India Evacuates Ahead of Cyclone as Seven People Reported Dead

Seven people have died as India prepares for the arrival of a powerful cyclone, named Cyclone Biparjoy. The cyclone is classified as a very severe storm and is expected to make landfall between the Indian state of Gujarat and Karachi, Pakistan late on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department has warned of maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 km per hour, gusting to 150 km per hour. Four boys drowned in rough seas in Mumbai on Monday, while high waves and heavy downpours have battered Gujarat’s coastal areas. Three people have died in Kutch and Rajkot districts as a result of collapsed walls. The state has suspended fishing operations and schools have declared holidays. Over 7,000 people have already been evacuated, with authorities expecting 50,000-60,000 to be moved to safety. Gujarat is home to numerous offshore oil installations and major ports, and many have been forced to suspend operations. Reliance Industries, the owner of the world’s largest refining complex, has suspended exports of diesel and other oil products due to the storm. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, authorities have issued precautionary measures for southern and southeastern areas that could potentially be affected.