Navy on standby to rescue tourists at cyclone-hit Havelock Island
December 08, 2016  08:57
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Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation in the cyclone-hit Havlock Islands in the Andaman: "All the tourists who are stranded in Havelock Island are safe. The government has made all the preparations to evacuate them."

"Spoke to Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr Jagdish Mukhi who apprised me of the situation in Havelock Islands."

"The government will launch the rescue operations immediately after the intensity of the cyclone reduces. The teams are ready in Port Blair."

"I appeal to the family members of stranded tourists that they should not panic as everyone in the Havelock Islands are reported to be safe."

Nearly 1,500 tourists were stranded at two famous tourist destinations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, namely, Neil and Havelock. However, the Navy ships that were deployed for the evacuation continue to remain anchored near Havelock Island, due to the high intensity of the cyclone.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy tweeted on Thursday morning that the weather conditions at Port Blair and adjoining islands remained very bad with continuous heavy rains, strong winds and very rough seas.

In a series of tweets, the defence ministry said: 

"Ships standing by at PortBlair and Evacuations shall commence as weather improves. Indian Navy Keeping a close watch to provide all help."

"Depression lay 260 kms South West of Port Blair moving North and likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in next 24h."
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