New Delhi, India’s western state of Gujarat is braced for cyclone Tauktae, reported to be the strongest storm to hit the region since 1998.

Rains from the storm have killed six people in Kerala, Karnataka and Goa over the weekend as it moved along the country’s western coastline. Houses were destroyed and electricity was disrupted across several districts in these states.

The meteorological department said the storm has now intensified into an “extremely severe cyclonic storm”.

The cyclone comes amid a devastating second Covid wave which has overwhelmed India’s healthcare system.

The storm is expected to make landfall in Gujarat tonight with wind speeds of up to 160km/h (99mph).

Both Gujarat and its neighbouring state Maharashtra are on high alert amid forecasts of heavy rains and wind, BBC news reported.

Source: Oman News Agency