New Delhi, April 11
Even as the tsunami threat following a massive quake in Indonesia has been downgraded, Indian security forces are fully prepared to rush in aid to the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar islands in case of an emergency.

The tsunami warning was issued after tremors measuring 8.6 on the Richter scale were reported in Indonesia. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands — the closest Indian territory to the epicenter, which was just 270 nautical miles south of Campbell Bay — are being closely monitored. In 2004, the islands were ravaged by a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake in Indonesia.

The military has put its aircraft and warships on high alert for carrying out relief and rescue operations. Two medium lift C-130J planes were ready at the Hindon airbase near the Capital. An IL- 76 was ready at Chandigarh to airlift material to Chennai. The planes would also carry teams of the National Disaster Relief Force along with sniffer dogs and equipment. These planes can also drop material from the sky in case of an emergency. Two AN-32s and Dorniers are on standby in the southern sector.

The Indian Navy is also ready to deal with any adverse situation. Warships in Port Blair area were sailed out as a precautionary measure. A big tsunami wave can sweep away smaller vessels.

The Eastern Naval Command is preparing ships with disaster relief teams on it to provide immediate assistance to affected areas, if required. Other warships in the Bay of Bengal have also been alerted.

A full brigade — around 4,500 men — of the Army trained in amphibious warfare is stationed on the islands.

Union Home Secretary RK Singh said: “As of now there are no signs of a tsunami."

The Centre was in constant touch with officials in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. In Andhra Pradesh, fishermen were asked to return from sea. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, civilians were asked to move to higher ground.