The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has put in place plans to evacuate residents from low-lying areas while Indian Navy ships and army relief teams are on standby as heavy rains lashed the region accompanied with strong winds ahead of Cyclone Asani.

Cyclone Asani is not expected to make a landfall in in Andaman Islands

And is likely to veer off towards Myanmar and the south Bangladesh coast, India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.

The weather system is expected to intensify first into a deep depression and later into a cyclonic storm on Monday, the India Meteorological Department said on its website.

Inter-island shipping services have been stopped and fishermen have been warned not to go out.

The island administration said it has properly planned to deal with any situation, including evacuation of people from low-lying areas.

Around 100 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force have also been deployed and six relief camps set up in parts of the islands, according to officials.

The Union Territory's Chief Secretary Jitendra Narain has asked officials to ensure there is enough food and provisions for people affected by the storm.

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