Navy, Army on high alert as heavy rains lash Andaman Islands ahead of Cyclone Asani

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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.</p>
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Cyclone Asani is not expected to make a landfall in in Andaman Islands</p>
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And is likely to veer off towards Myanmar and the south Bangladesh coast, India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.</p>
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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.</p>
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Inter-island shipping services have been stopped and fishermen have been warned not to go out.</p>
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The island administration said it has properly planned to deal with any situation, including evacuation of people from low-lying areas.</p>
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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.</p>
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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.</p>
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