News for 'disaster response'

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region disrupted traffic and air services, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway and cancellation of flights. Rescue and road clearing operations are underway.

Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka, 80 killed; India provides relief

Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka, 80 killed; India provides relief

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Sri Lanka is facing a severe crisis after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in numerous deaths and displacement. India has launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to provide relief. The situation is expected to remain critical with rising river levels and continued rainfall.

Heartbroken to see my Punjab devastated by floods: Gill

Heartbroken to see my Punjab devastated by floods: Gill

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

India Test captain Shubman Gill expressed anguish over the large-scale devastation caused by floods in his home state of Punjab due to incessant rainfall.

J-K flashflood: Hope fades for missing as rescue ops enter Day 3

J-K flashflood: Hope fades for missing as rescue ops enter Day 3

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Rescue operations continue in Kishtwar, J&K, following a devastating cloudburst. Anxious relatives cling to fading hope as the search for the missing enters its third day.

Massive cloudburst kills 46 in Kishtwar, many trapped

Massive cloudburst kills 46 in Kishtwar, many trapped

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

As night fell over Chositi village, rescuers worked frantically and pulled out 167 people from under mounds of rubble. Of these, 38 are in a serious condition, officials said. The death toll went up steadily as the day progressed and there were fears it could rise further.

Sardar Patel wanted to unite Kashmir with India, but...: Modi

Sardar Patel wanted to unite Kashmir with India, but...: Modi

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity, commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary with a unity pledge and parade.

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Heavy monsoon rains battered Karnataka's coastal belt for the third consecutive day on Monday, severely disrupting normal life in Dakshina Kannada district, prompting authorities to issue a red alert and deploy disaster response teams. A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours, and will remain in force for the next five days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several parts of Mangaluru city reported waterlogging and traffic snarls, while minor incidents of landslides were reported from hilly regions across the district. The district administration has directed schools and composite colleges to remain shut on 27 and 28 following the IMD issuing a red alert. Instructions were also issued to relocate residents living in vulnerable hillside and riverside areas to safer locations. The authorities have sought prompt action from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) following complaints of water intrusion in residential areas due to ongoing highway construction works.

Uttarkashi floods: 70 Rescued, over 50 still missing

Uttarkashi floods: 70 Rescued, over 50 still missing

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Rescue operations continue in Uttarkashi after flash floods, with dozens still missing. The Army and other agencies are working to rescue stranded people and restore connectivity.

'Ridiculous': India trashes Pak's airspace denial claim on Sri Lanka aid

'Ridiculous': India trashes Pak's airspace denial claim on Sri Lanka aid

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India has refuted Pakistan's allegation that it denied permission to use Indian airspace for sending humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, calling the claim 'ridiculous'.

'Autonomous hydraulic robot' to help in Telangana tunnel rescue

'Autonomous hydraulic robot' to help in Telangana tunnel rescue

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

An autonomous hydraulic-powered robot equipped with special machinery has been deployed to accelerate the search operation for seven people trapped inside a partially collapsed tunnel in Nagarkurnool, Telangana. The robot, equipped with a 30 HP capacity liquid ring vacuum pump and a vacuum tank machine, can remove up to 620 cubic meters of soil per hour using a conveyor belt. This technology aims to expedite the rescue efforts and enhance the efficiency of the operation. State Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar is supervising the search operation, which involves teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, HRDD, Singareni Collieries, a Hyderabad-based robotics company, and others.

UP: 6 pilgrims run over by train while crossing tracks

UP: 6 pilgrims run over by train while crossing tracks

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The Chopan Express had halted at platform four of the station, and the passengers chose to get down on the track, though there is a footover bridge, the railways said.

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Heavy rains battered Jammu and Kashmir, triggering floods, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting normal life. Authorities issued advisories and rescue operations were conducted.

Operation Brahma To The Rescue

Operation Brahma To The Rescue

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The scenes from the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar and India's HADR mission, Operation Brahma, conducted on April 2, 2025.

NDRF deploys cadaver dogs in Uttarakhand rescue

NDRF deploys cadaver dogs in Uttarakhand rescue

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The NDRF has deployed its first-ever team of cadaver dogs to help locate those feared dead in the cloudburst incident in Uttarakhand. Disaster swept through the Himalayan village of Dharali on the way to Gangotri on Tuesday with a massive cloudburst leading to flash floods that barrelled through homes, trees, and cars, trapping 60-70 people and leaving at least four dead.

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

A rally marking the 41st anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy was disrupted by a controversy over an effigy allegedly depicting an RSS 'sevak,' leading to an FIR against organizers.

Houses among 50 structures damaged due to land sinking in J-K's Poonch

Houses among 50 structures damaged due to land sinking in J-K's Poonch

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Land sinking in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district has damaged about 50 structures, mostly residential houses. A minister has assured relief and rehabilitation.

Five missing, several stranded as heavy rains lash Maha's Nanded

Five missing, several stranded as heavy rains lash Maha's Nanded

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Heavy rains in Maharashtra's Nanded district have left five people missing and several others stranded. Rescue operations are underway with NDRF, military, and police teams coordinating efforts.

