About 250 people are feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration. The vessel, which reportedly carried more than 250 men, women, and children, is believed to have sunk due to severe weather conditions and overcrowding. It had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was heading toward Malaysia.&nbsp;“The trawler … reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowding,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement on Tuesday. Each year, thousands of Rohingya, Myanmar’s persecuted Muslim minority, risk dangerous sea journeys to escape violence and repression. Many flee overcrowded refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, where over a million displaced people live in difficult conditions after escaping Myanmar’s Rakhine state.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-drill-baby-drill-trump-urges-uk-to-expand-north-sea-oil-and-gas-production-says-aberdeen-should-be-booming-1776194462115">'DRILL, BABY, DRILL...AND NO MORE...': Trump urges UK to expand North Sea oil and gas production, says Aberdeen ‘should be booming’</a>&nbsp;The region has seen ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group fighting for territorial control. Early reports suggest the boat carried about 280 passengers when it left Bangladesh on 4 April. The Bangladesh Coast Guard confirmed that nine survivors, including one woman, were rescued on 9 April.&nbsp;“The Bangladeshi flag carrier MT Meghna Pride … spotted several people floating in the sea using drums and logs, and rescued them from deep waters near the Andaman Islands,” a coast guard spokesperson said. “This tragedy highlights the devastating human cost of protracted displacement and the continued absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya,” said the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-pm-modi-trump-hold-talks-on-keeping-strait-of-hormuz-open-1776181507255/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-pm-modi-trump-hold-talks-on-keeping-strait-of-hormuz-open-1776181507255/embed</a>&nbsp;Survivor Rafiqul Islam described being deceived by traffickers who promised employment in Malaysia. “A number of us were kept in the holding area of the trawler; some died there. I was burned by oil that spilled from the trawler,” he said. “We floated for nearly 36 hours before a ship rescued us from deep water.”&nbsp;The UN agencies urged the international community to boost funding for humanitarian aid supporting Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. The Rohingya crisis intensified in 2017 when Myanmar’s military launched a campaign that forced over 730,000 people to flee. A UN investigation later concluded that the operation included “genocidal acts,” a claim Myanmar denies.

About 250 feared missing after a Rohingya refugee boat capsizes in the Andaman Sea. UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis and unsafe migration routes

About 250 people are feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration. The vessel, which reportedly carried more than 250 men, women, and children, is believed to have sunk due to severe weather conditions and overcrowding. It had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was heading toward Malaysia. “The trawler … reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowding,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement on Tuesday. Each year, thousands of Rohingya, Myanmar’s persecuted Muslim minority, risk dangerous sea journeys to escape violence and repression. Many flee overcrowded refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, where over a million displaced people live in difficult conditions after escaping Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Also Read: 'DRILL, BABY, DRILL...AND NO MORE...': Trump urges UK to expand North Sea oil and gas production, says Aberdeen ‘should be booming’ The region has seen ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group fighting for territorial control. Early reports suggest the boat carried about 280 passengers when it left Bangladesh on 4 April. The Bangladesh Coast Guard confirmed that nine survivors, including one woman, were rescued on 9 April. “The Bangladeshi flag carrier MT Meghna Pride … spotted several people floating in the sea using drums and logs, and rescued them from deep waters near the Andaman Islands,” a coast guard spokesperson said. “This tragedy highlights the devastating human cost of protracted displacement and the continued absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya,” said the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration. https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-pm-modi-trump-hold-talks-on-keeping-strait-of-hormuz-open-1776181507255/embed Survivor Rafiqul Islam described being deceived by traffickers who promised employment in Malaysia. “A number of us were kept in the holding area of the trawler; some died there. I was burned by oil that spilled from the trawler,” he said. “We floated for nearly 36 hours before a ship rescued us from deep water.” The UN agencies urged the international community to boost funding for humanitarian aid supporting Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. The Rohingya crisis intensified in 2017 when Myanmar’s military launched a campaign that forced over 730,000 people to flee. A UN investigation later concluded that the operation included “genocidal acts,” a claim Myanmar denies.

