Holidaymakers to India are being warned of the risk of a cyclone which is on course to hit the west coast in an area popular with wildlife tourists on Thursday.
It is due to make landfall near Gujarat and visitors are being urged by the Foreign Office to monitor weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department and to follow the advice of the local authorities.
Cyclonic Storm Vayu has been intensifying in the Arabian sea and is expected to bring heavy rainfall for parts of Gujarat, between Porbandar and Mahuva, with winds of 130 to 140 kmph and gust of up to 155 kmph from midnight on Wednesday.
The region is known for the Sasan Gir National Park, which is home to the rare Asiatic lion. It also has a popular beach resort, Diu.
Chief minister Vijay Rupani said people living in the coastal belt will be moved to safer places. The entire coastline has been put on high alert, he added.
The city of Mumbai will also be affected, but not severely, said the meteorological department.
