start here

Nirmala Sitharaman listening to people’s grievances at Suchindram

RM @DefenceMinIndia Smt @nsitharaman at Suchindram listening to grievances #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/GGlfqmWXMD

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) December 3, 2017

INS Shardul drops relief materials on Kerala coast

#WATCH INS Shardul dropped relief material on a boat affected by #CycloneOckhi, off Kerala coast (Source: Indian Navy) pic.twitter.com/XgPCYNEGxq

— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Lakshadweep MP says island suffered a loss of Rs 500 crore, seeks Centre’s assistance

Lakshadweep Island, which was hit by Cyclone Ochki, has suffered a loss of over Rs 500 crore, Lakshadweep MP Mohammad Faizal said on Sunday.Faizal sought the Centre’s assistance to restore normal life in the islands isolated by the storm. He said normal life in three islands – Minicoy, Kalpeni and Kavaratti – was badly hit by the cyclone.

Around 500 houses suffered damage, several coconut trees got uprooted and electric and communication lines were disrupted due to the calamity in Minicoy island alone, he told PTI. Read more here .

With the help of the Centre, flights and ships are now being used in the rescue operations, says CM E Palaniswamy

மத்திய அரசின் உதவியுடன் கப்பல், விமானங்கள் மூலம் மீனவர்களை மீட்கும் பணி நடைபெற்று வருகிறது - முதலமைச்சர் பழனிசாமி#CycloneOckhi

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017

Nirmala Sitharaman attends meeting with senior ministers, officers of Navy, coastguard and district officials

Defence minister meets deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam

RM @DefenceMinIndia Smt @nsitharaman with Deputy CM Shri Paneer Selvam #CycloneOchki pic.twitter.com/D1oZs1zc7J

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) December 3, 2017

Nirmala Sitharaman discusses rescue operations with navy officials

RM @DefenceMinIndia Smt @nsitharaman in discussions with the officials #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/LrBTdHGlbQ

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) December 3, 2017

Nirmala Sitharaman discusses rescue operations with navy personnel

RM @DefenceMinIndia Smt @nsitharaman arriving at helipad-Kanyakumari pic.twitter.com/PfFQNBqWph

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) December 3, 2017

Cyclone Ockhi likely to lash Saurashtra coast in the next 48 hours​

Cyclone Ockhi likely to lash Saurashtra coast in the next 48 hours and subsequently weaken. All fishermen are warned to not venture out and those already out to be contacted immediately to return, says Collector of Gir Somnath district. 

Meanwhile, 23 vessels registered at Tamil Nadu took shelter at Miryabandar in Maharashtra to avoid the cyclone

#CycloneOchki Response update. 23 fishing vessels registered at #TamilNadu took shelter at Miryabandar #Maharashtra to avoid #CycloneOckhi . @IndiaCoastGuard personnel reached out to those fishermen for assistance @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/8KaGVaLiqg

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 3, 2017

Nirmala Sitharaman heads to Koodankulam

RM @DefenceMinIndia Smt @nsitharaman onboard, heading to Koodamkulam pic.twitter.com/NVZkjq0sKt

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) December 3, 2017

25 people rescued from Lakshadweep and 13 people picked off Kerala coast

We have rescued 25 people from Lakshadweep and picked 13 people off Kerala coast. Navy is continuing conducting a massive search with 8-10 ships off Kerala coast: Commodore G Prakash, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy in #Kochi #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/AdNAHId1MR

— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Cyclone Ockhi to move towards Gujarat, says Skymetweather

Very severe #CycloneOckhi persists, to recurve towards #Gujarat now. https://t.co/HWMRuUJlNU #Ockhi #OckhiCyclone

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 3, 2017

Minister Thoomeani says 100% electricity will be provided in Kanyakumari district within a day or two

கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டம் முழுவதும் 100% மின்சாரம் ஓரிரு நாட்களில் வழங்கப்படும் - அமைச்சர் தங்கமணி#CycloneOckhi #Kanniyakumari

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on her way to visit cyclone-hit Kanyakumari

Smt @nsitharaman on her way to #cycloneochki affected Kanyakumari, reviewing the ongoing search and rescue operation. pic.twitter.com/2lM7OVC9fH

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 3, 2017

5,759 boats are safe, 205 boats are in other states and 97 fishermen we are searching for, says O Panneerselvam

19 fishermen rescued by Indian Coast Guard brought to Chellanam harbour

Kerala: 19 fishermen rescued by Indian Coast Guard brought to Chellanam harbour #CycloneOckhi - ANI

— TOI Kochi (@TOIKochiNews) December 3, 2017

Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam says relief will be given after seeing the Collector’s report

ஒக்கி புயலால் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட பகுதிகள் குறித்து ஆட்சியர் அளிக்கும் அறிக்கையைப் பொறுத்து நிவாரணம் வழங்கப்படும். #CycloneOckhi

— O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) December 3, 2017

DMDK leader Vijaykanth slams the Tamil Nadu government, calls for action on the wars to fix the storm impacts

