Months before catastrophic flash floods struck Nepal, two reports by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development warned that glaciers across the Hindu Kush Himalaya were melting at an accelerating rate. The reports said ice loss had doubled since 2000, with up to 27 metres of ice thickness lost since 1975. While the exact cause of the August 26 disaster is still under investigation, a massive glacial collapse is being examined as a possible trigger. A 600-metre-wide glacier section reportedly broke free, creating a temporary dam before its collapse unleashed a devastating surge through Himalayan valleys. (PC: HT)

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Longchang City in China’s Sichuan province on August 28, prompting a fresh flood alert in Nepal. Nepal Police ordered another evacuation of the Trishuli area after a heavy flow of water from upstream threatened to raise river levels. Authorities said a dam on the Tibet side had reportedly burst again, increasing the danger for downstream communities and rescue teams. Nepal’s devastating floods have already caused hundreds of deaths, with 826 people reported missing in Nepal and 558 in Tibet. Nepal continues to rely on domestic security agencies for search-and-rescue operations. (PC: Reuters)

The deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet have renewed concerns over China’s massive Medog Dam, being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo near Arunachal Pradesh. Experts warn that the 60,000-MW project lies in a highly seismic Himalayan region, raising fears of a major disaster downstream. A recent geological study also identified an active fault near the dam site. The Yarlung Tsangpo enters India as the Siang and later becomes the Brahmaputra. Experts say any major dam failure or sudden water release could pose serious risks to India’s Northeast and Bangladesh. (PC: India Today)

Scientists at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have warned of a possible second flood in Nepal after a deadly flash flood struck Rasuwa district near the Nepal-China border. Experts said an ice-rock avalanche may have triggered the disaster, while debris could still be blocking the Lhende Khola upstream. If the blockage gives way, trapped water could unleash another powerful flood downstream through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas, including Nuwakot and Dhading, while evacuation measures have been initiated. The cause of the initial disaster remains under investigation. (PC: X)

Satellite images have revealed the devastating scale of flash floods along the Nepal-China border, after a massive mud and rock collapse triggered catastrophic flooding on August 25 and 26. At least 98 people have been killed, while hundreds remain missing as rescue teams assess the damage. Verified videos showed dozens of people being swept away, with authorities on both sides fearing significantly higher casualties. In Nepal, houses, roads and power projects were destroyed, while officials in Tibet reported major casualties and missing people in Gyirong after a mudslide struck a border crossing. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said initial reports suggested an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, causing the floods. (PC: Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters)

India has ranked 176th among 177 countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), remaining just above Laos despite a 7.47-point improvement over the past decade. The index, developed by Yale and Columbia researchers, assesses 47 indicators across 12 categories covering Ecosystem Vitality, Climate Change and Environmental Health. India ranks particularly poorly in Environmental Health at 174th, with worsening air quality remaining a major concern despite initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme. The country also ranks 171st in Ecosystem Vitality, reflecting pressure on forests, biodiversity and natural ecosystems from infrastructure, mining and urban expansion. The assessment suggests India's modest improvement does not indicate a broader environmental turnaround. (PC: PTI)

A powerful flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa area on Wednesday, with 133 Indian tourists among 291 foreign nationals reported missing, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. Scary CCTV footage from China’s Gyirong Port in Tibet, directly opposite Nepal’s Rasuwa district, captured the moment floodwater suddenly burst through the immigration office at the Rasuwagadhi border crossing. The footage shows water pouring from the building, rapidly inundating the surrounding area and sweeping across the road as people rushed to safety. The flash flood hit the Chinese side first before causing widespread destruction in Nepal’s Rasuwa region. The visuals highlight the sheer force of the sudden torrent as infrastructure was overwhelmed by the floodwaters.

The Indian Air Force is fully prepared to launch relief and rescue operations in Nepal after devastating flash floods caused widespread damage, sources said. Aircraft and helicopters have been kept on standby to transport rescue teams, relief material and essential supplies if assistance is sought. The preparations come as Nepal deals with the impact of heavy rainfall and flash floods, which have disrupted normal life in affected areas. India is closely monitoring the situation and remains ready to support Nepal’s emergency response. Official details about the scale and timing of any Indian Air Force deployment are awaited. (PC: NDTV)

Heavy rain lashed Delhi on Tuesday, causing severe waterlogging and traffic jams across several parts of the national capital. The India Meteorological Department forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy showers possible in isolated areas, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.   The bad weather also disrupted air travel at Delhi airport. According to flight tracking data, at least 18 flights were cancelled and 146 delayed. Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory and asked travellers to check with their airlines for updated flight information as rain continued to affect the city. (PC: NDTV)

Heavy rain lashed Delhi on Tuesday morning, leaving several key roads and junctions waterlogged and severely disrupting traffic across the national capital and adjoining NCR areas. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Delhi and forecast more heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning. Rain affected areas including Parliament Street, Connaught Place, AIIMS, ITO, RK Puram and Ferozeshah Road, with vehicles seen navigating flooded roads. The downpour also disrupted air travel at Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to Flightradar24, 18 flights were cancelled and 146 delayed. The weather comes a day after more than 250 flights were delayed and 15 diverted across Delhi-NCR as monsoon activity intensified, with further showers expected.