250 feared missing after Rohingya refugee boat capsizes in Andaman Sea amid harsh weather, overcrowding, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis

Rohingya boat tragedy: 250 missing after vessel capsizes in Andaman Sea en route to Malaysia

US and European oil companies have reported weaker first quarter results due to a sharp drop in natural gas prices compared with a year ago. Results at oil and gas firms are retreating from record levels in 2022 that were boosted by a surge in demand after the covid-19 pandemic and a spike in prices after Russia invaded Ukraine.


India: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Announces Discovery Of Natural Gas In Andaman Sea

The scientists have made a discovery in the depths of the Andaman Sea, Thailand. A new species of the Ghost Shark has been found. These are known to be related to sharks and rays.

<h2>History</h2>

Ghost sharks are known as, Chimaera supapae and are found in deep oceans. The name originated from the three-headed fire-breathing Greek mythical creature, Chimaera. Supapae draws from a late Thailand scientist, Supap Monokolprasit who dedicated her life to studying cartilaginous fishes. The programme director of the Pacific Shark Research Center, David Ebert said, as per LiveScience, "There were only 53 known species of chimaera in the world; this makes 54".

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<h2>Features</h2>

Commonly referred to as ghost sharks and ratfish,&nbsp;these species have a gigantic head and large iridescent eyes. The extra large eyes allow them to see in the depths of the ocean.

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Rarely spotted in the Andaman Sea, they prefer staying towards the bottom of the ocean beyond 1,640 feet (500 metres) in the dark region.

To dodge their predators, ghost sharks&nbsp;have a dark-brown skin that helps them camouflage and save themselves from becoming prey. Their rear spine further adds to their protection.

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Since Chimaera supapae are usually located at the depths of the ocean, they feed on worms, molluscs, crustaceans, etc.

<h2>Discovery</h2>

A dead male Chimaera was discovered 6 years back as a part of a deep-sea survey in 2018. Researchers found him in the Andaman Sea between 2,533 and 2543 feet (772 to 775 m) below the surface. After identifying&nbsp;features such as enormous oval eyes, short snout, etc. researchers concluded that it was a short-nose chimaera. Discoveries such as ghost sharks emit light on the fact that so much in the world is still yet to be identified by humans and that the world is much larger than our imagination.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The scientists have made a discovery in the depths of the Andaman Sea, Thailand. A new species of the Ghost Shark has been found. These are known to be related to sharks and rays.

The scientists have made a discovery in the depths of the Andaman Sea, Thailand. A new species of the Ghost Shark has been found. These are known to be related to sharks and rays. History Ghost sharks are known as, Chimaera supapae and are found in deep oceans. The name originated from the three-headed fire-breathing Greek mythical creature, Chimaera. Supapae draws from a late Thailand scientist, Supap Monokolprasit who dedicated her life to studying cartilaginous fishes. The programme director of the Pacific Shark Research Center, David Ebert said, as per LiveScience, "There were only 53 known species of chimaera in the world; this makes 54". Also read | Video: Was a UFO sighted in Cape Town? Weird red cloud triggers chatter on Internet Features Commonly referred to as ghost sharks and ratfish, these species have a gigantic head and large iridescent eyes. The extra large eyes allow them to see in the depths of the ocean. Watch | Morocco's increasing forest fire risk, outdoor cooking increasing forest risk Rarely spotted in the Andaman Sea, they prefer staying towards the bottom of the ocean beyond 1,640 feet (500 metres) in the dark region. To dodge their predators, ghost sharks have a dark-brown skin that helps them camouflage and save themselves from becoming prey. Their rear spine further adds to their protection. Also read | A bizarre theft! Robber falls asleep while in action, gets arrested next day Since Chimaera supapae are usually located at the depths of the ocean, they feed on worms, molluscs, crustaceans, etc. Discovery A dead male Chimaera was discovered 6 years back as a part of a deep-sea survey in 2018. Researchers found him in the Andaman Sea between 2,533 and 2543 feet (772 to 775 m) below the surface. After identifying features such as enormous oval eyes, short snout, etc. researchers concluded that it was a short-nose chimaera. Discoveries such as ghost sharks emit light on the fact that so much in the world is still yet to be identified by humans and that the world is much larger than our imagination. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find ‘Ghost Shark’ with giant head and iridescent eyes in Andaman Sea

A passenger has died, and 30 others have been injured after a Singapore Airlines plane from London was hit by severe turbulence over the Andaman Sea. Some passengers said the plane began shaking and then there was a sudden drop. The plane made an emergency landing in Bangkok.

