Storms and Floods

Tropical Cyclone Haruna located approximately 375nm west-southwest of Antananarivo, Madagascar - expected to track over southern Madagascar on Thursday.

18 Die in Storms in India

Unseasonal thunderstorms claimed 18 lives and damaged crops in southern India over the weekend.

The deaths were reported from nine of 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh state.

Most victims were killed by lightning strikes, collapsed houses and electrocution.

Strong gales damaged about 1 150 houses across four districts. Rain and hail damaged rice, maize and other crops over 252 500 hectares.

Storms and Floods

Super Typhoon Jelawat, which has intensified to a Category 5 typhoon with 160 mph winds. Jelawat is Earth's second Category 5 storm of 2012; the other was Super Typhoon Sanba. Jelawat is approaching China's east coastal regions, bringing rain and gales.

Floods and gale force winds wreak havoc on England and Scotland's transport routes. Many people are facing a night in temporary accommodation after a second day of heavy rain brought flooding and travel chaos to parts of the UK.

Tens of thousands of people have been made homeless by heavy monsoon flooding in the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. About 120 000 homes have been destroyed and tens of thousands of tents are now being distributed to flood victims.