More than 150,000 evacuated across Pakistan and India as cyclone approaches

A powerful cyclone en route to India and Pakistan has led to a mass evacuation of more than 150,000 people across both countries. 

Meteorologists have said Cyclone Biparjoy poses a significant threat to homes and crops ahead of its anticipated landfall. 

The cyclone has been traversing the Arabian Sea and is set to make an initial impact on India’s Gujarat state on Thursday evening local time. 

Heavy rainfall in India has already claimed the lives of at least seven people. Among the victims were two children, crushed by a collapsing wall, and a woman struck by a falling tree while riding a motorbike, according to reports from AFP news agency. 

The cyclone has been described by meteorologists as a “very severe cyclonic storm” with sustained winds reaching speeds of up to 135 km/h (84 mph) and gusts reaching up to 150 km/h (93 mph). They have additionally cautioned that high tides could lead to the inundation of low-lying coastal areas.