More than 100 people have died in northern India as torrential rains battered the region for the fourth consecutive day.
The states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been the worst-hit, with reports of power outages and disrupted train and road services.
Officials added that healthcare centres and schools have also been ordered to shut down as several areas are submerged under floodwater.
The incessant downpour has uprooted trees and ripped out roofs and temporary structures.
EU agrees to indefinitely freeze Russian assets, removing obstacle to Ukraine loan
The European Union agreed on Friday to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe, removing a big obstacle to using the cash to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
Severe floods force mass evacuations in US state of Washington
Severe rainfall has triggered major flooding in the US state of Washington, prompting evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents.
At least 30 killed in Myanmar after junta airstrike hits hospital
At least 30 people have been killed, including patients, and 70 injured after an airstrike by the country's ruling junta hit a hospital in Myanmar's western Rakhine state, according to a rebel group, an aid worker and a witness.
Tsunami advisory lifted after earthquake hits Japan's northeast
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.
The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) says a surface low-pressure system will affect the country from December 13 to 19, bringing periods of instability.
Dubai Police have taken legal action against a man who set fire to a public road to celebrate his birthday, after a video of the incident circulated on social media.
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced the New Year's holiday for private sector employees.
