Cyclone Tauktae, one of the most powerful storms to hit India’s western coast in decades, has left a trail of devastation across the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. As residents began returning to their communities, scenes of destroyed homes, overturned vehicles, uprooted trees, and flooded streets painted a grim picture of the aftermath.
Authorities have reported that the cyclone damaged approximately 16,500 homes and resulted in the loss of at least 61 lives. The scale of destruction has overwhelmed local infrastructure, with emergency services and relief efforts working tirelessly to provide aid to affected areas.
“I’ve never seen such destruction in my life,” said a resident of Gujarat’s coastal region. “Our home is gone, and we don’t know where to start rebuilding.”
The cyclone, which made landfall with wind speeds reaching up to 185 km/h (115 mph), has also disrupted essential services. Power outages and communication breakdowns have hampered rescue operations, making it challenging for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage.
The Indian government has deployed the armed forces to assist in relief efforts, while state authorities are setting up shelters and providing emergency supplies to those displaced by the storm.
The disaster comes at a time when India is grappling with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, adding strain to already stretched resources. Health officials are concerned about potential spikes in infections due to crowded shelters and disrupted healthcare services.
Environmental experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in the region to climate change, calling for urgent action to mitigate future disasters.
As communities begin the arduous task of rebuilding, there is a collective hope that lessons learned from Cyclone Tauktae will lead to better preparedness and resilience against natural calamities in the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
