Deaths and evacuations before the hurricane

Published: May 16, 2021 at 12.40
Updated: May 16, 2021 at 14.05

Photo: RS Iyer / AP / TT

Bathing in Kochi, in the southern Indian state of Kerala, as Hurricane Taukta reminded itself of really continuous rain over the weekend.

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India is evacuating more than 100,000 residents of coastal Gujarat due to the cyclone.

“It is very likely that the cyclone will increase in strength over the next 24 hours and reach Gujarat on the morning of May 17,” IMD said in a statement.

The typhoon, called Tauktae, is the first hurricane to hit the country during this year’s monsoon season, which is now looming on the horizon.

Tropical Storm formed over the Arabian Sea and is now moving north along India’s western coast – with major damage in its tracks.

At least four people have already been killed by torrential rains and high winds in the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Kerala. And local authorities testified that the floods inundated several villages and damaged properties and roads. A fishing boat with 23 men on board is still missing.

When the cyclone reaches Gujarat, winds are feared to reach nearly 50 meters per second, well above the hurricane limit. Since it is believed that areas closer to the coast were affected by the floods and high winds, the residents were evacuated.

“All security measures are being taken in the area to ensure that no lives are wasted,” the authorities wrote, announcing that there may be more than 100,000 people evacuated.

Published: May 16, 2021 at 12.40