OREANDA-NEWS. Eight people were killed and more than 150 thousand were evacuated in India because of the cyclone "Tauktae", which struck the western coast of the country.

The cyclone, which intensified early in the morning into an "extremely violent cyclonic storm", is currently 160 kilometers south-southwest of Mumbai. Mumbai Airport announced that it will suspend all operations until at least 16.00 (14.30 Moscow time).

According to the authorities of the metropolis, because of the strong wind two people died there - one was killed when the lantern fell, the second died when the brickwork of one of the buildings collapsed. Four more people were killed in collapses in Karnataka state and two in neighboring Kerala state.

On Monday evening, the cyclone will reach the coast of Gujarat, with wind gusts of up to 200 kilometers per hour, according to the Department of Meteorology of India. Gujarat authorities announced the evacuation of coastal areas, according to preliminary estimates, up to 150 thousand people will be evacuated from various villages and towns. The state has 54 National Disaster Response Force teams deployed.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said at a press conference: “Since the cyclone is likely to affect the electricity supply, hospitals treating COVID-19 patients have been asked to provide backup power. Measures have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted production of medical oxygen in eight production sites. subdivisions, and also created its stock. "