Dozens have died and hundreds remain trapped as heavy rain, snow, and landslides hit India’s Darjeeling, Nepal, and the Mount Everest region. At least 17 people were killed in Darjeeling and over 40 in Nepal, officials said. Nearly 1,000 people were stranded on the Tibetan side of Everest after a massive blizzard. Two iron bridges collapsed in North Bengal following 300 mm of rainfall in 12 hours. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said several districts, including Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri, were flooded. Bhutan also reported floods near the Amochu river, where Indian troops helped rescue stranded families. (PC: HT))

At least six people have died in Darjeeling district following a devastating landslide in Mirik, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall. The Dudia Iron Bridge, a vital link between Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed, isolating these towns from each other. Additionally, a landslide at Hussain Khola along National Highway 110 near Kurseong severed the crucial route connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling. The region remains under a red alert, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal until Monday morning.    

Cyclone Shakhti has intensified into a ‘severe’ storm over the Arabian Sea, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. The cyclone is moving west-southwest at around 15 kmph and is expected to weaken from Monday. IMD warned of thunderstorms and lightning in Mumbai, Pune, and nearby areas, with rough sea conditions and wind speeds up to 100 kmph near Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts. Fishermen have been advised not to enter the sea until Tuesday. However, officials said there is no direct threat to India’s west coast. Light rainfall may continue in Mumbai and Thane till October 8. (PC: X)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Shakhti will affect Maharashtra and Gujarat between October 3 and 7. The cyclone, moving over the Arabian Sea, is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Wind speeds may reach up to 65 kmph, with the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea until Tuesday. The Maharashtra government has activated disaster management teams and evacuation plans. Shakhti, named by Sri Lanka, is likely to weaken after changing direction early next week. (PC: HT)

Delhi woke up to a thin layer of smog on Saturday as the air quality index (AQI) rose to 114, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Areas like Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad also reported light smog. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature is likely to reach 33°C, while the minimum will be around 22.5°C. The sky will remain partly cloudy through the day. IMD said a strong western disturbance may bring heavier rain over the next two days, which could help reduce pollution levels in the National Capital Region. (PC: HT)

Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, has caused major disruption across the UK and Ireland. Schools in Northern Ireland shut early, while Donegal residents were told to shelter indoors. Ferries between Scotland and Northern Ireland were canceled, and rail lines in northern Scotland closed. A major rugby match between Edinburgh and Ulster was postponed. Weather warnings cover the whole UK and Ireland, with gusts up to 100mph possible in Scotland. The Met Office warned of power cuts, flooding, falling trees, and damage to buildings. Authorities urged people to stay alert and follow safety advice. (PC: Sky News)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of record-breaking rain across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh from Saturday to Wednesday. A rare mix of three weather systems will bring extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and possible hailstorms. Officials have issued red alerts, warning of rain above 21 cm in a single day. The risk of floods and landslides is high, especially in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Punjab, already facing 41% excess rain this monsoon, may see worsening floods. Authorities have kept rescue teams on standby and urged residents to stay indoors, stock essentials, and avoid travel. (PC: X)

Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, is battering the UK with strong winds and heavy rain. Schools in Northern Ireland’s Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh closed early for safety. Ferry sailings between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland were cancelled, while ScotRail imposed line closures and speed restrictions. An Edinburgh vs Ulster rugby match was postponed. The Met Office issued amber and yellow warnings for wind and rain across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, lasting into Saturday. Gusts could reach 70mph, higher on coasts and hills, with localised flooding and falling trees posing risks to life and property. (PC: PA)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms in Delhi and NCR during ongoing Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations. Areas including South, East, Shahdara, Central, and North Delhi may be affected. The rainfall could disrupt festive events across the city. Delhi recorded 37.8 mm of rainfall at Safdarjung in the last 24 hours, bringing relief from humidity. On Thursday, humidity was at 85%, with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 33°C. The city’s air quality index stood at 114, marked as “moderate.” Authorities advised caution as celebrations continue despite the weather warning. (PC: HT)

A devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late Tuesday, collapsing buildings and causing widespread panic. The epicenter was located approximately 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo, a coastal city in Cebu province. At least 31 people have been confirmed dead, with many others injured. The earthquake's timing is particularly tragic, as the region was still recovering from a tropical storm that struck just days earlier, resulting in at least 27 fatalities and extensive damage. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities working to clear debris and provide aid to affected communities. (PC: AP)