General NewsIntense rainfall and cyclone fears: 30 dead in Gujarat, schools closed

Intense rainfall and cyclone fears: 30 dead in Gujarat, schools closed

Tragic consequences of heavy rains in India
Tragic consequences of heavy rains in India
Images source: © EPA, PAP | FAROOQ KHAN
Mateusz Domański

8:37 AM EDT, August 30, 2024

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

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. According to various sources, the number of fatalities ranges from 32 to 35 people.

The meteorological office in Karachi reported that 6 inches of rain fell during the night from Thursday to Friday. 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.

Bad news. Experts predict a cyclone

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.

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