Indian Coast Guard rescues 19 fishermen from L&M Islands

The Indian Coast Guard on Monday rescued 19 fishermen from the remote islands of L&M, who were stranded at sea following Cyclone Ockhi.

The Coast Guard has till now saved 183 lives since the onset of cyclone on November 30.

The Coast Guard stations, along the west coast, are interacting with fishermen and are assisting them with first aid and food as required.

The fishermen are also being counselled to remain inside the harbour and to not venture out at sea till the system dissipates.

Further, the Oil Handling Agencies in offshore development areas have also been advised to initiate cyclone contingency measures and initiate necessary evacuation of personnel from oil platforms well in time.

Earlier today, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met the fishermen families affected by cyclone Ockhi at Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram and assured them that the search and rescue operations were being conducted with full force.

Sitharaman reached Kanyakumari on Sunday to take stock of the situation in the wake of the cyclonic storm, which has tormented the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and now Lakshadweep islands.

She informed that, so far, 357 fishermen, including 71 from Tamil Nadu, who had been stranded in sea due to Cyclone Ockhi, have been rescued.

Earlier on November 2, the Tamil Nadu authorities stated that the total number of deaths caused due to cyclone Ockhi has reached 19.

The state department also said that at least 690 people were rescued, while 96 were still missing.

It further stated that 63 people were hospitalised, while 74 houses were fully damaged and 1,122 houses partially damaged.

The deadly cyclone, which has claimed many lives, lashed the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala on Saturday with torrential rainfall and gusty winds.