Heavy rains and flooding killed at least eight people in&nbsp;Jordan&nbsp;and forced authorities to evacuate more then 3,700 tourists from the ancient city of Petra on Friday, officials said.

The visitors were taken to safe areas before flash floods inundated parts of the mountainous city famed for its carved rock ruins, government spokeswoman Jumana Ghunaimat said.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in the Red Sea port city of Aqaba further south as downpours started in the afternoon.

Civil defence divers searched for five people whose car was swept away by floods in the Madaba area, southwest of the capital, state news agency Petra said.

A major highway that links Amman with the south was also closed. The government announced the closure of universities and schools on Saturday and mosques were opened to shelter civilians in areas hit by the floods.

Two weeks ago, 21 people, mainly children, died after they were swept away in flash floods on a school outing in the Dead Sea region, in one of the country's worst natural disasters in decades.

Politicians and members of the public criticised the emergency services at the time, saying crews had been unprepared, and two ministers were forced to resign after a parliamentary committee found negligence.

Heavy rains and flooding killed at least eight people in Jordan and forced authorities to evacuate more then 3,700 tourists from the ancient city of Petra on Friday, officials said.

Heavy rains and flooding killed at least eight people in Jordan and forced authorities to evacuate more then 3,700 tourists from the ancient city of Petra on Friday, officials said. The visitors were taken to safe areas before flash floods inundated parts of the mountainous city famed for its carved rock ruins, government spokeswoman Jumana Ghunaimat said. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the Red Sea port city of Aqaba further south as downpours started in the afternoon. Civil defence divers searched for five people whose car was swept away by floods in the Madaba area, southwest of the capital, state news agency Petra said. A major highway that links Amman with the south was also closed. The government announced the closure of universities and schools on Saturday and mosques were opened to shelter civilians in areas hit by the floods. Two weeks ago, 21 people, mainly children, died after they were swept away in flash floods on a school outing in the Dead Sea region, in one of the country's worst natural disasters in decades. Politicians and members of the public criticised the emergency services at the time, saying crews had been unprepared, and two ministers were forced to resign after a parliamentary committee found negligence.

Rains and floods kill eight in Jordan, force tourists to flee Petra

Rescuers combed the shores of Jordan`s Dead Sea early on Friday, searching for survivors after flash floods killed at least 20 people, most of them children on a school outing.

Thirty-seven people were rescued in a major operation involving helicopters and divers searching for survivors of the floods, which swept through valleys to the shores of the area, the lowest point on earth, civil defence sources said.

Among the dead were three Iraqis, two children and a 20-year-old woman who accompanied them on their school bus, a civil defence source said.

Police chief Brigadier General Farid al Sharaa told state television the torrential rains swept away a bus carrying 44 children and teachers who were on a school trip picnicking in the popular destination.&nbsp;

The national flag was lowered to half mast in mourning as public opinion and politicians began raising questions in local media outlets about the preparedness of emergencies services to cope with such a disaster.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said it appeared the school had broken regulations by going ahead with the trip, which had been banned in the Dead Sea area because of bad weather.

Health Minister Ghazi al Zibn said most of the injured had left the hospital in the area near the Dead Sea. At least eight people were still missing, a medical source said.&nbsp;

Families of victims had been searching the rugged area after search teams suspended operations overnight for a few hours, a witness said.

A bridge on one of the cliffs of the Dead Sea collapsed under the force of the rains, the first such after the end of summer.

Neighbouring Israel sent search-and-rescue helicopters to assist, an Israeli military statement said. The team, dispatched at Amman`s request, was operating on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea.

A Jordanian official said Israel had offered to help and the kingdom requested a helicopter with the technology to find buried bodies in mud that would accelerate the searches.

The kingdom, which shares the longest border with Israel and have a common peace treaty, has a long a history of cooperation with its neighbour in natural disasters.

Jordan helped Israel in 2016 with fire-fighting equipment after a rash of fires that burned for days, straining Israel firefighters.

Rescuers combed the shores of Jordan`s Dead Sea early on Friday, searching for survivors after flash floods killed at least 20 people, most of them children on a school outing.

Rescuers combed the shores of Jordan`s Dead Sea early on Friday, searching for survivors after flash floods killed at least 20 people, most of them children on a school outing. Thirty-seven people were rescued in a major operation involving helicopters and divers searching for survivors of the floods, which swept through valleys to the shores of the area, the lowest point on earth, civil defence sources said. Among the dead were three Iraqis, two children and a 20-year-old woman who accompanied them on their school bus, a civil defence source said. Police chief Brigadier General Farid al Sharaa told state television the torrential rains swept away a bus carrying 44 children and teachers who were on a school trip picnicking in the popular destination. The national flag was lowered to half mast in mourning as public opinion and politicians began raising questions in local media outlets about the preparedness of emergencies services to cope with such a disaster. Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said it appeared the school had broken regulations by going ahead with the trip, which had been banned in the Dead Sea area because of bad weather. Health Minister Ghazi al Zibn said most of the injured had left the hospital in the area near the Dead Sea. At least eight people were still missing, a medical source said. Families of victims had been searching the rugged area after search teams suspended operations overnight for a few hours, a witness said. A bridge on one of the cliffs of the Dead Sea collapsed under the force of the rains, the first such after the end of summer. Neighbouring Israel sent search-and-rescue helicopters to assist, an Israeli military statement said. The team, dispatched at Amman`s request, was operating on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea. A Jordanian official said Israel had offered to help and the kingdom requested a helicopter with the technology to find buried bodies in mud that would accelerate the searches. The kingdom, which shares the longest border with Israel and have a common peace treaty, has a long a history of cooperation with its neighbour in natural disasters. Jordan helped Israel in 2016 with fire-fighting equipment after a rash of fires that burned for days, straining Israel firefighters.

