News for 'National Disaster Management Force'

Bihar floods: More than 49 lakh hit in 15 districts as rivers swell

Bihar floods: More than 49 lakh hit in 15 districts as rivers swell

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Heavy rainfall and swollen rivers have led to severe flooding in 15 districts of Bihar, affecting over 49 lakh people. Major rivers like the Ganga and Kosi are flowing above danger levels, prompting the deployment of disaster response teams and the establishment of relief camps and community kitchens for those displaced.

Delhi building collapse: Death toll rises to 7; 12 rescued

Delhi building collapse: Death toll rises to 7; 12 rescued

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A 50-year-old multi-storey building in Delhi's Satya Niketan area collapsed, resulting in six deaths and 11 rescues. The incident occurred during repair work, prompting a police case against the building owner and a magisterial inquiry.

India's flawed disaster management story

India's flawed disaster management story

Rediff.com17 Oct 2013

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.

Nepal Floods: Rescue Operations Face Equipment Crunch

Nepal Floods: Rescue Operations Face Equipment Crunch

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Devastating flash floods in Nepal, triggered by an ice and rock collapse, have led to over 900 deaths and 4,000 missing. Rescue operations by security personnel are severely hampered by critical shortages of specialised equipment, including thermal cameras, body bags, ropes, and helicopters. International assistance from India and China is aiding the search for missing workers, highlighting Nepal's long-standing disaster management capacity issues and inadequate funding.

Only 'Sanatan Dharma' followers can touch Durga idol, says Suvendu

Only 'Sanatan Dharma' followers can touch Durga idol, says Suvendu

Rediff.com4 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that only followers of 'Sanatan Dharma' would be permitted to touch Durga idols during immersion in the Hooghly river, citing religious traditions. He also reviewed extensive security and safety arrangements for the immersion process, including NDRF involvement and precautions for spectators at Taki, following a recent stampede incident.

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated 'Vayu UTtaM', an indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system, at 'Dronathon 2026' in Pokhran. This ground-based system is designed to manage drone operations in congested airspace and identify rogue drones, with applications extending to critical infrastructure, civil aviation, and public safety. The event also saw the release of the 'IAF UAS Roadmap' to guide indigenous innovation in unmanned systems.

7 workers dead, 3 still missing in Chamoli tunnel collapse

7 workers dead, 3 still missing in Chamoli tunnel collapse

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Seven workers have died and three are currently missing after a tunnel under construction at a hydroelectric project site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, was inundated with water and debris following landslides and subsidence.

Dronathon 2026: IAF Boosts Indigenous Drone Capabilities In Jaisalmer

Dronathon 2026: IAF Boosts Indigenous Drone Capabilities In Jaisalmer

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian Air Force has launched 'Dronathon 2026' at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer, a three-day event showcasing advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies by domestic manufacturers. The initiative aims to bolster the IAF's capabilities in the unmanned domain, align with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' objective, and assess indigenous technologies against operational requirements through live demonstrations. It also fosters interaction between the IAF, industry, and even students, promoting the development of scalable unmanned solutions.

Indonesia: 3 quakes leave trail of destruction, 47 dead

Indonesia: 3 quakes leave trail of destruction, 47 dead

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province has been severely impacted by three earthquakes, including a powerful 7.7-magnitude tremor, resulting in at least 47 fatalities and extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure, with significant relief efforts now underway.

Asim Munir Gives ISI Chief 1 Year Extension

Asim Munir Gives ISI Chief 1 Year Extension

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The promotions and reshuffle in the army show that Asim Munir remains firmly in charge, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at R&AW.

Siang Project: Can India Turn Challenge Into Opportunity?

Siang Project: Can India Turn Challenge Into Opportunity?

Rediff.com3 days ago

The objective should be clear: Energy security without abandoning environmental responsibility; water security without ignoring local concerns; and strategic resilience without sacrificing public confidence, notes Varun Arya.

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The administration has sounded a high alert in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh, while stepping up the monitoring of the Gandak and other water bodies downstream of rivers in Nepal, following devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country that have killed more than 350 people and left thousands missing.

Mass burials underway in Nepal as morgues run out of space

Mass burials underway in Nepal as morgues run out of space

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Following devastating floods in Nepal, Kathmandu has initiated mass burials for unidentified victims as morgues have exceeded capacity. Security forces are burying bodies with markers and collecting DNA samples for future identification. The government has amended the Unidentified and Unclaimed Bodies Management Guidelines, 2021, to facilitate the management of disaster victims, including provisions for autopsies, DNA collection, and temporary burial with identification markers.

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose again on Sunday, days after a devastating flash flood struck Nepal, authorities warned, urging residents and rescue personnel in flood-hit districts to remain alert.

