Deadly rains and looming cyclones wreak havoc in India and Pakistan

Over 30 people lost their lives due to intense rainfall in the state of Gujarat in the western part of India, reported the magazine "India Today" on Friday. In connection with the upcoming cyclone Asna, a decision was made to close all schools in the largest city of Pakistan, Karachi.

A low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea brought heavy rains and strong winds, causing devastation in western India and southern Pakistan since the beginning of the week.

Indian media reported that over 32,000 people were evacuated in Gujarat. The number of fatalities, according to various sources, ranges from 32 to 35 people.

The meteorological office in Karachi reported that 150 millimetres of rain fell during the night from Thursday to Friday. The city authorities have appealed to residents to stay indoors.

In Pakistan, fishermen and sailors were warned to avoid going out to sea due to possible flooding in cities and mountainous areas.

Meteorologists predict that the low-pressure area will move over the Arabian Sea towards the northwest within the next two days and transform into a cyclone.

If these forecasts are confirmed, it will be the first cyclone over the Arabian Sea since August 1976 and the fourth in the last 80 years.