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Cyclone Tauktae makes landfall in Covid-stricken India
AFP/Mahuva, India Filed on May 17, 2021
Strong sea waves near the Gateway of India as cyclone Tauktae approaches the coast of Mumbai on Monday. ANI
Thousands of disaster response personnel have been deployed, while units from the coast guard, navy, army and air force have been placed on standby.
A deadly cyclone blasted ashore in western India late on Monday with fierce winds and drenching rains that turned streets into rivers, disrupting the country s response to its devastating Covid-19 outbreak.
Cyclone Tauktae, which local press reports called the biggest to hit the area in 30 years, has unleashed heavy weather since the weekend that killed at least 20 people in its approach to land.
Expected to make landfall in Gujarat late Monday Compounds problems for authorities struggling with COVID Concern for welfare of rare Asiatic lions in Gujarat Two barges with over 400 people adrift near Mumbai (Updates evacuation, death toll numbers)
By Sumit Khanna
Ahmedabad, May 17 (Reuters) - Indian authorities on Monday moved over 200,000 people from their homes in the state of Gujarat to safety and shut ports and major airports as the most powerful cyclone in more than two decades roared up the west coast.
Cyclone Tauktae killed at least 16 people and left a trail of destruction as it brushed past the coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, the authorities said. It was set to make landfall in Gujarat late on Monday.
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: 11:19 AM CDT 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.
Cyclone Tauktae: India s Gujarat evacuates over 200,000 people
By
Monday May 17, 2021
An uprooted tree is seen on a road after strong winds caused by Cyclone Tauktae in Mumbai, India May 17, 2021. Reuters
At least 16 people killed by Cyclone Tauktae.
Makes landfall in Gujarat on late Monday evening.
Compounds problems for authorities struggling with COVID.
Concern for welfare of rare Asiatic lions in Gujarat.
Authorities on Monday evacuated more than 200,000 people from their homes in India s Gujarat state and shut ports and major airports as the most powerful cyclone in more than two decades made landfall in the state.
Rain intensified and several incidents of power outages were reported in the state. Electricity pylons and trees were uprooted and buildings were damaged in coastal areas of Gujarat, state authorities said.