देश

Cyclone Ockhi continues to wreak havoc in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, death toll rises to 16

Heavy rains unleashed by Cyclone Ockhi continue to wreak havoc in the coastal area of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Normal life was crippled in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala due to torrential rains triggered by Cyclone Ockhi. Schools in Chennai were shut down and power has been cut for thousands of families in both states.

So far, the Cyclone Ockhi has claimed at least 16 lives and there were no official figures available on those still missing. Over 200 Kerala fishermen were rescued on Friday in a joint operation by the Navy, Indian Air Force, Coast Guard and merchant vessels.

The IMD and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) on Friday issued a joint statement and warned that Cyclone Ockhi, centred over Lakshadweep, is likely to intensify on Saturday.