As Cyclone Yaas hits India's east coast, thousands evacuated

The 'very severe cyclone' is expected to cross Odisha and West Bengal soon as more than a million people have been moved to shelters away from the storm's path. Ten people were also rescued off the coast in Odisha when their boat capsized on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Response Force has deployed thousands of emergency personnel to help evacuate people and also prepare for rescue missions. The Indian Navy and Air Force are also on standby to mount rescue and relief operations. Cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal are common at this time of the year and often cross the shore into coastal areas.

Yaas has already caused two deaths in West Bengal's Hooghly after the storm snapped electricity lines and electrocuted the people and damaged 40 houses. Train and air travel has been shut down in Kolkata as a precaution as at least 20 districts in the state are expected to feel the storm's impact.

The second wave of coronavirus cases has also created an issue for officials as testing and vaccinations have been suspended in some districts. Those being moved to shelters have been asked to double up on masking and maintain social distancing.