Cyclone Ockhi: At least four dead in Tamil Nadu, schools shut

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CHENNAI: Four people were on Thursday died in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district as heavy rainfall hit the state, following a depression in the Bay of Bengal that turned into a cyclonic storm. 

All four deaths were due to uprooting of trees, according to the police. The victims include one woman.

Schools were reportedly shut down in several districts of the state.

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.

The name Ockhi, given by Bangladesh, is expected to move further north-westward towards Lakshwadeep, according to IMD.

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.

Indian Navy dispatched three ships and two aircraft to locate six fishing boats and a Maritime Engineering vessel that went missing near Vizhinjam due to the prevailing cyclonic conditions. The Navy is also on standby for relief and rescue operations as southern districts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu brace for Cyclone Ockhi.

Responding to a request for assistance made by District Collector of Trivandrum, the Indian Navy dispatched its ships and aircrafts in a search and rescue operation. It is also gearing up for Humanitarian Assistance that may be required due to the storm.