Thiruvananthapuram
At least eight people were killed and scores injured as heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds battered south Kerala coast and neighbouring Kannyakumari in Tamil Nadu on Thursday under the influence of cyclone Ockhi which is heading towards Lakshadweep islands.
The torrential rain has affected road traffic between Kanyakumari and Nagercoil.
The Kanyakumari district administration asked people not to venture out following the heavy rains and squally winds.
A couple of trains, originating and passing through this district suffered partial to full cancellation, even as some of them were rescheduled, Southern Railway officials said.
Meanwhile, rains accompanied with strong winds lashed many parts of south Tamil Nadu such as Tirunelveli and Tuticorin among others.
Fishermen stayed off the sea in Tuticorin even as boats anchored on the shore suffered damage following strong winds.
Educational institutions have been asked to shut in southern districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.