While the government was seemingly not prepared for a second wave in the country, it seems the jolt given by the new wave has been a rude wake-up call. The scientific establishment working with the government is already talking about a third wave, saying that it is inevitable.

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"The third wave is inevitable, considering the high levels at which this virus is circulating," Dr K Vijay Raghavan, the Principle Scientific Advisor to the government today said, adding that a time-frame can't be predicted.

He added that the current surge in cases might be because of the Indian "double mutant" coronavirus.

The third wave is expected to hit India later this year most likely. By the end of the year, most of the adult population will be vaccinated. So, optimistically, there is little chance of a new wave thereafter.