1400 tourists stranded in cyclonic weather in the Andamans

Around 1,400 tourists are stranded at Havelock and Neil islands in the Andamans due to cyclonic weather conditions and four ships have been pressed into service by the Navy today to evacuate them.
The two islands, approximately 40 kms from Port Blair, have been hit the most by the cyclonic weather conditions caused by a severe depression over southeast Bay of Bengal which led to heavy rainfall, strong wind and rough sea conditions, officials said.
The administration has already declared the cyclonic weather as 'L1 Disaster'.
Neil and Havelock are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Andamans and the only means of transportation from them are vessels and choppers which have stopped operation since Monday last due to bad weather.

"About 1,400 tourists, who had visited the islands, are now stranded and unable to return to Port Blair to fly back home," South Andaman's deputy commissioner Udit Prakash Rai said.
The local populace of 10 villages of Havelock and Neil islands have also been hit severely by the cyclone which has hampered the movement of essential supplies.

Indian naval ships Bitra, Bangaram, Kumbhir and LCU 38 have been deployed for evacuation, which has not yet begun because of unfavourable weather conditions.
"The ships are waiting outside the harbour. Adequate food, fresh water, medicines and doctors besides divers and local administration personnel are being ferried on board to provide succour and relief," a Defence official said.

Andaman administration officials said the cyclonic weather has uprooted trees, disrupted power supply and caused flooding in some low-lying areas of Port Blair.
Mobile and internet connectivity have also been snapped in many areas.
There is, however, no reason to panic, the officials said adding the administration is fully geared up to tackle any situation.
At a high-level meeting in Raj Niwas, Lt Governor Jagdish Mukhi reviewed the situation and relief operations being carried out by the administration.
He has directed all departments to ensure timely response and co-ordinated action so that quick relief reaches the people.
(Reopens CAL6)
Worried over the condition of tourists from West Bengal stranded at Havelock Islands in the Andamans due to heavy rains, the West Bengal government is in constant touch with the Centre and its Andaman and Nicobar counterpart.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern over the stranded tourists and directed the principal secretary to be in touch with the Centre for updates on the rescue programmes taken up by the Indian Navy, a senior officer at the state disaster management department said.
"The Chief Minister is worried about those stuck at the Andamans. Principal secretary is in constant touch with the Centre for an update about the rescue programme conducted by the Navy there," he said.
The Control Room at the state secretariat Nabanna, which operates 24X7, would assist people with the latest update on the rescue operations in the Andamans, he said.

Asked about the number of tourists from the state stranded in the Andamans, the officer said, "We do not have a clear idea about how many tourists from Bengal are stranded there, but we are trying to get the details from New Delhi."
When questioned if there was any possibility of the state government sending any team for rescuing the tourists from West Bengal, he said, "We have not decided anything on this. We are monitoring the situation but if required we will look into it."
Heavy overnight rains have disrupted normal life in the island with a flood-like situation in north and middle Andamans as around 1,400 tourists are stranded at Havelock and Neil islands in the Andamans.

Four ships have been pressed into service by the Navy today to evacuate them.
The two islands, approximately 40 kms from Port Blair, have been hit the most by the cyclonic weather conditions caused by a severe depression over southeast Bay of Bengal which led to heavy rainfall, strong wind and rough sea conditions.