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  • Climate Change Drives Flash Floods in Nepal: A Scientific Perspective

    Scientists have linked yesterday’s flash floods in Nepal to climate change. Rushing water reportedly reached extreme heights after a glacier collapsed.

    Researchers are still examining the exact sequence of events. However, several experts point to global warming as a key factor.

    Dr Wouter Buytaert of Imperial College London described the disaster as typical of climate-driven events. Rising temperatures shrink glaciers and raise the chance they will break apart. At the same time, land degradation from wildfires, extreme weather, and unsustainable land use weakens valley slopes. In steep mountain valleys, these conditions create a high risk of sudden floods.

    The floods occurred only one month after a study warned of growing glacial collapse risk in the Himalayas. Researchers at Kathmandu University noted that the region is warming faster than the global average. This accelerates glacier melt and increases the danger of glacial lake outburst floods, or GLOFs.

    Officials in Nepal have called the damage severe. Floods destroyed buildings and bridges along the Nepal–Tibet border.

    The United States Geological Survey first reported the event as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. Later analysis of seismic data and satellite images showed no earthquake occurred. Instead, a glacial collapse and debris flow caused the flooding.

    Dr Adrian McCallum, a glaciologist, said such events are becoming more common in alpine regions as the climate changes. Melting glaciers form lakes behind natural moraine dams. When those dams fail, large volumes of water rush down the valley and destroy everything in their path.

    Dr Ella Gilbert of the British Antarctic Survey added that climate heating is destabilising Himalayan glaciers. The rate of ice loss has doubled since 2000. When glacier stability declines, sudden failures can follow.

    A GLOF happens when water stored in a lake near or under a glacier is released suddenly. The flood can carry water, mud, rocks, and debris. It often damages settlements, roads, bridges, and farmland. Mountain regions such as the Himalayas face this hazard regularly.

    Nepal is especially vulnerable. Its steep terrain, fragile ecosystems, and limited adaptive capacity increase the risk. Climate-related disasters, including floods, landslides, glacier retreat, and GLOFs, have already caused significant loss.

    At least 45 GLOF events have occurred across 39 lakes in Nepal in recent decades. Several of them caused loss of life. Scientists warn that rising temperatures will make these events more frequent.

    Researchers note that Nepal already suffers climate-related losses at current warming levels. Further temperature rise would increase the risk of floods, glacier melt, GLOFs, and droughts.

    Experts hope the latest disaster will encourage better early-warning systems. Monitoring the build-up of water in glacial lakes could give downstream communities time to prepare. Such systems have the potential to save lives as similar events become more likely.

  • Kodagu District Faces Severe Flooding from Heavy Rain

    Heavy rain has lashed Kodagu district since Monday midnight. The district received steady rainfall throughout Tuesday.

    As a result, the water level in the Cauvery river rose sharply. The Bhagamandala Triveni Sangama went underwater for the second time. A coffee plantation at Kaggoddu near Madikeri also flooded.

    Kodagu recorded an average rainfall of 37 mm until Tuesday morning. Madikeri received 85.35 mm. Bhagamandala recorded the highest amount at 150 mm.

    The heavy rain increased inflow into the Harangi reservoir. The inflow reached 4,360 cusecs by Tuesday evening. Earlier, it stood at 3,638 cusecs at 8 am.

    The reservoir is already full. Authorities are therefore releasing 10,000 cusecs of water from the dam.

    In Aranthodu, the Koornadaka bridge went underwater after overnight rain. This bridge lies on the road that connects Peraje via Aletti-Baddadka.

    Consequently, vehicles and pedestrians must now take a longer alternative route.

  • Gurugram Faces Traffic Chaos as Heavy Rain Causes Waterlogging

    Heavy Rain Causes Waterlogging and Traffic Slowdown in Gurugram

    Heavy rain hit Gurugram on Monday. Several roads quickly filled with water. Traffic moved very slowly across the city. Commuters and vehicles faced difficulty on flooded stretches. The downpour disrupted movement during the working day.

