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)

During his recent visit to India, tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, known for his anti-aging endeavors, expressed deep concern over the country's severe air pollution. Despite using air purifiers and wearing an N95 mask, he experienced burning sensations in his eyes and throat, likening the experience to being "in the middle of a fire." Johnson highlighted that 83 of the world's 100 most polluted cities are in India and emphasized that improving air quality could benefit public health more than curing all cancers. He also noted the normalization of poor air quality among locals and the lack of widespread use of masks or air filters. (PC: AQLI & Business Today)

Forest fires triggered by jhum cultivation in Mizoram’s Archhuang village on March 11 have devastated nearly one-ninth of the 50 sq km Phawngpui National Park, officials confirmed. The blazes, controlled by March 28 with help from nearby villagers, impacted 19 locations including Mount Phawngpui’s northern face. Fortunately, no animal deaths were reported, though environmentalists fear long-term biodiversity loss. The park is the only Indian habitat of the endangered Mount Victoria Babax bird. Experts blame dry grass, climate shifts, and forest debris buildup. Activists warn of severe ecosystem damage, with some calling it the worst fire outbreak in decades. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On April 10, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted rainfall over Delhi-NCR, offering brief respite from ongoing scorching heat. Temperatures have hovered around 37°C to 39°C in recent days, but cloud cover and possible showers are expected to cool the region temporarily. However, the IMD issued a fresh alert warning of an intense heatwave beginning April 15, with temperatures forecasted to soar up to 44°C. Northern states like Punjab and Haryana are also likely to be affected. Citizens are advised to stay hydrated and prepare for rising temperatures after this short relief. (PC: Hindustan Times)