Cyclone Asani: Schools & Colleges Closed As Andaman Experience Rain, Strong Winds. NDRF On Alert

The UT government has also cancelled all planned boat sailings in the foreshore zone, and passengers are encouraged to consult the helpline numbers: 03192-245555/232714 or 1-800-345-2714.

Representational Image. (File Photo)

New Delhi: In light of the approaching cyclone Asani, the Andaman and Nicobar administration has closed all schools and colleges in the union territory as a preventive measure beginning March 21. Heavy rains have already begun in certain sections of the islands since the afternoon.

The UT government has also cancelled all planned boat sailings in the foreshore zone, and passengers are encouraged to consult the helpline numbers: 03192-245555/232714 or 1-800-345-2714, news agency IANS reported.

"21st March: Light to moderate rainfall/thundershower at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall are very likely over the North Andaman Islands. Light to moderate rainfall at a few places is likely over the Nicobar Islands," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a Twitter post on Sunday.

21st March: Light to moderate rainfall/thundershower at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall are very likely over north Andaman Islands. Light to moderate rainfall at a few places is likely over Nicobar Islands.

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) March 20, 2022

Meanwhile, NDRF workers stationed around the UT have removed trees in susceptible locations as a preventative step and conducted an awareness campaign to alert residents in such regions.

On March 18, five teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Arakkonam's base were airlifted to Port Blaire, where they were deployed with all essential equipment to conduct search and rescue operations.

Andaman & Nicobar Chief Secretary Jitendra Narayan inspected the preparations of all UT agencies on Saturday and urged all personnel to make every effort to guarantee public safety.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining south Andaman Sea will intensify further into a deep depression during the next 24 hours.

"Yesterday's Well marked Low-pressure area intensified into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south the Andaman Sea at 0530 IST of today the 20th March 2022. To intensify further into a Deep Depression during next 24 hours," IMD tweeted.

Yesterday's Well marked Low pressure area intensified into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea at 0530 IST of today the 20th March 2022. To intensify further into a Deep Depression during next 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/DGZ51bTVFq

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) March 20, 2022

The Union Home Secretary evaluated the readiness of all central agencies and departments for the approaching storm in the Bay of Bengal on March 17.

The UT administration is also prepared with adequate emergency supplies and methods to safeguard the inhabitants and restore infrastructure.

Meanwhile, fishing tourist and shipping operations have been halted, and fishermen have been told not to enter the water for many days.

(With IANS Inputs)