Steephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)
Kasargod, Dec 2: Okchi cyclone that has been battering coastal Kerala and south Tamil Nadu, has resulted in sea turning rough with huge waves making it difficult for boats to stay afloat. In the meanwhile, a fisherman who went into the sea for fishing on Friday December 1 evening at Nileshwar went missing.
40-year-old Sunil Kumar from Hosahithlu in Kanhangad went missing as his boat got capsized after waves heaved it violently. Two others, who were facing danger to their lives, were rescued by coastal security and fisheries security forces.The rescued fishermen stand admitted into Pariyaram Medical College Hospital for treatment. At the same time, a search operation has been launched to find and rescue the missing fisherman.
About 19 fishing boats faced peril in the meanwhile. A sense of apprehension and anxiety prevailed as the boats faced grave danger from the tumultous sea. After an effort that lasted for several hours, coastal security police personnel and fishermen succeeded in safely leading them to the seashore.
On account of strong Okchi cyclone, atmospheric pressure dropped over the Bay of Bengal, which in turn resulted in widespread rainfall in the town and surrounding areas. Many parts of north Kerala experienced rainfall. The places where rainfall occurred include Kanhangad, Chittari, Keekana, Pallikere, Bekal, Manikoth and Kumble.
District collector, Jeevan Babu, has warned fishermen against venturing into the sea because of possibility of strong wind accompanied by rains during the next 24 hours.