Evacuations begin as India prepares for cyclone

STR/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Thousands of people along the north east coastline of India are being evacuated as they prepare for a strengthening tropical storm.

Packing winds of up to 190 kilometres per hour, Cyclone Fani is headed for the state of Orissa and is expected to hit parts tonight and on Friday.

Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states are also on high alert and operations have been shut down at two major ports on the east coast.

As it continues to strengthen, the Category 4 hurricane could see winds exceed 213 kilometers per hour.

More from International News

  • Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza as US pushes for ceasefire

    Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least 22 people on Wednesday, Palestinian medics said, as the US stepped up efforts to overcome sticking points between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire to end the war.

  • Ukraine hits Russian oil depot serving airfield

    Ukraine struck a Russian oil depot that serves a military airfield in the Russian city of Engels, Ukraine's military said on Wednesday.

  • Tibet earthquake death toll passes 120

    At least 126 people have been killed by Tuesday's 6.8 earthquake in Tibet, while more than 400 people trapped in the foothills of the Himalayas have been rescued, and over 30,000 residents relocated, as the search for survivors continues.

  • Wildfire rages in Los Angeles forcing 30,000 to evacuate

    A rapidly growing wildfire raged across an upscale section of Los Angeles on Tuesday, destroying homes and creating traffic jams as 30,000 people evacuated beneath huge plumes of smoke that covered much of the metropolitan area.

  • Powerful earthquake kills at least 95 in Tibet

    A magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocked the northern foothills of the Himalayas near one of Tibet's holiest cities on Tuesday, Chinese authorities said, killing at least 95 people and shaking buildings in neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan and India.

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    Midnight - 6:00am

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • The Kris Fade Show

    6:00am - 10:00am

    Kris, Priti and Rossi host the UAE's biggest radio show. It's full of fun, laughs and it's Where The Stars Live.

Trending on Virgin Radio