Singapore Airlines flight tragedy: Deadly turbulence kills one passenger

For nearly two weeks, about 400 Rohingya refugees have been adrift on two boats in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations refugee agency said, urging the regional governments to help them.

The boats started from Bangladesh and are reported to have been at sea for about two weeks.

“There are about 400 children, women and men looking death in the eye if there are no moves to save these desperate souls,” said Babar Baloch, the regional spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, reports AP news agency.

Baloch believes that the incident could turn into another tragedy, similar to the one in December 2022, if the refugees are not given assistance.

In 2022, a boat of about 180 people went missing in what many described as the “darkest such incidents in the region”.

<h2>'Might turn into another human tragedy'&nbsp;</h2>

The captain of one of the boats told the AP news agency that about 180 to 190 people on board were out of food and water and the engine was damaged.

The captain, who identified himself as Maan Nokim, said that all could die if no one intervened to help them.

On Sunday, Nokim said the boat was 200 miles (320 km) from Thailand’s west coast. The whereabouts of the other boat were unclear.

The location shared by Nokim is about the same distance from Indonesia’s northernmost province of Aceh, where another boat with 139 people landed on Saturday on Sabang Island, off the tip of Sumatra, Baloch said.

Those on the ship included 58 children, 45 women and 36 men – the typical balance of those making the sea journey, he said. Hundreds more arrived in Aceh last month.

<h2>Abduction, gang violence driving out Rohingya&nbsp;from Bangladesh</h2>

However, a Thai Navy spokesperson on Monday said that he had no information about the boats.

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The minority Rohingya community of Myanmar has been living in camps in Bangladesh since 2017 after a brutal counterinsurgency campaign tore through their communities.

It is estimated that around 7,40,000 Rohingyas have been living in the Bangladeshi camps, and many of them have been shifted to an isolated silt island called Bhashan Char.

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However, gang violence and abduction have been driving out the refugees from Bangladesh, with many even landing in Indonesia.

More than half a dozen boats have arrived in Aceh since November 14, and monitors say more are on their way, despite some locals turning away arriving boats back to sea and stepping up patrols on the coast, reports AFP news agency.

Myanmar security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of Rohingya homes, and international courts are considering whether their actions constituted genocide.

(With inputs from agencies)

For nearly two weeks, about 400 Rohingya refugees have been adrift on two boats in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations refugee agency said, urging the regional governments to help them.

For nearly two weeks, about 400 Rohingya refugees have been adrift on two boats in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations refugee agency said, urging the regional governments to help them. The boats started from Bangladesh and are reported to have been at sea for about two weeks. “There are about 400 children, women and men looking death in the eye if there are no moves to save these desperate souls,” said Babar Baloch, the regional spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, reports AP news agency. Baloch believes that the incident could turn into another tragedy, similar to the one in December 2022, if the refugees are not given assistance. In 2022, a boat of about 180 people went missing in what many described as the “darkest such incidents in the region”. 'Might turn into another human tragedy' The captain of one of the boats told the AP news agency that about 180 to 190 people on board were out of food and water and the engine was damaged. The captain, who identified himself as Maan Nokim, said that all could die if no one intervened to help them. On Sunday, Nokim said the boat was 200 miles (320 km) from Thailand’s west coast. The whereabouts of the other boat were unclear. The location shared by Nokim is about the same distance from Indonesia’s northernmost province of Aceh, where another boat with 139 people landed on Saturday on Sabang Island, off the tip of Sumatra, Baloch said. Those on the ship included 58 children, 45 women and 36 men – the typical balance of those making the sea journey, he said. Hundreds more arrived in Aceh last month. Abduction, gang violence driving out Rohingya from Bangladesh However, a Thai Navy spokesperson on Monday said that he had no information about the boats. Also read | Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking reelection next year if not for Trump The minority Rohingya community of Myanmar has been living in camps in Bangladesh since 2017 after a brutal counterinsurgency campaign tore through their communities. It is estimated that around 7,40,000 Rohingyas have been living in the Bangladeshi camps, and many of them have been shifted to an isolated silt island called Bhashan Char. Also read | Netanyahu slams women's rights groups silent over sexual violence by Hamas However, gang violence and abduction have been driving out the refugees from Bangladesh, with many even landing in Indonesia. More than half a dozen boats have arrived in Aceh since November 14, and monitors say more are on their way, despite some locals turning away arriving boats back to sea and stepping up patrols on the coast, reports AFP news agency. Myanmar security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of Rohingya homes, and international courts are considering whether their actions constituted genocide. (With inputs from agencies)

