Cyclone 'Ockhi' alert issued for Kerala, Tamil Nadu

Heavy rains and strong winds have caused destruction in Trivandrum. (ANI Photo)

A cyclone alert has been sounded in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Thursday after strong winds and heavy rain hit southern districts in the states. One person - an autorickshaw driver - has reportedly been killed in Kerala's Kollam district.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a deep depression over Comorin area has moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 38kmph and has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'OCKHI'. “The cyclone Ockhi is fasting moving towards Lakshadweep and its intensity is not weakened yet. Due to this heavy rains are expected in southern districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” the IMD said in a statement.  

Wind speeds of up to 75kmph can also be expected, according to IMD, while heavy rainfall will also lash Lakshadweep.

People in the southern districts of the two states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been asked to remain indoors as much as is possible while fishermen too are being advised against venturing into the sea. At the time of filing this report, Indian Railways had cancelled 12 trains.