Indian authorities evacuate over 1,200 tourists from Andamans

Over 1,200 tourists stranded in India's eastern archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar were evacuated Friday, officials said.

The evacuation was carried out by Indian air force, navy and coast guard.

Around 1,400 tourists were stranded after heavy rains hit Neil and Havelock islands on Monday. The inclement weather caused a severe depression formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and triggered heavy rainfall, strong wind and rough sea conditions on the archipelago.

Indian navy initiated the evacuation process on Wednesday, however their efforts were hampered due to bad weather in the area as ships could not reach the Havelock and Neil Islands.

Reports said weather conditions improved in the area on Friday after which authorities reinitiated evacuation process.

India's state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said after the improvement in weather condition, the Andaman Nicobar administration in coordination with defence and coast guard carried out evacuation of stranded tourists from Havelock and Neil Islands.

"During the day long evacuation operation, five naval ships, two coast guard ships and three Indian air force choppers were placed in service. Apart from this the ships from Andaman Nicobar administration and helicopter of the Union Territory also participated in the evacuation drive," the broadcaster said.

Officials said remaining tourists stranded on the island would be brought to Port Blair, the capital city by Friday night.

Every year thousands of tourists including foreigners visit the coral reef-fringed Andaman islands where is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches. Endit