Bereft of food and water, 400 Rohingya refugees adrift in Andaman Sea for two weeks: UN

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an alert over the possibility of a cyclone on the coast of the Eastern state of Odisha. The IMD said that the low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Sunday evening.

India: Eastern state Odisha braces for cyclone, met department issues alert

The Indian and Thai navies on Friday began a three-day coordinated patrol in the Andaman Sea amid growing concern over China's increasing maritime forays into the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Navy's indigenously built missile corvette Karmuk and Thailand's Khamrosin class anti-submarine patrol vessel Tayanchon along with maritime patrol aircraft from both navies are participating in the coordinated patrol (CORPAT), officials said.

The two navies have been bi-annually undertaking CORPAT along their international maritime boundary line (IMBL) since 2005 with an aim to keep the vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for global trade, Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

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"The CORPAT builds up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates institution of measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like illegal unreported unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery, and piracy," he said.

The official said it further helps enhance the operational synergy by exchange of information for the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration, and for conduct of search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea.

"The 32nd Indo-Thai CORPAT will contribute towards Indian Navy's efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship between India and Thailand," Commander Madhwal said.

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The Indian Navy has been gradually expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean region in the last few years.

Notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Navy participated in maritime exercises in the last few months with a number of countries.

Last month, India held the Malabar exercise that was also participated by the navies of the US, Japan, and Australia.

India invited Australia for the exercise last year as well as this year effectively making it a drill by all the Quad member nations.

The Quad, comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, is aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, a region that witnessed increasing Chinese military assertiveness in recent years.

China has been suspicious about the purpose of the Malabar exercise as it feels that the annual war game is an effort to contain its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The Indian and Thai navies on Friday began a three-day coordinated patrol in the Andaman Sea amid growing concern over China's increasing maritime forays into the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian and Thai navies on Friday began a three-day coordinated patrol in the Andaman Sea amid growing concern over China's increasing maritime forays into the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Navy's indigenously built missile corvette Karmuk and Thailand's Khamrosin class anti-submarine patrol vessel Tayanchon along with maritime patrol aircraft from both navies are participating in the coordinated patrol (CORPAT), officials said. The two navies have been bi-annually undertaking CORPAT along their international maritime boundary line (IMBL) since 2005 with an aim to keep the vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for global trade, Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. Also read | Need wider roads for Army to move missiles up to Indo-China border: Govt to SC "The CORPAT builds up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates institution of measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like illegal unreported unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery, and piracy," he said. The official said it further helps enhance the operational synergy by exchange of information for the prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration, and for conduct of search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea. "The 32nd Indo-Thai CORPAT will contribute towards Indian Navy's efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship between India and Thailand," Commander Madhwal said. Also read | ‘Shows their attitude’: India slams Pak for skipping NSA meet on Afghanistan The Indian Navy has been gradually expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean region in the last few years. Notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Navy participated in maritime exercises in the last few months with a number of countries. Last month, India held the Malabar exercise that was also participated by the navies of the US, Japan, and Australia. India invited Australia for the exercise last year as well as this year effectively making it a drill by all the Quad member nations. The Quad, comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, is aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, a region that witnessed increasing Chinese military assertiveness in recent years. China has been suspicious about the purpose of the Malabar exercise as it feels that the annual war game is an effort to contain its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Thai navies begin three-day coordinated patrol in Andaman Sea

Myanmar troops and emergency responders scrambled to provide aid in flood-hit parts of the country Sunday after rising waters forced residents to flee by boat and a landslide killed at least 52 people.

Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides.

But this season's deluge has tested disaster response after a fatal landslide on Friday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-landslide-kills-41-many-more-feared-missing-242080">southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding</a> that reached the roofs of houses and treetops in nearby towns.

Hundreds of soldiers, firefighters, and local rescue workers were still pulling bodies and vehicles out of the muddy wreckage of Paung township on Sunday.

"The latest death toll we have from the landslide in Mon state was 52," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP.

As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in and have readied helicopters to deliver supplies.

"Access to affected regions is still good. Our ground forces can reach the areas so far," Zaw Min Tun said.

Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin state, flooding roads and destroying bridges that crumbled under the weight of the downpour.

But the bulk of the relief effort is focused on hard-hit Mon, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea.

About two-thirds of the state's Ye township remained flooded, an administrator said, as drone footage showed only the tops of houses, tree branches and satellite dishes poking above the waters.

We thought we were dead

Families realised they had to leave in the early hours Sunday, packing possessions into boats, rowing towards the higher ground or swimming away.&nbsp;

Than Htay, a 40-year-old from Ye town told AFP that water rose to their waists around 02:00 am and she and her family members started shouting for help.

The heavy rains muffled their pleas but a boat happened to pass by and gave them a ride.

"That’s why we survived. We thought we were dead,” she said. 
Another resident said this year's flooding was the worst they had experienced.

Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar.

Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief, the paper reported.

The search for victims continued later Sunday though the rain has made the process more difficult.

“We are still working. We will continue searching in the coming days as well," Paung township administrator Zaw Moe Aung said.

Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather.

That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Myanmar troops and emergency responders scrambled to provide aid in flood-hit parts of the country Sunday after rising waters forced residents to flee by boat and a landslide killed at least 52 people.

Myanmar troops and emergency responders scrambled to provide aid in flood-hit parts of the country Sunday after rising waters forced residents to flee by boat and a landslide killed at least 52 people. Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides. But this season's deluge has tested disaster response after a fatal landslide on Friday in southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding that reached the roofs of houses and treetops in nearby towns. Hundreds of soldiers, firefighters, and local rescue workers were still pulling bodies and vehicles out of the muddy wreckage of Paung township on Sunday. "The latest death toll we have from the landslide in Mon state was 52," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP. As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in and have readied helicopters to deliver supplies. "Access to affected regions is still good. Our ground forces can reach the areas so far," Zaw Min Tun said. Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin state, flooding roads and destroying bridges that crumbled under the weight of the downpour. But the bulk of the relief effort is focused on hard-hit Mon, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea. About two-thirds of the state's Ye township remained flooded, an administrator said, as drone footage showed only the tops of houses, tree branches and satellite dishes poking above the waters. We thought we were dead Families realised they had to leave in the early hours Sunday, packing possessions into boats, rowing towards the higher ground or swimming away. Than Htay, a 40-year-old from Ye town told AFP that water rose to their waists around 02:00 am and she and her family members started shouting for help. The heavy rains muffled their pleas but a boat happened to pass by and gave them a ride. "That’s why we survived. We thought we were dead,” she said. Another resident said this year's flooding was the worst they had experienced. Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief, the paper reported. The search for victims continued later Sunday though the rain has made the process more difficult. “We are still working. We will continue searching in the coming days as well," Paung township administrator Zaw Moe Aung said. Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather. That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Myanmar battles rising floodwaters after landslide kills 52

A cyclonic storm formed over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/southern-thailand-braces-for-tropical-storm-prabuk-188019">South China Sea is fast </a>approaching the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the regional meteorological department in Kolkata informed on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Met department informed that the cyclonic storm, ‘Pabuk’ will emerge in the Andaman Sea around forenoon on January 5th. Heavy to heavy rain is expected in few places over the islands and wind speed will be gusting between 55-65 kmph and 75 kmph over the next 48 hours.&nbsp;

“Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to commence over Andaman Sea along and off south Myanmar and Thailand coast from 4th January evening. It is very likely to increase gradually becoming 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 over the Andaman Sea on 5th and over the Andaman Islands, Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east-central and the southeast Bay of Bengal on 6th and 7th,” said the Met department’s advisory.&nbsp;

The advisory asked all inhabitants of the Islands and tourists to take precautionary measures and plan accordingly in the wake rough sea conditions caused by the cyclonic storm. It further informed that passenger vessel between Swaraj Deep(Havelock)and Shaheed Deep(Neil) may be affected.&nbsp;

“The sea condition will be rough to very rough over Andaman Sea along and off south Myanmar and Thailand coast from 4th January evening. It is very likely to become very rough to high over Andaman Sea on 5th and over Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east-central and the southeast Bay of Bengal on 6th and 7th,” adds the advisory.&nbsp;

This apart, the fishermen have been advised not to venture into Andaman Sea during January 4th-7th and into adjoining southeast and the east-central Bay of Bengal during January 6-7th.

Odisha and Andaman administration have been put on alert due to the incoming cyclone.

Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner issued an alert to seven coastal districts to monitor the situation closely. The seven coastal districts put on alert are - Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Puri, Ganjam and Khordha.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

A cyclonic storm formed over the South China Sea is fast approaching the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the regional meteorological department in Kolkata informed on Thursday.

A cyclonic storm formed over the South China Sea is fast approaching the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the regional meteorological department in Kolkata informed on Thursday. The Met department informed that the cyclonic storm, ‘Pabuk’ will emerge in the Andaman Sea around forenoon on January 5th. Heavy to heavy rain is expected in few places over the islands and wind speed will be gusting between 55-65 kmph and 75 kmph over the next 48 hours. “Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to commence over Andaman Sea along and off south Myanmar and Thailand coast from 4th January evening. It is very likely to increase gradually becoming 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 over the Andaman Sea on 5th and over the Andaman Islands, Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east-central and the southeast Bay of Bengal on 6th and 7th,” said the Met department’s advisory. The advisory asked all inhabitants of the Islands and tourists to take precautionary measures and plan accordingly in the wake rough sea conditions caused by the cyclonic storm. It further informed that passenger vessel between Swaraj Deep(Havelock)and Shaheed Deep(Neil) may be affected. “The sea condition will be rough to very rough over Andaman Sea along and off south Myanmar and Thailand coast from 4th January evening. It is very likely to become very rough to high over Andaman Sea on 5th and over Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east-central and the southeast Bay of Bengal on 6th and 7th,” adds the advisory. This apart, the fishermen have been advised not to venture into Andaman Sea during January 4th-7th and into adjoining southeast and the east-central Bay of Bengal during January 6-7th. Odisha and Andaman administration have been put on alert due to the incoming cyclone. Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner issued an alert to seven coastal districts to monitor the situation closely. The seven coastal districts put on alert are - Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Puri, Ganjam and Khordha.

Cyclone ‘Pabuk’ approaching Andaman and Nicobar islands: Met department

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday expressed grief over the loss of life in a volcano-triggered<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-indonesia-regularly-hit-by-quakes-and-tsunamis-185962"> tsunami in Indonesia</a> and said India stands by Indonesians in this hour of grief.&nbsp;

On Sunday, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-tsunami-death-toll-climbs-to-222-over-800-injured-185999">powerful tsunami hit Indonesia</a>, known for its thousands of islands stretching from the Andaman Sea to the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, killing at least 281 people and injuring thousands.

"My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief @Menlu_RI," Swaraj tweeted tagging the foreign ministry of Indonesia Menteri Luar Negeri.

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My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief <a href="https://twitter.com/Menlu_RI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Menlu_RI</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1077042094877954048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In October, when a deadly tsunami hit Indonesia India had pressed its Air Force and Navy for rescue and humanitarian work.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday expressed grief over the loss of life in a volcano-triggered tsunami in Indonesia and said India stands by Indonesians in this hour of grief.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday expressed grief over the loss of life in a volcano-triggered tsunami in Indonesia and said India stands by Indonesians in this hour of grief. On Sunday, a powerful tsunami hit Indonesia, known for its thousands of islands stretching from the Andaman Sea to the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, killing at least 281 people and injuring thousands. "My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief @Menlu_RI," Swaraj tweeted tagging the foreign ministry of Indonesia Menteri Luar Negeri. My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief @Menlu_RI — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 24, 2018 × In October, when a deadly tsunami hit Indonesia India had pressed its Air Force and Navy for rescue and humanitarian work.

