Monday, July 25 2005 13:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Union Science and Technology Minister, Kapil Sibal, yesterday (July 24, 2005) said there was no need to issue any Tsunami warning in the wake of a high-intensity earthquake in Andaman and Nicobar islands.

"Since there is no rise in the sea level for the past one-and-a-half-hour, there is no justification to issue a Tsunami warning," Sibal said.

The Government was keeping a close watch on the situation and there was no cause for panic, he said.

"I spoke to Naval authorities and they said there is no unexpected rise in the sea level and there is also no other untoward activities," Sibal said.

"There is nothing to worry at the moment. We are keeping a strict vigil. If there is any untoward movement, we will bring the information to the people," he said.

On the Tsunami warning issued by Thailand, the Minister said, "If they have issued a warning, then it does not mean we will also issue a warning."