Coronavirus-hit Mumbai largely escapes worst of Cyclone Nisarga

At least 100,000 people, including some coronavirus patients, were moved to safer locations

Even as the city’s residents breathed a sigh of relief, forecasters warned the storm could still carry a sting in its tail until it eased

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Motorists drive on a road near the Marine Drive under heavy rain in Mumbai. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:03am, 3 Jun 2020Updated: 11:15pm, 3 Jun 2020

Coronavirus-hit Mumbai appeared to escape the worst of Cyclone Nisarga on Wednesday as the first severe storm to threaten India’s financial capital in more than 70 years left it largely unscathed after ripping roofs off homes in a nearby coastal town.

Mumbai and its surrounds are usually sheltered from cyclones – the last deadly storm to hit the city was in 1948 – but authorities evacuated at least 100,000 people, including coronavirus patients, from flood-prone areas in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The storm made landfall near the coastal town of Alibag, around 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Mumbai, on Wednesday afternoon, meteorologists said.

It then crossed Maharashtra’s coast, with its path veering to the east of Mumbai and its power expected to weaken by Wednesday night, they added.

The cyclone brought heavy rainfall – with winds of 100-110kph (60-70mph) and gusts of up to 120kph.

Mumbai experienced downpours throughout the afternoon, with strong winds toppling trees in some cases.