71 Tamil Nadu fishermen, 248 Kerala fishermen and 38 fishermen from Lakshadweep rescued

71 Tamil Nadu fishermen, 248 Kerala fishermen and 38 fishermen from Lakshadweep have been rescued, defence ministry said

Tamil Nadu BJP leader asks state government to take account of missing fishermen in Kanyakumari 

ஒகி புயலால் கன்னியாகுமரியில் காணாமல் போன மீனவர்களை தமிழக அரசு கணக்கெடுக்க வேண்டும் - தமிழக பாஜக தலைவர் @DrTamilisaiBJP

* மழை, வெள்ள பாதிப்புகளை அரசியலாக்க கூடாது, பாதிக்கப்பட்ட மக்களுக்கு தேவையான உதவிகளை மத்திய அரசு செய்து வருகிறது - தமிழிசை.#CycloneOckhi #Kanyakumari pic.twitter.com/BSQixdllDr

— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) December 3, 2017

28 boats with 321 rescued fishermen reach Ratnagiri in wake of cyclone Ockhi 

Due to #CycloneOckhi 28 more boats with 321 fishermen landed at Ratnagiri today.
23 from Tamil Nadu, 3 from Kerala & 2 from Karnataka.
They are now docked at Mirya Bunder, Ratnagiri.
All are safe and officials are looking after them with utmost care.

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) December 3, 2017

Seventeen Kerala fishermen rescued after spending five days at stormy sea

Seventeen fishermen were on Sunday rescued after spending five days in the sea off the Kerala coast, which was battered by strong winds and heavy rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Ockhi.

Navy sources said 13 fishermen were rescued from the high seas by INS Kalpeni this morning and handed over to the authorities in Kollam.

An Air Force chopper rescued four fishermen about 30 miles west of Kayamkulam and brought them to a medical college hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

Four aircraft of the air force, three of the navy, and 10 naval ships have been undertaking search operations since morning. Coast Guard ships were also engaged for rescue efforts.

–PTI

DMK Youth Federation chief Dhammani Ramadas provides relief material the affected in Kanyakumari

கன்னியாகுமரி: சாமித்தோப்பு பகுதியில் ஒக்கி புயலால் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட மக்களுக்கு பாமக சார்பாக, அக்கட்சியின் இளைஞரணி தலைவர் அன்புமணி இராமதாஸ், நிவாரணப் பொருட்கள் வழங்கி அப்பகுதி மக்களுக்கு மருத்துவ முகாமை தொடங்கி வைத்தார்#CycloneOckhi #TNRains @draramadoss pic.twitter.com/ckUzobqwNg

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017

Train services between Coonoor and Mettupalayam cancelled due to rains induced by Cyclone Ockhi

The services of Nilgiris Mountain Rail were cancelled for the third day on Sunday, following landslips on the track near Hillgrove station due to incessant rains for the last five days.

The NMR service was cancelled between Mettupalayam and Coonoor for the last two days with landslips and trees falling on tracks at various places.

–PTI

Updated fact sheet of vessels deployed, people rescued; 357 fishermen saved till 10 am on Sunday

Tamil Nadu: 71

Kerala: 248

Lakshadweep: 38

An update on the search and rescue efforts being done by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force to save the lives of fishermen affected by #CycloneOckhi : 357 fishermen have been saved as of 10 am today. pic.twitter.com/bCc93RI0fv

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 3, 2017

Cyclone Ockhi will not be termed as a national disaster: KJ Alphons

Cyclone Ockhi, which has caused widespread damage in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, will not be termed a national disaster, Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons said on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Kerala government decided to approach the Centre for declaring Ockhi a national disaster.

“There is no provision to declare this as a national calamity. The Centre will provide funds. If needed, more funds will be allocated,” Alphons said in Thiruvananthapuram.

Alphons held a meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other cabinet colleagues earlier in the day to discuss the rescue and rehabilitation operations.

–IANS

Houses damaged as waves hit coastal areas of Ullal in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Three houses were damaged while the compound wall of a private resort collapsed as surging waves lashed the coast of Ullal near Mangaluru in the last two days.

Seen as an after-effect of cyclone Ockhi, damage to the property by huge waves has occurred in most of the coastal areas, official sources said. Two houses near the seashore at Ullal were completely destroyed by the waves while another one was partially damaged.

The houses belonging to Philomena Fernandes and Everest Alphonse were consumed by the waves which advanced into the shore.

The compound wall of a private resort was washed away by the waves and a party arranged at the resort had to be cancelled.

–PTI

More than 100 fishermen from Cuddalore and Villupuram districts still missing: Tamil Nadu fishermen leader Ekambaram

Five fishermen rescued from fishing vessel ‘Joyal’ off Beypore coast 

#CycloneOchki Response update. @IndiaCoastGuard Ship on Search & Rescue mission at sea off #Kerala Coast rescued 05 fishermen from a stranded and distressed fishing vessel "Joyal" 25 Nautical Miles off Beypore @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/udGFBEKhy6

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 3, 2017

O Panneerselvam visits Kanyakumari district to assess impact of heavy rains

#CycloneOckhi பாதிப்பு கணக்கெடுக்கும் பணி முடிவடைந்ததும் உரிய நிவாரணம் வழங்கப்படும் - கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டத்தில் ஒகி புயல் பாதிப்புகளை பார்வையிட்ட பின் துணை முதலமைச்சர் #OPanneerselvam பேட்டி

*ஒகி புயலால் கன்னியாகுமரி மாவட்டம் அதிகம் பாதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது - பன்னீர்செல்வம் pic.twitter.com/9BxmF23OJI

— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) December 3, 2017

Five fishermen rescued from Alappuzha

ആലപ്പു‍ഴയില്‍ നിന്ന് മത്സ്യബന്ധനത്തിന് പോയ അഞ്ച് പേരെ രക്ഷപ്പെടുത്തി#CycloneOckhi

— News18 Kerala (@News18Kerala) December 3, 2017

Kerala to not receive heavy rains as Cyclone Ockhi has moved away: Skymet meteorologist Mahesh Palawat

#Kerala will not get heavy #rains. #CycloneOckhi has moved away. #Rains over most parts of #TamilNadu will also be very less.@SkymetWeather

— Mahesh Palawat (@Mpalawat) December 3, 2017

260 Tamil Nadu fishermen safe in Maharashtra

According to the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority, 23 boats from the state with 260 crew members are safe at Myria Bandar, Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.

Nirmala Sitharaman to reach Kanyakumari at 4.50 pm to visit rain-affected areas 

RM @DefenceMinIndia Smt @nsitharaman to visit cyclone affected areas today in Tamilnadu and Kerala reaches Kanyakumari at around 4:50 pm

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) December 3, 2017

டிசம்பர் 5 முதல் 7 வரையிலும் மீனவர்கள் யாரும் கடலுக்குள் மீன்பிடிக்கச் செல்ல வேண்டாம் - சென்னை வானிலை ஆய்வு மையம் எச்சரிக்கை #TNRains #CycloneOckhi

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017 “>Chennai Meteorological Center warns fishermen to not go into the sea from 5-7 December

WATCH: Thousands of crops damaged in Tamil Nadu due to Cyclone Ockhi

🌊ஒக்கி புயலால் குமரியில் ஆயிரக்கணக்கான பயிர்கள் சேதம்

வீடியோ: 👉🏼https://t.co/MFLKSCPw7U#CycloneOckhi #KanyakumariRains ☔️ pic.twitter.com/qzux1nnOx2

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017

As of Sunday morning, 89 boats with 1,154 fishermen taken shelter in various ports: Nirmala Sitharaman

#CycloneOckhi - As of this morning, a total of 89 boats comprising 1,154 fishermen from several states mainly from Kerala and Tamil Nadu have taken shelter in various ports of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa & Lakshwadeep.

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 3, 2017

Fishermen advised not  to venture into deep sea in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh till 25 December

Speaking to ANI, S Balachandran of the MET department said moderate rain is expected at some places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast till 25 December,” he added.

Central agencies warned Kerala of the cyclone in time: Union minister KJ Alphons

കേന്ദ്ര ഏജൻസികൾ മുന്നറിയിപ്പ് സംസ്ഥാനത്തെ അറിയിക്കുന്നതിലാണ് വൈകി പോയതെന്ന് കേന്ദ്ര മന്ത്രി അൽഫോൺസ് കണ്ണന്താനം.#CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/NQq0KiwBVg

— News18 Kerala (@News18Kerala) December 3, 2017

Fisherfolk workers block road in Valiyathura, Kerala

തിരുവനന്തപുരം വലിയതുറയില്‍ മത്സ്യത്തൊ‍ഴിലാളികള്‍ റോഡ് ഉപരോധിക്കുന്നു #CycloneOckhi

— News18 Kerala (@News18Kerala) December 3, 2017

Chennai, Puducherry likely to receive heavy rainfall in next 24 hours, according to Chennai Meteorological Center

#JUSTIN
அடுத்த 24 மணி நேரத்தில் தமிழகம், புதுச்சேரியில் ஓரிரு இடங்களில் கனமழைக்கு வாய்ப்பு - சென்னை வானிலை ஆய்வு மையம் #TNRains

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017

Position of Cyclone Ockhi at the moment

Cyclone ‘OCKHI’ over SE Arabian Sea moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 14 kmph during past 06 hours near Latitude 11.7º N and Longitude 69.2º E, about 390 km west-northwest of Amini Divi, 910 km south-southwest of Mumbai and 1120 km south-southwest of Surat. pic.twitter.com/E2R9Vsvfa9

— IMD Weather (@IMDWeather) December 3, 2017

Death toll rises to 16 due to Cyclone Ockhi

TTV Dhinakaran announces he will go to Kanyakumari to meet people affected by storm

#JUSTIN

ஒக்கி புயலால் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட மக்களை சந்தித்து ஆறுதல் கூற நாளை கன்னியாகுமரி செல்வதாக டி.டி.வி.தினகரன் அறிவிப்பு#CycloneOckhi @TTVDhinakaran

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017

2,124 fishermen safe, search on 97 missing, says Tamil Nadu minister Jayakumar

​

According to Thanthi TV, state minister Jayakumar said the task of recovering fishermen is still going on. “2,124 fishermen are safe in Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka. We are still looking for 97 fishermen,” he said.

