New Delhi: The devastating cyclone Ockhi which has hit Tamil Nadu and Kerala on November 30, has so far left 39 people from both the states dead and has seen 167 missing. However, a large number of people rescued because of the well coordinated efforts of Indian Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and National Disaster Relief Force and other stake holders of both the states.
So far, 220 fishermen of Tamil Nadu, 309 from Kerala and 27 have been rescued from Lakshadweep island. 16 crew members who were stuck in two merchant craft boats near this were saved. All the 33 Indian and foreign tourists who have gone to island before November 29, are safe there, Home Ministry official said here on Tuesday. “Major concerns are for those fishermen who left for deep sea before November 29 and most of them are missing”, official further said.
Of the dead, 10 hailed from Tamil Nadu and 29 from Kerala where 2,802 and 33,000 people got affected due to the impact of the cyclone respectively. The official said a number of 74 people from Tamil Nadu and over 93 from Kerala are still missing and that the state government is in the process to identify them in the villages. According to the official, five people from Tamil Nadu and 56 from Kerala suffered injuries after the cyclone which developed on November 29, a day after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warning.
"Some 809 people have landed on Maharashtra coast are being provided shelter and basic facilities by the state Government", informed the official. In the entire Search and Rescue Operation (SAR) 10 ships and five aircrafts of Navy; 13 ships, four dornier aircrafts and one Chetak helicopter of Indian Coast Guard; one Advanced Light Helicopter, two MI-17 chopper and an AN-32 aircraft of Air Force are put in to action."This is a totally coordinated rescue operation. Cabinet Secretary is reviewing everyday about the situation apart from joint secretary level officers taking congnisance of the situation every three hours," added official. (UNI)