Nepal floods: Govt under fire for inadequate relief coordination

Nepal floods: Govt under fire for inadequate relief coordination

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

A preliminary government report reveals that devastating flash floods in Nepal have affected over 32,000 people, caused 1,295 deaths, and severely damaged infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Senior Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsing KC has criticised the government's coordination of rescue and relief operations and called for international action on climate justice.

Wayanad landslide: Missing construction manager's body recovered, toll rises to 8

Wayanad landslide: Missing construction manager's body recovered, toll rises to 8

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

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.

5 killed in PG building collapse in Delhi, several trapped; owner absconding

5 killed in PG building collapse in Delhi, several trapped; owner absconding

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

A five-storey boys' paying guest (PG) accommodation in Satya Niketan, South Delhi, collapsed, resulting in one fatality and trapping several individuals. Rescue operations are ongoing in the congested area, with locals citing ongoing basement construction and the building's age as potential factors.

Home ministry issues notice to Alapan Bandyopadhyay under Disaster Management Act

Home ministry issues notice to Alapan Bandyopadhyay under Disaster Management Act

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

A home ministry official said the notice was served on Bandyopadhyay hours before his retirement on Monday for refusing to comply with the Central government direction, which he said constituted a violation of section 51-B of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Flash flood in Nepal leaves 10 missing, damages 2 hydropower projects

Flash flood in Nepal leaves 10 missing, damages 2 hydropower projects

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A flash flood in Nepal's Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district has swept away houses, damaged two hydropower projects, and left at least 10 people missing. Authorities have rescued nearly 50 people and mobilised security agencies for search and rescue operations, urging riverside villagers to move to safer locations.

Search on for 5,000 missing in Nepal, over 1,000 bodies unidentified

Search on for 5,000 missing in Nepal, over 1,000 bodies unidentified

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Eleven days after devastating floods triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, Nepal continues to grapple with a rising death toll of 1,344 and nearly 5,000 missing. Authorities face significant challenges in identifying the deceased, with many bodies severely damaged. DNA samples are being collected from relatives to aid identification, while the government mobilises relief and rehabilitation efforts. A fresh flood incident in Gorkha district also caused damage.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

Bhiwandi building collapse: 9 dead, illegal repairs on 'dangerous' structure probed

Bhiwandi building collapse: 9 dead, illegal repairs on 'dangerous' structure probed

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

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.

Wayanad landslide toll rises to 7; one still missing

Wayanad landslide toll rises to 7; one still missing

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Ongoing search operations are intensifying in Wayanad as one more individual is still missing after a devastating landslide at the Anakkompoyil Meppadi tunnel project claimed seven lives.

'China Should Have Alerted Nepal'

'China Should Have Alerted Nepal'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

'The trigger for the flood was definitely natural, but the damage that it caused was human-made.'

India sends 11 tonnes of relief, Bailey bridge, tunnel expertise to Nepal

India sends 11 tonnes of relief, Bailey bridge, tunnel expertise to Nepal

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

India has provided 68.5 tonnes of relief materials to flood-hit Nepal and sent technical teams, forensic experts and equipment to assist in search and rescue operations, the Indian embassy said.

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has tragically risen to 903, with 4,247 people still reported missing, including security personnel and foreigners. India has dispatched an 18-member team of forensic experts to assist with DNA analysis and identification of victims.

Nepal floods: Death toll surges to 1,344; around 5,000 still missing

Nepal floods: Death toll surges to 1,344; around 5,000 still missing

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has reached 1,344, with rescue teams continuing to search for approximately 5,000 missing individuals, including foreign nationals, as identification of victims proves challenging due to the condition of recovered bodies.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

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.

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with a deepening flood crisis as the death toll from devastating flash floods in Rasuwa and surrounding districts has tragically risen to 538, with authorities now warning of a fresh flood threat and initiating evacuations.

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero after he thwarted an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight carrying nearly 180 people. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Indian envoys met his family in Dubai, assuring full government support, while the co-pilot has been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

Parliamentary panel refuses discussion on Red Fort blast

Parliamentary panel refuses discussion on Red Fort blast

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs refused to discuss the Red Fort blast during a meeting, citing the pre-set agenda of 'Disaster Management'.

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

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.

Arunachal flood: Landslides hinder search for missing persons

Arunachal flood: Landslides hinder search for missing persons

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

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.

7.1 quake hits Japan; bridge collapses, buildings damaged

7.1 quake hits Japan; bridge collapses, buildings damaged

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

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.

Arunachal Flash Floods Trigger Flood Threat In Assam

Arunachal Flash Floods Trigger Flood Threat In Assam

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

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.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

15 dead as rains pound Kerala, 7 missing

15 dead as rains pound Kerala, 7 missing

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

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.

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian captain and Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroically fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.