India stands by tsunami-hit Indonesia: Sushma Swaraj

Thailand`s Maya Bay, made famous by the film "The Beach", will close to visitors for four months from June to allow its coral reefs to recover from rising temperatures and the environmental impact of thousands of visitors each day.

The bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was the main location of the 2000 film starring Leonardo Di Caprio, which revealed to viewers the stunning beauty of Thailand`s turquoise seas and white-powder beaches, spurring many to visit.

Up to 5,000 visitors go to the beach every day, says Thailand`s tourism agency, travelling by speedboat and ferries to Maya Bay, which is sheltered by 100-meter high cliffs.

The closure from June 1 is a bid to salvage the area`s coral reefs, which have been damaged by warmer temperatures and growing numbers of tourists.

"This is one way to try to preserve our natural heritage, which is a vital part of our important tourism industry," said Kanokkittika Kritwutikon, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand`s office in Phuket.

No boats will be allowed to moor in the bay, said a tour operator, Maya Bay Tours.

"We have been advised that Maya Bay will close from 1 June to 30 September 2018 to allow some recovery time for the bay," it said on its website. "No boats will be allowed to moor in Maya Bay, but we will run past the bay."

Tourism receipts make up about 12 percent of Southeast Asia`s second-largest economy, but there has been increasing concern about Thailand`s ability to manage its rapidly growing number of visitors and the environmental impact of mass tourism.

This year the country banned smoking and littering at 24 beachside locations over environmental concerns.

Thailand is among the world`s biggest contributors to ocean waste, posing a serious threat to wildlife, the magazine Science said in a report in 2015.&nbsp;

Some in the tourism industry said Maya Bay`s closure would have little impact, however.&nbsp;

"There are other places to visit which are equally interesting," said Geng, 35, a hotel receptionist on Phi Phi Island, who gave only one name.&nbsp;

"June to September is not high season. I can take tourists to other beaches, like Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island."&nbsp;

The bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was the main location of the 2000 film starring Leonardo Di Caprio

Thailand`s Maya Bay, made famous by the film "The Beach", will close to visitors for four months from June to allow its coral reefs to recover from rising temperatures and the environmental impact of thousands of visitors each day. The bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was the main location of the 2000 film starring Leonardo Di Caprio, which revealed to viewers the stunning beauty of Thailand`s turquoise seas and white-powder beaches, spurring many to visit. Up to 5,000 visitors go to the beach every day, says Thailand`s tourism agency, travelling by speedboat and ferries to Maya Bay, which is sheltered by 100-meter high cliffs. The closure from June 1 is a bid to salvage the area`s coral reefs, which have been damaged by warmer temperatures and growing numbers of tourists. "This is one way to try to preserve our natural heritage, which is a vital part of our important tourism industry," said Kanokkittika Kritwutikon, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand`s office in Phuket. No boats will be allowed to moor in the bay, said a tour operator, Maya Bay Tours. "We have been advised that Maya Bay will close from 1 June to 30 September 2018 to allow some recovery time for the bay," it said on its website. "No boats will be allowed to moor in Maya Bay, but we will run past the bay." Tourism receipts make up about 12 percent of Southeast Asia`s second-largest economy, but there has been increasing concern about Thailand`s ability to manage its rapidly growing number of visitors and the environmental impact of mass tourism. This year the country banned smoking and littering at 24 beachside locations over environmental concerns. Thailand is among the world`s biggest contributors to ocean waste, posing a serious threat to wildlife, the magazine Science said in a report in 2015. Some in the tourism industry said Maya Bay`s closure would have little impact, however. "There are other places to visit which are equally interesting," said Geng, 35, a hotel receptionist on Phi Phi Island, who gave only one name. "June to September is not high season. I can take tourists to other beaches, like Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island."

Thai Bay made famous by film ''The Beach'' to close for four months

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