A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan late on September 4, 2025, at 22:26 IST, with its epicenter located at 34.58° N, 70.66° E, at a depth of about 160 km. Tremors were widely felt across Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi-NCR, though no immediate reports of damage or casualties emerged. This quake comes on the heels of a devastating magnitude-6 disaster earlier this week in eastern Afghanistan that has claimed over 2,200 lives, left thousands injured, and caused widespread destruction across remote regions, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the quake-hit country. (PC: ANI)

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Thursday, with tremors felt in Delhi-NCR and Jammu and Kashmir. The quake hit at a depth of 160 km in Nangarhar and nearby regions. Earlier, a 4.8 quake also struck Afghanistan. This comes days after a deadly 6.0 quake killed over 2,200 people, mostly in Kunar province, and injured more than 3,600. Thousands of homes made of mud and stone collapsed, leaving families trapped. India has sent 21 tonnes of relief to Kabul, including medicines, tents, and food supplies. Rescuers and aid agencies continue searching for survivors in remote mountain villages.

A devastating landslide struck the congested Inner Akhara Bazaar in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh early on September 4, 2025, burying two to three houses while residents slept. Rescue teams recovered one body and rushed three critically injured individuals to Kullu’s regional hospital. However, five people—including three Kashmiri laborers and a woman—remain missing amid difficult conditions of treacherous terrain and continuous rain. An earlier landslide in the same area had already trapped two others, and an NDRF team member rescued after 24 hours remains in critical condition. Authorities have urged vulnerable residents to stay alert and avoid high-risk zones. (PC: PTI)  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for parts of Delhi and NCR as heavy rain continues. Faridabad and Gurugram are likely to see heavy to very heavy showers with thunderstorms. The NDMA said nearby areas like Jhajjar, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonipat may also get strong rain in the next few hours. South Delhi, South East Delhi, South West Delhi, and New Delhi can expect moderate rain with lightning. A yellow alert is in place for other areas. Continuous rainfall has raised the Yamuna River above the 207-metre danger mark, a level crossed five times since 1963. (PC: HT)

In a dramatic rescue in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district, a herd of elephants saved a young calf swept away by the raging Khoh River near Dugadda Range. As dusk fell, the calf lost footing and was carried downstream. Its distress call triggered an immediate response—seven to eight elephants charged in, trumpeting for help. Mobilizing swiftly, about 25–30 elephants coordinated their effort, plunged into the turbulent water, and pulled the calf to safety. According to forest ranger Umesh Joshi, they rescued the calf near Lalpul bridge by Siddhabali Temple. Wildlife expert Ranganath Pandey credited the rescue to elephants’ low-frequency communication, allowing the herd to mount such a precise, collective effort. 

Punjab has declared all 23 districts flood-hit after heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers caused massive damage. At least 30 people have died, and more than 3.5 lakh residents are affected. Pathankot reported the highest deaths with 6, while 3 people remain missing. Over 1.4 lakh hectares of crops are submerged, with Gurdaspur the worst-hit district. Authorities have evacuated nearly 20,000 people and set up 174 relief camps. The NDRF, Army, Navy, and Air Force are carrying out rescue operations using helicopters and boats. Schools and colleges will remain closed until September 7 as red alerts continue in many districts. (PC: X)

Punjab has declared all 23 districts flood-hit after heavy rains and swollen rivers caused massive destruction. At least 30 people have died, and more than 3.5 lakh residents are affected. Gurdaspur is the worst-hit, with 324 villages submerged. Crops on nearly 1.5 lakh hectares are damaged. Pathankot recorded the highest deaths, while three people remain missing. The government has set up 174 relief camps, and over 19,000 people have been rescued. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and NDRF are carrying out relief operations with helicopters and boats. Schools and colleges will remain closed until September 7.

Heavy rain has brought Delhi-NCR to a standstill with severe waterlogging in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. Key areas like Safdarjung, Connaught Place and India Gate remain flooded. At Delhi airport, 273 departures and 73 arrivals were delayed till 5 pm, causing chaos for passengers. Roads near IGI Airport and several stretches in Gurugram are submerged. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red, orange and yellow alerts for different zones of Delhi. The Yamuna river has risen to 207.19 metres, forcing evacuation of over 7,500 people. Relief camps have been set up, while rescue teams remain on high alert. (PC: India Today)

Delhi is on high alert as the Yamuna river crossed the 207-metre mark on Wednesday after heavy rains. This is the fifth time since 1963 the river has swelled beyond this level. The Central Water Commission said the Yamuna may rise further to 207.40 metres by 8 pm. Water has entered homes and shops in low-lying areas, forcing families to move to safer places. Many displaced residents said they have no food or toilets. The Old Railway Bridge has been closed for traffic. IMD has forecast more rainfall with thunder and strong winds in Delhi and nearby states. (PC: AFP)

Heavy rains continue to batter North India, causing floods, landslides, and road closures. The IMD has issued a red alert for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, warning of very heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods. In Himachal’s Kullu, a landslide damaged houses, with two people feared trapped. In Jammu, a woman and her daughter died after a house collapse. Schools and colleges in Punjab and Kashmir have been shut till September 7. Over 10,000 people were evacuated in Delhi after the Yamuna crossed the danger mark. Rescue teams are working across affected states to save lives. (PC: Hindustan Times)