    The showers formed part of a wider spell across Delhi-NCR. Water collected on many roads in Gurugram. Vehicles crawled through the worst-affected areas. Zones near Sikanderpur metro station also saw waterlogging. This added to the challenges for people travelling between Gurugram and Delhi.

    Social media users shared their experiences. One person noted that one hour of rain covered just one kilometre of progress. Others highlighted long traffic queues from Millennium City to Cyber City. Some pointed to the city’s ongoing drainage issues after heavy rainfall.

    This is not the first such event this month. Gurugram earlier faced extensive flooding and traffic delays during intense showers. Civic agencies then deployed pumps and dewatering equipment. Underpasses remain especially vulnerable. Heavy rain the previous day had already caused waterlogging and led to the temporary closure of the Medanta underpass.

    Monday’s rain also affected Delhi. Heavy showers led to waterlogging and traffic delays in multiple areas. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rain in several districts. A yellow alert covered moderate rainfall in others. Thunderstorms and strong winds were also expected in parts of the capital.

    Intense rain fell across South East Delhi, East Delhi, Shahdara, Central Delhi, and several other zones. South Delhi and nearby areas saw particularly heavy showers. Vehicular movement slowed across large parts of the national capital as a result.

  • Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Shakes Eastern Japan

    A powerful tremor shook eastern Japan early Sunday. The shaking reached Tokyo and nearby areas. Residents woke suddenly and moved to safer spots. Officials reported 23 people injured across the region. Most injuries remained minor. Authorities also confirmed no risk of a tsunami.

    The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded the earthquake at a preliminary magnitude of 5.9. Its epicentre lay in southern Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of 70 kilometres. The US Geological Survey measured the same event at magnitude 5.8.

    Injuries occurred in four prefectures. Nine people suffered harm in Saitama. Another nine reported injuries in Kanagawa. Four people were hurt in Chiba. One person was injured in Ibaraki. Many fell or bumped into furniture and doors after the sudden shaking. They left their beds in haste when the tremor began.

    Train services faced disruption. Express trains between Tokyo and Narita Airport ran late. Other local services in northeastern areas also experienced delays. In contrast, Shinkansen bullet trains continued without interruption. East Japan Railway confirmed normal operations for the high-speed lines.

    The tremor triggered emergency alerts on mobile phones. Strong shaking was felt across Tokyo. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on X that the government had formed a task force. The team began assessing any possible damage.

    In addition, an underground water pipe broke in Tokyo’s Koto ward. Water spilled onto a road. Repair teams fixed the pipe quickly and stopped the leak. Traffic continued normally on roads in nearby cities such as Mito and Saitama.

    Authorities checked nuclear facilities as well. The Nuclear Regulation Authority found no abnormalities at about a dozen plants or related sites.

    This latest quake follows a strong magnitude 7.1 event that struck the Kumamoto area on Kyushu last month. That earlier tremor left hundreds of people injured.

  • Protecting Vulnerable Communities from Rising Heatwaves in India

    Heatwaves now form a regular part of summer across the Indian subcontinent. They disrupt daily life for millions of people. These events also place heavy pressure on systems designed to protect communities. Even small rises in temperature create large real-world effects.

    People lose wages and face more hospital visits. Productivity drops while electricity bills rise. The hardest impacts fall on the most vulnerable groups. Therefore, solutions must target those who need support the most.

    Heatwaves stand out among extreme weather events. They strongly affect people’s ability to work and earn. The Lancet Countdown estimated that heat cost India around 247 billion potential labour hours in 2024. This loss equalled about 194 billion dollars in income. A recent study from the University of California further suggested that one day of extreme heat can cause as many as 3,400 additional deaths across India.

    Temperatures near 50 degrees Celsius appear more often across South Asian plains. Researchers need clearer understanding of how extreme heat affects people. They also need practical safeguards against these risks.

