Andaman islands: With evacuation hit, families of stranded tourists spend sleepless nights

Mangalore Today News Network

Andaman, Dec 08, 2016 : With the storm not showing any signs of let up, families of hundreds of tourists stranded in Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are spending sleepless nights.

 

Due to the development of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, it has been raining incessantly in the Havelock Island, leaving around 1,400 tourists stranded, of which many are from West Bengal.

With almost no connectivity, stranded tourists have not been able to contact their families.


West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb said, "Tourists from Bengal who are in Andaman are safe. Vessels from Port Blair were sent to pick them up from Havelock but because of inclement weather they could not reach the tourists".

The minister said the state’s tourism department and highest authorities in the West Bengal administration are in touch with their counterparts in Port Blair and the south Andaman district administration.

"Once the weather gets better, they will be brought back to Port Blair. Till then, they have no problem regarding food and lodging. With respect to their air tickets, we have had a talk with the air authorities concerned and asked them to revalidate it," said Tourism Minister Gautam Deb.

Hard times for families

Despite government’s assurances, these are hard times for the families of those who are stranded in the islands. Sameer Jana, brother of stranded tourist Mir Jana, said, "They are stuck in the hotel and are not able to go anywhere because of the rain." Mir Jana and his group are stuck in Andaman.

 

Courtesy: IndiaToday