A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Drake Passage off the southern coast of Chile and Argentina on May 2, 2025. The epicenter was located 219 km from Ushuaia, Argentina, at a depth of 10 km. In response, both Chile and Argentina issued tsunami warnings, urging residents along the Magallanes coastline to evacuate. Chilean President Gabriel Boric called for the evacuation of coastal areas, while over 1,100 people in Puerto Williams were relocated to safer areas. Aftershocks have been reported, and local authorities continue to monitor the situation, advising residents to move to areas higher than 30 meters above sea level. 

A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit off the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina on Friday, triggering a tsunami alert and widespread evacuations. The quake occurred near Cape Horn at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to the US Geological Survey. Chilean authorities, including President Gabriel Boric, ordered the evacuation of the Magallanes region’s coastline due to tsunami risks. The Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service warned of waves reaching Antarctic bases and southern Chilean cities. In Argentina’s Ushuaia, no damage or evacuations were reported. Emergency services continue to monitor the region as a precaution against aftershocks and rising sea levels. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In regions like Puglia, Italy, and Naxos, Greece, the growing trend of perfectly manicured beaches for Instagram posts is endangering local wildlife. Sand grooming machines, often used by beach resorts to create smooth, pristine shores, are inadvertently damaging the nests of loggerhead sea turtles. These machines crush eggs and disrupt nesting sites, severely affecting hatchling survival rates. Environmentalists and conservationists are sounding alarms over the harmful impact of overtourism and calling for more sustainable practices, such as limiting tourist numbers and promoting eco-friendly beach management, to protect these vital habitats. (Getty Images)  

On May 2, 2025, a powerful dust storm followed by heavy rain struck Delhi-NCR, killing four family members in Dwarka after a tree collapsed on their home. The severe weather disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, causing major delays and diversions to cities like Ahmedabad and Jaipur. A metal structure at Terminal 3 collapsed due to strong winds. Across the city, uprooted trees, traffic jams, and waterlogging were reported in areas like RK Puram and Lajpat Nagar. The IMD issued a yellow alert, warning of more thunderstorms and rain in the coming days. (PC: The Economic Times)

  On May 2, 2025, severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall swept across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), providing much-needed relief from a prolonged heatwave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, forecasting continued thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty winds up to 80 km/h over the next three days. The early morning downpour led to waterlogging in several areas, including Moti Bagh, RK Puram, and the Dwarka Underpass, causing traffic disruptions and uprooted trees. The IMD also warned of similar conditions across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan. (PC: HT File)  

The UK is experiencing its hottest start to May on record, with temperatures expected to soar to 29°C in the South East, possibly touching 30°C—breaking the previous record of 27.4°C set in Lossiemouth in 1990. This makes Britain temporarily warmer than popular holiday destinations like Gran Canaria, Rome, and Athens. However, forecasters warn the heat won’t last, as temperatures are set to drop over the weekend. A large wildfire in the Peak District, fueled by dry conditions, is being tackled by firefighters. Despite the warmth, the Met Office states it likely won't meet the criteria for an official heatwave. (PC: PA)

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, situated on Maui's Haleakalā volcano, has released its first high-resolution image of the Sun’s surface, showcasing sunspots with remarkable detail. The image, captured using the new Visible Tunable Filter (VTF), provides an unprecedented view of the Sun, where each pixel represents just 6.2 miles (10 km). Sunspots are regions of intense magnetic activity linked to solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). This breakthrough enables scientists to study solar magnetic fields and plasma dynamics in three dimensions, offering valuable insights into solar weather that can affect satellite communications and power grids. (PC: CNN)

At least three people, including two children, were killed after heavy rain triggered landslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district. A cloudburst hit Seri Bagna village, damaging over 40 homes and sweeping away markets and vehicles in Dharam Kund. “Lost everything overnight,” said Ravi Kumar, a shopkeeper who lost both his shops. More than 100 residents were rescued by police and Army personnel despite ongoing rainfall. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed. Authorities, including CM Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, have assured aid and financial assistance as relief efforts continue in the affected region. (PC: ANI)

A sudden landslide in Pernote village, Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, has devastated over 50 homes, damaged four electricity towers, and severed the main road connecting Gool and Ramban. The disaster, which began Thursday evening, forced families to evacuate as their houses developed cracks. Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary assured affected residents of food, shelter, and medical aid, while geology experts investigate the cause. Local volunteers, alongside SDRF and NDRF teams, are assisting in relocating belongings. An alternate route via Sumber-Digdoal has been activated to restore connectivity. This incident echoes a similar event last year in Duksar Dalwa, where 16 houses were damaged due to land subsidence.

Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district triggered flash floods, landslides, and mudslides, resulting in three fatalities, including two brothers in Seri Bagna village. Over 100 villagers were rescued by police amid continuous downpours. Approximately 40 houses in Dharam Kund village were damaged, with ten completely destroyed. Several vehicles were swept away, and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed due to multiple landslides and a washed-away stretch near Panthiyal, leaving hundreds stranded. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a meeting to assess the situation, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the district administration for their prompt response and assured comprehensive relief efforts.