Hundreds of whales were left beached on the coast of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, India, after the animals started to wash up on the shores of the port city. At least 45 of the short-finned pilot whales died, and 36 have been rescued from the 16km (10m) stretch between the coastal hamlets of Alanthalai and Kallamozhi.

COURTESY: RT's RUPTLY video agency, NO RE-UPLOAD, NO REUSE - FOR LICENSING,