Andaman cyclone: Navy likely to begin rescue operations to save 1,900 stranded tourists

Due to strong winds and rough sea, ships from both the Navy and the Union Territory's administration were unable to enter the harbour on Thursday.

Port Blair, Dec 9: The rough weather in the Andamans have left 1,900 tourists stranded on the islands. Vacations in the tourist destination has led to havoc and people are panic stricken. With the cyclonic weather showing signs of improvement, around 1,400 tourists may be rescued today. Due to strong winds and rough sea, ships from both the Navy and the Union Territory’s administration were unable to enter the harbour. Rescue ships had to return back to Port Blair during the day as none of them could reach the islands.

“There were no rains since morning but the winds were strong. There has been a marginal improvement in the weather and we hope that tomorrow morning, we will be able to bring them back,” PTI quoted an official. He said all tourists are safe and the administration is taking care of all their needs. Reportedly, according to administrative officials, an estimated 1,900 tourists are stranded on both the islands together — 1,200 at Havelock and 700 at Neil.

Havelock and Neil, almost 40km from Port Blair are also the worst hit due to cyclonic weather conditions caused by a severe depression over southeast Bay of Bengal. Heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions over the past three days have made rescue operations almost impossible. As the weather worsened, transportation to and from the twin islands have been suspended since Monday. ALSO READ- Tourists stranded at Havelock Island in Andaman are safe: Rajnath Singh

According to the MeT department, the cyclonic storm ‘Vardah’ which lied 240 km west-southwest of Port Blair in the Bay of Bengal in the evening was very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm today and move northwestwards.

The forecast said, “Sea condition would be rough to very rough along and off Andaman islands and adjoining sea areas during the next 24 hours.” Light to moderate rainfall at most places is very likely today, along with winds with a speed reaching 45-55 kmph. ALSO READ: 1400 tourists stranded in cyclonic weather in the Andamans

Deputy Commissioner of South Andamans Udit Prakash Rai said that they were making arrangements to send tourists safely back home after rescue operation. He said, “A decision has been taken that hotels where tourists are stranded will not take any room rent from them, besides giving them food and water for free.” With low network, communication ties have also snapped. Meanwhile, at Port Blair, there was a rush among tourists to get out from the islands.