Severe cyclone Nargis keeps Andaman worried

Port Blair, Apr 30 (UNI) Cyclonic storm 'NARGIS', which was formed nearly 600 km away from Chennai in northeast direction, has forced Andaman and Nicobar Islands to cancel sailing of all vessels and issue warning to fishermen.

'' All the inter-island sailing of these vessels has been cancelled and we have also postponed the sailing of a mainland bound ship, which was scheduled to leave Andaman for Vizag today,'' Andaman's Shipping Department officials told UNI today.

According to Indian Meterological department the cyclonic storm 'NARGIS' has become very severe and has now taken a turn towards the east southeast direction-- Burma.

'' The cyclone is still near Andaman and it is still not possible to comment whether it would be a problem for these islands, K C Das, the incharge of IMD's Andaman unit, said.

Meanwhile the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have issued a caution to all the local fishermen.

He said sea condition will be rough to very rough along and off north Tamil Nadu&Andhra Pradesh coasts and around Andaman Islands.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea, an official warning issued by Andaman administration said .

According to the local unit of Indian Meteorological Department, squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph is also likely to blow over Andaman Islands and adjoining sea areas during next 48 hours, because of the cyclonic storm.

Under its influence rain and thundershower is likely at many places with isolated heavy shower over Andaman&Nicobar Islands during the next 48 hours, Das added.

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