01 Dec 2017 | 11:23 PM UTC
India: Cyclone Ockhi leaves at least 12 dead as of December 1 /update 1
Cyclone Ockhi leaves at least 12 dead in Kerala and Tamil Nadu states as of December 1; expected to strike Lakshadweep archipelago during next 24 hours
Event
Cyclone Ockhi has left at least 12 people dead in India's southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu states as of Friday, December 1. Associated power outages, transportation disruptions, and school closures were reported in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, where heavy rain and wind continued to lash coastal areas on Friday; Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala state) and Kanyakumari district (Tamil Nadu) are among the most affected areas. Over 1000 people have been evacuated from the town of Kanyakumari as of December 1.
Cyclone Ockhi was located roughly 170 km (106 mi) north-northwest of Minicoy Island (Lakshadweep archipelago) at 23:30 (local time) on Friday, and was moving to the north-northwest at roughly 14 km/h (8.7 mph) with sustained winds of 125-135 km/h (77-84 mph). The cyclone is expected to intensify and strike most of the Lakshadweep archipelago on Saturday, December 2, with maximum sustained winds of 130-140 km/h (81-87 mph). Heavy rainfall is expected in the Lakshadweep archipelago over the next 48 hours, and in parts of Kerala state over the next 24 hours. Power and communications outages, as well as transportation disruptions, are expected in the affected areas 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.
