Chennai, Nov. 14 -- With the Cyclonic Storm Akvan brewing over the bay and was likely to further intensify, the Indian CoastGuard (ICG) on Saturday said it has heightened the operatinoal preparedness at sea with ships and aircraft kept in state of readinessfor deployment.

A defence statement here said following the initial indication of the Low Pressure Area over the South East Bay of Bengal having the potential to evolve into a Cyclonic Storm, the ICG) has significantly stepped up operational preparedness along the eastern seaboard, initiating a series of proactive measures to safeguard lives, protect property and enhance maritime safety amid evolving weather conditions.

ICG ships and aircraft have been placed on heightened alert and kep...