MP Richard Hay visits Indian Coast Guard headquarters in Vizhinjam, Kerala

#CycloneOchki . Shri Richard Hay Member of Parliament along with some Village heads visited @IndiaCoastGuard Station headquarters #Vizhinjam (Kerala) this morning. Station Commander briefed the Honorable MP about SAR at sea off Kerala Coast @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/WnIop7twvU

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 3, 2017

More than 1,000 fishermen from Kollangadu area in Kanyakumari accuse Tamil Nadu govt of fraudulent removal of missing fishermen

#JUSTIN | கன்னியாகுமரி: காணாமல் போன மீனவர்களை மீட்டுத்தருவதில் தமிழக அரசு மெத்தனம் காட்டுவதாக குற்றம்சாட்டி கொல்லங்கோடு பகுதியில் 1000க்கும் மேற்பட்ட மீனவர்கள் சாலை மறியல்#CycloneOckhi #KanyakumariRains pic.twitter.com/BGMg5TDSBd

— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) December 3, 2017

Three fishermen rescued off Kollam coast, first aid administered

#CycloneOchki Response update. @IndiaCoastGuard Ship Rescued 03 fishermen from a stranded and distressed fishing vessel named Salaithanne from #Kollam 62 Nautical Miles off Quilon , administered First Aid and are safe @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/msWIT8Im8O

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 3, 2017

Four fishermen rescued to safety off Thiruvananthapuram coast

According to the Indian Air Force, four fishermen were rescued off the Kerala capital’s coast by IAF’s ALH aircraft. This was part of the second search and rescue mission of the day. 

Update #CycloneOckhi #RescueOperations #SavingLives : 04 Fishermen rescued & brought to safety, off Trivandrum coast by #IAF ALH aircraft, Today. This was the second Search & Rescue mission of the day, earlier one MI17 was launched. 03Dec17. pic.twitter.com/0gy1G73bvf

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 3, 2017

Relief material being unloaded at Minicoy in Lakshadweep

#CycloneOchki #HADR #SAR Relief material being off loaded by boats for Minicoy 1/n @DefenceMinIndia @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/zTvPOk1FXa

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 3, 2017

Nirmala Sitharaman to visit Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari today

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to visit Thiruvananthapuram today. She will also visit Kanyakumari later today #CycloneOckhi (file pic) pic.twitter.com/If7YI8SOte

— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

NDMA issues alert for fishermen

Fishermen around Lakshadweep Islands are advised not to venture into the sea during next 24 hours.

Goa, south Maharashtra & Karnataka coast: Fishermen are advised not to venture into deep Sea along & off Karnataka, Goa and south Maharashtra coasts during next 48 hours.

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) December 3, 2017

Kerala minister engaged in rescue and rehabilitation operations, but locals aren’t satisfied

State tourism minister K Surendran and fisheries minister J Mercykutty Amma have been engaged in rescue and rehabilitation operations since 30 November and coordinating with the navy, air force and coast guard officials.

However, anger was mounting in coastal villages as they were unhappy with the authorities failing to take precautions before the cyclone hit the state.

“The authorities have failed miserably and the relief camps are also poorly managed with even the basic facilities not available. We have been demanding opening of a control room in our area but nothing has happened,” said a Poonthura resident.

The fishermen have blocked traffic on Sunday in agitation.

With inputs from IANS

Kerala fishermen launch their own rescue operations, say ‘authorities failed miserably’

The fishermen community on Sunday decided to launch their own rescue operations as 55 boats ventured into the sea to search for the 115 missing fishermen.

Rescue teams decided to step up their operations after a body in a highly decomposed state was recovered near the Vizhinjam coast.

The boats, 40 from Poonthura and 15 from Vizhinjam, left the shores with food and water.

In Kerala, squally wind speeds of up to 65 km per hour expected

The IMD added:

Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph very likely along and off Kerala coast during next 24 hours and along & off Karnataka coast during next 48 hours.

Strong winds reaching speeds up to 120 km per hour likely in the next 24 hours

The IMD, in its official statement , said the following: 

Gale winds speed reaching 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, very likely over and around north Lakshadweep Islands during the next 24 hours and gradual decrease thereafter. Gale winds speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph very likely south Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours and gradual decrease thereafter.

