Heavy rains in Indonesia's West Sumatra caused floods and landslides, making over 70,000 people evacuate. Sadly, at least 19 people died, and seven are missing. Since last Thursday, about 700 homes, bridges, schools, and 113 hectares of farmland got damaged. Rescue teams face challenges due to blocked roads. Evacuated people found refuge in mosques, receiving food and essentials. Padang is still flooded, and a landslide blocked roads. More rain is expected, increasing the risk of further floods and landslides during Indonesia's ongoing rainy season on Java and Sumatra islands.

Hundreds of common guillemots, akin to puffins, have washed up dead on French Atlantic beaches due to intense winter storms preventing their feeding. Over 500 guillemots have been found along the coast since the year began. Climate change is implicated in the increased frequency and strength of storms, a significant factor in seabird strandings. Scientists suggest exhaustion from harsh sea conditions as the likely cause of death. Microplastic poisoning and chemical contamination also contribute, weakening birds already affected by the relocation of prey due to climate change and overfishing. Guillemots, reliant on constant feeding, struggle to survive in such storms.

Delhi experienced its coldest March morning in five years, with a minimum temperature of 8.8°C attributed to Himalayan snowfall. The maximum temperature dropped two notches below normal at 26.4°C. Unusual cold persisted throughout March, staying below 10°C. IMD predicts no rise in minimum temperature for the next two days. Scientist Kuldeep Srivastava links the cold to snowfall in the hills. Two Western Disturbances are expected to bring more snowfall/rainfall to the Himalayan region from March 10-12, impacting Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. A 'yellow' warning for thunderstorms in the western Himalayas is issued from March 11-13.

According to a Copernicus report, Earth has experienced its warmest February on record, marking nine consecutive months of rising temperatures. The global average surface air temperature in February soared to 56.37°F, surpassing the previous warmest February in 2016. This warmth extended to the entire winter, making it the warmest in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbingly, global sea surface temperatures reached unprecedented levels, with marine heatwaves persisting despite weakening El Niño conditions. The report also highlights a concerning rise in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, emphasizing the urgent need for continued efforts in clean energy alternatives.

Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of heavy snowfall and storms, claiming nine lives and injuring two, according to the Taliban-led government. The extreme weather has ravaged provinces from north to south, causing casualties, destroying homes, and affecting livestock. Critical traffic routes like the Kabul-Herat highways and Salang Pass have been shut down, halting movement until clearance. The crisis compounds recent challenges, including earthquake devastation in Herat and mass deportations from Pakistan. Afghanistan faces a multifaceted struggle amid harsh weather conditions, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the conflict-ridden nation.

Bihar's Pollution Control Board reveals annual survey results, indicating major rivers like Ganga, Sone, and Kosi are unsafe for bathing due to excessive faecal coliform bacteria. Samples at 98 points across 27 districts show alarming contamination levels. Ganga water, spanning Buxar to Bhagalpur, records 92,000 MPN/100ml, breaching WHO safety limits. Health risks include fever and infections. State initiatives involve over ₹1200 crore projects for sewage treatment and drain water management. Despite efforts, urgent action is required to address the pollution crisis in Bihar's rivers, impacting public health and environmental sustainability.

Ladakh's Kargil district experienced a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on Monday night, as per the National Centre for Seismology. The tremor, with its epicenter located 148 km northwest of Kargil, occurred at 9:21 pm. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage, with the depth of the quake recorded at 10 km below the surface. The region, already under intermittent snowfall since Sunday night, faced the seismic activity without significant consequences. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the affected area.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are grappling with flooding and disruptions due to heavy rainfall and hailstorms ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE. Government employees in Dubai are instructed to work from home, and distance learning is enforced in schools. The National Center of Meteorology issues red and amber alerts, warning of continued wet weather. Cars navigate flooded streets, while drainage systems struggle to cope. PM Modi's visit includes the inauguration of the BAPS temple and addressing the Indian community. The sudden weather change adds challenges to the UAE's preparations for the high-profile visit.

A mild earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale shook the Singrauli region of Madhya Pradesh. The quake's epicentre was located at latitude 24.55 and longitude 82.78, with a depth of 5 kilometres below the surface, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. Tremors were felt around 4:38 pm on Tuesday. Singrauli, renowned for its coal mines and power plants, experienced the seismic activity. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely for any developments.

A three-year-old girl is pulled out alive after spending nearly 60 hours trapped under rubble and mud following a landslide in the southern Philippines. Rescuers also save a two-month-old boy from the affected province of Davao de Oro. The death toll rises to 35, with over 75 people still missing and 32 injured. Despite challenges like thick mud and heavy rain, rescuers express hope. The landslide, triggered near a gold mine, buried homes and vehicles. The survivors face difficulties due to damaged communication lines and the threat of further landslides.