Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed on Thursday that the rescue operations will be launched soon to help those who are stranded on Andaman islands. The government said that as soon as the intensity of the cyclone reduces rescue operations will start and all the tourists will be evacuated from Andaman's Havelock island.

"Spoke to Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Jagdish Mukhi who apprised me of the situation in Havelock Islands. All the tourists who are stranded in Havelock Island are safe. The government has made all the preparations to evacuate them," Singh tweeted.

Singh also requested all the family members of those stranded not to panic.

"The government will launch the rescue operations immediately after the intensity of the cyclone reduces. The teams are ready in Port Blair. I appeal to the family members of stranded tourists that they should not panic as everyone in the Havelock Islands are reported to be safe," he added.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Wednesday confirmed that "1,400 tourists are stuck on Havelock Island and added that the administration has asked them to stay indoors till the weather gets normal."

The Indian Navy on Wednesday notified about their ships arriving at Havelock Island. The rescue operations will start as soon as the weather gets normal. All the tourists will be shifted from Havelock island to Port Blair.

Also Read: 800 Tourists Stranded in Andaman Islands, Navy Launched Rescue Operations

BY M. DIVYA SRI