Vessel with 19 fishermen head for the shore for safe disembarkation 

#CycloneOchki Response update . @IndiaCoastGuard Ship with 19 rescued fishermen from high sea off Colachel (Kanyakumari) with salvaged vessel under tow heading towards harbor for safe disembarkation of fisher-folks @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/YymyZm0Mbc

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 3, 2017

Heavy rains expected in Lakshadweep during next 12 hours

Rainfall at most places with heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over north #Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours. Rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely over south #Gujarat on 05th December.#CycloneOckhi

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) December 3, 2017

Never experienced such violent storms earlier, say rescued fishermen

As the navy, air force and coast guard continue conducting search and rescue operations, fishermen who returned to the shore safely had just one thing to say: They had never weathered such a violent storm in their experience. According to  The New Indian Express , the rescued fishermen were seen shivering and asking for food. Most of them had bruises all over their bodies from trying to stay onboard their boats for two nights. 

Titus, a fisherman from Kollam district, told TNIE he had never seen “such a violent sea even in movies”.

Heavy rains in store for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

A fresh spell of heavy rain is in store in some areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry with a low-pressure area forming over south Andaman sea, which is “very likely” to become a depression over the Bay of Bengal, reported News18 . The system is likely to move towards Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh in the next three to four days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

IMD warns heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kerala, Lakshadweep

“Heavy (7-11cm in 24 hrs) is most likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala and heavy (7-11cm in 24 hrs) to very heavy rainfall (12-20cm in 24 hrs) is most likely to occur at one or two places in Lakshadweep till morning of 3rd December 2017,” read the IMD release.

140 fishermen still feared missing in Kerala

140 fishermen in Kerala are feared to be missing, reported India Today. As rescue operations continue, 55 boats have been pressed into service. The death toll is also likely to increase.

Indian Coast Guard deploys 10 ships, 3 aircraft for rescue operations

#CycloneOchki Response. Search & Rescue mission for the stranded & distressed fishermen by @IndiaCoastGuard continues with 10 ships and 03 aircraft at sea for coordinated SAR off Kerala , Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep islands @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 3, 2017

Tourism hit in Kerala due to cyclone

As Cyclone Ockhi slowly recedes from Kerala, cancellations and worried queries from tourists marked the start of the tourist season in the state. According to  The Times of India , hoteliers and tour operators observed a drop in inquiries from people planning visits this week. “There have been many cancellations, especially from those who booked online. I received a few calls as well inquiring whether they could still enjoy the stay here in the wake of cyclone Ockhi,” Sisupalan, the managing director of Sagara Beach Resort, Kovalam told TOI.

WATCH: Indian Coast Guard rescuing fishermen off Kerala coast

Indian Coast Guard rescues stranded fishermen off Kerala coast #CycloneOckhi. (Video Source- ICG) pic.twitter.com/7srvpOSnV8

— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017

Cyclone Ockhi currently positioned at Latitude 11.7º N and Longitude 69.2º E, says NDMA

The Cyclonic storm is positioned at Latitude 11.7º N and Longitude 69.2º E, about 390 km west-northwest of Amini Divi, 910 km south-southwest of Mumbai and 1120 km south-southwest of Surat.

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) December 3, 2017

Graphic representation of search and rescue operations being conducted

#HADR #CycloneOchki Graphic representation of Deployment of Naval ships & aircraft in areas off Kerala coast for #SAR @DefenceMinIndia @nsitharaman @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/k8vaTpXXdu

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 3, 2017

19 more fishermen rescued off Colachel coast 

#CycloneOchki @IndiaCoastGuard Ship rescued 19 fishermen in distress at high seas on board two fishing boats belonging to Colachel (Kanyakumari) . CG ship proceeding towards shore for safe disembarkation with boats under tow @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @indiannavy

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 3, 2017

Fishermen in Gujarat, north Maharashtra advised not to venture into sea on 4 December

South Gujarat and north #Maharashtra coasts: Fishermen are advised not to venture into the Sea along & off South Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts from 4th night for the subsequent 48 hours.#CycloneOckhi

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) December 3, 2017

Mumbai likely to receive light rainfall on 4 December evening

Skymet Weather said that Mumbai can brace for some light showers by the evening of 4 December. It also added that the intensity of these rains will be light with moderate showers in some isolated pockets.

Satellite image of Cyclone Ockhi over India

Take a look at the #INSAT #weather #satellite images and maps of #India: https://t.co/Lly8PJwVRg #CycloneOckhi #Weather #cyclone1 #Chennai #Chennairains #Kerala #cyclonealert #Ockhi #Cyclone #Kanyakumari #Lakshadweep pic.twitter.com/FqG1Yv4iYs

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 3, 2017

Electricity restoration work taking place in Kanyakumari district 

#Electricity #restoration works under full swing in #Kanyakumari with more than 4000 manpower mobilised from other districts #CycloneOckhi #KanyakumariRains pic.twitter.com/p9hNuZb6Qt

— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 3, 2017

Lakshadweep MP claims Indian Navy, Coast Guard failed to respond promptly

Lok Sabha MP PP Mohammed Faizal on Saturday alleged that the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard failed to respond promptly in tackling the crisis due to cyclone Ockhi, which left a trail of destruction in the Lakshadweep islands.

