News for 'disaster response'

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.com7 days ago

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.

Nepal Floods: 'Himalayas At Risk Of Cascading Disasters'

Nepal Floods: 'Himalayas At Risk Of Cascading Disasters'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A senior Geological Survey of India official warns that the Himalayas are vulnerable to cascading disasters, where one high-altitude event can trigger a chain of destructive events downstream, as evidenced by Nepal's recent floods. He stresses the need for integrated monitoring using satellite data and ground investigations to identify high-risk areas and improve preparedness in the Indian Himalayas.

Why are Himalayan disasters turning more destructive?

Why are Himalayan disasters turning more destructive?

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A scientist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology highlights how climate change, including glacial retreat, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising nighttime temperatures, is exacerbating the risk of flash floods and landslides in the Himalayas, as seen in recent disasters in Nepal and Uttarakhand.

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.

Nepal floods: Bihar on high alert as Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak swell

Nepal floods: Bihar on high alert as Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak swell

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Parts of Bihar are facing a potential deluge as major rivers like the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak show rising water levels. This surge is attributed to devastating flash floods and continuous rainfall in neighbouring Nepal, prompting authorities to open barrage gates and place disaster response teams on standby.

No impact of Nepal floods in UP, Bihar till now: NDRF

No impact of Nepal floods in UP, Bihar till now: NDRF

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is closely monitoring the India-Nepal border regions in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for any adverse impact from the devastating flash floods in Nepal. While no significant impact has been reported yet, 20 NDRF teams are deployed in the Indian states for potential relief operations. India has also sent humanitarian aid to Nepal and has additional NDRF teams on standby for deployment if requested.

Bodies of Nepal flood victims recovered from river in UP

Bodies of Nepal flood victims recovered from river in UP

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Three unidentified bodies, believed to have drifted from Nepal due to devastating floods, were recovered from the Gandak river in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district. This incident follows a similar recovery of four bodies in neighbouring Maharajganj, highlighting the cross-border impact of the Nepal floods which began on August 26. Authorities are coordinating with Nepal to identify the deceased and are monitoring the river situation.

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.

Roads flooded, drones carry the dead home in Nepal

Roads flooded, drones carry the dead home in Nepal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

In flood-ravaged Nepal, drones are playing an unprecedented role in disaster response, from airlifting bodies from inaccessible areas to delivering essential supplies and searching for trapped workers. This innovative use of UAVs is transforming humanitarian aid and rescue operations in the challenging Himalayan terrain.

SEE: CCTV captures moment Delhi building came crashing down

SEE: CCTV captures moment Delhi building came crashing down

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Dramatic CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment a five-storey building in Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed, killing seven people and injuring 11, as rescue operations continue.

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.

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Five people were killed after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Monday afternoon, officials said.

'Malicious speculation': China denies Tibet projects linked to Nepal floods

'Malicious speculation': China denies Tibet projects linked to Nepal floods

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

China on Monday dismissed claims linking its massive hydropower projects in Tibet to the August 26 flash flood disaster in Nepal, calling them "malicious speculation".

NISAR satellite shows 60cm Venezuela quake ground shift

NISAR satellite shows 60cm Venezuela quake ground shift

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite has provided crucial data revealing the extent of ground displacement caused by recent twin earthquakes in Venezuela. Researchers used the satellite's InSAR technique to map surface changes, showing a significant 60-centimetre shift in areas like Caracas and La Guaira, explaining the severe damage. This marks the first use of NISAR's urgent response system for earthquake surface displacement mapping.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left hundreds missing and caused significant casualties. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected Gyirong Township to oversee rescue and relief operations, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and rescue.

Nepal flash floods: Villagers in Bihar-UP anxious after alert

Nepal flash floods: Villagers in Bihar-UP anxious after alert

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Villages along the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal, with authorities monitoring the Gandak River for potential downstream surges and the NDRF deploying 20 teams for preparedness.

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.

How AI Weather Forecasts Are Transforming Farming In Telangana

How AI Weather Forecasts Are Transforming Farming In Telangana

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A World Bank report highlights how Artificial Intelligence-powered weather forecasts have enabled small farmers in Telangana, India, to save up to USD 560 by adapting their farming practices to specific risks. The report, "The Promise of Artificial Intelligence," advocates for developing countries to rapidly adopt small, low-cost AI tools to enhance productivity, improve government services, and avoid missing out on the AI revolution.

India Boosts Disaster Relief: Centre Approves 1,912 Crore Aid

India Boosts Disaster Relief: Centre Approves 1,912 Crore Aid

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The central government has approved additional financial assistance of 1,912.99 crore to five states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which were affected by various natural disasters in 2025.

Many hospitalised after chlorine gas leak at Nagpur water plant

Many hospitalised after chlorine gas leak at Nagpur water plant

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The gas spread to nearby residential areas, triggering panic. Many people experienced coughing and difficulty in breathing, it said.

Delhi building collapse: For rental income, owners built extra floors

Delhi building collapse: For rental income, owners built extra floors

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Delhi Police have registered an FIR in connection with the Satya Niketan building collapse that killed seven people, alleging that the owners constructed additional floors on an old structure despite concerns over its load-bearing capacity and that further construction work was underway.

Main accused in Kaushambi firecracker blast arrested

Main accused in Kaushambi firecracker blast arrested

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The main accused, Naushad, in the Kaushambi firecracker factory blast that killed 11 people, including eight children, has been arrested after an encounter. Two police personnel were suspended and three sent to police lines for alleged negligence, as the factory was operating illegally despite a previous licence suspension. Authorities are taking strict action, including invoking the Gangsters Act and NSA.

