800 tourists stranded in Andaman island after heavy rains

Port Blair : Nearly 800 tourists are stranded in Havelock islands in Andamans due to heavy rains. The navy has been asked to rescue them.

The sudden evacuation drive has been initiated after Andaman and Nicobar disaster management learned that a "cyclonic storm" might struck Havelock.

"There is a deep depression (in the sea) about 310 kms from Port Blair. That is why the Navy was contacted as we don't want to take any chances," an official from Directorate of Disaster Management, told IANS.

The official said that the stranded tourists are to be ferried to Port Blair from Havelock Islands.

"We can't say as of now that the depression will turn into a cyclone," he said.

The evacuation process is likely to be completed by evening (Wednesday).