Jordan searches for survivors after floods kill 20 people, many children

Qatar was hit by widespread flash flooding on Saturday as the desert state received almost a year's worth of rainfall in one day.

Roads became impassable, air traffic was disrupted and homes were flooded, while shops and universities closed.

Qatar broadcaster Al Jazeera's senior meteorologist, Steff Gaulter, tweeted that one part of the capital Doha had experienced almost a year's worth of rain on Saturday.

"Abu Hamor (a suburb) now reporting 59.8mm. (Doha average annual rainfall is 77mm.)," she wrote.

By early evening it was estimated that 61mm of rain had fallen.

Qatar Airways was forced to divert some flights, creating logistical headaches, as neighbours Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are among states that do not allow Doha to use their airspace, due to an ongoing diplomatic rift.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some Qatar-bound flights were forced to divert to Kuwait and Iran and the airline warned its passengers to expect further problems.

"Due to weather conditions over Doha, flights are subject to delays for departure and arrivals," Qatar Airways said on Twitter.

Qatar's public works authority issued a warning to drivers to avoid tunnels because of the flooding.

Social media in Qatar showed cars almost completely submerged under water, after thunderstorms over Doha.

Other footage showed rainwater running downstairs inside buildings as workers desperately tried to mop up.

Qatar's National Library, not yet a year old, was forced to close and said it would remain shut on Sunday to ensure the "safety of our users".&nbsp;

The US embassy also said it would be closed on Sunday, "due to weather conditions".

The extent of the flooding may cause concern for the authorities who have spent billions on major infrastructure projects ahead of hosting the World Cup in 2022.

Some sought to downplay the disruption, joking online there was now no need for Saudi Arabia to dig a canal around Qatar -- an apparent threat made by Riyadh as part of the continuing political tensions -- because the flooding had done the neighbouring power's job for it.

Qatar was hit by widespread flash flooding on Saturday as the desert state received almost a year's worth of rainfall in one day. Roads became impassable, air traffic was disrupted and homes were flooded, while shops and universities closed.

Qatar was hit by widespread flash flooding on Saturday as the desert state received almost a year's worth of rainfall in one day. Roads became impassable, air traffic was disrupted and homes were flooded, while shops and universities closed. Qatar broadcaster Al Jazeera's senior meteorologist, Steff Gaulter, tweeted that one part of the capital Doha had experienced almost a year's worth of rain on Saturday. "Abu Hamor (a suburb) now reporting 59.8mm. (Doha average annual rainfall is 77mm.)," she wrote. By early evening it was estimated that 61mm of rain had fallen. Qatar Airways was forced to divert some flights, creating logistical headaches, as neighbours Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are among states that do not allow Doha to use their airspace, due to an ongoing diplomatic rift. Some Qatar-bound flights were forced to divert to Kuwait and Iran and the airline warned its passengers to expect further problems. "Due to weather conditions over Doha, flights are subject to delays for departure and arrivals," Qatar Airways said on Twitter. Qatar's public works authority issued a warning to drivers to avoid tunnels because of the flooding. Social media in Qatar showed cars almost completely submerged under water, after thunderstorms over Doha. Other footage showed rainwater running downstairs inside buildings as workers desperately tried to mop up. Qatar's National Library, not yet a year old, was forced to close and said it would remain shut on Sunday to ensure the "safety of our users". The US embassy also said it would be closed on Sunday, "due to weather conditions". The extent of the flooding may cause concern for the authorities who have spent billions on major infrastructure projects ahead of hosting the World Cup in 2022. Some sought to downplay the disruption, joking online there was now no need for Saudi Arabia to dig a canal around Qatar -- an apparent threat made by Riyadh as part of the continuing political tensions -- because the flooding had done the neighbouring power's job for it.

Floods in Qatar as almost a year's rain falls in one day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-giving-any-kind-of-audio-tape-on-khashoggi-to-us-172304">Turkey denies giving 'any kind of audio tape' on Khashoggi to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-giving-any-kind-of-audio-tape-on-khashoggi-to-us-172304">US</a>

Turkey on Friday denied giving "any kind of audio tape" from the investigation into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or any American official.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-summit-france-will-ensure-ceasefire-in-idlib-remains-russia-to-discuss-return-of-refugees-to-syria-172313">Istanbul summit: France will ensure Idlib ceasefire remains, Russia to discuss </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-summit-france-will-ensure-ceasefire-in-idlib-remains-russia-to-discuss-return-of-refugees-to-syria-172313">return</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-summit-france-will-ensure-ceasefire-in-idlib-remains-russia-to-discuss-return-of-refugees-to-syria-172313"> of Syrian refugees</a>

