Fresh panic swept the tsunami-ravaged coasts of southern India as the government cautioned against more tidal waves Thursday.

Based on inputs from experts and weathermen, the home ministry directed immediate evacuation of people to safer places and all shorelines to be made inaccessible to the public, the Indo-Asian News Service reported.

The message said: "A number of experts outside the country are suggesting that another tsunami may hit Indian Ocean (Thursday) afternoon in the event of an earthquake of high intensity which may happen near Australian region. This ministry is making an assessment of the information available from various sources and websites.

"However, pending that and to be cautious, state governments and union territory administrations are kindly requested to put their administrative machinery on alert in the coastal areas and keep continuous vigil on any development in the sea.

"Arrangements may also be tied up for evacuation of people if required. Shoreline up to two kilometers into the mainland may be made non-accessible to the general public. This ministry will comeback to you once available information is analyzed and assessment is made."

The Indian Army, navy and air force have also been put on alert and asked to provide help.

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2004)