Heavy rainfall triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across Jammu & Kashmir, killing three and blocking the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Ramban district bore the brunt, with around 40 houses damaged and more than 100 villagers rescued in Dharamkund. Uprooted trees, power cuts, and submerged vehicles have left several areas crippled. Former Sarpanch Parshottam Gupta reported severe damage in Udhampur after strong winds and rain hit the region for the first time in years. Authorities have suspended traffic along the highway from Nashri to Banihal, urging travelers to avoid the route until weather conditions improve.

Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy overnight rain wreaked havoc in Dharamkund village, Ramban district, J&K, killing three, including two children, and leaving one missing. Ten houses were destroyed and over 30 damaged, while rescue teams evacuated nearly 100 people. The calamity also blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in multiple spots. SSP Ramban Kulbir Singh confirmed the casualties and ongoing relief efforts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh assured support and aid. Visuals showed widespread destruction, with mud-filled water submerging homes and roads. Rescue operations continue as authorities await improved weather for restoration work. (PC: India Today)

Scientists have discovered a rare geological process called lithospheric foundering occurring beneath California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. This phenomenon involves the dense lower layer of Earth’s lithosphere detaching and sinking into the mantle—described as the crust "peeling off" from beneath. According to the study, this event happened between 4 and 3 million years ago, triggering major changes such as crustal uplift and increased volcanic activity. The findings offer new insight into how deep Earth processes shape the planet’s surface and mark the Sierra Nevada as a key location for geoscientific research. (PC: Getty Images)

On April 19, 2025, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border at 12:17 PM IST, at a depth of 130 km. Tremors were felt across northern India, including Delhi-NCR, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab, as well as parts of Pakistan such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Residents in these regions reported brief panic, though no casualties or significant damage have been reported. This marks the second tremor in the region within a week, emphasizing its seismic sensitivity. (PC: The Times of India)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of North India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, on April 18, 2025, due to an active Western Disturbance. An orange alert has been issued in Himachal districts like Chamba, Kullu, and Mandi. Delhi is expected to experience cloudy skies and strong surface winds up to 40 km/h, with no heatwave expected until April 23. Eastern and northeastern states may also see heavy rains and gusty winds. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow weather updates. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

  In a landmark moment for marine science, researchers have captured the first-ever video of a live juvenile colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its natural habitat. Filmed at a depth of 2,000 feet near the South Sandwich Islands by the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s submersible SuBastian, the translucent squid measured 11.8 inches. Previously known only from dead specimens, this is the first time the elusive species has been seen alive. The discovery could offer key insights into the squid’s behavior, anatomy, and lifecycle, shedding light on one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep sea. (PC: AP)

On April 15, 2025, a 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet at 11:01 AM IST, with its epicenter located at latitude 28.90°N and longitude 87.67°E. Occurring at a shallow depth of 10 km, the tremor heightened concerns over potential surface damage and aftershocks. The region, part of a seismically active zone caused by the Indian and Eurasian plate collision, had already experienced a 4.1 magnitude quake a day earlier. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, urging preparedness as experts warn that even minor quakes at shallow depths can trigger significant local impact. (PC: Reuters)  

On April 16, 2025, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan at 7:19 AM IST, with the epicenter located 164 km east of Baghlan at a depth of 121 km, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tremors were strongly felt in parts of northern India, including Delhi-NCR, triggering widespread concern on social media. Afghanistan, located on the seismically active Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary, frequently experiences earthquakes. Despite the strength of the tremors, no immediate casualties or major damage have been reported, though authorities remain alert for aftershocks. (PC: Reuters)

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck near Julian, California, on April 14, 2025, shaking areas around San Diego. The US Geological Survey reported the quake occurred just after 10 a.m. local time, with the epicenter in Julian, a mountain town about 35 miles northeast of San Diego. Despite the tremor, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, according to local authorities. The region's structures are generally resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerabilities like landslides and liquefaction exist. Governor Gavin Newsom stated he was briefed and is coordinating with local responders. The event also tested California's “Shake Alert” system, which aims to provide early warnings to residents.

A massive sandstorm swept across southern and central Iraq, leaving over 1,800 people suffering from respiratory issues, according to local health officials. Muthanna province reported at least 700 cases of suffocation, with hundreds more in Najaf, Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar, and Basra. The orange haze severely reduced visibility, shut down airports, and caused power outages. Iraq’s environment ministry warned of increasing "dust days" due to climate change, which the UN says makes Iraq one of the most vulnerable nations globally. Authorities deployed medics and urged precautions as the storm's effects are expected to ease by Tuesday morning. (PC: Getty Images)