A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing landslides and flattening buildings, including one housing Western embassies. Power and mobile networks remain down, making it hard to assess the full damage. Reports say at least one person has died, and many others are injured. Cars were crushed, homes cracked, and aftershocks continue to shake the region. Rescue efforts are ongoing with limited resources. The US, UK, and New Zealand embassies sustained damage. Airlines have cancelled flights to Port Vila. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as recovery continues.

A severe cold wave is sweeping across India, with temperatures dipping to -10.6°C in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti. Delhi recorded 4.5°C, prompting GRAP Stage 4 restrictions as air quality plunged to the "severe" category. In Kashmir, Srinagar froze at -3.4°C, while Rajasthan's Sikar district hit -0.4°C. Odisha's Similipal was coldest at 1°C, and Hyderabad saw temperatures drop to single digits. Punjab and Haryana also shivered, with lows around 0.6°C. The MeT department forecasts dry weather till December 26, with light snowfall expected in Kashmir's higher reaches on December 21-22.    

Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on December 14, 2024, causing "apocalyptic scenes," according to locals. With winds over 225 km/h, many poor areas with sheet-metal roofs were flattened. "It feels like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war," said resident Mohamed Ishmael. At least 20 people are confirmed dead, but the toll could rise to thousands, officials warn. Infrastructure is severely damaged, leaving 85% of the territory without power. "The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster," said a nurse from Mamoudzou. Rescue workers are struggling due to impassable roads and downed power lines.

A French senator has raised alarm over the dire conditions in Mayotte following Cyclone Chido. "People are starting to die of thirst and hunger," said Senator Salama Ramia, speaking from a makeshift shelter. The cyclone, with wind speeds of 140mph, has devastated the island, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals. Many residents have been without water for three days, worsening an already severe drought. Authorities fear the death toll could reach several thousand as food and water shortages persist. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has arrived in Mayotte to assess the crisis and oversee relief efforts.

Delhi has implemented stricter anti-pollution measures as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed into the 'very poor' category. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) has been activated, banning non-essential construction and limiting vehicle emissions. Petrol vehicles failing BS-III norms and diesel vehicles under BS-IV standards are restricted in Delhi and surrounding areas. The cold wave, with temperatures dropping to 3.5°C, has worsened pollution levels. Diesel generators are allowed only in emergencies. Authorities hope the measures will reduce harmful air pollution affecting residents, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Cyclone Chido has killed close to 1,000 people in Mayotte, France, according to local officials. The storm, the strongest in over 90 years, caused severe damage, destroying homes, hospitals, and the main airport. Winds of 124 mph ripped through the island, flattening makeshift houses and leaving thousands homeless. President Emmanuel Macron expressed sorrow, calling the situation tragic. France has sent rescue teams, police, and aid to help survivors. Chido has also hit Mozambique, causing destruction and displacing many. UNICEF warned of potential health crises due to stagnant water. Experts link worsening cyclones to climate change, highlighting the need for global action.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5°C on Monday, intensifying the ongoing cold wave across North India. Certain areas, like Pusa, saw temperatures drop as low as 3.5°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold wave alerts for Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Delhi’s air quality also worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 334, categorised as 'very poor.' Calm winds and high humidity contributed to both the biting cold and deteriorating air quality. Residents bundled up against the chill as more fog and colder conditions are expected in the coming days.

A cold wave continues to affect parts of northern India, with temperatures dropping sharply over the past 24 hours. Delhi recorded a low of 4.9°C, marking a 3°C dip. Faridkot in Punjab saw the region's lowest at 1°C, while Haryana's Hisar and Narnaul recorded 1.7°C and 3°C, respectively. Dense fog is expected to blanket Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Northeast India on December 16 and 17, reducing visibility. The cold wave is expected to persist until December 20 in various regions, including Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Frost conditions may also affect Madhya Pradesh.

Cyclone Chido has left nearly 1,000 people feared dead in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, after winds exceeding 136 mph caused widespread destruction. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, and critical infrastructure, including the airport and hospital, was severely damaged. Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province also faced devastation, with homes, schools, and health facilities destroyed. UNICEF has called for urgent aid, warning of disrupted services. Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for potential flooding. The worsening intensity of cyclones underscores the impact of climate change, leaving vulnerable nations to face mounting humanitarian crises with insufficient global support.

Cyclone Chido devastated France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, leaving hundreds feared dead, according to local officials. The cyclone, with wind speeds over 225 km/h, flattened communities and destroyed makeshift homes. Initial reports listed 11 fatalities, but authorities expect the toll to rise significantly. Tens of thousands are homeless, with electricity, water, and communication disrupted. France has deployed 250 rescue workers and emergency supplies. Pamandzi Airport sustained major damage, hindering relief efforts. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called the destruction “unprecedented since 1934.” The storm has intensified, causing further damage in Mozambique and threatening southern Malawi and Zimbabwe.