IMD Issues Cyclone Alert for Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Bay of Bengal System Intensifies

Port Blair:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'Cyclone Alert' on Monday for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a cyclonic circulation formed over the Bay of Bengal, which officials predict will intensify from November 4 onwards.

According to a senior IMD official, a low-pressure area began developing over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjacent Myanmar coast at 8.30 am on November 2.

"The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. It is expected to move north and then northwestwards along and off the Myanmar-Bangladesh coasts during the next 48 hours," the official explained.

The weather department has warned of squally conditions with surface wind speeds reaching 55 kmph over the North Andaman Sea. "The system will likely intensify from November 4 onwards, and sea conditions will remain rough," the official further stated.

Following this alert, the local administration has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the North Andaman Sea. Boat operators, island residents, and tourists have also been strongly urged to exercise extreme caution and refrain from recreational activities at sea.