04 Dec 2017 | 03:10 AM UTC
India: Cyclone Ockhi weakening December 4 /update 2
Cyclone Ockhi weakening December 4; Ockhi leaves at least 25 dead in India, with 96 others missing
Event
Cyclone Ockhi is weakening in the Arabian Sea on Monday, December 4. As of 02:30 (local time) on Monday, Cyclone Ockhi was located approximately 730 km (453 mi) south-southwest of Mumbai, with maximum sustained winds of 130-140 km/h (80-87 mph). Ockhi is expected to move to the north-northeast over the coming hours and make landfall as a deep depression (maximum sustained winds of 51-62 km/h [32-39 mph]) near Surat (Gujarat state) and northern Maharashtra state late on Tuesday, December 5. Localized heavy rainfall is expected in nearby areas.
Cyclone Ockhi has left at least 25 people dead across southern India; additionally, some 96 fishermen remain missing as of Sunday, according to the Kerala regional government. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in the Lakshadweep archipelago as of Sunday. Authorities are expected to restore power to Kanyakumari district (Tamil Nadu state) and other areas in southern India affected by power outages in the coming days. Additional traffic and other disruptions are possible in southern India, and in southern Gujarat state and northern Maharashtra state in the coming days.
Context
The North Indian Ocean cyclone season typically lasts from April to December, with two peaks of cyclonic activity in May and November. Cyclones and tropical storms are common off the east coast of India and frequently result in damage to infrastructure and major travel disruptions.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected regions are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Monitor any relevant developments of the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
