Powerful cyclone makes landfall in Covid stricken India amid virus surge

The storm has already led to the suspension of some vaccination efforts and there is greater risk of virus transmission in crowded evacuation shelters.

Commuters wade through a waterlogged street during heavy rain in Mumbai, India, Monday, May 17, 2021. Picture: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

A powerful cyclone has made landfall on India’s western coast as authorities attempt to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people.

Cyclone Tauktae, which has already killed 12 people in parts of southern India, is expected to make landfall on Monday evening in Gujarat state with winds of up to 109mph, the India Meteorological Department said.