ABU DHABI/NEW DELHI — The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with India over the victims of the severe cyclone Tauktae, which struck several regions in the country, and left dozens dead.

In a statement on Tuesday, the UAE’s foreign ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the government of India and to the families of the victims of this painful ordeal while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

According to local media reports, the cyclone battered the western coast of India, killing at least 25.

The powerful cyclone claimed at least 13 lives and left a trail of destruction in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region after it made landfall near Una in Gir Somnath district on Monday, bringing along with it very strong winds and heavy rainfall that damaged nearly 16,500 houses and uprooted over 40,000 trees.

Power outages were reported from 5,951 villages, including 52 COVID-19 hospitals and 13 oxygen plants.

Twelve people were killed in Maharashtra. In Mumbai, the cyclone claimed three lives, while five people were killed in Thane and Palghar districts, Press Trust of India reported, quoting officials. — Agencies