A myriad of factors have led to India experiencing a devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. With a shortage of healthcare supplies, many Indians have taken to Twitter to ask for available hospital beds, medicine, blood plasma and vaccines.

It’s a difficult sight to bear for Indians living abroad. For those with family back home, the easing of lockdown here is unlikely to spark much relief. I spoke to Sarthak Mondal and Dr Mo Taufeeq, both of whom have family they cannot visit.

The magnitude of the situation is only now making its way around the world. Given India’s importance, countries must take this seriously to ensure this variant does not make its way around the world.