French, German, Turkish and Russian leaders are set to meet in Istanbul on October 27 to discuss the ongoing Syrian crisis and figure out ways to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the country's Idlib region, the French presidency said on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-centre-asks-kerala-tamil-nadu-karnataka-govts-to-tighten-security-monitor-adverse-online-messages-172332">Sabarimala row: Centre asks Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-centre-asks-kerala-tamil-nadu-karnataka-govts-to-tighten-security-monitor-adverse-online-messages-172332">govts</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-centre-asks-kerala-tamil-nadu-karnataka-govts-to-tighten-security-monitor-adverse-online-messages-172332"> to tighten security, monitor social media</a>

The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-on-flash-flood-alert-after-landslide-in-china-creates-artificial-lake-172354">Arunachal Pradesh on flash-flood alert after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-on-flash-flood-alert-after-landslide-in-china-creates-artificial-lake-172354">landslide</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-on-flash-flood-alert-after-landslide-in-china-creates-artificial-lake-172354"> in China creates </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-on-flash-flood-alert-after-landslide-in-china-creates-artificial-lake-172354">artificial</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-on-flash-flood-alert-after-landslide-in-china-creates-artificial-lake-172354"> lake</a>

As many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet after a landslide in China blocked the flow one of the major rivers, Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that could pose threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh. The state government has already sounded an alert.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-pm-imran-khan-to-attend-controversial-saudi-conference-172314">Imran Khan to attend Saudi conference after Khashoggi's disappearance</a>

Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced Friday that Prime Minister Imran Khan will attend a Saudi Arabian investment conference, despite a string of cancellations from leading policy-makers and corporate chiefs over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

&nbsp;

Turkey denies giving 'any kind of audio tape' on Khashoggi to US Turkey on Friday denied giving "any kind of audio tape" from the investigation into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or any American official.

Turkey denies giving 'any kind of audio tape' on Khashoggi to US Turkey on Friday denied giving "any kind of audio tape" from the investigation into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or any American official. Istanbul summit: France will ensure Idlib ceasefire remains, Russia to discuss return of Syrian refugees French, German, Turkish and Russian leaders are set to meet in Istanbul on October 27 to discuss the ongoing Syrian crisis and figure out ways to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the country's Idlib region, the French presidency said on Friday. Sabarimala row: Centre asks Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka govts to tighten security, monitor social media The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict. Arunachal Pradesh on flash-flood alert after landslide in China creates artificial lake As many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet after a landslide in China blocked the flow one of the major rivers, Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that could pose threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh. The state government has already sounded an alert. Imran Khan to attend Saudi conference after Khashoggi's disappearance Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced Friday that Prime Minister Imran Khan will attend a Saudi Arabian investment conference, despite a string of cancellations from leading policy-makers and corporate chiefs over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The jeep bumps along a sloppy mud road carved between Pakistan's northern mountains, its tyres running with breathtaking precision along the very edge, where nothing but air lies between them and the snake-like river winding hundreds of feet below.

More than 3,000 metres (around 10,000 feet) above sea level the vehicle has no room for error, its other side just inches from scraping along the rock face, its passengers worriedly monitoring how anxious the driver appears.

For his part, Shahid Karim spends as much of his time watching the mountains themselves as he does gauging how close he is bringing his jeep to the edge.&nbsp;

"At every second death is written on this road... This whole area is notorious for landslides," he says, adding that falling rocks have struck his vehicle many times.

The precarious roads of Pakistan's mountainous north are lifelines for its scattered and remote population. The thoroughfare Karim is travelling is the only one connecting the 2,400 residents of the village of Shimshal to the outside world.

Drivers like Karim, a native of the region who has been navigating this particular stretch of road since 2004, are the only ones who use them, making a career out of ferrying villagers, tourists, and the handful of Westerners who make the knuckle-whitening journey each year.

They are the ones with the experience to know that landslides are as great a threat as the road's narrowness and lack of safety barriers.&nbsp;

During spring and autumn, when there is no snow or rain, an ibex walking delicately along the heights can trigger a rockfall, while a strong breeze on a summer's day can set pebbles sliding away.

The lightest rainfall can shift rocks, while in the frozen winters even sunlight can be dangerous, melting the snow that surrounds boulders and prevents them from raining down on the road.

Sometimes rocks falling from above are less of a danger than those tumbling away beneath the car tyres, loosened by the weight of the vehicle and sent crashing down into the abyss.

The more desperate passengers are for the journey to end, the slower the driver is forced to crawl along the roads.

"We have passengers with us whose lives depend on us," Karim says. "So it is really important to drive slowly."

Death is a journey

This road was inaugurated in 2003 after 18 years of labour by locals in which three villagers lost their lives.&nbsp;

Before then, the people of Shimshal had to walk for days, crossing icy rivers and climbing deadly ridges in freezing temperatures to reach the nearest large village of Passu.

Previous rulers of Hunza, the former principality that encompasses Shimshal and now forms part of Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, would banish criminals to Shimshal as punishment.

The suffering lay in the journey, which was so tough that few survived it, most slipping to their death from precarious ridges with others succumbing to cold and pneumonia.

The road, despite causing so much fear in the hearts of tourists, is therefore seen as a blessing by residents of Shimshal, bringing education and basic amenities to their remote mountain homes.

That includes electricity: for years residents have generated power with small solar panels, though this year a hydropower plant built with materials brought in along the road is set to be completed.

Honking horns at dawn

Every morning the sound of a blaring car horn tears into the dawn serenity of Shimshal.