The Lakshadweep MP said he would write to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman in this regard. “We have not got adequate help from the Navy and the Coast Guard. They failed to respond promptly in the adverse situation,” Faizal told PTI. He also said that he had spoken to home minister Rajnath Singh, who assured him that a team of officials would be sent to the island.

A defence spokesman, however, refused to comment on the allegations.

–PTI

WATCH: Stranded fishing vessel rescued by INS Sharda

#HADR #CycloneOchki #SAR operation :- A stranded fishing vessel taken under tow and rescued by INS Sharda @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/90VS03fBJb

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 3, 2017

Over 900 Kerala fishermen reach Maharashtra coast safely, says Devendra Fadanvis

Fishermen from near Kerala, who were caught in rough seas due to Cyclone Ockhi, have reached Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg coast and are safe, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in Mumbai on Saturday evening.

“In all 68 fishing boats, out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu, have reached with total 952 fishermen on board. All are safe,” the Maharashtra chief minister said in a tweet.

“Maharashtra will completely look after everyone till weather permits them to go back,” he said.

15 fishermen rescued off Colachel, Kanyakumari district

An Indian Coast Guard aircraft spotted 15 fishermen on two vessels six nautical miles off Colachel, Kanyakumari and rescued them by vectoring a vessel in vicinity on Sunday. The fishermen are safe, tweeted the Coast Guard.

Cyclone Ockhi’s devastating effect could have been reduced if state disaster officials acted promptly

Experts firmly believe that the intensity of the devastation could have been reduced to a great extent, if not totally averted, had the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) risen to the occasion. Information available from different sources shows that the agency failed utterly on all fronts.

The biggest lapse on the part of the SDMA was its failure to disseminate the repeated warnings they received from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and other agencies about the deep depression in the Arabian Sea to the people.

Trivandrum IMD Director S Sudevan said that his department had passed on three alerts about the deep depression in the sea near the state since 29 November morning. But the authorities started acting only after receiving the third alert at 12 noon on 30 November. But by the time, the depression had developed into a cyclone and started wreaking havoc.

State-wise fact sheet of number of vessels deployed for rescue operations, lives saved

State-wise figures of the fact sheet provided earlier. @indiannavy @PonnaarrBJP @ShashiTharoor @santhoshbjp @IndiaCoastGuard pic.twitter.com/E8GFVyfpzw

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) December 2, 2017

Fact sheet of number of Indian Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard vessels deployed

In an effort to rescue any fishermen stranded due to #CycloneOchki , the Indian Navy, Coast Guard & Air Force have deployed 20 ships 8 aircrafts & 5 helicopters & saved 261 fishermen as of 4pm today. Their is a continued effort to ensure all fishermen affected return home safely. pic.twitter.com/G7oCZxFE8i

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 2, 2017

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan asks Centre to declare Ockhi as natural calamity

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan entrusted chief secretary KM Abraham with the task of preparing a memorandum in this regard, chief minister office (CMO) sources said.

Kerala govt has decided to ask the Union government to declare #OckhiCyclone a national calamity. The Chief Secretary has been entrusted to prepare the memorandum in this regard: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/pyCrT3dkva

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017

Death toll rises to 26 in India, Sri Lanka

Thousands took to relief camps in Sri Lanka and southern India on Saturday to escape rising floodwaters after a cyclone killed at least 26 people. 

Cyclone Ockhi has left 13 people dead in Sri Lanka and killed an equal number in India’s Kerala and Tamil Nadu states since Friday as it churns in the Arabian Sea.

Eleven people, mostly fishermen, remained missing in the two countries as nearly 9,000 people sought shelter in relief camps. 

–AFP

531 fishermen rescued off Kerala coast

More than 500 fishermen stranded in the rough sea off Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts have been rescued even as cyclone ‘Ockhi’ on Saturday lay centered over the South East Arabian Sea and about 250 kilometres near Amini Divi in the Lakshadweep Islands.

The death toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala rose to nine with the recovery of two more bodies, officials said.

Updates for 3 December, 2017 begin here

Stranded fisherman being brought to Kerala coast by Indian Navy personnel, in Kochi on Saturday. PTI 

Measures taken to prevent outbreak of epidemic in rain-hit areas, says Tamil Nadu health minister 

Steps have been taken to prevent a possible outbreak of an epidemic in rain-hit areas in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabhaskar said on Saturday.

Health department officials are monitoring the situation in rain-affected areas of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, Vijayabhaskar told reporters in Coimbatore.

Rescue and relief works are being undertaken on a war-footing in these areas, he added.  — PTI

Mapping of Cyclone Warning for Lakshadweep Islands by Google. Read the public alert here

K Palaniswamy urges Centre to involve navy, coast guard in search operations of missing fishermen

Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswamy on Saturday requested Union home minister Rajnath Singh to involve the Indian Navy and Coast Guard helicopters for search and rescue of fishermen caught in mid sea in the wake of Cyclone Ockhi.

