Protesters block NH over missing fishermen in Kerala

Locals of Thumba area on Saturday blocked the National Highway for almost five hours after many fishermen went missing at sea in the wake of cyclone Ockhi.

The protesters were demanding better relief measures and rescue of six missing fishermen.

Meanwhile, three rescued fishermen were brought to Trivandrum Air Force Station and admitted in the hospital for treatment.

A government official said, "The rescue operations are on full force and we have got men from the Coast Guard , the Navy, the Air Force. They are conducting rescue operations from the last 48 hours. We are passing information of the missing persons to the men on board and we are hopeful of rescuing those who are still missing."

As many as 531 fishermen affected due to cyclone Ockhi in Kerala and the Lakshadweep coasts have been rescued, said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Seven people, five in Trivandrum and one each in Kollam and Kasaragod districts have died. The state government announced a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to the family of those who died in the storm.