New Delhi: The first cyclonic storm ‘Asani’ of 2022 made landfall in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. Heavy rain has started in the coastal areas amid strong winds. The Meteorological Department has predicted it to intensify further in the next 24 hours. The local administration is busy making necessary arrangements on a war footing. People living in coastal areas have been shifted to safer places. Ships moving from one island to another have been stopped. Shipping service between Chennai and Visakhapatnam has also been stopped. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that the low-pressure area that had formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south the Andaman Sea has moved towards east and northeast. It is likely to deepen on Sunday. It can take the form of a cyclonic storm on Monday. The Meteorological Department said on Twitter that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at most places in the Andaman Islands on Sunday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in some places. There is a possibility of heavy rain at isolated places in the Nicobar Islands.
Alert issued for fishermen
The Meteorological Department has warned fishermen not to venture into the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as east-central and north-east areas of the Bay of Bengal till March 22. In view of the impact of the storm, Andaman and Nicobar Chief Secretary Jitendra Narayan has banned all tourism activities in the area till March 22. The service to and from Port Blair to the surrounding islands by sea has been stopped.
In view of the possibility of deteriorating weather in Andaman, the Indian Coast Guard has taken over the front. Fishermen are being pulled out of the sea. Relief and rescue measures have also been taken. Andaman and Nicobar Administration has also issued helpline number 03192-245555/232714 and toll-free number 1800-345-2714 for passengers.
