A boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation by local authorities. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has confirmed that it is in constant touch with Vietnamese officials and is closely monitoring the situation.

According to an official statement posted by the Indian Embassy on X, the incident occurred a few hours before the announcement, though the exact number of passengers, casualties, or injuries has not yet been confirmed. Authorities are continuing rescue efforts while verifying the identities and condition of those on board.

The embassy said that the situation remains fluid and that updates will be shared as more verified information becomes available.

Embassy Monitoring Rescue Efforts

The Indian diplomatic mission stated that it is coordinating with local authorities to gather accurate information about the incident and provide assistance to affected Indian nationals.

In its statement, the embassy said:

"A boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island a few hours ago. The exact details are still being confirmed as local authorities continue search and rescue operations."

Vietnamese rescue teams have been deployed to the area, where operations are underway to locate missing passengers and ensure the safety of those rescued.

Emergency Control Rooms Activated

To assist affected families and provide real-time information, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has established a dedicated Control Room.

The emergency helpline numbers are:

• +84 36 281 7930

• +84 91 552 37 14

• +84 33 452 0414

In addition, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi has also activated a Control Room that can be contacted at:

• +84 91 308 9165

Families seeking information about relatives travelling in Vietnam have been advised to contact these emergency numbers.

Authorities Yet to Confirm Casualties

Officials have not released details regarding the total number of passengers on board, the cause of the accident, or whether there have been any fatalities or injuries.

Search and rescue teams remain at the site as weather and sea conditions are being assessed during the ongoing operation. Vietnamese authorities are expected to provide further updates after completing initial rescue efforts.

Embassy Assures Assistance

The Indian Embassy has assured that all necessary assistance will be extended to Indian nationals affected by the incident. Diplomatic officials are coordinating closely with local emergency responders and Vietnamese government agencies.

Further information is expected once rescue operations conclude and authorities verify the identities and status of all passengers.

At least 40 people were killed and eight others injured after an overcrowded passenger bus veered off a highway and plunged into a rocky ravine in southwestern Pakistan early Friday, authorities said. The accident is among the country's deadliest road crashes in recent years.

According to the Medical Emergency Response Centre (MERC), rescue teams recovered 40 bodies from the accident site, while the injured were rushed to the Trauma Centre in Zhob for medical treatment. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

A massive rescue operation was launched immediately after the crash. Emergency authorities deployed six ambulances, 12 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and 10 light transport vehicles to the remote accident site to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.

District officials, local rescue agencies and ambulance services coordinated the operation, while emergency personnel from the neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province also joined the rescue mission due to the scale of the tragedy.

Sherani Deputy Commissioner Hazrat Wali Kakar said rescue workers spent several hours retrieving victims from the deep ravine and evacuating the injured. The difficult terrain slowed rescue operations, requiring coordinated efforts from multiple emergency teams.

Preliminary information indicates that the bus had initially departed from Quetta carrying around 36 passengers. However, officials said the vehicle later became overcrowded after picking up additional passengers from another bus that had reportedly broken down along the route.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the accident. Investigators are examining whether overloading, speeding, driver error or mechanical failure contributed to the crash. A detailed probe has been ordered, officials said.

Road accidents remain a major safety concern in Pakistan, particularly on mountainous highways where poor road conditions, overloaded vehicles and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations often increase the risk of fatal crashes. Several serious bus accidents have been reported across the country in recent years, prompting repeated calls for stricter road safety measures.

The latest tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over passenger safety and enforcement of transport regulations. Officials said further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.

The survivor, identified as Hernán Gil, was rescued after emergency personnel detected signs of life beneath nearly 140 tonnes of concrete and debris. Officials described the operation as one of the most technically challenging rescue missions carried out since the earthquakes devastated parts of the country. According to rescue workers, Gil had remained trapped inside the ruins for more than a week before his faint cries for help were heard during a search operation on Sunday. Allan Madrigal, a paramedic with the Costa Rican Red Cross, said he initially believed he had imagined the sound and asked a fellow rescuer to confirm it before teams launched an intensive effort to reach the trapped man.

Gil, who worked as a security guard, was on duty inside a small reinforced concrete security booth in the basement parking area near the Galerias Playa Grande shopping mall in Catia La Mar when the earthquakes struck. Rescue officials believe the concrete structure shielded him from the collapsing debris and played a crucial role in his survival. Medical teams supplied Gil with water and intravenous fluids while rescue personnel carefully removed debris to prevent further collapse. Emergency responders from Venezuela were joined by specialists from Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States during the complex rescue operation.

