Cyclone Ockhi: Navy deploys ships for rescue operations

December 01, 2017 08:41

Several naval ships have been deployed for rescue operations as Tamil Nadu and Kerala brace for the cyclonic storm Ockhi.

Cyclone Ockhi that has created massive destruction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala is now moving towards Lakshwadeep Islands.

"CGS Samarth sailed from Kochi for rescue. All the seven units are directed to work for rescue along and off Kerala coast. In addition, the Eastern Naval Command will launch P8I Maritime Patrol aircraft," said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

In a series of tweets, Sitharaman further informed that six warships and two coast guard ships have been deployed along with additional air effort.

"INS Sagardhwani sailed to join for Search & Rescue. Total warships deployed SIX (06). Additional air effort (Dorniers sorties) being planned with first light tomorrow," she said.

"For Search & Rescue (SAR) off Kanyakumari India Coast Guard deploying 2 OPVs in the area, and 1 OPV is being deployed ex Toothukudi. Additional Dornier sorties will be taken up from dawn," the defence minister further added.

"Search and rescue of missing fishing boats with crew & Marine Engg vessel at sea due to Cyclone Ockhi off Kerala coast. Total 6 warships & 2 coast guard ships have been deployed along with additional air effort tomorrow."

The India Meteorological Department has already issued an alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall in both the states.

The depression in Southwest Bay of Bengal had snowballed into the cyclonic storm.

The cyclone has so far claimed eight lives in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

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

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

US warns Pak of 'potential risk' over trade deal with Iran

Early this week, the US imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, including three companies from China.

Not just power-hitting, but it was smart batting: KL hails Stoinis

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul was all praise for Marcus Stoinis' match-winning 63-ball-124 not out against Chennai Super Kings as he felt that the home team's score of 210 for 4 was at least 30 runs above-par on that particular...

Take The '80s Bollywood Quiz

Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.

How To Deal With Office Politics? Ask rediffGURUS

rediffGURU Krishna Kumar offers expert advice on how you can polish your skills and perform better at work.

Meet The Youngest Dalit Lady Candidate

'If people don't see you, they might be hesitant, but once they see you, they are confident that this is the person they will vote for,' says political debutant Shambhavi Choudhury, 25, alumnus of the Lady Sriram College and the Delhi...