Its residents are not bothered by the rude awakening. So few people dare drive the road that -- barring emergencies -- those who wish to travel outside crowd into just one vehicle that leaves daily. Its driver is simply making sure no one misses the journey. &nbsp;

A mere six vehicles from Shimshal and four from Passu regularly make the commute. The villagers muster at a single point with their luggage as the driver continues cruising through the village honking, sometimes for up to half an hour.&nbsp;

Doulat Amin, the first teacher to work in Shimshal valley, is among the people waiting one rainy dawn to get into central Hunza.

"I came here in 1966 as a teacher and there were so many difficulties back then," the 75-year-old said.&nbsp;

"There was no education, because there was no road."

Travelling its rocky way is risky -- but, Amin says, God is with the passengers.

"We plead with him every time we travel on the road."

The jeep bumps along a sloppy mud road carved between Pakistan's northern mountains, its tyres running with breathtaking precision along the very edge, where nothing but air lies between them and the snake-like river winding hundreds of feet below.

The jeep bumps along a sloppy mud road carved between Pakistan's northern mountains, its tyres running with breathtaking precision along the very edge, where nothing but air lies between them and the snake-like river winding hundreds of feet below. More than 3,000 metres (around 10,000 feet) above sea level the vehicle has no room for error, its other side just inches from scraping along the rock face, its passengers worriedly monitoring how anxious the driver appears. For his part, Shahid Karim spends as much of his time watching the mountains themselves as he does gauging how close he is bringing his jeep to the edge. "At every second death is written on this road... This whole area is notorious for landslides," he says, adding that falling rocks have struck his vehicle many times. The precarious roads of Pakistan's mountainous north are lifelines for its scattered and remote population. The thoroughfare Karim is travelling is the only one connecting the 2,400 residents of the village of Shimshal to the outside world. Drivers like Karim, a native of the region who has been navigating this particular stretch of road since 2004, are the only ones who use them, making a career out of ferrying villagers, tourists, and the handful of Westerners who make the knuckle-whitening journey each year. They are the ones with the experience to know that landslides are as great a threat as the road's narrowness and lack of safety barriers. During spring and autumn, when there is no snow or rain, an ibex walking delicately along the heights can trigger a rockfall, while a strong breeze on a summer's day can set pebbles sliding away. The lightest rainfall can shift rocks, while in the frozen winters even sunlight can be dangerous, melting the snow that surrounds boulders and prevents them from raining down on the road. Sometimes rocks falling from above are less of a danger than those tumbling away beneath the car tyres, loosened by the weight of the vehicle and sent crashing down into the abyss. The more desperate passengers are for the journey to end, the slower the driver is forced to crawl along the roads. "We have passengers with us whose lives depend on us," Karim says. "So it is really important to drive slowly." Death is a journey This road was inaugurated in 2003 after 18 years of labour by locals in which three villagers lost their lives. Before then, the people of Shimshal had to walk for days, crossing icy rivers and climbing deadly ridges in freezing temperatures to reach the nearest large village of Passu. Previous rulers of Hunza, the former principality that encompasses Shimshal and now forms part of Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, would banish criminals to Shimshal as punishment. The suffering lay in the journey, which was so tough that few survived it, most slipping to their death from precarious ridges with others succumbing to cold and pneumonia. The road, despite causing so much fear in the hearts of tourists, is therefore seen as a blessing by residents of Shimshal, bringing education and basic amenities to their remote mountain homes. That includes electricity: for years residents have generated power with small solar panels, though this year a hydropower plant built with materials brought in along the road is set to be completed. Honking horns at dawn Every morning the sound of a blaring car horn tears into the dawn serenity of Shimshal. Its residents are not bothered by the rude awakening. So few people dare drive the road that -- barring emergencies -- those who wish to travel outside crowd into just one vehicle that leaves daily. Its driver is simply making sure no one misses the journey. A mere six vehicles from Shimshal and four from Passu regularly make the commute. The villagers muster at a single point with their luggage as the driver continues cruising through the village honking, sometimes for up to half an hour. Doulat Amin, the first teacher to work in Shimshal valley, is among the people waiting one rainy dawn to get into central Hunza. "I came here in 1966 as a teacher and there were so many difficulties back then," the 75-year-old said. "There was no education, because there was no road." Travelling its rocky way is risky -- but, Amin says, God is with the passengers. "We plead with him every time we travel on the road."

Daring death on the remote roads of Pakistan's north

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district.

As water level increased in rivers and streams following incessant rain, a man died after he was swept away in the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra district, the district administration said.

Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. Efforts were on to trace the body, the officials said.

In another incident, a 14-year-old girl was washed away in Kullu's Bajaoura, state Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said.

The minister visited several affected areas of Kullu district and met the family members of the deceased girl to express his grief.

Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs for collecting wood, gravel etc.

Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Goel and his team Moday for rescuing, with the help of a chopper, 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner Yunus has issued "high alert" for Kullu district.

Meanwhile, schools in most districts of the state were closed Monday as a precautionary measure due to continuing moderate to heavy rains.

People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. They are also being asked to remain alert due to rising water levels in rivers and streams, they said.

In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi.

Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess water from the Pong Dam would be released due to high-pattern inflows in the Pong reservoir due to heavy rain in catchment areas.

The MeT department has predicted heavy rains in middle hills, plains and snowfall in upper hills in the state till Monday.

Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said.