Rescuers established visual contact with Gil after inserting a small camera through a narrow opening in the rubble. They later provided him with a protective face mask and safety goggles to minimise dust exposure while excavation work continued. Marco Antonio Franco of the Mexican Red Cross said Gil remained calm throughout the rescue effort and regularly communicated with emergency personnel. According to rescuers, he even requested specific flavours of hydration drinks while waiting to be freed.

A Chilean firefighter involved in the mission described the operation as the most technically demanding rescue he had ever participated in, citing the unstable debris and confined working conditions. Meanwhile, authorities said the death toll from the twin earthquakes has climbed to nearly 2,300. Thousands of people are still reported missing, while rescue and recovery teams continue searching damaged buildings in the hope of finding more survivors. Emergency response agencies remain deployed across the affected regions as humanitarian assistance and relief operations continue. Officials have said search efforts will continue despite increasingly difficult conditions at several collapsed structures.

The blaze broke out on the first floor of a building in the Naka area, trapping several children inside.

At least 15 students were killed after a massive fire broke out at a coaching centre in Lucknow's Naka Hindola area, reducing the dreams of 15 families to ashes. The incident, which occurred on [current date], sent shockwaves through the city as visuals of the tragedy emerged, showing desperate children trying to escape the inferno.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

The fire is believed to have started on the first floor of the building, which was being used as a library-cum-coaching centre. Officials said the blaze quickly spread through the structure, trapping students who had gathered for their regular classes.

Desperate Escape Attempts Caught on Camera

Disturbing visuals that surfaced on social media showed the terrifying moments as the fire engulfed the building. Some students were seen climbing down using electrical wires and scaffolding, while others attempted to jump from the first floor in a bid to save their lives.

"Some children were hanging from windows. The smoke was so thick that visibility was almost zero," said a local resident who witnessed the tragedy.

The fire brigade team arrived at the scene and launched an immediate rescue operation. Firefighters had to break down a wall to reach the trapped students.

But by the time the flames were brought under control, bodies began emerging from the debris, leaving behind only screams and mourning.

Families Rush to Hospitals

The trauma centre and the post-mortem house turned into scenes of inconsolable grief as relatives rushed to identify their loved ones. Families stood outside, their eyes reflecting nothing but the pain of losing their children — some had lost their only support, others had lost their future.

A relative of one victim told reporters, "He was just 17. He went for his daily classes and never came back."

Administrative Response

District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar confirmed the death toll and said that a thorough investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary information suggests that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze, but officials are reviewing all possibilities.

Senior police officials, including the Police Commissioner, reached the site to oversee rescue operations and coordinate with the fire department.

Why This Incident Has Shaken Lucknow

This incident is one of the deadliest in recent years involving a coaching centre in Uttar Pradesh's capital. With thousands of students flocking to such centres daily, questions are now being raised about fire safety compliance and building regulations.

Fire safety experts point out that many coaching centres operate in densely packed buildings with inadequate emergency exits and no proper fire extinguishing systems.

When asked about safety inspections, a municipal official said that a comprehensive audit of all such centres in the area would now be conducted.

More than 15 fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, with officials confirming that the fire was completely doused by evening.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

Students from GRMC went into restricted area; search resumed at dawn

 Rescue teams recovered the body of one MBBS student late Saturday night and continued searching on Sunday for his friend after both reportedly drowned in the Tiaghara (Tighra) Dam on the outskirts of Gwalior. Initial reports indicate the two slipped into a deep, muddy section of the reservoir while visiting a restricted, rocky stretch where public access is prohibited.

What happened
According to police and rescue officials, the incident occurred around 7pm on Saturday in the “kacchi paar” area roughly 3 km from the boat club. Eight second‑year students from Gajraraja Medical College (GRMC) had gone for a picnic — four male and four female classmates — and were standing near the water when 21‑year‑old Gopal Agrawal (Bina, Sagar) and Ayush Srivastava (Muzaffarpur, Bihar) moved closer and stepped into the water. Witnesses said both students suddenly lost their footing and sank in an area estimated to be 40–50 feet deep.

