Heavy rain leaves 1,400 tourists stranded at Havelock Island in Andamans, Navy sends rescue ships
The Navy has deployed four ships – INS Bitra, Bangaram, Kumbhir and LCU 38 – to transport them to Port Blair.
Around 1,400 tourists are stranded in Havelock Island after heavy rain and storm in the Andamans on Wednesday. “Have asked tourists to stay indoors till weather improves,” said Jagdish Mukhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands governor. The Indian Navy has sent four ships – INS Bitra, Bangaram, Kumbhir and LCU 38 – to evacuate the stranded tourists.
The rescued tourists will be ferried to Port Blair, about 40 km from Havelock Island, reported NDTV. “[The island’s] Civil administration requested the Indian Navy to assist them in evacuating 800 tourists stranded due to torrential rains and rough sea,” read a statement from the Indian Navy.
The heavy downpour has been triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, reported dna. Weather officials said it would likely turn into a cyclonic storm over the next 48 hours. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea and mobile phone and internet connectivity have also snapped in several areas.