Severe cyclone makes landfall in COVID-battered India

A cyclone, classified as extremely severe, has made landfall in India's western state of Gujarat with wind speeds of up to 160km/h.

Cyclone Tauktae had roared up India's western coast, with at least 12 people killed and thousands evacuated.

38 people have so far been rescued out of 400 who are stranded off the coast in two commercial barges.

The cyclone comes amid a second COVID-19 wave that has overwhelmed India's healthcare system.

Winds were gusting up to 185km/h.

This cyclone is expected to be the strongest cyclone to strike the region since 1998 and both Gujarat and its neighbouring state, Maharashtra, are on high alert.

[Source: BBC]