At least seven people were killed in Gujarat as cyclone Tauktae battered parts of the state and left behind a trail of destruction along the coast, uprooting electric poles and trees, and damaging several houses and roads, reports PTI.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) said that the severe cyclonic storm Tauktae has weakened into a “cyclonic” storm.

Also Read | Cyclone Tauktae: Navy rescues 146 people from barge that went adrift

It is located about 230 kilometres south of Ahmedabad and is forecast to collapse into a ‘deep depression’ by the end of the day, as per the India Meteorological Department. Gujarat’s coastal areas are still being battered by heavy downpours.

Also Read: In pics: Gusty winds, heavy showers in Mumbai due to Cyclone Tauktae

Over the next several hours, the IMD predicts moderate to heavy rain in Mumbai city and surrounding areas. 

The deadly weather system hit just as India’s healthcare system struggles with a coronavirus surge that in the past 24 hours killed a record 4,329 people.

Mumbai shifted about 600 Covid-19 patients from field hospitals “to safer locations”.

Gujarat was struck by a cyclonic storm that brought powerful winds of up to 133 kmph and three-metre-high waves. It caused widespread devastation in Gujarat’s coastal areas.

After heavy winds and downpours struck the area several videos started doing the rounds on social media displayed trees being uprooted in several parts of the state.

The Indian Army announced on Twitter that the roadway between Somnath and Diu, which had been jammed in many areas, had been reopened to vehicular traffic.

Also Read | Cyclone Tauktae weakens after making landfall on Gujarat coast: 10 updates

On Monday, an extremely severe cyclonic storm passed through Mumbai, causing heavy rain and strong winds.

Officials claim the Indian Navy evacuated 146 people on board a barge that became stranded in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai hours before a strong cyclonic storm.

Due to engine problems, the Gal Constructor, a barge carrying 137 people, has been unmoored off the coast of Mumbai, eight nautical miles from Colaba Point.

Despite the arrival of the Emergency Towing Vessel ‘Water Lily’ in the area for relief missions, the barge remains adrift due to severe sea conditions.

Also read: Explained: How cyclones are named

On Tuesday, if the weather is conducive, the ongoing rescue activities will be supplemented by naval aircraft and helicopters, with SAR operations continuing throughout the day, according to a Navy spokesperson.

High tidal waves were seen pounding the Gateway of India, according to a video that has gone viral.