Cyclone Ockhi: Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman appeals for calm

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday visited Poonthura and Vizhinjam and assured family members of missing fishermen that search operations will continue till the last person brought back to safety. In an emotional appeal at Poonthura, Ms Sitharaman urged people to remain calm and peaceful in this hour of grief and concern. “Our main focus is to bring back our brothers to safety. Navy, Airforce, Coast Guard all are focusing on search operations. Helicopters, aircraft and boats of defence forces are engaged in search and rescue,” she said.

“With folded hands I request you all to keep away from blame game. Let us bring our dear ones back home safe,” she said. The Union minister agreed that a better communication and information system was required. “We are improving our system. There was deep depression on November 29. The wind gathered speed from 120 kmph to 160 kmph and at each stage warning was issued. The state government had also issued alert,”she added. She said lessons were to be learned from Cyclone Ockhi and how to improve the system further.

“It is not the right time to speak about other things. It is easy for me to say state government has not done this or that. But I will not do that. “Therefore, please don’t express anger and indulge in violent behaviour. What we want now is to bring back every single person safe. Please co-operate. We will intensify search operations,” she said. Ms Sitharaman visited Vizhinjam and made a similar appeal.