According to data recorded at 8.30 am, Dalhousie in Chamba district experienced 170 mm rain in the past 24 hours, followed by Chamba 117 mm, Manali 121 mm, Kangra 120.8 mm, Palampur 108 mm, Dharamshala 62.6 mm and Una 62 mm. State capital Shimla experienced 23.1 mm rainfall.

Widespread rain and snowfall in higher altitudes brought down the mercury. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivered below the freezing point, according to the Meteorological Centre.

Keylong recorded its lowest temperature at minus 0.2 degree Celsius. 
The highest temperature was recorded in Una as 27.2 degrees Celsius, he added.

The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over mid and low hills and at isolated places over higher reaches of the state on September 25, thereafter the weather would almost be dry.&nbsp;

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district.

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district. As water level increased in rivers and streams following incessant rain, a man died after he was swept away in the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra district, the district administration said. Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. Efforts were on to trace the body, the officials said. In another incident, a 14-year-old girl was washed away in Kullu's Bajaoura, state Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said. The minister visited several affected areas of Kullu district and met the family members of the deceased girl to express his grief. Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs for collecting wood, gravel etc. Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Goel and his team Moday for rescuing, with the help of a chopper, 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner Yunus has issued "high alert" for Kullu district. Meanwhile, schools in most districts of the state were closed Monday as a precautionary measure due to continuing moderate to heavy rains. People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. They are also being asked to remain alert due to rising water levels in rivers and streams, they said. In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi. Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess water from the Pong Dam would be released due to high-pattern inflows in the Pong reservoir due to heavy rain in catchment areas. The MeT department has predicted heavy rains in middle hills, plains and snowfall in upper hills in the state till Monday. Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said. According to data recorded at 8.30 am, Dalhousie in Chamba district experienced 170 mm rain in the past 24 hours, followed by Chamba 117 mm, Manali 121 mm, Kangra 120.8 mm, Palampur 108 mm, Dharamshala 62.6 mm and Una 62 mm. State capital Shimla experienced 23.1 mm rainfall. Widespread rain and snowfall in higher altitudes brought down the mercury. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivered below the freezing point, according to the Meteorological Centre. Keylong recorded its lowest temperature at minus 0.2 degree Celsius. The highest temperature was recorded in Una as 27.2 degrees Celsius, he added. The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over mid and low hills and at isolated places over higher reaches of the state on September 25, thereafter the weather would almost be dry.

Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Himachal, 2 dead

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall for more than 24 hours inflicted havoc in different parts of Tripura, forcing around 600 families to seek shelter at relief camps.

The District Magistrate of West Tripura district, Sandip Mahate said, "Due to incessant rains last night in Sadar and Jirania sub-division and several wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation, the water of Haora River is flowing at 10.3 meter which is .3 meter above danger level."

"The affected people along the river banks have been shifted to 16 flood relief camps in which 670 families are living. This may increase as rescue operations are underway by National Disaster Relief Force, Tripura State Rifles, and Civil Defense. The administration has arranged for ample food supply and drinking water," he added.

Heavy rainfall since Saturday created havoc in the city throwing the lives of people out of gear, following which an alert was also been sounded by the Sadar sub-division administration when the river touched the danger mark.

Tripura Minister Ratan Lal Nath along with the authorities of the administration visited some flood-affected areas to meet the victims.

"Due to a sudden downpour in the hilly areas, the Balda Khal, Chandrapur and adjoining areas are flooded as the water level in rivers have increased, due to which, the water is unable to pass to Bangladesh," he said".

In the meantime, several families had to be evacuated and the administration had already reached before I came here.

Officials have looked into people's problems and local people have also rendered help. Arrangements for boats have been made though we were not ready for this situation which is a natural hazard and the administration stood by the people," he added.

The heavy downpour was reported in the state's hilly areas over the past 24 hours, triggering a flood in the downstream areas including the capital town and its adjacent areas.

According to reports, more than five thousand people, along with their belongings and domestic animals have taken refuge in temporary camps in various schools and government establishments in and around the capital Agartala.

Purnima Datta a flood victim said, "Since morning, there has been no rain, but all of a sudden the water level has gone up. We are in great problem and do not know what we should do. We left essential commodities and documents in our house but not sure if shall find them in proper condition. We have not seen such floods earlier. The Minister has assured all help, let's wait and see."

Another flood victim Milan Biswas said, "I have come here with a one-and-a-half-month-old child as water entered our house and everything was under water. We were rescued in a boat and during the night there was rain."

Water levels in major rivers- Gomati, Deo, Manu, and Haora were swelling with every passing hour, posing flood threat throughout the state.

The regional office of the MET department had also issued a warning with the prediction of more rainfall in the next 24 hours, and the district administrations had been alerted to keep a close eye on the situation.

