Cyclone Okchi poised to increase cloud cover in Pakistan's coastal areas, says Met office

Cyclone batters southwestern India coast killing 14

MUMBAI: Cyclone Okchi is predicted to enter the Arabian Sea over the next few days, leading to cloud cover in parts of Pakistan's coastal areas which border the northern parts of the Arabian Sea, according to a bulletin released by the Pakistan Meteorological Office on Saturday.

Ockhi barreled into the Lakshwadeep islands in southwestern India on Saturday after drenching the neighbouring states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, claiming so far around 14 lives with many fishermen still feared trapped at sea.

Kerala: Visuals of water logging from #Kochi. #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/tSezH3T3OJ

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017

Authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India's Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone hit areas, officials said, as they continued their operations on Saturday.

Dramatic rescue on high seas. Rescue Ops caught on camera.
65 fisherman boats rescued, joint Ops by Navy & Coast Guard#CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/9KgQSJThOM

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 2, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assuring him of support operations including necessary funds, according to local media.

PM @NarendraModi speaks to Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswamy late last night; inquires about the damages caused by #CycloneOckhi

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) December 2, 2017

Ockhi is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in the next 48 hours, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director S. Sudevan in Trivandrum, though it is likely to lose intensity. "The intensity of the wind may come down and the cyclone could change into depression," Sudevan said adding fishermen have been warned not go to the sea for the next few days as waves are likely to be 3-5 metres high.