A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with its epicenter 16 km northwest of Sagaing, the USGS reported. The tremors were felt in Thailand and southwest China. In Bangkok, an unfinished 30-storey building near Chatuchak Park collapsed, trapping 43 construction workers. Seven managed to escape, but rescue efforts are ongoing. "I heard people calling for help," said Bang Sue's deputy police chief. Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw saw roads buckle amid widespread destruction. The nation remains in turmoil following the 2021 coup, making ground reports difficult. Authorities continue to assess damage and casualties. (PC: Reuters)

Two powerful earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude struck Myanmar on Friday, killing at least 25 people and injuring many. The Ava Bridge in Mandalay collapsed, and a mosque in the city was destroyed, killing 20 people. A monastery sheltering war refugees in Taungoo also collapsed, killing 5. In Thailand, dozens were injured, and 43 people are missing. A major hospital in Myanmar's capital has been declared a "mass casualty area." Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns and offered assistance. Authorities in affected areas are conducting rescue operations. (PC: X)

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with the epicenter 16 km northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 km, according to the US Geological Survey. Strong tremors were felt in Thailand and China's Yunnan province. In Bangkok, buildings swayed, and evacuations took place, with a rooftop pool overflowing onto the streets. Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, saw roads buckle and structural damage. Thailand’s government is holding emergency meetings to assess the situation. Authorities are monitoring aftershocks as residents in affected areas brace for potential further tremors. (PC: Getty Images)

South Korea is battling its worst wildfires, which have killed at least 23 people and forced 27,000 to evacuate. The blazes, raging since last Friday, have destroyed a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple, homes, factories, and over 43,000 acres of land. A helicopter pilot fighting the fires also died in a crash. Acting President Han Duck-soo warned that the damage is "snowballing" and called for urgent action. Authorities are deploying all available resources, but the fires remain uncontrollable. Efforts continue to contain the devastation as officials fear unprecedented wildfire destruction in the country’s history. (PC: Reuters)  

South Korea's worst wildfires have killed at least 18 people and injured 19, forcing over 23,000 evacuations. The blazes, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest, including the historic 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple. A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong county as authorities struggled to contain multiple fires. Acting President Han Duck-soo called the disaster "unprecedented," warning of worsening conditions. Thousands of firefighters and military personnel, including US forces, have been deployed. Officials pledged to strengthen wildfire prevention measures after the crisis is controlled. (PC: Getty Images)

A strong earthquake of 6.8 magnitude struck off the coast of Riverton, New Zealand, on Tuesday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 10 km. Initially, it was recorded as a 7.0 magnitude quake. No tsunami warning has been issued so far. Authorities are assessing any possible damage. The region is known for high seismic activity due to the Australia-Pacific plate boundary. In 1931, New Zealand's largest recorded earthquake, at 7.8 magnitude, killed 256 people in Hawke’s Bay. Experts continue to monitor the situation.

On October 22, 2024, Bengaluru was hit by intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, severely affecting air travel and city infrastructure. At least 20 flights scheduled to land at Kempegowda International Airport were diverted to Chennai and Coimbatore due to poor visibility and strong winds. Several areas, including Yelahanka and Sahakar Nagar, experienced waterlogging, submerged vehicles, and traffic chaos. The India Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert, warning of continued heavy downpours. Airlines urged passengers to check flight statuses before traveling, while authorities worked to manage the situation amid disrupted daily life. (PC: Money Control)  

Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted on March 21, 2025, sending ash clouds up to 8 kilometers high and prompting authorities to raise the alert to the highest level. The eruption followed several smaller ones since March 13. One person was injured during evacuations, though further details are unclear. Australian airline Jetstar canceled flights to Bali, while some international and domestic flights were disrupted. The Bali airport remains operational, though seven international flights were canceled. The eruption has raised concerns, as the volcano previously killed nine people and displaced thousands in November 2024.

An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Afghanistan on March 21, 2025, at a depth of 160 km, with tremors felt across the region. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the quake's epicenter located at latitude 36.48 N and longitude 71.45 E. This follows a previous earthquake on March 13, 2025, measuring 4.0 magnitude. Afghanistan is prone to frequent seismic activity, especially in the tectonically active Hindu Kush region. The country, already dealing with conflict and underdevelopment, remains vulnerable to such natural disasters, with ongoing challenges in disaster resilience.  

At least 40 people have died as tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms hit several US states. Missouri was worst affected, with 12 deaths and hundreds of homes destroyed. Strong winds in Texas and Kansas caused dust storms, leading to fatal crashes. Oklahoma faced nearly 150 wildfires, killing at least four people. Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas also reported deaths. Over 320,000 people lost power, and states of emergency were declared in Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma. President Trump said the National Guard was deployed to help. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe called the destruction “staggering.” Rescue efforts are ongoing.