Recovery and ongoing search
Local police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and trained divers were called after other students found the victims’ shoes and clothes neatly placed on the rocky bank and could not locate them. Gopal’s body was recovered late Saturday night, officials said. Search operations for Ayush resumed before dawn on Sunday and were still under way at the time of filing.

“Teams worked through the night using boats and high‑power lights,” a senior police official at the scene told reporters. “Local divers and SDRF personnel are conducting grid searches, but the dam’s depth, mud and submerged boulders are making the operation difficult.” Authorities said Ayush’s search had been active since 6am on Sunday.

Official responses
Circle Superintendent of Police (CSP) Krishanpal Singh said families of both students had been informed and reached Gwalior. “We reached the site immediately after the information came in and are coordinating with SDRF and local diving teams,” he said. The Tighra Dam’s flow and the restricted status of the ‘kacchi paar’ area complicate both access and visibility, Singh added.

At Gajraraja Medical College, Dean Dr RKS Dhakad described the incident as a “very sad loss” for the institution. “They had gone out for a picnic. This is a huge blow for the college and for the families,” he said, declining to give further comment while relatives were en route.

Family reactions
Relatives of the deceased reached Gwalior in the early hours of Sunday. Gopal’s brother Piyush and other family members arrived after receiving the message late Saturday night. A family member, Pradeep Agrawal, said Gopal was the youngest of five siblings and that his elder brother had been supporting his medical education. “He cleared NEET on his first attempt in 2024 and was very bright. He used to say he would stand shoulder to shoulder with his brother,” Pradeep said, adding that the family was in shock.

Ayush’s family has departed Muzaffarpur for Gwalior and were expected to arrive by Sunday afternoon, officials confirmed.

Why rescue is tough
Rescue personnel warned that submerged silt and irregular rocky contours under the dam make dive operations hazardous and time‑consuming. “The depth varies sharply; divers can’t see well because of mud and suspended particles. We are using sonar and manual grid searches where possible,” an SDRF team leader said.

Public safety and next steps
Tighra Dam officials reiterated that the kacchi paar area is off‑limits to visitors and urged people to avoid entering restricted zones. The local police said they would continue search operations until all possibilities were exhausted and would examine whether safety signage or enforcement around the dam needs strengthening.

Investigating officers said they will record statements from the surviving students and witnesses, and submit a preliminary report to the district authorities. Meanwhile, the college has offered counselling support to classmates and staff.

Two residents of Rewa district died on Thursday afternoon after their motorcycle plunged into a roughly 200-foot gorge at the popular Kyonti (क्योंटी) waterfall, officials said. Rescue teams took about three hours to retrieve the victims' bodies from the steep, rocky ravine.

Immediate rescue response

According to police and rescue officials, the accident occurred in the early afternoon near Kyonti waterfall, a known local picnic spot in Rewa. The deceased were identified as 19-year-old Ayush Gautam (son of Anil Gautam) of Shigti and 23-year-old Santosh Patel (son of Rama Patel) of Chhattargarh, police said.

Local residents alerted authorities after seeing the motorcycle and signs of a crash at the waterfall edge. “We received the first call around midday and teams were dispatched immediately,” an officer at the Newagadhi police station said. The District Rescue Cell (DRC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police jointly launched the operation.

Difficult terrain hampered access

Initial reports indicate the bike went over the edge and both riders fell onto rocks far below, making immediate access hazardous. “They had struck the rocks in the ravine,” an SDRF team leader, Vikas Pandey, told reporters. Pandey said the team reached the site soon after notification and worked with police and DRC personnel to locate and recover the bodies.

The gorge’s steepness and loose rock made the operation slow and risky. Rescuers used ropes and technical gear to descend into the chasm, stabilise the site and bring the bodies up. The joint operation lasted about three hours before both victims were brought to the surface, officials said.

Sequence of events

• Midday: Locals noticed wreckage and alerted police.

• Within an hour: Police, DRC and SDRF teams arrived and assessed the scene.

• Next three hours: Technical recovery operation using ropes and climbing gear.

• Late afternoon: Bodies were recovered and taken to Rewa district hospital for post-mortem and further legal formalities.

Investigation under way

Police said a formal investigation has begun to establish the cause of the crash. “We are examining whether speed, road condition near the waterfall or rider error contributed to the fall,” a senior police official said. The motorcycle has been seized as evidence and witnesses from nearby shops and passersby are being questioned.

