Cyclone Ockhi likely to weaken, more rains predicted in TN, Andhra

CHENNAI: Cyclonic storm 'Ockhi' is likely to weaken gradually from Sunday, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

"The very severe cyclonic storm 'Ockhi' over Lakshadweep area and adjoining Southeast Arabian Sea further moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of December 2, 2017 over southeast Arabian Sea near Latitude 11.1º N and Longitude 69.7º E, about 330 km west of Amini Divi. The system is very likely to weaken gradually from today the December 3, 2017 morning," said IMD.

The deadly cyclone, which had claimed many lives, lashed the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala on Saturday with torrential rainfall and gusty winds. Both the states had declared compensation to the families of those



who died in the storm.

On Saturday, several stranded fishermen were rescued during the massive search operations carried out by INS ships.

The Coast Guard rescued 198 fishermen and 18 fishing boats of Tamil Nadu off the Western coast. The rescued fishermen have taken shelter in the Lakshadweep and Minicpy Group of Islands.

29 relief camps have been set up to accommodate those marooned in coastal areas.  

As many as 531 fishermen, stranded in the choppy waters off the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts due to Cyclone Ockhi, have been rescued. 

The Kerala government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the cyclonic storm.