Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department

As Heavy rains continue to batter in Kerala, several naval ships were deployed on for the rescue operations on Friday.

According to latest media reports around 200 fishermen have been rescued.

Also read: Cyclone Ockhi nears Lakshadweep, at least 16 dead in India, Sri Lanka

No official statement has been made about how many people are still missing in the sea.

The Tamil Nadu government has said it will soon seek central funds for the damage caused by Cyclone Ockhi in the southern parts of the state, with Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts being the worst hit.

This was conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister K Palaniswami during a telephone conversation between the two leaders last night, a state government release said.

The India Meteorological Department and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said that the cyclone may further intensify in the next 24 hours.

Six warships and two coast guard ships were deployed along with additional air effort.

Cyclone Ockhi that has created massive destruction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala is and has  also affected Lakshwadeep Islands.

Also read: Cyclone Ockhi batters Lakshwadeep coast killing 14, many missing

The deadly storm has killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.

Also read: Possible track of Cyclone Ockhi