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall for more than 24 hours inflicted havoc in different parts of Tripura, forcing around 600 families to seek shelter at relief camps

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall for more than 24 hours inflicted havoc in different parts of Tripura, forcing around 600 families to seek shelter at relief camps. The District Magistrate of West Tripura district, Sandip Mahate said, "Due to incessant rains last night in Sadar and Jirania sub-division and several wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation, the water of Haora River is flowing at 10.3 meter which is .3 meter above danger level." "The affected people along the river banks have been shifted to 16 flood relief camps in which 670 families are living. This may increase as rescue operations are underway by National Disaster Relief Force, Tripura State Rifles, and Civil Defense. The administration has arranged for ample food supply and drinking water," he added. Heavy rainfall since Saturday created havoc in the city throwing the lives of people out of gear, following which an alert was also been sounded by the Sadar sub-division administration when the river touched the danger mark. Tripura Minister Ratan Lal Nath along with the authorities of the administration visited some flood-affected areas to meet the victims. "Due to a sudden downpour in the hilly areas, the Balda Khal, Chandrapur and adjoining areas are flooded as the water level in rivers have increased, due to which, the water is unable to pass to Bangladesh," he said". In the meantime, several families had to be evacuated and the administration had already reached before I came here. Officials have looked into people's problems and local people have also rendered help. Arrangements for boats have been made though we were not ready for this situation which is a natural hazard and the administration stood by the people," he added. The heavy downpour was reported in the state's hilly areas over the past 24 hours, triggering a flood in the downstream areas including the capital town and its adjacent areas. According to reports, more than five thousand people, along with their belongings and domestic animals have taken refuge in temporary camps in various schools and government establishments in and around the capital Agartala. Purnima Datta a flood victim said, "Since morning, there has been no rain, but all of a sudden the water level has gone up. We are in great problem and do not know what we should do. We left essential commodities and documents in our house but not sure if shall find them in proper condition. We have not seen such floods earlier. The Minister has assured all help, let's wait and see." Another flood victim Milan Biswas said, "I have come here with a one-and-a-half-month-old child as water entered our house and everything was under water. We were rescued in a boat and during the night there was rain." Water levels in major rivers- Gomati, Deo, Manu, and Haora were swelling with every passing hour, posing flood threat throughout the state. The regional office of the MET department had also issued a warning with the prediction of more rainfall in the next 24 hours, and the district administrations had been alerted to keep a close eye on the situation.

Watch: Tripura floods render around 600 families homeless

Heavy rains and flooding have claimed lives of 34 people in Afghanistan, reports said on Tuesday.

The flash floods which are caused by heavy rains continuing from a week also caused serious damage to property as well.

Mainly North and center provinces of Afghanistan are affected the most.

According to a report by the&nbsp;news agency, Reuters 900 houses and agricultural lands were damaged. Hundreds of cattle were also killed.

Afghanistan&nbsp;Natural Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) officials are still assessing the damage.

The mountainous area is often a victim of natural disasters.

Earlier this month parts of Afghanistan provinces were facing a serious threat of severe drought&nbsp;affecting&nbsp;lives of almost one million people living in the area.

A&nbsp;statement released by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in April read, "the extremely dry winter has affected 22 provinces across Afghanistan and now threatens to negatively impact the lives of one million people, with an additional two million who could feel its effects over the coming months".

Hashmat Khan Bahaduri, spokesman for the&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;Natural Disaster Management Authority said that the rugged mountainous terrain and the lack of roads mean it is often difficult to evaluate relief needs but "ANDMA had sufficient resources to deal with the problem for now," Reuters reported.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/million-lives-at-stake-as-afghanistan-is-hit-with-drought----132502">One million lives at stake as Afghanistan is hit by drought</a>

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The flash floods which are caused by heavy rains continuing from a week also caused serious damage to property as well

Heavy rains and flooding have claimed lives of 34 people in Afghanistan, reports said on Tuesday. The flash floods which are caused by heavy rains continuing from a week also caused serious damage to property as well. Mainly North and center provinces of Afghanistan are affected the most. According to a report by the news agency, Reuters 900 houses and agricultural lands were damaged. Hundreds of cattle were also killed. Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) officials are still assessing the damage. The mountainous area is often a victim of natural disasters. Earlier this month parts of Afghanistan provinces were facing a serious threat of severe drought affecting lives of almost one million people living in the area. A statement released by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in April read, "the extremely dry winter has affected 22 provinces across Afghanistan and now threatens to negatively impact the lives of one million people, with an additional two million who could feel its effects over the coming months". Hashmat Khan Bahaduri, spokesman for the Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority said that the rugged mountainous terrain and the lack of roads mean it is often difficult to evaluate relief needs but "ANDMA had sufficient resources to deal with the problem for now," Reuters reported. Also read: One million lives at stake as Afghanistan is hit by drought

Afghanistan: Floods, heavy rains kill 34 people, damage hundreds of homes

People in Victoria have been given warning of floods and thunderstorm by Australia&#39;s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) after heavy rainfall hit the Australian state on Friday.&nbsp;

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A Flood Watch for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Victoria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Victoria</a> has been updated. Check here for latest warnings and watches: <a href="https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ">https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/EUIeLjNrJI">pic.twitter.com/EUIeLjNrJI</a>
&mdash; Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/936399428247805952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Massive rainfall in Southern part of Australia has left roads blocked and flooded residential areas on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to reports, almost 300 mm of rain and large hailstorms are predicted in the next three days.&nbsp;

Several flights have also been diverted to Sydney and major events have been cancelled in the state, media reports said.

Floodwater started to run quickly downstairs and alleys in Melbourne&#39;s suburb of Ringwood after five minutes of the downpour on Friday afternoon, according to a local resident David Cabler.

The Hume Highway, an inter-city national highway connecting Melbourne to Sydney, was seen submerged in flood waters in a video shared by a Wangaratta florist.

