The President has given his assent to the Disaster Management Bill.
This was decided at an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss relief and rehabilitation in tsunami-affected areas of the country.
An 18-year-old man, Ankit, went missing after being swept away by rainwater in a drain in southeast Delhi's Priyanka Camp area during heavy downpour. A large-scale search operation involving rescue teams from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority and Delhi Fire Service is underway, but he has not yet been traced.
Over 130 Indian nationals, including Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrims and tourists, are missing or stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have cut off central districts and disrupted communication links. Indian states and the embassy in Kathmandu have launched helplines to assist those affected.
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the cell broadcast alert system, developed indigenously, to warn citizens about emergencies and natural disasters in their area. The system is now operational across all states and union territories.
Kerala Minister T Siddique stated that the Kalladi tunnel project site incident was a "man-made landslide" due to unscientific dumping of excavated earth, not a natural one. Six injured individuals are in stable condition, and an inquiry will be conducted into why previous directions were not followed. Rescue operations are underway with NDRF and Fire and Rescue Services teams.
Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has expressed deep concern over the devastating floods in her home state of Assam, stating it has affected her focus at the Commonwealth Games. She appealed to the public for help, highlighting the loss of lives and homes, and the urgent need for food, water, and clothing for the affected population.
The body of Vikram Rana, the last person missing after the July 7 landslide at the Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site in Kalladi, Wayanad, Kerala, has been recovered. This brings the death toll to eight. A massive search operation involving multiple agencies led to the discovery of the construction manager's body, concluding the search efforts.
A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.
The administration has been put on high alert following the India meteorological department's (IMD) forecast of extremely heavy rainfall across several districts of Gujarat in the next two days.
The successful effort to combat Cyclone Phailin threatens to put disaster mitigation, and a fundamental overhaul of how disaster management in India is structured, on the back-burner, says Anand Sarkar.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned of a possible cloudburst-like spell in Nashik on Tuesday and stated that the state machinery is on high alert, with heavy rains expected to continue until July 8. Citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as authorities manage landslides, swollen rivers, and rescue operations.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a 'red' alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and warnings include potential flash floods, structural damage, and disruptions to essential services. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has also urged caution and deployed officials to monitor the situation.
At least 38 people were killed after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted, CBS News reported.
An IAF helicopter has been deployed to assist in the search and rescue of four people missing after flash floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district. Incessant rain has cut off six districts, damaged homes, and injured 17, with one fatality reported. Efforts are also underway to restore crucial road connectivity.
A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.
Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the transformative role of satellite communications in expanding seamless connectivity across India, especially in remote areas. He noted that India's space economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by satcom technology that will bridge the digital divide, provide resilient infrastructure during disasters, and support strategic sectors.
Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the transformative role of satellite communications in expanding seamless connectivity across India, especially in remote areas. He noted that India's space economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by satcom technology that will bridge the digital divide, provide resilient infrastructure during disasters, and support strategic sectors.
Assam's flood situation continues to worsen, affecting 46,000 people across six districts, with Dhemaji being the most severely impacted. The first flood-related fatality has been reported, and major rivers are flowing above danger levels, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and submerging vast areas of cropland.
Like last year's Surat floods, this year's calamity has exposed the chinks in the governance of a state boasting 10 to 11 per cent economic growth. Gujarat's monsoon is a timely reminder that macro- and micro-development need to be synchronised
Assam's flood toll has climbed to 87 with two new fatalities, even as water levels recede in most inundated areas, affecting nearly 1.3 lakh people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, which could impact several bordering Assam districts.
Dilip Buildcon Ltd, the contractor for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel project in Wayanad, attributed a recent fatal landslide to exceptionally heavy rainfall. The company stated that the project adheres to all safety and environmental protocols, despite allegations from Kerala Ministers of a "man-made disaster."
Olympian and World Cup gold medallist archer Jayanta Talukdar and his one-month-old twin babies were rescued from their flood-hit apartment in Guwahati's Rukmininagar on Friday.
The flood situation in Assam is showing signs of improvement with receding water levels, though over 6.5 lakh people across six districts remain affected and the death toll has risen to 66. Relief operations are being intensified, with central and state leaders reviewing measures and a central team assessing damages.
Assam faces a severe flood crisis with 41 deaths and over 6.5 lakh people displaced, prompting intensified rescue operations and a critical alert for continued heavy rainfall.
Following a landslide near the Kalladi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, district authorities have begun evacuating families and intensified rescue operations to find seven missing persons. Heavy rains are complicating efforts, while project engineers clarify the landslide did not originate from the active construction zone.
A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake has struck Japan's Kumamoto region, prompting a tsunami advisory for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea, with reports of injuries, damage, blackouts, and fire.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that the death toll from rain-related incidents has reached 15, with seven people still missing. He confirmed that the overall situation is under control, except for a few areas in Pathanamthitta, as the state intensifies rescue and relief operations. The CM detailed the deployment of rescue teams, functioning relief camps, and immediate compensation measures for victims and affected families, while also cautioning against rumours regarding dam water release.
'Hydro-seismicity is a phenomenon that typically shows up during and just after the monsoon.' 'Heavy rain causes water to percolate deep into the rock, and where there are fractures, that water fills the pores and builds up what we call pore water pressure.' 'That pressure can widen existing cracks, and eventually the rock gives way -- which surfaces as tremors.'
Heavy monsoon rains have severely impacted Mumbai and its surrounding areas, leading to landslides, suspension of train services, and at least 13 fatalities over the past few days. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was also shut due to a concrete pillar collapse and waterlogging.
High levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation have been recorded across Kerala, prompting warnings from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). Residents are advised to take precautions to avoid prolonged exposure, especially during peak hours.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said that eight people have died, an equal number are missing and 13 were injured in the previous day's heavy rains which caused property damage, landslides and waterlogging in many parts of the state.
A 23-year-old man was found dead in Thane, Maharashtra, having allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree. Police are investigating the case.
The weather office has warned that the prevailing monsoon conditions could trigger flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and a further rise in river levels across the Northeast.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in parts of Kerala, prompting authorities to urge caution. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius in some districts. Strict guidelines have been issued, including the suspension of vacation classes and rescheduling of working hours.
At least nine people have died after a four-storey building, previously declared 'dangerous' by the local civic body, collapsed in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The incident occurred during unauthorised repair works, despite eviction notices and disconnection of utilities.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gandak river system, prompting emergency measures including evacuations and continuous monitoring by central and state authorities.
Floods in Assam have claimed 31 lives, with 21 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours, affecting nearly 5.65 lakh people across multiple districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited affected areas, announcing an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased's family and acknowledging difficulties in relief distribution to submerged villages.
Heavy monsoon rains have severely impacted Thane and Palghar, Mumbai's neighbouring districts, causing extensive waterlogging, tree and wall collapses, and prompting significant rescue efforts, including the tragic death of a six-year-old child.
A devastating landslide at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad, Kerala, has resulted in one death and seven missing individuals at a crucial tunnel road project site, with Chief Minister V D Satheesan attributing the tragedy to contractors' failure to heed warnings about accumulated mud.
