LOC15:43
12:43 GMT
NEW DELHI, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- At least 25 people were killed and hundreds of fishermen are missing as cyclone Ockhi hit coastal regions of south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
According to government sources, the powerful cyclone is feared to bring massive distruction in the two states as Kerala witnessed 16 deaths due to incidents related to the cyclone while neighboring Tamil Nadu reported 9 deaths.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued today strong warning and asked fishermen not to venture into the sea as torrential rain caused by cyclone and accompanying wind would disturb the sea.
The IMD also stated that cyclone Ockhi has moved towards Lakshadweep after hitting coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala since Thursday. The cyclone, in addition to leaving around 25 dead, has caused huge destruction and disrupted transport and communication services in both states.
In a related development, members from families of around 1000 fishermen from Tamil Nadu demanded that the authorities should intensify search and rescue operations as their relatives are yet to return from sea after they went for fishing before three days.
A joint team comprising members from the National Disaster Management Authority, the Navy and the Coast Guard have rescued hundreds of fishermen from these two states stranded in the sea and moved tens of thousands of people to safer places from cyclone affected areas. (end)
atk.mt