Parts of the Hume Highway have been closed due to the flooding, according to local media. 
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Flash floodwater inundates roads in the Australia's state of Victoria as the rainfalls in part of the state break more than a century old record

People in Victoria have been given warning of floods and thunderstorm by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) after heavy rainfall hit the Australian state on Friday. A Flood Watch for #Victoria has been updated. Check here for latest warnings and watches: https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ pic.twitter.com/EUIeLjNrJI — Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) December 1, 2017 × Massive rainfall in Southern part of Australia has left roads blocked and flooded residential areas on Saturday. According to reports, almost 300 mm of rain and large hailstorms are predicted in the next three days. Several flights have also been diverted to Sydney and major events have been cancelled in the state, media reports said. Floodwater started to run quickly downstairs and alleys in Melbourne's suburb of Ringwood after five minutes of the downpour on Friday afternoon, according to a local resident David Cabler. The Hume Highway, an inter-city national highway connecting Melbourne to Sydney, was seen submerged in flood waters in a video shared by a Wangaratta florist. Parts of the Hume Highway have been closed due to the flooding, according to local media.

Record-breaking rainfall triggers flash floods in Australia

Macedonia declared a state of emergency in its capital Skopje and in neighbouring districts on Sunday, one day after at least 21 people were killed in flash floods caused by a storm. 
 
Torrential rains flooded homes, swept away a section of the ring road around Skopje and wrecked cars late on Saturday evening. Northern suburbs of the capital were particularly hard hit, though the city centre also suffered flash floods.&nbsp;Children were among those killed, a police spokesman said, adding that searches were continuing for six people who have been reported missing. 
 
Macedonia, a small former Yugoslav republic of about two million people, has declared Monday a day of national mourning.&nbsp;&quot;This is a catastrophe of an&nbsp;unprecedented magnitude,&quot; Deputy Prime Minister Nikola Todorov told reporters. 
 
Special police forces and trucks loaded with drinking water were sent to the worst affected areas, where there also have been some electricity outages and where scattered debris of furniture swept away from houses could be seen on the streets, a Reuters reporter said. 
 
The rain had stopped by Sunday morning and water levels were receding, though there was some more rain on Sunday evening in Skopje. There were no reports of further flash flooding. 
 
European Union Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on Twitter that the EU stood ready to help Macedonia, which is a candidate to join the bloc.&nbsp;Further north in the Balkans, in Croatia, heavy winds caused disruptions on some roads, including the closure of the highway linking the capital Zagreb to southern coast for lorries and buses, local media said. 
 
(Reuters)

Police said children were among those killed in the flash floods. Searches continue for six missing

Macedonia declared a state of emergency in its capital Skopje and in neighbouring districts on Sunday, one day after at least 21 people were killed in flash floods caused by a storm. Torrential rains flooded homes, swept away a section of the ring road around Skopje and wrecked cars late on Saturday evening. Northern suburbs of the capital were particularly hard hit, though the city centre also suffered flash floods. Children were among those killed, a police spokesman said, adding that searches were continuing for six people who have been reported missing. Macedonia, a small former Yugoslav republic of about two million people, has declared Monday a day of national mourning. "This is a catastrophe of an unprecedented magnitude," Deputy Prime Minister Nikola Todorov told reporters. Special police forces and trucks loaded with drinking water were sent to the worst affected areas, where there also have been some electricity outages and where scattered debris of furniture swept away from houses could be seen on the streets, a Reuters reporter said. The rain had stopped by Sunday morning and water levels were receding, though there was some more rain on Sunday evening in Skopje. There were no reports of further flash flooding. European Union Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on Twitter that the EU stood ready to help Macedonia, which is a candidate to join the bloc. Further north in the Balkans, in Croatia, heavy winds caused disruptions on some roads, including the closure of the highway linking the capital Zagreb to southern coast for lorries and buses, local media said. (Reuters)

Macedonia declares state of emergency after storm kills at least 21

Flash floods triggered by torrential rain have killed at least 22 people in India and forced more than 170,000 from their homes, officials said on Monday, as forecasters predicted more downpours in coming days. 
 
India&#39;s monsoon rains, though vital for agriculture, regularly bring death and destruction. The rain was 35 per cent above average in the week that ended on July 6, the weather office said. 
 
Twenty people were killed in the central state of Madhya Pradesh where 70,000 people were left homeless as water rose to dangerous levels along parts of the Narmada river. 
 
Firemen waded through waist-high water to rescue women and children in flooded villages while rescue teams used inflatable boats to reach people stranded in urban areas. 
 
&quot;Thousands of people will be evacuated today. We are working on a war footing mode to set up relief camps,&quot; additional home secretary Basant Singh said in Bhopal, the state capital. 
 
&quot;The health department is distributing medicines to prevent outbreak of water-borne diseases.&quot; 
 
Stormy weather also ravaged parts of the remote northeast. 
 
Heavy rain pounded the tea-growing, oil-rich eastern state of Assam killing at least two people. About 100,000 people were forced to take shelter on higher ground, officials there said. 
 
The rain has also swelled the Brahmaputra river, which flows into Bangladesh, to dangerous levels. 
 
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal ordered officials to distribute food, clothing and medicines to people who could not return to their homes. 
 