    Outdoor workers and manual labourers face high exposure. So do people who care for children or elderly family members. Residents of crowded urban areas and those without adequate healthcare remain especially vulnerable. One UNEP estimate found that around 82 percent of India’s informal workforce lacks proper protection.

    Construction workers often illustrate these challenges. Many must complete fixed hours and bring their families to work sites. Children then face risks of dehydration, heat stroke and injury. Workers themselves also suffer. Some avoid bringing cooked food because heat spoils it quickly. Illness or childcare needs can then remove income from the household.

    People running households face harder daily choices. They decide whether to send children to school during extreme heat. They spend long hours in water queues. Even simple cooking decisions add stress. When millions face similar problems at once, health systems, urban infrastructure and the economy all feel the pressure.

    Communities need solutions that protect individuals while strengthening larger systems. Protecting livelihoods forms a clear priority. Parametric insurance offers one useful tool. It pays out based on a specific trigger rather than assessed damage. This approach delivers fast and predictable relief.

    Health systems can improve readiness before peak temperatures arrive. Early warning systems work best when linked to local health responses. Primary health centres should identify and treat heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke. Frontline workers need proper training. Rising heat also expands the range of diseases such as dengue and malaria. Therefore, heat preparedness should connect with broader disease surveillance.

    SEWA’s parametric insurance programme serves as a practical example. It supports informal women workers in India. Women pay 250 rupees each year. When temperatures stay above 40 degrees Celsius for two days, they receive automatic cash assistance. This money helps cover income loss, buy essentials or avoid emergency debt.

    The South Asia Climate-Health Desk provides another useful model. The WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Programme launched this initiative. Partners including IITM and IMD help develop decision-support tools. The programme turns climate and weather data into timely health action. Vulnerable communities and health authorities can then respond before and during dangerous heat events.

    Every solution must match how people actually live through heat. Many receive heat alerts on their phones. Yet staying home is rarely possible. Preparedness must therefore support those most exposed and least protected. Workers need ways to earn without risking their health. Children and older people need safety. Cities must keep functioning without shifting the full cost of heat onto those least able to bear it. Building these safeguards remains an urgent priority.

  • Early End to India’s Monsoon: What to Expect This September

    India’s southwest monsoon may end earlier than usual this year. Extended-range weather models show a sharp drop in rainfall after the first week or two of September.

    The next four weeks look disappointing for most rain-dependent areas. East and Northeast India may still receive rain during the coming two weeks. Meanwhile, the rest of the country could see weaker monsoon activity as September continues.

    Models point to a significant rainfall reduction after 5 to 10 September. The weakening is likely to last through the second half of the month. As a result, the monsoon could start withdrawing from extreme northwest India between 10 and 20 September.

    This change would mark a clear shift. Active monsoon conditions would give way to a much drier pattern.

    For now, the main rain-bearing systems remain over East and Northeast India. Those regions may continue to get moisture and showers. Elsewhere, rainfall is expected to turn patchy.

    September normally supplies important late-season rain. Many areas rely on it to make up for earlier shortages. A long dry spell during the month could therefore lower the overall seasonal rainfall total.

    The southwest monsoon usually begins its retreat from northwest India first. It then moves across the rest of the country. Withdrawal requires more than a few dry days. It needs a lasting drop in rain-bearing conditions and a change in the larger monsoon circulation.

    Current model outlooks suggest this transition may start over extreme northwest India in mid-September.

    However, weather models keep updating. A new low-pressure system or a shift in atmospheric patterns could still change the picture.

    For now the signal remains consistent. India may have only a couple of weeks of useful monsoon rain left before September becomes much drier and the annual withdrawal begins.

  • Understanding Odisha’s Monsoon Vulnerability and Flood Patterns

    Households in northern and coastal Odisha had just cleared mud and debris from the first flood. Then the second deluge arrived.

    Fresh torrential rains hit the region. Successive low-pressure systems formed over the Bay of Bengal within a fortnight. These systems caused the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers to breach their banks again. The waters submerged villages that had only begun to recover.

