World
Six killed after cyclone ‘Takutae’ hit Indian states
In India, at least six people were killed with large areas inundated, houses destroyed and trees and power lines uprooted as the severe cyclone ‘ Takutae’ hit the Karnataka, Goa and Gujarat states.
The cyclone is likely to intensify further today triggering heavy rains in various parts.
In early hours of Monday, Mumbai witnessed heavy rain with gusty winds. However, Bandra-Worli sea link has been closed till further updates.
The airport operations have also been suspended for three hours from 11 am to 2 pm.
As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall in Gujarat state on Tuesday.
The first major storm of the season comes as India battles a second wave of the coronavirus.
Packing winds of up to 140 kilometers per hour Tauktae has been building up over the Arabian Sea and moved northwards and is currently located northwest of Goa.
According to media reports, tens of thousands people are set to be evacuated from coastal districts in Gujarat.
Reportedly, the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination rollout will be suspended on Monday and Tuesday in the state.
India is already battling a second wave of coronavirus that has pushed its healthcare system to breaking point, leading to severe shortages of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.