Autopsy and legal steps

The bodies were sent for post-mortem at Rewa District Hospital; results and cause-of-death details will be recorded in the subsequent police report. Local police confirmed that legal procedures, including filing of an accidental death report, were under way.

Safety concerns at Kyonti

Kyonti waterfall attracts visitors, especially on weekends and public holidays, because of its scenic drop and natural pools. Locals and authorities have repeatedly warned about steep edges, slippery rocks and lack of safety barriers at several viewpoints. This accident has prompted renewed calls for basic safety measures around the site.

Residents and visitors react

People who frequent the falls said crowds and two-wheelers parked dangerously close to the edge increase risks, particularly when roads are narrow and visibility is limited. “They come for selfies and sometimes park their bikes near the crest,” a shopkeeper near the site said. “There are no guardrails in many places; one wrong turn and you could go over.”

What happens next

Police said the probe will look into whether negligence or reckless driving played a role and whether authorities should install signage, barriers or restricted parking. The district administration did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment on the need for safety upgrades at Kyonti.

For now, the focus remains on completing medico-legal formalities and informing the families. Local leaders and community members said they would press officials to review safety at the waterfall to prevent similar tragedies.

The body of 28-year-old Army jawan Gaurav Dwivedi, who went missing while bathing at Silpara Dam, was finally recovered on Tuesday morning after a six-day search operation. 

NDRF, SDERF, and local administration teams conducted a joint rescue mission that succeeded after officials stopped the canal water and lowered the water level significantly.

Tragic Incident at Family Outing

Gaurav Dwivedi, a resident of Baghwar village in Rewa district, had gone to the popular Silpara Dam with his siblings on the morning of June 3. While taking a dip in the dam, he suddenly lost balance and slipped into deeper waters. Despite immediate efforts by family members and locals, he could not be traced. 

The incident triggered a massive search operation involving police divers, SDERF teams, and boats, but rough conditions and deep waters made the task difficult in the initial days.

Coordinated Search Operation Intensified

For nearly a week, rescue teams continued their efforts without success. On Tuesday, authorities took a decisive step by completely stopping the flow of water into the canal connected to the dam. This reduced the water depth by nearly 40 feet, making the area more accessible for divers.

NDRF’s special task force from Agra reached the spot and joined hands with SDERF personnel and local teams. The intensive search began around 6 AM.

Body Recovered After Three Hours

After nearly three hours of relentless efforts, the teams located and retrieved Gaurav’s body around 9 AM. Officials confirmed the recovery as teams carefully navigated the lowered water levels. 

The news spread quickly, plunging the family and the entire Baghwar village into mourning. Grieving relatives gathered at the spot as police took the body into custody for post-mortem. 

Family and Village in Shock

Gaurav, who served in the Indian Army, was known in his village as a disciplined and responsible young man. His sudden demise has left the family devastated. Locals described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks associated with unregulated water bodies during the monsoon season.

Many villagers had actively participated in the initial search, offering whatever support they could. The prolonged wait had already taken an emotional toll on the family.

Administration Praises Rescue Teams

Senior officials have appreciated the coordinated efforts of NDRF, SDERF, and district administration teams. The successful operation despite challenging conditions highlighted the importance of specialised rescue forces in such cases.

Police have initiated necessary legal formalities and registered the case as per procedure. The post-mortem report is awaited to ascertain the exact cause and time of death.

Safety Concerns at Popular Spots

Silpara Dam, a popular picnic spot in Rewa, attracts many visitors, especially during summers and holidays. However, incidents of drowning have raised repeated concerns about inadequate safety measures, warning signs, and regular patrolling at such locations.

Local residents have often demanded better safety infrastructure including life jackets on rent, trained lifeguards, and clear demarcation of safe bathing areas.

Next Steps and Support for Family

The district administration is expected to provide necessary assistance to Gaurav’s family. As the village comes to terms with the loss, many are calling for stricter safety protocols at water bodies across the region to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Gaurav’s body will be handed over to the family after formalities for last rites.

The Indore EV showroom fire broke out early Friday morning in the Lasudia area near Khalsa Chowk, creating panic as thick smoke engulfed a multi-storey building. The blaze erupted in an electric vehicle showroom located on the ground floor, quickly spreading smoke to upper residential floors where around 20 people from six families were trapped.

Fire officials and local residents carried out a coordinated rescue operation, ensuring all occupants were safely evacuated. Preliminary reports suggest a short circuit may have triggered the fire, though an official investigation is underway.

