Over 1,200 stranded tourists evacuated from Andaman and Nicobar

Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, IndiaUpdated: Dec 09, 2016, 05:41 PM IST

Many tourists had been stranded with no flights and ships,and no internet or mobile connectivity,due to rough weather. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons) Photograph:(Others)

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

The evacuations happened two days after the administration of Andaman and Nicobar sought the Indian Navy's help.

Ships of the Andaman Nicobar Administration and Helicopter of the UT also participated in the evacuation drive, ANI said.

Four Indian Navy ships -- INS Bitra, Bangaram, Kumbhir and LCU 38 -- were deployed to undertake evacuation of the stranded tourists.

The evacuation operations started after weather conditions improved later into Friday evening.

Heavy rains developing into a flood-like situation, had led to more than a thousand people being stranded for over three days on the islands with no mobile or internet connectivity.

Havelock Island is the largest chain of Islands and is a famous tourist destination, and is located 40 km from the capital Port Blair.

(WION with inputs from ANI)