Port Blair, December, 8, 2016: The deep depression formed over Southeast Bay of Bengal, as reported, has moved further northwards during the day, intensifying into cyclonic storm, VARDAH. The depression remained situated 340 km Northeast of Car Nicobar and 240 km West Southwest of Port Blair. To review the state of preparedness, the Lt. Governor, A & N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi held a detailed meeting with the Officers of the Administration and other stakeholders including Tour Operators Association, Hotel Owners this morning. During the meeting, the Lt. Governor of the Islands directed the Directorate of Shipping Services to make all possible efforts to send boats to Havelock and Neil Islands once the sea conditions improve.
In view of the inconvenience faced by the tourists who are held up in Havelock and Neil Islands beyond their scheduled duration of stay due to inclement weather and circumstances beyond their control, the Lt Governor directed all Hotel owners having tourist properties in Neil and Havelock islands to provide accommodation and food to the stranded tourists free of charge for the period of extended stay both as a humanitarian gesture and as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Administration has requested the Defense Ministry to provide air sorties to expedite the movement of tourists and essential supplies in case required.
The Administration has also asked all the tour operators not to take any tourists towards North & Middle Andaman as a precautionary measure, till the weather improves. The Directorate of tourism is coordinating with all the airline agencies for the smooth and timely return journey of the tourists to their respective home towns. The MET Office has forecast heavy rainfall/ wind at a speed of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph during the next 24 hrs. The tourists have been advised to stay in their rooms and stay away from coastal areas till weather condition improves.
The cyclonic weather witnessed in the Islands since Tuesday has resulted in uprooting of trees, disruption of power supply and flooding of some of the low lying areas. However, there is no report of any loss of life, from any parts of the Islands so far. The District Administration, A & N Police, Fire Brigade, Electricity Department, Disaster Management and other line departments, with support of all men and machinery are making best efforts in mitigating the situation arising out of the inclement weather conditions. All the Emergency Operation Centers across the A & N Islands are functioning round the clock and are on high alert. The situation is being monitored at highest levels 24 X 7.