Short Circuit Suspected

Preliminary findings indicate that the Indore EV showroom fire may have been caused by a short circuit in the ground-floor electric vehicle showroom. The fire spread rapidly, filling the building with dense smoke within minutes.

Residents on the upper floors were asleep when the incident began. Many woke up struggling to breathe as smoke entered their flats. Panic spread as the main staircase became inaccessible due to flames and heavy smoke.

Neighbours Lead Rescue

The most critical role during the Indore EV showroom fire was played by neighbouring residents. People from an adjacent multi-storey building immediately responded after hearing screams for help.

Temporary ladders were placed between the two buildings, and ropes were arranged by tying them to windows and railings. Some residents climbed across the ladders, while others were carefully lowered using ropes to the adjoining building’s terrace. Quick thinking by neighbours helped prevent what could have been a major tragedy.

Firefighters Contain Blaze

Fire brigade teams reached the spot shortly after receiving the alert. After nearly one hour of intense effort, firefighters managed to bring the Indore EV showroom fire under control using two water tankers.

Officials confirmed that the flames did not reach the residential flats, preventing damage to household belongings. However, all electric two-wheelers stored inside the showroom were completely destroyed.

Residents Describe Panic

Survivors said they were asleep when loud noises and commotion woke them up. Many initially had no idea about the scale of the fire until smoke filled their rooms.

Some residents managed to reach balconies and windows, where they were guided by neighbours to safety. After the evacuation, most affected families temporarily shifted to relatives’ homes or nearby acquaintances.

Safety Questions Raised

The Indore EV showroom fire has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in buildings housing commercial units on lower floors. Initial suspicion of a short circuit highlights the need for stricter electrical safety audits.

Authorities are expected to inspect wiring systems, fire exits, and compliance measures in similar buildings in the area. A detailed investigation will determine the exact cause and any lapses involved.

Past EV Incidents

This incident comes shortly after other fire-related accidents involving electric vehicles in the city, raising broader concerns about EV safety and charging infrastructure.

Such recurring cases have prompted discussions around mandatory fire safety protocols for EV showrooms and residential-commercial mixed buildings.

An LPG cylinder blast on Tuesday morning flattened a single-storey house in north Delhi’s Mukundpur area, injuring 11 people and leaving a woman in critical condition, officials said. Rescue teams are continuing search-and-rescue operations and clearing debris amid local efforts to pull out survivors.

Blast and collapse

The explosion occurred around 9:37 am in Gali No. 1, Ishu Vihar, Mukundpur-II, close to a cremation ground, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said. A distress call reporting a blast and a collapsed structure prompted an immediate response by DFS and police units, who feared people might be trapped under rubble.

“Information was received that a blast had taken place and a building had collapsed, trapping people inside. Rescue teams were immediately rushed to the spot and search and rescue operations were launched,” a DFS official said.

Initial rescues

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) Hareshwar Swami said police and emergency responders, along with locals, pulled 11 people out of the wreckage. Four to five injured persons were first evacuated by nearby residents and patrol personnel and moved to a local hospital. One woman sustained severe burn injuries and was reported to be in critical condition late Tuesday morning.

Prima facie cause

Preliminary inquiries suggest the explosion may have occurred while gas was being transferred from a larger cylinder to a smaller one, Swami added. Several LPG cylinders were recovered at the site. He also said that a utensil-colouring unit appeared to be operating from the house, which officials are probing as a possible factor in the blast.

Ground response and eyewitness accounts

Residents described loud, sudden blast-like sound that sent up a cloud of dust. “The moment I heard a loud blast-like sound, the first thing that came to my mind was that a gas cylinder had exploded. We immediately ran towards the spot and found that a house had collapsed,” an eyewitness told reporters at the scene. Neighbours and shopkeepers joined the rescue effort, using tools and bare hands to clear debris before emergency teams arrived.

Another local, who helped pull victims out, said he suffered minor injuries but continued to assist until officials took over. Authorities said clearing operations were ongoing to ensure no one remained trapped inside the 250-square-yard single-storey structure.

Hospital care and condition

Injured residents were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials did not immediately disclose the names or ages of those hurt, citing ongoing medical assessments. A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed receiving multiple patients from the Mukundpur incident, including the woman with critical burns, and said specialists had been mobilised for burn care and trauma management.

