Lakshadweep hit by storm

KOCHI: Heavy storms lashed Lakshadweep on Sunday morning causing huge loss. A mechanised sailing vessel with five personnel onboard went missing from Amini Island while many houses and the helipad were damaged on Kalpeni Island.According to officials, MSV Al Akhthar, a mechanised sailing vessel carrying cargo from Mangalore reached the Islands on November 25. Out of the three vessels, one suffered an engine trouble. Due to heavy winds and strong currents, another vessel could not come to the shore. “We were trying to bring the vessel to the shore. In the morning at around 5.15 am when the personnel went there, the vessel was not there,” said M J Kunhikoya, Sub-Divisional Officer, Amini.The vessel was carrying different types of cargo including cement and jelly. The Lakshadweep administration along with officials from the Navy and the Coast Guard have started searching for the missing vessel.The storms caused huge loss to residents and property in Kalpeni Island also. The helipad, breakwater and the wharf at the island were damaged. “A number of residents were hurt and structures damaged. The water has swept about a kilometre into the island,” said a native.Passengers on the vessel MV Minicoy were not able to reach the islands due to heavy winds and strong currents. The vessel was later deviated to another island.