(Reuters)

Rescue teams used inflatable boats to reach people stranded in urban areas while firemen saved women and children through waist-high water

Flash floods triggered by torrential rain have killed at least 22 people in India and forced more than 170,000 from their homes, officials said on Monday, as forecasters predicted more downpours in coming days. India's monsoon rains, though vital for agriculture, regularly bring death and destruction. The rain was 35 per cent above average in the week that ended on July 6, the weather office said. Twenty people were killed in the central state of Madhya Pradesh where 70,000 people were left homeless as water rose to dangerous levels along parts of the Narmada river. Firemen waded through waist-high water to rescue women and children in flooded villages while rescue teams used inflatable boats to reach people stranded in urban areas. "Thousands of people will be evacuated today. We are working on a war footing mode to set up relief camps," additional home secretary Basant Singh said in Bhopal, the state capital. "The health department is distributing medicines to prevent outbreak of water-borne diseases." Stormy weather also ravaged parts of the remote northeast. Heavy rain pounded the tea-growing, oil-rich eastern state of Assam killing at least two people. About 100,000 people were forced to take shelter on higher ground, officials there said. The rain has also swelled the Brahmaputra river, which flows into Bangladesh, to dangerous levels. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal ordered officials to distribute food, clothing and medicines to people who could not return to their homes. (Reuters)

Floods kill 22 people in India, 170,000 homeless

Flash floods caused by torrential rains have killed at least 33 in northern Pakistan, including 31 from a village near the border with Afghanistan, officials said today. 
 
The rains began late Saturday and were concentrated mainly in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakthunkwa, which has been badly affected by flooding in recent years that some scientists have linked to climate change. 
 
The worst hit district was Chitral, on the country&#39;s northwest border, where flood waters swept away a mosque, several houses and army post in the remote village of Ursoon, district mayor Maghfirat Shah told AFP. 
 
Osama Waraich, another senior local official, added that eight bodies of the missing villagers had been found from the Afghan side and six soldiers were still missing. 
 
Separately, two Chinese engineers were killed and five Pakistani workers injured when the roof of a construction site collapsed at Tarbela 
Dam owing to the rains that began late Saturday, Latifur Rehman, spokesman for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said. 
Rescue and relief operations were underway, he added. 
 
In April rains and landslides killed 127 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan region and Pakistani Kashmir. 
 
Poorly built homes across Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, are susceptible to collapse during the annual spring and monsoon rains in July-August, which are often heavy. 
 
Severe weather in recent years has killed hundreds and destroyed huge tracts of prime farmland. 
 
During the rainy season last summer, torrential downpours and flooding killed 81 people and affected almost 300,000 people across the country. 
 
The worst flooding in recent times occurred in 2010, which covered almost a fifth of the country&#39;s total land mass, killed nearly 2,000 people and displaced 20 million. 
 
(AFP)

The worst hit was Chitral along Pakistan's northwest border where flood waters swept away 31, a mosque, several houses and an army post.

Flash floods caused by torrential rains have killed at least 33 in northern Pakistan, including 31 from a village near the border with Afghanistan, officials said today. The rains began late Saturday and were concentrated mainly in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakthunkwa, which has been badly affected by flooding in recent years that some scientists have linked to climate change. The worst hit district was Chitral, on the country's northwest border, where flood waters swept away a mosque, several houses and army post in the remote village of Ursoon, district mayor Maghfirat Shah told AFP. Osama Waraich, another senior local official, added that eight bodies of the missing villagers had been found from the Afghan side and six soldiers were still missing. Separately, two Chinese engineers were killed and five Pakistani workers injured when the roof of a construction site collapsed at Tarbela Dam owing to the rains that began late Saturday, Latifur Rehman, spokesman for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said. Rescue and relief operations were underway, he added. In April rains and landslides killed 127 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan region and Pakistani Kashmir. Poorly built homes across Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, are susceptible to collapse during the annual spring and monsoon rains in July-August, which are often heavy. Severe weather in recent years has killed hundreds and destroyed huge tracts of prime farmland. During the rainy season last summer, torrential downpours and flooding killed 81 people and affected almost 300,000 people across the country. The worst flooding in recent times occurred in 2010, which covered almost a fifth of the country's total land mass, killed nearly 2,000 people and displaced 20 million. (AFP)

33 killed in flash floods in northern Pakistan

Flash floods and landslides killed 24 in Indonesia&#39;s Central Java province, officials said today, forcing residents to evacuate to safer areas as torrential rains damaged thousands of homes. 
 
Rescue teams searched for 26 others who remained missing after the region, among the most densely populated parts of the country, saw heavy rainfall overnight. 
 
&quot;Heavy rain has caused floods and landslides in 16 regencies in Central Java,&quot; Sutopo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency, said in a statement. 
 
&quot;Rescue teams from the military, police, NGOs and volunteers, are contributing to the handling of the emergency and the search continues for those still missing,&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

Rescue teams searched for 26 others who remained missing after the densely populated region saw heavy rainfall overnight

Flash floods and landslides killed 24 in Indonesia's Central Java province, officials said today, forcing residents to evacuate to safer areas as torrential rains damaged thousands of homes. Rescue teams searched for 26 others who remained missing after the region, among the most densely populated parts of the country, saw heavy rainfall overnight. "Heavy rain has caused floods and landslides in 16 regencies in Central Java," Sutopo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency, said in a statement. "Rescue teams from the military, police, NGOs and volunteers, are contributing to the handling of the emergency and the search continues for those still missing," he added. (Reuters)

24 killed in flash floods, homes damaged in Indonesia

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