After heavy rains lashed the regions of Delhi-NCR, an under-construction house collapsed in Dadri, leaving three children dead and five others injured. The incident occurred in Khodna Kalan village in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, as eight children were trapped under the debris. In another natural disaster, an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 hit the Andaman Sea on Friday night, with the epicentre at a depth of 10 km. Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, a large number of pilgrims began their journey to the holy Amarnath cave.
Recent Natural Disasters in India: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Building Collapse
Under-Construction House Collapse in Dadri
On August 2, 2022, an under-construction house collapsed in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, due to heavy rainfall. Tragically, three young children lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries. The incident occurred in Khodna Kalan village in Greater Noida, when eight children became trapped under the debris.
Earthquake in Andaman Sea
On August 5, 2022, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 struck the Andaman Sea at a depth of 10 km. The epicenter was located in the northern part of the sea, close to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The earthquake was felt in parts of the islands, but no significant damage or casualties were reported.
Amarnath Yatra Commences
On August 3, 2022, the annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced, with a large number of pilgrims embarking on their journey to the holy cave in Jammu and Kashmir. The pilgrimage is considered one of the most challenging in India, as it requires trekkers to navigate high mountain passes and treacherous terrain.
Background on Natural Disasters
India is highly prone to natural disasters due to its geographical location and diverse climatic conditions. Earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and droughts are among the most common disasters that affect the country.
Earthquakes: India lies along several seismic zones, including the Himalayan region and the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Earthquakes can cause widespread destruction, particularly in areas with poor building codes and infrastructure.
Tsunamis: Tsunamis are large ocean waves that can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The Indian Ocean is particularly vulnerable to tsunamis, as it is bordered by several seismically active regions.
FAQs
What is the Richter scale? The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes. Each unit increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in the ground motion.
What is a tsunami? A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by a sudden disturbance in the sea, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption. Tsunamis can travel across vast distances and reach heights of up to tens of meters.
How can we prepare for natural disasters? Preparing for natural disasters involves taking steps such as understanding the risks in your area, developing an emergency plan, and securing your home and belongings.
What is the Amarnath Yatra? The Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir. The cave is said to house a naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva.
What is the significance of the recent earthquake in the Andaman Sea? While the recent earthquake in the Andaman Sea was not particularly strong, it is a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the potential for larger earthquakes in the future.
The Kremlin has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump after his inauguration on January 20. This comes after Trump's recent comments about understanding Russia's concerns regarding Ukraine joining NATO. Trump also criticized President Joe Biden's handling of negotiations, saying it could lead to escalation of the ongoing conflict. Trump had previously mentioned plans to speak with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the situation.
At least six people were killed and 40 others injured in a tragic stampede at the famous Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, India. The incident happened during the rush for tickets to the annual Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which is known to attract a massive crowd every year. The injured are receiving treatment and leaders, including the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed their condolences and are closely monitoring the situation.
While addressing a press conference in Paris, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected President Trump's idea of seizing Greenland as "not a good one" and "not going to happen." He reiterated the Biden administration's belief in the strength of alliances, stating that working closely with allies is more effective than alienating them. France's Foreign Minister also downplayed the possibility of US forces being deployed against Denmark, but cautioned about a return to the "law of the strongest" in the international arena. Trump's nominee for national security adviser, Congressman Mike Waltz, has emphasized the importance of securing Greenland for US national security, but both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any notion of the island being for sale.
A stampede at Tirupati's Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan ticketing center left four devotees dead and several injured. Despite being in the vicinity of a major religious site, the incident highlights the lack of effective crowd management and safety protocols. Multiple investigations have been launched into the tragedy, with promises of compensation and structural reform to avoid future incidents.
As Donald Trump's threat to buy Greenland stirs global controversy, Denmark's foreign minister reaffirms their recognition of Greenland's autonomy and dismisses any possibility of the island becoming a US state. However, amid increased US interest in the Arctic region, Trump's willingness to use force or economic measures to acquire Greenland has prompted concerns from European allies. As talks between Greenland's leader and the Danish king take place, there is a growing focus on the island's push for independence and allegations of colonial-era mistreatment.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly stated that the European Union will not tolerate any nation attacking its sovereign borders, in response to US President-elect Donald Trump's comments about his intentions to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Barrot expressed doubts about the possibility of the US actually invading Greenland, but urged the EU to be vigilant and strengthen its position. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., recently made a private visit to Greenland, shortly after his father's controversial comments. However, Greenland's government has made it clear that the territory is not for sale and its future will be determined by Greenlanders alone.
In a surprising statement, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he was considering using economic force to make Canada the 51st state. The remarks have sparked mixed reactions from Albertans, with some expressing fear and others dismissing it as a joke. Trump also proposed imposing tariffs and cutting off trade agreements with Canada, which has further escalated tensions between the two countries.
A massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Tibet near the Nepal border this morning, resulting in the death of 126 people and severe damages to buildings in the region. The tremors were felt in several parts of India, including Bihar, Delhi-NCR, Assam, and West Bengal. The National Center for Seismology has reported several subsequent earthquakes in the same location, with the strongest measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale. The high-altitude area of Dingri County on Mount Everest has faced building collapses amidst freezing temperatures.
In a series of social media posts, President-elect Donald Trump joked about buying Canada as part of the United States after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation. However, this banter comes after Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, which would violate the recently enacted USMCA. Experts warn that imposing tariffs on Canada, one of the US' largest trading partners, could have damaging effects on the Canadian economy and lead to a strained relationship between the two countries. While some have dismissed Trump's remarks as jokes, others see it as a disrespectful insult to Canada.
As her time as vice president draws to a close, Kamala Harris will embark on a four-day trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany. The trip, which will take place from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17, provides one final opportunity for Harris to address key foreign policy challenges before the transition of power to Donald Trump. Together with her husband, Doug Emhoff, Harris will visit U.S. servicemembers stationed at all three of the countries she plans to visit. As Harris looks to the future, her decision to conclude her term with a global trip raises questions about her potential next steps and continued involvement in international affairs.