The flood situation in Assam has improved gradually, but the humanitarian crisis continues. The death toll has risen to 80 after two more fatalities were reported, while nearly 1.92 lakh people across five districts remain affected. Although water levels have receded in several areas, thousands of residents are still living in relief camps and facing shortages of essential supplies. Rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, with government agencies working to restore normalcy. Authorities remain on alert as the India Meteorological Department has forecast more rainfall, raising concerns about fresh flooding and slowing recovery in the affected regions. (PC: X)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall across the country in August. It said rainfall is likely to stay below 94% of the long-period average. The southwest monsoon may weaken as a moderate El Niño continues over the Pacific Ocean. However, some parts of northwest, northeast, central and peninsular India may receive normal to above-normal rainfall. July recorded near-normal rainfall because of several low-pressure systems and monsoon depressions. IMD said El Niño could become stronger in September and continue into early 2027. Weather experts said rainfall in August and September will be important for farming, reservoirs and water supply.

The flood situation in Assam remains critical as the death toll has risen to 78 after fresh rain triggered flooding and waterlogging across several districts. More than 3 lakh people continue to be affected, with many unable to return home despite floodwaters receding in some areas. Roads remain blocked by mud and damaged infrastructure, slowing relief and restoration work. Authorities are operating relief camps and providing food and essential supplies to affected families. The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rainfall, raising concerns that conditions could worsen in flood-hit regions as rescue and rehabilitation efforts continue. (PC: The Indian Express)

A major incident has been declared after a large wildfire broke out at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, England. Around 90 firefighters are working to control the blaze, which spread quickly because of strong winds. People living nearby have been asked to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed. The fire came just hours after half of England was officially declared to be in drought. The government warned that droughts and extreme heat could become the "new normal" because of climate change. Firefighters are also battling wildfires in Scotland as hot, dry weather continues across the UK.

3 Greek firefighters have died while battling wildfires in Crete and the Peloponnese. Two firefighters were trapped by fast-moving flames in Crete, while another died near the town of Gytheio. Strong winds continue to spread the fires. Thousands of people have been evacuated from affected areas. Spain and France are also facing dangerous heatwaves and wildfires. Spain is battling its largest recorded wildfire, which has burned more than 43,000 hectares near Madrid. Authorities have warned that high temperatures and strong winds could cause more fires. Officials across southern Europe have urged people to remain alert and follow safety advice. (PC: EPA)

Rescue operations continued in Japan after a powerful earthquake caused widespread destruction, with teams racing against time to locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings and debris. The death toll rose to at least 13, while several others remained missing or injured. Emergency workers deployed heavy machinery and specialist rescue units, including efforts to reach people reportedly trapped inside a damaged shopping centre. Authorities warned that further casualties could emerge as search operations continue. The disaster has disrupted infrastructure, damaged homes, and triggered a major relief response as Japan faces another severe earthquake challenge. (PC: AP)

The death toll from this year's floods in Assam rose to 75 after 7 more people died in Sivasagar district, officials said on Wednesday. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 3.32 lakh people remain affected across 7 districts, although flood conditions have improved. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that compensation for families of flood victims has been increased to Rs 9 lakh, combining the existing Rs 4 lakh ex gratia with Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. More than 32,000 displaced people are currently staying in relief camps across the state. (PC: X)

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu region on July 28, causing widespread destruction and injuring more than 100 people. Part of a shopping mall collapsed, with many feared trapped beneath the debris as rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate survivors. Several buildings, roads, and public infrastructure were damaged, while power outages and transport disruptions affected thousands. Authorities issued tsunami warnings immediately after the quake but later lifted them as the threat diminished. Emergency services, including military personnel, continue rescue and relief operations, while officials have urged residents to stay vigilant due to the risk of strong aftershocks. (PC: Reuters)

A massive wildfire near Bordeaux in south-west France has triggered a rare pyrocumulonimbus cloud, a fire-generated thunderstorm caused by intense heat, smoke and unstable weather conditions. The blaze, located about 15 km from Bordeaux, has not worsened overnight after lighter winds and some rainfall aided firefighters. French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency meeting as crews battle the flames. Across France and Spain, more than 300,000 people have been evacuated from fire-hit areas. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is also visiting affected regions, while authorities remain on high alert as changing winds continue to threaten communities. (PC: BBC)

France recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths during the June heatwave, according to the national health agency. Between June 17 and July 2, officials reported 5,764 excess deaths, with people aged 75 and above making up about two-thirds of the total. Authorities said the deaths were from "all causes" and have not yet been directly linked to the heat. Meanwhile, southern Europe continues to face extreme temperatures and wildfires. In Spain, a massive wildfire has burned thousands of hectares and forced evacuations. Italy and Greece are also battling heatwaves, wildfires and severe weather conditions. (PC: Getty Images)