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)

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Julian in San Diego County, California, on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred just 2.5 miles south of Julian at a shallow depth of eight miles and was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks. While no immediate damage or injuries have been reported, the tremor serves as a reminder of California’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The region, located along active tectonic plate boundaries, has a history of devastating quakes. Authorities continue to monitor the area for aftershocks and potential impacts on infrastructure and public safety.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a severe heat wave over Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and parts of Central India between April 14 and 19. Temperatures in Delhi are expected to reach 42°C, with heat wave conditions likely at isolated locations. Northwest India will see a 3-5°C rise in maximum temperatures, while Central and West India will rise by 2-4°C. Meanwhile, the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, are set to receive light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next five days. Heavy rainfall is also expected in Assam, Meghalaya, and Odisha. (PC: Hindustan Times)

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Meiktila on April 13, 2025, marking one of the strongest aftershocks since the devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28. The epicenter lay between Mandalay and Naypyitaw, areas already severely affected. Residents in Wundwin township reported fleeing buildings and ceiling damage; however, no major casualties were reported. The March 28 quake resulted in 3,649 deaths and over 5,000 injuries, exacerbating Myanmar's humanitarian crisis amid ongoing civil conflict. The United Nations has expressed concern over disrupted agriculture and damaged medical infrastructure. The recent quake coincided with the Thingyan holiday, whose celebrations had been canceled due to the disaster. (PC: Al Jazeera, Hindustan Times & The Telegraph)

A sudden 45-minute thunderstorm with winds up to 74 km/h hit Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport around 6:30 PM Friday, leading to massive disruption. Over 350 departing flights were delayed and 40 incoming ones diverted. The situation worsened due to the main runway being shut for scheduled upgrades. Passengers faced delays averaging 40 minutes, overcrowded terminals, and poor communication from airlines. Social media was flooded with complaints. Airlines attributed the widespread delays to severe weather, marking one of the worst air traffic disruptions at IGI in recent times. (PC: Mint)

At least 100 people have died in the past 24 hours across northern and eastern India due to intense thunderstorms and lightning strikes, with Bihar reporting 82 fatalities, Uttar Pradesh 18, and Uttarakhand one. Most victims were caught outdoors during the storms, despite prior warnings from the India Meteorological Department. The IMD had issued yellow alerts for thunderstorms in at least a dozen states. In neighboring Nepal, lightning strikes and heavy rain killed at least eight people. The storms brought some relief to the searing heatwave affecting the region. Authorities are urging people to take precautions during such weather events to prevent further casualties. (PC: India Today)

A severe dust storm struck Delhi on April 11, 2025, causing major disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport. With strong winds and rain, over 200 flights were delayed, 50+ diverted, and several cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Terminal congestion and minimal airline assistance sparked outrage, as social media flooded with complaints about the chaos. Ongoing runway maintenance worsened the situation, exposing the airport’s lack of preparedness for weather-related emergencies. Authorities are now facing criticism for poor crisis handling and communication during peak travel hours. Normal operations resumed gradually after weather conditions stabilized. (PC: OpIndia)    

A powerful dust storm struck Delhi-NCR for the second consecutive day, killing a 67-year-old man and injuring 3 others. The storm caused construction debris to fall in Chander Vihar and a signage pillar to collapse on a car in Gurugram. Over 15 flights were diverted due to poor weather, with airlines warning of delays. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert, forecasting winds up to 80 km/h, lightning, and light rain. Power outages and fallen trees disrupted traffic. Temperatures dropped, and air quality improved to ‘moderate’ with an AQI of 164. Thunderstorms may persist due to a western disturbance. (PC: PTI)

A powerful dust storm swept through Delhi, India, on Friday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert until 9 PM. With winds expected to reach up to 80 km/h, at least 15 flights were diverted, and tree branches fell in multiple areas including Mandi House and Delhi Gate. Visuals showed low visibility and damage to vehicles. Thunderstorms, hail, and lightning are forecast across Delhi, NCR, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Residents are advised to avoid open spaces due to risk of injury and damage to crops and property. This follows a similar storm on Thursday. (PC: PTI)

On April 10, 2025, lightning strikes and hailstorms claimed 25 lives across Bihar, with Nalanda alone reporting 18 deaths. Other affected districts included Siwan, Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced ₹4 lakh compensation for the victims’ families and urged residents to stay indoors during extreme weather. Meanwhile, Delhi witnessed light rain and overcast skies, bringing much-needed relief from soaring temperatures. The India Meteorological Department has predicted more rain, thunderstorms, and drizzle in the capital on April 11 and 12, advising people to remain cautious and updated on weather alerts. (PC: Hindustan Times)