    The latest floods affected over 9.4 lakh people across six districts. Authorities evacuated more than 2 lakh people. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a ₹1,110-crore relief package. He split it into two tranches.

    Low-pressure systems and depressions normally occur during the southwest monsoon. However, meteorologists noted their persistence and slow movement this year. This pattern produced prolonged heavy rain over Odisha.

    IMD scientist Umasankar Das explained the sequence. A low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal on July 25. It intensified into a depression the next day. The system travelled less than 500 km over four days. It reached near Jharsuguda. The very slow movement brought huge rainfall. This led to flood conditions across the state.

    The latest flooding intensified around August 13-16. It followed a spell in late July and early August. That earlier event affected as many as 22 districts. Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapara faced the worst impact. Some riverside villages suffered inundation multiple times.

    July saw four low-pressure systems develop. Two of them intensified into deep depressions. One system formed around July 25-26. It remained nearly stationary for several days. It dumped large amounts of rain over the state.

    IMD data showed July 2026 recorded 24 days affected by low-pressure systems. The normal figure stands at about 13.5 days. This marked the highest such count since 2017.

    The weather pattern also involved the monsoon trough. Senior meteorologist Sarat Sahoo from SOA University described its position. The trough normally extends from Ganganagar to the Bay of Bengal through north India and West Bengal. This year it stayed close to Odisha and West Bengal.

    Sahoo added that the trough favours small cyclonic circulations. Changes in wind patterns create these circulations. Rain then continues. Because the trough remains almost in the same position, rain falls in Odisha almost every day. Rainfall grows heavier when a weather system develops. Light to moderate rain continues on other days. Isolated areas still receive heavy rain.

    Regional Meteorological Centre director Manorama Mohanty offered a different view. She said nothing unusual occurred in the formation of low-pressure systems during the monsoon. The monsoon trough normally follows a path through the northern Bay of Bengal. Good rainfall in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh also contributed to rising river levels in Odisha.

    Rivers already ran high. Rainfall in neighbouring states added extra water. Releases of excess water from upstream areas increased the pressure. Rivers crossed danger marks at several locations. Embankment pressure, localised breaches and waterlogging worsened the impact in low-lying areas.

    Odisha entered the second flood spell with its catchments already saturated. The state received more than 1,000 mm of cumulative monsoon rainfall by August 19. The long-period average for June 1 to August 19 stands at about 786.5 mm. This created a surplus of around 28 per cent.

    The floods hit agriculture particularly hard. Thousands of hectares of paddy and other crops remained submerged. Schools closed in several districts. University examinations were postponed. Urban areas faced disruption.

    Retired agriculture director R L Das explained the soil condition. Saturated soil could absorb little additional water after prolonged rainfall. Rivers and drainage channels already carried substantial volumes. Continued rain therefore left agricultural land waterlogged. It also weakened embankments, roads and other infrastructure.

    The Council on Energy, Environment and Water highlighted Odisha’s vulnerability. The state’s long coastline and heavy monsoon dependence expose it to extreme rainfall, heat, humidity and prolonged dry spells.

    CEEW fellow Vishwas Chitale cited rainfall trends. Odisha’s average monsoon rainfall rose from 1,052 mm during 1981–2010 to 1,159 mm during 2011–2024. Projections show a moderate rise to 1,211 mm during 2031–2050. It could reach 1,309 mm during 2051–2070.

    IMD records show Odisha received 1,150.9 mm of monsoon rainfall in 2025. This continued a pattern of relatively high rainfall over the past decade. The state recorded 1,092 mm in 2024 and 1,115.4 mm in 2023. The year 2022 saw 1,196.8 mm. The highest annual monsoon rainfall in the 2016-2025 period occurred in 2018 at 1,290.2 mm. It was followed by 1,232.5 mm in 2019.

    Meteorologists expect another low-pressure area to form in a couple of days. This development raises further concerns over the state’s continued vulnerability.