7 dead, 2 still feared trapped in Mumbai's landslide

7 dead, 2 still feared trapped in Mumbai's landslide

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Search and rescue operations are continuing for a second day in Mumbai following a landslide in the Sakinaka area that claimed seven lives and injured seven others. Two individuals are still feared trapped, with rescue efforts complicated by narrow access and the inability to use heavy machinery.

Varanasi on alert after Ganga rises above warning mark

Varanasi on alert after Ganga rises above warning mark

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Ganga river in Varanasi has surpassed its warning level, leading to the suspension of all boat operations and heightened monitoring by district authorities. The rising water levels, also affecting the Varuna river, have partially impacted 11 localities and displaced hundreds of families, who are now housed in relief camps as rescue efforts intensify.

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Delhi government is set to introduce a comprehensive drone policy aimed at creating over 1,000 jobs and regulating drone operations. The policy will focus on establishing research clusters, flight testing facilities, and providing subsidies, while also addressing drone usage for government purposes like traffic management and surveillance, considering the city's extensive 'no drone zones'.

16 feared trapped as garbage mound falls on building in Pune

16 feared trapped as garbage mound falls on building in Pune

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A three-storey administrative building in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, collapsed after a huge mound of garbage, loosened by heavy rains, crashed onto it. At least 16 people are feared trapped inside, and rescue operations are underway.

Bharti Airtel's Homegrown Cloud Platform Secures 40 Customers, Targets Manufacturing Sector

Bharti Airtel's Homegrown Cloud Platform Secures 40 Customers, Targets Manufacturing Sector

Rediff.com1 days ago

Bharti Airtel's homegrown cloud platform, Airtel Cloud, has acquired approximately 40 customers within a year of its launch, with a significant portion coming from the manufacturing sector. The platform, designed for Indian companies, offers sovereign, telco-grade cloud infrastructure, connectivity, and GenAI-based provisioning, addressing the growing demand for secure, India-hosted data solutions, particularly for sensitive workloads and regulated sectors.

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.

Four dead, five soldiers missing after landslide, flash flood in Arunachal

Four dead, five soldiers missing after landslide, flash flood in Arunachal

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Five Army personnel are missing after a flash flood in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, while four people died in a landslide in Upper Subansiri district. Both incidents occurred on Friday evening, triggering extensive search and rescue operations involving multiple agencies.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

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'.

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.

China, US, India must compensate Nepal for flash floods: Khanal

China, US, India must compensate Nepal for flash floods: Khanal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Nepal has launched a diplomatic initiative to secure climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, asserting that post-disaster assistance for recent deadly flash floods should be viewed as a moral and legal liability, not charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted Nepal's disproportionate suffering from global warming despite negligible emissions, citing rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. The country has formally approached the Loss and Damage Fund board for urgent financial aid following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin.

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.

'Was chanting Hare Krishna': Nepal tunnel survivor rescued on Janmashtami

'Was chanting Hare Krishna': Nepal tunnel survivor rescued on Janmashtami

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Sanjay Sah, a 30-year-old employee, was rescued from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal after nine days. He attributed his survival to chanting 'Hare Krishna' and was miraculously rescued on Krishna Janmashtami. Another worker, Kabir Maharjan, was also rescued but required further medical treatment. Sah, a foreman, stayed behind to ensure others' safety during the initial disaster.

Barrier lake formed at Tibet-Nepal border, China issues alert

Barrier lake formed at Tibet-Nepal border, China issues alert

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

China has issued a Level-IV alert due to a newly formed barrier lake at the Tibet-Nepal border, warning of a high risk of breaching and flooding downstream areas. The lake, formed at the confluence of Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, has accumulated an estimated two million cubic metres of water, with inflows expected to increase, raising concerns for areas including Gyirong Port.

Silkyara fame rescuer joins Nepal tunnel rescue operation

Silkyara fame rescuer joins Nepal tunnel rescue operation

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Australian tunnel expert Arnold Dix, known for the Silkyara tunnel rescue, is now assisting in a complex search-and-rescue operation in Nepal following devastating floods. He is applying lessons learned from the Silkyara operation, particularly the principle of "never confuse unlikely with impossible," as he works with Indian and Nepali teams to locate people potentially trapped in the Chilime hydropower tunnel and other sites.

2 killed as under-construction building collapses in Hyderabad

2 killed as under-construction building collapses in Hyderabad

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

An under-construction seven-storey building in Hyderabad collapsed, killing two workers and injuring two others. The incident highlighted issues of illegal construction near a drain and violations of mandatory setbacks. Authorities revealed the building was seized four months prior, but construction resumed, leading to the collapse. Investigations into the owner's role and demolition of similar illegal structures are underway.

Over 100 Maha tourists stranded in flood-affected Nepal

Over 100 Maha tourists stranded in flood-affected Nepal

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

State officials report that at least 114 tourists from Maharashtra are estimated to be stranded in flood-hit Nepal, with 53 confirmed safe. The Maharashtra government has initiated coordination efforts with tour agencies and central authorities, establishing helplines and control rooms to assist and gather information on those affected by the devastating flash floods.

Flood-hit Nepal's looming crisis: Trauma among survivors

Flood-hit Nepal's looming crisis: Trauma among survivors

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

With the death toll crossing 900 and nearly 4,000 people still missing, the trauma of loss, displacement and uncertainty is settling in among thousands of survivors, prompting the government to step up its mental health response.

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive rescue operations following devastating flash floods and mudslides near the China-Nepal border in Tibet. The disaster has caused heavy casualties, left nearly 400 people missing, including 105 Indians and 37 NRIs, and damaged infrastructure. Emergency teams have been deployed, and efforts are underway to evacuate residents and provide medical aid.