The Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over, and India is facing a new disaster as the strongest cyclone in 20 years makes landfall in the western part of the country.
Cyclone Tauktae, the strongest cyclone to appear in the Arabian Sea in the past 20 years, made landfall on the coast of Gujarat, Southwest India, causing heavy rain and winds gusting up to 165 km/h, along with large waves, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. (Photo: AP).
Authorities warned that strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding would cause severe damage to low-lying areas. So far, at least 12 people in Gujarat have died since the cyclone made landfall. Hundreds of thousands of residents have also been evacuated. (Photo: AP).
The cyclone made landfall as India struggles to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, complicating response efforts. The storm has disrupted vaccination campaigns in many areas. Meanwhile, the risk of virus transmission in storm shelters is very high. (Photo: AP).
In Gujarat, authorities had to suspend vaccinations for two days to evacuate residents to temporary storm shelters. The state governor, Vijay Rupani, has asked officials to ensure oxygen supplies for hospitals. (Photo: AP).
In Maharashtra, 6 people have died due to storm-related incidents, according to Press Trust. The capital Mumbai experienced heavy rain and strong winds. City authorities had to close the main airport in Mumbai. (Photo: AP).
Heavy rains also claimed 6 lives in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa over the weekend as Cyclone Tauktae moved along the western coast of India. Fishing boats in many areas had to return to shore. Thousands of rescue teams, along with many boats and aircraft, have been deployed and are ready to carry out rescue missions. (Photo: AP).
Covid-19 lockdown measures are likely to slow down rescue efforts after the cyclone. Meanwhile, Cyclone Tauktae will also hinder the transportation of vaccines and essential medical supplies for treating Covid-19 patients, as it has destroyed many transportation routes. (Photo: AP).
The damage from Cyclone Tauktae is particularly severe for the poor, a group that has already been plunged into dire straits due to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement stated that Cyclone Tauktae has caused a “double whammy” for families affected by Covid-19. (Photo: AP).
Satellite image of Cyclone Tauktae. (Photo: AP).
