Cyclone Ockhi: At least 80 fishermen missing from Kerala, TN

As a depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified, the IMD has issued a cyclone alert for Lakshadweep.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala have also braced for heavy rains as Cyclone Ockhi makes progress.

TN has been lashed by heavy showers since yesterday. Schools in seven districts have been declared shut.

Earlier this month, Chennai was submerged after continuous downpour.

The IMD has said Ockhi is unlikely to make a landfall in Tamil Nadu, but coastal areas are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Interruption in power supply and communication networks is expected.

The IMD has warned people living in thatched huts of damage.

Fishermen in TN, Kerala and Lakshadweep have been asked not to venture into the rough sea.

The IMD has warned Ockhi would continue to inflict damage on regions near the East-Central Arabian Sea till December 3.

The cyclone would be impacted by a western disturbance from the opposite direction and could take a turn towards the Mumbai-Gujarat area on the West Coast.

As it approaches the west, it might weaken. Forecast beyond December 3 isn't available right now.

Advisories have urged people to keep TVs turned off and get updates from All India Radio and other local sources instead.

Secure items that might blow away. Keep an emergency kit ready (cell phone, torch, matches, food, water and first aid) so you can leave immediately.

Know where to find higher ground at the earliest.

Stay cautious of flash floods.

At least 80 fishermen are missing since Cyclone Ockhi hit coastal TN and Kerala yesterday. Eight have been confirmed dead in these states.

At least five navy ships and three aircraft have been deployed from Kochi for search operations. Two are on standby in Lakshadweep.

After ravaging the two coastal states, Ockhi moved towards Lakshadweep.

Ockhi has already affected 20,000 people in Sri Lanka.