PTI
Kolkata, Apr 28: A very severe cyclonic storm, Mala, has formed over southeast and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal, and lay centred at about 250 km northwest of Port Blair at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday, a cyclone warning for Andaman Islands said.
A press bulletin issued by Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Kolkata, said that the system was likely to intensify further and move in a north-north-easterly direction towards Arakan coast.
It said that gale wind speed reaching 80 to 100 kmph was likely along and off the coastal areas of Andaman Islands during next 12 hours. Under its influence, heavy rainfall is likely at a few places in Andaman Islands during next 36 hours.
Great danger signal number IX has been hoisted at Port Blair where the sea will be high to very high.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea.