News for 'natural disaster'

Lightning: India's Deadliest Hazard

Lightning: India's Deadliest Hazard

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Lightning claims more lives in India annually than any other extreme weather event. Between April and July this year alone, 1,621 people died due to lightning strikes.

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.

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The Air India plane AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed immediately after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, as per the Gujarat State Police Control Room.

Darjeeling landslides: What went wrong?

Darjeeling landslides: What went wrong?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Historically, October has seen some of the worst landslide events in Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas.

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.

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Names and names and names and names... 329 in all. Some Indian. Some Canadian. Some British. Berry. Gupta. Jain. James. Bhatt. Beauchesne. Chatlani. Enayati. Lougheed.... Vaihayasi Pande Daniel visits Ahakista, Ireland, home to the memorial for the worst terrorist atrocity in India's history.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

'Risk Of Such Disasters Has Increased In The Last 10 Years'

'Risk Of Such Disasters Has Increased In The Last 10 Years'

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

'Heavy rains are not the primary reason for landslides in Wayanad.' 'There are all sorts of (human) intervention going on in that area.'

Chronicles Of A Disaster Foretold

Chronicles Of A Disaster Foretold

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

'The larger story of systematic destruction, which can and has been quantified, goes mysteriously missing from any political and/or public discourse about the ongoing devastation in the Ghats,' notes Prem Panicker.

'We will continue to incur nature's wrath'

'We will continue to incur nature's wrath'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2023

'Family, friends, far off relatives, almost everyone has been impacted by nature's fury.'

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The rhythmic chants of pilgrims have been replaced with frantic footsteps of those looking for their loved ones in the wake of a disastrous landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine which has claimed 34 lives till now.

10 Reasons Why This Is 2025's Most Unfairly Treated Film

10 Reasons Why This Is 2025's Most Unfairly Treated Film

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

As someone who could not predict a single beat in advance, who was exhilarated by its audacity to throw random elements together and take chances all over the place, Sreehari Nair thinks Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira is one of the best films of the year.

Chamoli disaster: High alert in neighbouring UP

Chamoli disaster: High alert in neighbouring UP

Rediff.com7 Feb 2021

The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday asked authorities in all districts on the banks of the Ganga river to be on a high alert and continuously monitor the water level after a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district.

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday attributed early arrival of the southwest monsoon and heavy rainfall in a short span for the inundation of low-lying areas in Mumbai, which disrupted road and railway traffic.

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'...they always address problems superficially, never tackling root causes.' 'Currently, the policy response will focus on immediate relief -- getting people to safety, providing facilities, clearing debris.' 'This is necessary, but once immediate relief operations end, everything returns to 'normal' without addressing underlying vulnerabilities.'

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

A devastating flashflood in the Kheer Ganga river on August 5 demolished nearly half of Dharali -- the key stopover en route to Gangotri with many hotels and homestays, and neighbouring Harsil, where an Army camp bore the brunt of the flood fury, barely giving time to the victims to run to safety.

'Daam Kam, Dum Zyada': Top quotes from Modi's I-Day speech

'Daam Kam, Dum Zyada': Top quotes from Modi's I-Day speech

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Independence Day, focusing on economic growth, self-reliance, and national security. He emphasized manufacturing quality products at affordable prices, supporting farmers, and combating terrorism and infiltration.

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has criticized the selective publication of a preliminary report on the Air India crash, calling it 'unfortunate and irresponsible'. The court raised concerns about privacy, dignity of victims' families, and the potential for biased narratives.

India Vs Sri Lanka: What India Could Try

India Vs Sri Lanka: What India Could Try

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

To defend their Asia Cup title, India must improve catching and find a steady middle order. Friday's dead rubber is a good chance to try these out.

Rain havoc: Over 30 Darjeeling tea gardens destroyed; Rs 50 cr loss feared

Rain havoc: Over 30 Darjeeling tea gardens destroyed; Rs 50 cr loss feared

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The recent flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain in north Bengal have caused massive destruction in at least 30-35 tea gardens in Darjeeling, with reports of loss of plantation areas, deaths of workers and damage to houses of labourers, prompting planters to convene a meeting to assess the situation, stakeholders said.

How Nature Wreaked Havoc In Wayanad

How Nature Wreaked Havoc In Wayanad

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The search for survivors continues after several devastating landslides triggered by heavy rainfall hit the hills in Wayanad district.

Search ops intensified to find 33 missing persons in J-K cloudburst

Search ops intensified to find 33 missing persons in J-K cloudburst

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The multi-agency search operation to trace 33 missing persons in cloudburst-hit Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir has entered its eighth day. The death toll stands at 65, and rescue efforts are ongoing with the help of multiple agencies and heavy machinery.

When Nature struck back

When Nature struck back

Rediff.com10 Nov 2009

A look at different kinds of disaster movies.

Ahmedabad hospital performs last rites for body parts of 19 AI victims

Ahmedabad hospital performs last rites for body parts of 19 AI victims

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital performed the last rites for body parts of 19 victims of the June 12 Air India plane crash. The body parts were discovered after the initial remains were handed over to families.

1,000 counties in US declared as disaster-hit areas

1,000 counties in US declared as disaster-hit areas

Rediff.com15 Jul 2012

America's worst drought in 24 years has forced authorities to declare more than 1,000 counties in 26 states as natural disaster areas, seriously affecting corn production.

How fire forced US women's soccer camp to Miami

How fire forced US women's soccer camp to Miami

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

A training camp for the U.S. women's national team has been moved from Los Angeles to Miami due to the wildfires that have devastated Southern California, U.S. Soccer said on Friday.

Kerala was warned early about landslides, but...: Shah

Kerala was warned early about landslides, but...: Shah

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Centre had sent multiple advance warnings to the Kerala government about possible floods and landslides in the state, starting as early as July 23, and nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were rushed to the state the same day.

'This Is Orographic Rainfall'

'This Is Orographic Rainfall'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'Due to orographic rainfall, localised areas are experiencing intense downpours.' 'In a very heavy downpour, the burst of water has to find its way and therefore whatever comes in its path gets washed away.'

After IMF, now World Bank lowers India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.3%

After IMF, now World Bank lowers India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.3%

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The World Bank on Wednesday lowered India's growth forecast for the current fiscal by 4 percentage points to 6.3 per cent amid global economic weakness and policy uncertainty. In its previous estimate, the World Bank had projected India's growth at 6.7 per cent for the fiscal year 2025-26.

Deadly Spanish floods force cancellation of matches

Deadly Spanish floods force cancellation of matches

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

All soccer matches scheduled to be played in the Valencian region this weekend have been postponed, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Thursday due to the deadly floods which have killed at least 95 people.

Porbandar to Pahalgam: 2,000 Km For Peace

Porbandar to Pahalgam: 2,000 Km For Peace

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Qadri Javed Azad and Makwana Kumar are on a 2,000 km expedition from Porbandar to Pahalgam to spread the message of peace, unity and Operation Sindoor.

Kerala disaster: 'Nature has defeated us'

Kerala disaster: 'Nature has defeated us'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2018

'The most alarming thing is all our wells have got filled with flood waters.' 'Drinking water is going to be a big problem for all of us.'

'Every Citizen Will Become A Doubtful Voter'

'Every Citizen Will Become A Doubtful Voter'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'Today, the State looks at everyone with suspicion.'

India loses $9.8 billion every year due to disasters

India loses $9.8 billion every year due to disasters

Rediff.com4 May 2015

India loses $ 9.8 billion every year due to multi-hazard disasters as its 58.6 per cent land is prone to earthquake.

'J-K's Kishtwar at high risk of glacial lake outburst floods'

'J-K's Kishtwar at high risk of glacial lake outburst floods'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

A comprehensive risk assessment warns that Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir faces a serious threat from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), endangering lives, infrastructure, and the ecosystem. The report calls for immediate mitigation measures and long-term strategies to build resilience.

CRPF creates combat teams to tackle chemical, biological, chemical, nuclear disasters

CRPF creates combat teams to tackle chemical, biological, chemical, nuclear disasters

Rediff.com7 Oct 2021

The CRPF has created an exclusive team of about 1,800 personnel within its special anti-riots wing Rapid Action Force (RAF) to act as responders against CBRN attacks and various other disasters, a senior officer of the force said on Thursday.

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

7 killed in wall collapse in Delhi amid heavy rains

7 killed in wall collapse in Delhi amid heavy rains

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Seven people died after a wall collapsed near Mohan Baba Mandir in Jaitpur, Delhi, following heavy rainfall. Rescue operations were conducted by police, fire services, and NDRF teams. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

'Such Catastrophes Will Only Worsen'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'There is a clear relationship between the Char Dham road widening and these landslides.' 'The situation has further worsened with the massive influx of tourists whose number are running into several lakhs per month.' 'No parameters have been laid down to control tourist inflow and the result is that the Char Dham yatra has seen a sharp escalation in accidents and loss of lives.'