Indian Air Force plane preparing to transport National Disaster Response Force personnel and material as cyclone hits. Photo submitted by: India Defence Ministry
NEW DELHI (AP) A powerful cyclone roaring in the Arabian Sea was moving toward India s western coast on Monday as authorities tried to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people and suspended COVID-19 vaccinations in one state.
Cyclone Tauktae, which has already killed six people in parts of southern India, was expected to make landfall on Monday evening in Gujarat state with winds of up to 175 kilometers (109 miles) per hour, the India Meteorological Department said.
Forecasters warned of possible extensive damage from high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding in low-lying areas.
Powerful cyclone hits land in India amid deadly virus surge
The massive storm comes as India is battling a devastating coronavirus surge and the storm and the virus could exacerbate the effects of the other. Author: Associated Press Updated: 12:19 PM EDT May 17, 2021
NEW DELHI, Delhi A powerful cyclone that emerged in the Arabian Sea made landfall on India s western coast on Monday, hours after authorities evacuated hundreds of thousands of people and suspended COVID-19 vaccinations in one state.
Cyclone Tauktae, the most powerful storm to hit the region in more than two decades, came ashore in Gujarat state with heavy rain, a battering storm surge and sustained winds of up to 165 kilometers (103 miles) per hour, the India Meteorological Department said.
A woman rides a scooter through a waterlogged street following heavy rains from Cyclone Tauktae in Mumbai on May 17, 2021. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)
A major cyclone packing ferocious winds and threatening a destructive storm surge bore down on India on Monday, disrupting the country’s response to its devastating Covid-19 outbreak. x
At least six people died over the weekend in torrential rains and winds as Cyclone Tauktae, according to press reports the biggest to hit western India in 30 years, swept over the Arabian Sea with Gujarat state in its sights.
The “Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm” was due to make landfall on Monday between 8-11 pm (1430-1730 GMT) with winds of 155-165 kilometres per hour (95-100 miles per hour) gusting up to 185 kmph, the Indian Meteorological Department said.
Live and Local Podcast - Supporting Live Local Music On The Isle Of Wight Monster cyclone to batter COVID-ravaged India as officials scramble to evacuate hundreds of thousands
Cyclone Tauktae, which has already killed six people in southern parts of the
COVID-ravaged country, was expected to make landfall on Monday evening in Gujarat state with winds of up to 109 miles per hour.
Forecasters from the
India Meteorological Department warned of possible extensive damage from high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding in low-lying areas.
The huge storm comes as the country battles a devastating
coronavirus surge - and both the extreme weather and the virus could exacerbate the effects of the other.
NEW DELHI (AP) — A powerful cyclone that emerged in the Arabian Sea made landfall on India s western coast on Monday, hours after authorities evacuated hundreds of thousands of people