Palaniswamy had requested deployment of helicopters in the search and rescue operations of fishermen who have not returned after they ventured into the sea a couple of days back.

IMD update on Cyclone Ockhi  

IMD says the cyclone system is likely to concentrate into depression during next 36 hours and it is likely to intensify and move west northwards towards north Tamil Nadu-South Andhra Pradesh coast during next 3 to 4 days. 

Four injured as century-old building collapses due to incessant rains, landslides ​throw life out of gear in Tamil Nadu

Four persons were injured, when a century-old building, housing a tea shop, collapsed near the District Collectorate in Udhagamandalam on Saturday, police said.

The rains for the past three days had made the building totally wet and it collapsed suddenly this morning, resulting in four persons being caught under the debris, they added. The injured were rescued and admitted to the Government Hospital.

Meanwhile, more than 12 landslides have occurred in the hilly Nilgiris district, near Kothagiri, Wellington and Kallar, disrupting vehicular traffic, police said adding restoration works are underway.

The landslides also resulted in the cancellation of services on the Nilgiris Mountain Railway section between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam for the second day today, they added. — PTI

Kerala locals protest for better relief measures in Thiruvananthapuram, reports ANI

#Kerala Locals have blocked National Highway for last five hours in Trivandrum's Thumba, demand better relief measures & rescue of 6 fishermen missing from the area #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/rcTY0gyDty

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017

Three Kerala fishermen rescued and brought to Trivandrum Air Force Station, admitted to hospital for treatment​

#Kerala: 3 rescued fishermen brought to Trivandrum Air Force Station, admitted to hospital for treatment #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/wLSKYK7nxB

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017

AIADMK faction deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran urges Central, State governments to take up relief efforts for those affected by Cyclone Ockhi

மத்திய மாநில அரசுகள் உடனடியாக போர்க்கால நடவடிக்கை எடுத்து காணாமல் போன மீனவர்களை கண்டுபிடித்து மீட்க வேண்டும். பாதிக்கப்பட்டவர்களுக்கு துரிதமாக நிவாரண பணிகளை மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று மத்திய மாநில அரசுகளை வலியுறுத்துகிறேன்.

— TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) December 2, 2017

Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management forwards IMD’s weather warning notice for next 24 hours to fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry 

WEATHER WARNING BY #IMD FOR FISHERMEN OF TAMIL NADU AND PUDUCHERRY COASTS VALID FOR NEXT TWENTY-FOUR HOURS COMMENCING FROM FOURTEEN HOURS OF DATE 02-12-2017 pic.twitter.com/V0PvHFxfA3

— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 2, 2017

Fishermen overcome Cyclone Ockhi**,** but shaken by seeing death face-to-face

Though many fishermen were brought ashore safely and admitted to hospitals, many are yet to recover from the shock of wrestling the lashing waves and seeing death face-to-face.

Stephan, a fisherman hailing from nearby Poonthura, said he was terrified on seeing a rescue boat move away without seeing them and hearing their cries.

“It was the first time we were experiencing such huge waves and a rough sea. Luckily, the rescue boat came back and saved us,” Stephan, who is recuperating at the Government Medical College Hospital here, said.

Titus, another fisherman hailing from Neendakara in Kollam district, said he had never seen such a violent sea even in movies. His fellow fisherman Kennedy said their boat drifted aimlessly for around 100 km in the gusty winds. 

Cyclone Ockhi’s devastating effect could have been reduced if state disaster officials had acted promptly

Experts firmly believe that the intensity of the devastation could have been reduced to a great extent, if not totally averted, had the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) risen to the occasion. Information available from different sources shows that the agency failed utterly on all fronts.

The biggest lapse on the part of the SDMA was its failure to disseminate the repeated warnings they received from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and other agencies about the deep depression in the Arabian Sea to the people.

Trivandrum IMD Director S Sudevan said that his department had passed on three alerts about the deep depression in the sea near the state since 29 November morning. But the authorities started acting only after receiving the third alert at 12 noon on 30 November. But by the time, the depression had developed into a cyclone and started wreaking havoc.

Central Water Commission asks Tamil Nadu to closely monitor Ponnaiyar river, dams

The Central Water Commission (CWC) on Friday asked authorities in Tamil Nadu to closely monitor the Ponnaiyar river for the next five-seven days after a shutter of the Krishnagiri dam got damaged recently, forcing release of water downstream, and in view of Cyclone Ockhi.

The dam reached its full reservoir level (FRL) in September this year due to “very heavy rainfall” in the upper catchment of the Ponnaiyar river in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It started releasing water downstream. Due to this, its downstream reservoir, the Sathanur dam, neared its FRL.

In such a situation, one of the shutters of the Krishnagiri dam got damaged and water started flowing through it on 29 November, the CWC said in its report.

The CWC, however, has inferred that the peak flow from the Krishnagiri dam to downstream has already passed through the damaged spillway and that there will be reduction in the outflow “in case there is no further aggravation in the damage caused to the reservoir”.

