India overwhelmed by world’s worst Covid crisis

International help is being pledged for India as it battles a ferocious second wave of coronavirus, described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a storm that has shaken the nation.

Almost 350,000 new infections were recorded in India in the latest 24 hour period - a record number for the fourth day in a row.

As the epidemic continues to grow hospitals are under intolerable pressure - with shortages of beds and critical supplies including oxygen.