(Repeating with insertion in para six)

Port Blair, Aug 11 (UNI) The meteorological department in Andaman has predicted heavy to very heavy rains with a wind speed between 75 and 85 km per hour and high seas likely along and off Andaman Nicobar coasts.

Local cautionary signal number 3 has been hoisted at Port Blair port.

''The wind will be in the south westerly direction,'' said D C Gupta the in-charge of local met office in Andaman.

A squall passed over this Port Blair, the capital of Andaman, at 8.40 pm on Wednesday last from westerly direction with maximum wind speed of 96 kmph and according to Met Office the bad whether would continue.

''Its impact was so intense that the city witnessed cyclonic conditions with falling of trees and their branches at many places blocking the roads. The gale also led to snapping of electricity lines with power suspension at many places for hours together,'' Met office sources said.

Many ships were stranded in harbours with passengers considering to avoid the very rough sea.

The rainfall recorded from 8.30 am on August 9 to August 10 at 8.30 am stood at 51.6mm.

Fishermen have been advised by Andaman Administration not to venture into the sea. A squall passed towards westerly direction at a wind speed of 75 km yesterday at 5.35 pm and lasted one minute.

UNI SKR PL RN1610