“However, the effect of rainfall in Karnataka area if any in association with cyclonic storm Ockhi is to be monitored closely. — PTI

MK Stalin takes to Twitter to urge Nirmala Sitharaman to mobilise efforts to save 1,000 fishermen stranded at sea

I urge Tmt. @nsitharaman to direct the Coast Guard to help rescue the roughly 1000 fishermen stranded at sea,and to deploy disaster relief measures in the Southern Coastal Districts which have been devastated by #CycloneOckhi

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 2, 2017

MK Stalin writes to Nirmala Sitharaman demanding use of helicopters to carry out search and rescue operations 

Family members of around 1,000 fishermen from Kanyakumari district have demanded that aerial searches and rescue operations should be launched to trace the missing men. The missing fishermen ventured into the deep seas when Cyclone Ockhi struck the southern Tamil Nadu coast.

DMK Working President MK Stalin wrote to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on behalf of the families, saying, “Their families are very much afraid that the lives of the stranded fishermen are in great danger.” 

Protesting on the roads, the families on Saturday said the fisherfolk had ventured into the sea in around 100 boats three days back and have not returned. 

Stalin told Sitharaman “immediate rescue measures must be undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard”. Kanyakumari is one of the districts heavily battered by the cyclone since Thursday.

According to the protesters, no one from the authorities has come and met them yet. They are now demanding the use of helicopters to carry out the search and rescue operations. 

With inputs from IANS

A look at rainfall forecast across India for the next 10 days

Take a look at the #rainfall forecast across #India for the next 10 days: #CycloneOckhi #Weather #cyclone1 #Chennai #Chennairains #Kerala #cyclonealert #TamilNadu #Ockhi #Cyclone #Kanyakumari #Lakshadweep #Mumbairains @abpmajhatv @tnsdma @SPVelumanicbe pic.twitter.com/ueTipIbo3Q

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) December 2, 2017

Severe weather due to Cyclone Ockhi kills 13 in Sri Lanka

Powerful storms with heavy rains have killed at least 13 people in Sri Lanka, as a strong cyclone, which has wreaked havoc in southern India and posed threat to it, moved away from the island nation on Saturday.

Five people have been reported “missing” and at least 13 people killed since Wednesday night due to rains and storm, the police said. According to the police, around 4,000 people were being housed in temporary relief camps in Ambalangoda.

The high winds and persistent rains which hit the island nation on Wednesday later developed into cyclone ‘Ockhi’, which has affected parts in southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and caused loss to life and property.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that he had directed officials to pay each family affected by bad weather rupees 10,000 as emergency assistance. — PTI

531 fishermen rescued off Kerala, Lakshadweep; Pinarayi Vijayan announces Rs 10 lakh for kin of deceased

As many as 531 fishermen, stranded in the choppy waters off the Kerala and the Lakshadweep coasts due to Cyclone Ockhi, have been rescued, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Saturday.

So far, 393 people from Kerala have been rescued, Vijayan said, as the state government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of those who died in the storm.

Besides, 138 fishermen have been rescued from the Lakshadweep islands, he said.

Navy, Coast Guard continue to rescue stranded fishermen off Kerala, Lakshadweep

The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard continued the search for missing fishermen using ships, Dornier aircraft and helicopters in the “rough sea” off Kerala and Lakshadweep in the wake of Cyclone Ockhi.

While INS Nireekshak, INS Jamuna, and INS Sagardhwani are continuing search and rescue operations in their designated areas along the coast off Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, two ships INS Shardul and INS Sharda are heading towards Lakshadweep, a defence spokesman said.

The naval ships, which left the Southern Naval Command on Friday, are likely to reach Lakshadweep by Saturday evening.

PIB reports cyclone warning for South Kerala, adjoining districts of south Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep Islands

According to PIB, latest observations and satellite imageries indicate that the cyclonic system is likely to move west-northwestwards towards Lakshadweep Islands and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours.

The report adds that gale wind speed reaching 65-75 km/ph gusting to 85 km/ph very likely along and off South Kerala during next 48 hours and along and off south Tamil Nadu during next 24 hours.

Regarding the sea condition, it says that conditions would be high along and off South Kerala coast during next 48 hours and along and off south Tamil Nadu coast during next 24 hours. Sea conditions would also be very rough to high over and around Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours and high to very high during subsequent 48 hours, the report adds. 

The govt has advised fishermen along and off Lakshadweep Islands, south Tamil Nadu and south Kerala coasts not to venture into the sea.

Coast Guard Commander holds a joint press conference with Thiruvananthapuram District Collector on rescue operations by Indian Coast Guard 

Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) ADG K Natarajan held a joint Press Conference with District Collector #Thiruvananthapuram and briefed about the herculean operational efforts of @IndiaCoastGuard in extreme rough sea conditions #CycloneOckhi @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/fGJeBnGPQo

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 2, 2017

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy to grant Rs 25 crore for relief and restoration efforts in cyclone-hit Kanyakumari district, reports the New Indian Express