A cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday, causing flash floods that damaged more than 10 houses. The disaster followed similar events in Kathua and Kishtwar. Authorities said no loss of life was reported, but water levels in several rivers rose above danger marks. The Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed due to landslides, and all schools in the Jammu division were shut because of heavy rain. The weather department has warned of more cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in high-altitude areas until August 27. Rescue teams are on alert, and people have been asked to avoid water bodies. (PC: India Today)

Vietnam is facing the impact of Typhoon Kajiki, which struck coastal provinces with winds of 118-133 km/h. Nearly 600,000 people were told to leave their homes, and schools, airports, and some train services were shut. In Nghe An province, residents said waves reached 2 meters, flooding streets. Many families are now staying in shelters. Authorities warned of flash floods and landslides in 400 communes across six provinces. The storm earlier damaged roads and water supply in southern China. Though it has weakened, the danger remains. Last year, Typhoon Yagi killed 300 people in Vietnam and caused massive destruction. (PC: BBC)

Vietnam has ordered more than 586,000 people to evacuate as Typhoon Kajiki approaches with winds of up to 200 km/h. The storm is expected to make landfall early Monday in central provinces including Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang. Authorities warned of heavy rainfall up to 400mm and storm surges of 2-4 meters. Flights have been cancelled, and boats ordered to remain ashore. The storm has already brought heavy rain to China’s Hainan Island. Officials fear Kajiki could be as deadly as Typhoon Yagi, which killed 300 people in Vietnam last year. Soldiers are helping with evacuations. (PC: BBC)

A captivating video has gone viral featuring a group of turtles in a lake forming a perfect circle, with two turtles at the center—eerily resembling a roundtable discussion among them . Shared on X by @natureisamazing on August 18, the clip has amassed more than 11 million views, over 200,000 likes, and tens of thousands of saves and shares . Viewers have responded with amusement—some joking about a serious business meeting, others speculating about a “turtle fight club.” While many see it as playful, experts suggest it could reflect a natural social or mating behavior among turtles.

A massive mudslide in northern Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan province has created a 7-kilometer-long lake by blocking the Ghizer River. This natural dam poses a significant risk of bursting, potentially leading to catastrophic floods downstream. The National Disaster Management Authority has identified four districts—Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore, and Diamer—as being at high risk. Authorities have rescued nearly 200 people, thanks to an early warning from a shepherd who spotted the mudslide. While the lake is gradually discharging water, flash floods remain a concern until it is fully cleared. (PC: NDTV)    

Late Friday night, a powerful cloudburst struck Tharali in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, triggering flash floods that swept debris into homes, shops, vehicles, and government buildings—including the SDM’s residence and tehsil office . One person was confirmed dead, while two others remain missing—among them a 20-year-old woman buried under rubble in Sagwara and a man from the Chepdon market area . Rescue efforts are underway with SDRF, NDRF, local police, and army teams, though blocked roads and ongoing debris hamper operations. Schools in the affected blocks have been closed as IMD maintains an orange alert across Uttarakhand. (PC: The Hindu)

A devastating cloudburst struck Tharali tehsil in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, late Friday night, causing widespread destruction. Debris surged into homes, markets, and even the residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Visuals from Saturday morning revealed uprooted trees, damaged roads, and vehicles buried under mud. Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed that two people are reported missing. District Magistrate and relief teams have rushed to the site to assess damage and coordinate rescue efforts. The incident underscores the vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events, raising urgent concerns about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness in ecologically sensitive zones.

Kutch district in Gujarat was shaken by two back-to-back minor earthquakes on Thursday night. The first quake, of magnitude 3.4, struck at 10:12 pm near Bhachau. Just seven minutes later, at 10:19 pm, another tremor of 2.7 magnitude was recorded near Rapar. Officials confirmed no reports of casualties, injuries, or property damage. Residents felt brief alarm as the district lies in a high-risk seismic zone. Kutch often experiences mild tremors, but memories of the devastating 2001 earthquake keep locals alert. Disaster management teams continue to monitor the situation, assuring there is no immediate threat.

During the devastating cloudburst on August 14, 2025, local youth known as the Chishoti Bikers—who normally ferry pilgrims along the Machail Mata yatra route—switched from their regular service to rescuers, becoming the first responders. As torrents of water and debris swept through Chishoti village, these bikers sounded alarms and guided terrified pilgrims to safety. They then improvised rescue efforts using bike tools and household items to help dig out survivors until formal aid arrived. Their bravery was later acknowledged by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who lauded their selfless, courageous service.

Mumbai is facing severe disruption as heavy rains submerge roads and halt transport. Over the past four days, the city received 800mm of rain, far above normal. Local trains are delayed, flights cancelled, and a monorail stopped mid-track, stranding 600 passengers. Waist-deep water has flooded several areas, forcing 350 people into temporary shelters. At least 21 people have died in rain-related accidents across Maharashtra this week. Authorities issued a red alert for Mumbai and nearby districts, warning of more heavy rain. Citizens and opposition leaders criticised poor planning and weak drainage systems amid growing population pressures. (PC: BBC)