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.
In an exclusive report by CNN News18, top Indian intelligence sources have revealed that China should be worried about the rising attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) against Beijing's investments in Balochistan, Pakistan. The BLA, a separatist militant group, has showcased its evolving tactics and increasing operational sophistication with its recent hostage crisis on Tuesday. Sources also highlight that the BLA's internal coordination has become more structured, making it difficult to predict their movements and potential future threats.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been announced to receive the highest honour in Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to the Indian community who migrated to Mauritius. The award signifies the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations and India's commitment to regional peace and development.
The most powerful leaders in the world travel in the utmost style and security, and US presidents are no exception. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, is a testament to the advanced technology used to keep the commander-in-chief safe and efficient on the go. With features like antimissile countermeasures, secure communication lines, and self-sealing fuel tanks, the helicopters are a cornerstone of presidential transportation. Get an exclusive look inside the Marine One models that have served modern presidents and learn how they keep the leader of the free world safe while on the move.
No Smoking Day, observed on March 12, began in the UK in 1984 as a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and help people quit smoking. Over the years, it has become a global event supported by governments and healthcare groups. This day offers practical tools and resources to make quitting easier and has a positive approach towards reducing smoking rates. With millions of deaths and economic costs linked to tobacco every year, No Smoking Day plays a crucial role in saving lives and improving communities.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, met with Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius, during his two-day state visit to the southeast Asian nation. In a special gesture, PM Modi gifted holy Sangam water, traditional Mahkhana, a Banarasi Silk Saree and an idol of Lord Ganesha to the president and his wife. The two leaders engaged in talks on deepening the special and close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius, highlighting their shared history and strong people-to-people linkages. PM Modi also made a special visit to the Ayurveda Garden, established in collaboration with the Government of India, noting Mauritius as an important partner in advancing traditional medicine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius is aimed at further deepening the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a warm welcome by his Mauritian counterpart and the Indian diaspora, highlighting the close bond shared between the two countries. This visit, which marks PM Modi's first trip to Mauritius since 2015, holds special significance as it reiterates India's commitment to cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and its strong bond with the Indian-origin community in Mauritius.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day State Visit to Mauritius promises to strengthen the ties between India and the island nation. In addition to attending national day celebrations and meeting the country's top leadership, PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects focused on strengthening democracy and grassroots development in Mauritius. This includes the inauguration of the newly-constructed Civil Services College building and e-inauguration of 20 community projects across various sectors. The visit showcases India's continued support in strengthening governance and institutional capacity in Mauritius.
An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York (AI119) was forced to return mid-air after a note threatening a blast was discovered in the washroom. The flight safely landed in Mumbai where security agencies conducted mandatory checks on the aircraft. Passengers were provided with accommodations while officials conducted a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, actress Deepika Padukone discussed her personal and professional goals at the Forbes 30/50 Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, and also shared her biggest concern for her daughter, Dua.
Hundreds of people in Taiwan marched to honor the 66th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, protesting against China's cultural and ethnic genocide in Tibet. This year's march, attended by members of Taiwan's National Human Rights Commission for the first time, emphasized that Tibet has never been a part of China and called for attention to the ongoing human rights violations. Representative of the Tibetan government in exile to Taiwan, Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, highlighted that the Seventeen-Point Agreement signed by Tibet in 1951 was a deceptive tactic used by the Chinese Communist Party, leading to the deaths of over 1.2 million Tibetans.
Amid the commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day, Prime Minister-in-exile Penpa Tsering has warned of China's deliberate and dangerous attempts to erase the unique Tibetan identity through extensive sinicisation policies. He also highlighted the suppression of religious freedom, forced enrolment of Tibetan children in colonial-style schools, and environment damage caused by Chinese projects. With talks between the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities breaking down in 2010, the situation for Tibetans remains critical.