Over 1,200 stranded tourists evacuated from Andaman

More than 1,200 stranded tourists were evacuated from Neil and Havelock islands of Andaman and Nicobar by five naval ships, two coast guard ships and three Indian Air Force choppers.

Besides, ships of the Andaman Nicobar Administration and Helicopter of the UT also participated in the evacuation drive.

The Indian Navy rescued at least 425 tourists, while a total of 295 tourists have been rescued by the Indian Air Force until now and there is no report of loss of life. The relief work is being carried out and remaining tourist will be brought back to Port Blair by tonight.

After the improvement in the weather condition, the Andaman Nicobar Administration in coordination with defence and coast guard carried out evacuation of stranded tourists from Havelock and Neil Islands, though the condition of the sea is very rough.

Heavy overnight rains in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have disrupted normal life in the islands developing into flood-like situation in north and middle Andamans. Located about 40 km from state capital Port Blair, Havelock and Neil islands are the most popular tourist attractions of Andamans, and the worst affected. Nearly 450 tourist at Havelock islands and 500 at Neil islands had been stranded in the islands.