  • Chandigarh Flooding: Heavy Rain Causes Major Traffic Chaos

    Chandigarh Struggles Again as Heavy Rain Floods City

    An evening downpour on Tuesday turned Chandigarh’s roads into streams. Vehicles crawled through knee‑deep water, and commuters were stranded in massive traffic jams.

    From Sector 17 and 22 to Hallomajra, the city’s infrastructure buckled under two hours of intense rain. Even hours later, many roads, parking lots, and homes remained submerged.

    Traffic Chaos

    Madhya Marg near Sector 26 saw a portion of the road cave in. Uprooted trees and broken branches narrowed lanes further. Commuters faced hours of gridlock, with two‑wheelers struggling against potholes and hidden manholes. Residents complained about the absence of traffic police at key junctions.

    Homes and Markets Hit

    Water entered shops, basements, and homes across several sectors. Sector 22’s busy market was flooded, disrupting business activity. Shopkeepers used boards and rags to block water, but customers stayed away. Parks and residential areas also remained inundated.

    Fallen Trees Add to Trouble

    Heavy branches blocked roads, raising concerns about delays for ambulances and emergency services. Residents warned that congested stretches could prove dangerous during crises.

    Familiar Monsoon Failure

    The flooding once again exposed weaknesses in the city’s drainage system. Despite annual pre‑monsoon cleaning drives, known waterlogging hotspots flooded as usual. Residents demanded accountability, saying heavy rain can no longer be treated as an “unexpected” event.

    Official Response

    A Municipal Corporation official admitted that intense rainfall strains the ageing drainage network. They claimed routine cleaning helps water recede faster and said upgrades are underway. Yet, by late evening, many parts of Chandigarh were still waterlogged.

  • Maharashtra Rainfall Update: Moderate Showers Across State

    🌧 Maharashtra Weather Update: Moderate Rainfall Forecast

    The state of Maharashtra is set to receive moderate rainfall today. The Meteorological Department has predicted showers in several districts.

    Light to moderate rain is expected in Palghar, Mumbai, and Sindhudurg. Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri are likely to see moderate rainfall. Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik, and Ahilyanagar may get light showers.

    In Nashik Ghatmatha, thundershowers with light to moderate rain are forecast. Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur districts of western Maharashtra could also see light rain.

    Marathwada will experience scattered showers. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Nanded, Latur, and Dharashiv are likely to get light rain. Hingoli, Parbhani, and Jalna may witness thundershowers.

    Meanwhile, no alerts have been issued for Vidarbha districts including Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Washim, Yavatmal, Wardha, and Nagpur.

    These forecasts highlight varying rainfall patterns across the state. Residents are advised to stay updated with local weather reports.

  • Monsoon Update: Heavy Rains Affecting Northern and Central India

    The India Meteorological Department has issued alerts for several northern states. Active monsoon conditions currently affect the region. Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad face heavy rain alerts from August 18 to August 20. Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand can expect continued heavy rainfall until August 23.

    Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh will see peak rainfall on August 21 and August 22. These spells may cause urban flooding. Morning commuting could also become difficult.

    Heavy rain in eastern Uttar Pradesh prompted district authorities to suspend physical classes. Government and private schools from classes 1 to 12 remain closed on Tuesday. Western Uttar Pradesh will receive heavy showers on August 18. A brief break is likely on August 19 and 20. In contrast, eastern Uttar Pradesh will experience heavy to very heavy rain until August 21.

    Rain is also spreading across central India. Western Madhya Pradesh will see scattered showers until August 21. Eastern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will receive prolonged rain until August 23. Vidarbha faces extended spells from August 21 to August 23.

    The IMD has advised fishermen to stay ashore. Rough seas and strong winds pose risks. The warning covers the Arabian Sea near Oman, Somalia and the Gujarat coast. It also applies to the Bay of Bengal near West Bengal, Odisha, Bangladesh and northern Andhra Pradesh until August 20.

    Disaster management officials have urged residents in low-lying and hilly areas to stay prepared. Possible impacts include uprooted small trees, mudslides, power cuts and waterlogging in cities.

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