Cyclone Ockhi: 690 people rescued so far, death toll mounts to 19

Cyclone Ockhi LIVE updates: 321 more fishermen reach Maha coast, likely to weaken subsequently

Cyclone Ockhi, which has caused widespread damage in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, is likely to weaken gradually starting Sunday morning, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted.

An IMD forecast said the scale of Cylone Ockhi has been reduced from ‘very severe’ to ‘severe’ for Monday.

The IMD, however, informed that moderate rain is expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, the death toll rose to nine in Kerala last night.

On the other hand, the Centre has denied terming the cyclone a national disaster.

Also Read: Cyclone Ockhi: Centre denies declaring storm a 'national disaster', MET predicts moderate rain in TN in next 24 hours

"There is no provision to declare this as a national calamity. The Centre will provide funds. If needed, more funds will be allocated," Minister of State for Tourism K.J. Alphons said today.

As it happened:

07:29 pm: Kerala: Rescue operation underway in Trivandrum. A total of 197 people have been rescued and 11 deaths have been reported so far in the city.

07:23 pm:

07:22 pm: A total of 690 people have been rescued so far. Total number of deaths 19, 96 missing, 63 hospitalised, 74 houses fully damaged, 1122 housed partially damaged.: State Revenue control room

07:00 pm: 357 fishermen have been saved as of 10 am today, tweets Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Cyclone Ockhi: Over 500 fishermen rescued; IMD predicts storm to intensify further

Cyclone Ockhi: Over 500 fishermen rescued as warships step-up rescue operations, death toll mounts to 22; IMD predicts more rains

Cyclone Ockhi likely to weaken, says IMD; predicts heavy rain Andhra, TN

06:57 pm:

05:21 pm: Cyclone Ockhi likely to lash Saurashtra coast in the next 48 hours and subsequently weaken. All fishermen are warned to not venture out & those already out to be contacted immediately to return: Collector Gir Somnath district

05:05 pm:

04:53 pm: In Lakshadweep there have been a lot of losses, houses have lost their roofs, trees have fallen and boats capsized, Navy is conducting a massive search in the area: Commodore G Prakash, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy in Kochi

04:45 pm: We have rescued 25 people from Lakshadweep and picked 13 people off Kerala coast. Navy continues to conduct a massive search operation with 8-10 ships off Kerala coast: Commodore G Prakash, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy in Kochi.

04:00 pm: 19 fishermen rescued by Indian Coast Guard brought to Chellanam harbour in Kerala, reports ANI.