Northeast floods worsen; Assam, Arunachal among worst hit

Northeast floods worsen; Assam, Arunachal among worst hit

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Seven rivers, including the Brahmaputra, were flowing above the danger level, even as the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state.

Boy killed in cylinder blast in Bengaluru; 13 houses damaged

Boy killed in cylinder blast in Bengaluru; 13 houses damaged

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

A 10-year-old boy died and several others were injured in a suspected cylinder blast in Bengaluru. The Chief Minister has announced compensation for the victim's family and medical assistance for the injured.

Mumbai's Favourite God Arrives

Mumbai's Favourite God Arrives

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

5 killed, 143 injured as powerful quake hits Afghanistan

5 killed, 143 injured as powerful quake hits Afghanistan

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

At least five people were killed and 143 others injured after a strong earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck several provinces across Afghanistan in the wee hours of Monday, according to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA).

6 killed in stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple; probe ordered

6 killed in stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple; probe ordered

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

The officer said a rumour of an electric current ahead of the spot where the steps to the temple begin sent the devotees panicking, leading to a stampede.

Virar building collapse: Tragedy strikes during baby's birthday party

Virar building collapse: Tragedy strikes during baby's birthday party

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The death toll in the collapse of an unauthorised building in Virar, Maharashtra, has risen to 15. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure no one remains trapped under the debris.

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar district that claimed 60 lives and injured over 100. Abdullah expressed condolences and assured assistance, while also questioning potential administrative lapses.

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Goa nightclub wanted in connection with the fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the facility, have fled to Thailand, prompting police to seek the help of Interpol to trace them, officials said in Panaji on Monday.

Builder arrested for apartment collapse near Mumbai

Builder arrested for apartment collapse near Mumbai

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The death toll in the collapse of an allegedly unauthorised building at Virar in Maharashtra's Palghar district has risen to 17. Police have arrested the builder of the four-storey structure after a complaint was lodged.

Mandi cloudburst toll rises to 14, search on for 31 missing

Mandi cloudburst toll rises to 14, search on for 31 missing

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

The death toll from cloudburst and flash flood-related incidents in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh has risen to 14, with a search underway for 31 missing individuals. Extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livestock has been reported across the district.

5 killed in torrential rains, landslides in coastal Karnataka

5 killed in torrential rains, landslides in coastal Karnataka

Rediff.com30 May 2025

On Thursday night, a landslide struck a home at Montepadavu Kodi near Mangaluru, trapping five people under debris, they said.

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Landslides blocked arterial roads leading up to Dharali where dozens of people were trapped and many homes and cars swept away by the raging waters on Tuesday. Eleven Army personnel from the nearby camp in Harsil were among those missing.

Modi announces Rs 1,600 cr relief package for flood-ravaged Punjab

Modi announces Rs 1,600 cr relief package for flood-ravaged Punjab

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 1,600-crore assistance package for flood-hit Punjab after reviewing the damage. He also announced ex gratia for the deceased and injured. The state is battling its worst deluge since 1988.

'This Shock May Trigger Suicides'

'This Shock May Trigger Suicides'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Marathwada is the suicide capital of Maharashtra.' 'To stop such man-made disasters, the government should immediately come up with a rightful package, not this charitable approach to compensation.'

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The wall collapsed on the Rs 300 ticket queue line near the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand at around 3 am. Heavy overnight rains and strong winds are suspected to have loosened the soil, causing the structure to fall, Anitha told reporters.

Now, Nature's Fury In North India

Now, Nature's Fury In North India

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

The aftermath of the cloudburst triggered by heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

ISRO Set To Launch 7th Spy Satellite

ISRO Set To Launch 7th Spy Satellite

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The main focus of the all weather RISAT-1B satellite will be to observe the Indian land with its C-band synthetic aperture radar.

3 killed in Himachal flash floods, Delhi rains claim 2 lives

3 killed in Himachal flash floods, Delhi rains claim 2 lives

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, resulted in casualties and widespread damage, prompting rescue operations and relief efforts.

83 dead in massive Hong Kong inferno, over 280 missing

83 dead in massive Hong Kong inferno, over 280 missing

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Firefighters battled for a second day on Thursday to contain a massive inferno that ripped through seven high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong, as the death toll climbed to 65 and over 280 people remained missing in what officials described as the city's worst disaster in 70 years.

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Incessant rains and flooding have caused widespread disruption in northern India, with states like Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir facing landslides, road closures, and displacement. Rescue efforts are underway as authorities grapple with the aftermath of the deluge.

Vadodara bridge collapse: One still missing, toll rises to 20

Vadodara bridge collapse: One still missing, toll rises to 20

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The death toll in the Mahisagar river bridge collapse in Gujarat's Vadodara district climbed to 19 on Friday after one of the injured persons succumbed to injuries at a hospital, officials said.

Vadodara bridge collapse: Toll rises to 18, search to resume on Friday

Vadodara bridge collapse: Toll rises to 18, search to resume on Friday

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The death toll in the collapse of a bridge over the Mahisagar river in Gujarat's Vadodara district has risen to 15. Rescue operations are ongoing to find the missing.