Separate blast in East Delhi

Police said a separate cylinder blast in Shahdara’s Ajit Nagar injured four people around 1:30 pm on Tuesday. Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajendra Prasad Meena said the explosion at a house in Gandhi Nagar likely stemmed from a leaking gas cylinder pipe. Head Constable Rahul and Constable Kuldeep rescued a woman, her husband and children from the first floor and shifted them to hospital. Both the Shahdara and Mukundpur incidents are under investigation.

Investigations under way

Delhi police and fire officials are jointly probing the Mukundpur explosion. Investigators are collecting the recovered cylinders and examining whether illegal industrial activity — the reported utensil-colouring unit — or unsafe gas-handling practices contributed to the blast. Officials said they would also review whether any unauthorised storage of cylinders or non-compliance with safety norms occurred at the site.

Public safety concerns

The twin incidents have renewed concerns about unsafe handling of LPG cylinders and clandestine small-scale manufacturing units operating from residential buildings in multiple parts of the city. Local residents urged stricter enforcement and periodic safety inspections, particularly in congested neighbourhoods where homes double as workspaces.

What’s next

Police said further details, including formal cause and casualty list, will be released after forensic work and statements from survivors. Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to residents in the area to stay clear of the site to allow uninterrupted rescue and investigation work.

Rainfall, thunderstorms and cloud cover brought a decisive end to the intense heatwave that had gripped large parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming on Sunday that heatwave conditions have subsided nationwide.

Temperatures dropped sharply across several states as active weather systems triggered rain, strong winds and dust storms. While the change brought widespread relief from weeks of scorching heat, it also caused travel disruptions and affected religious events in some regions.

 Heatwave finally breaks

After prolonged spells of 45°C-plus temperatures in many areas, Sunday’s weather shift offered a visible respite. The IMD said the combination of moisture-laden winds and western disturbances led to the sudden change.

Officials noted that maximum temperatures in previously heatwave-hit zones fell by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius compared to earlier in the week.

 Rajasthan sees second dust storm

Parts of Rajasthan witnessed dust storms for a second consecutive day. On Sunday evening, a thick sandstorm hit Jaisalmer, turning daylight into near-darkness within minutes. Videos circulating from the area showed towering clouds of dust rolling across the desert landscape.

Phalodi, one of Rajasthan’s hottest towns, recorded a relatively lower maximum of 42.6°C. The state had already experienced a major dust storm on Saturday that affected Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh and Sikar – an area of nearly 200 square kilometres – with wind speeds reaching 56 kmph.

 50 rescued from swollen river in Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand’s Champawat district, more than 50 devotees attending the annual Jod Mela at Shri Reetha Sahib Gurudwara were stranded after a nearby river swelled due to heavy rain. Local authorities and security forces launched a rescue operation and evacuated everyone safely by late evening.

The sudden surge in river currents also disrupted movement in other parts of the hill state. Officials said no casualties have been reported.

 Kedarnath Yatra temporarily halted

Heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions forced authorities to suspend the Kedarnath Yatra as a precaution. Pilgrims already en route were advised to wait at designated stops until weather clears. The decision came after several stretches of the trek received intense downpour, increasing the risk of landslides.

 UP, Bengal see relief rain

Several Uttar Pradesh districts received moderate showers. Ballia recorded 34.4 mm of rain, Moradabad 21.8 mm, and Lucknow 2.4 mm. The state capital’s maximum temperature dropped to 36.3°C – nearly 4°C below normal – while the minimum settled at 24.7°C.

In Kolkata, afternoon rain accompanied by strong winds flipped umbrellas and caused waterlogging in low-lying areas. Pushkar in Rajasthan also saw heavy rain, leading to similar water accumulation on streets.

 Monsoon to reach Kerala by June 4, says IMD

The IMD has forecast that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala around June 4. However, the agency warned that the upcoming rainy season may be weaker than normal. India could receive about 78 cm of rainfall between June and September, below the long-term average of 87 cm.

While Bihar and Uttar Pradesh may get near-normal rain, several other regions – particularly rain-fed agricultural zones – face the risk of below-normal precipitation.

 What to expect on June 2 and 3

Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are likely on June 2 over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan. Maharashtra and Karnataka may witness thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds. Widespread rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

On June 3, thunderstorms with similar wind speeds are forecast for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, UP and Rajasthan, with dust storms likely in some areas. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar could see rain and lightning. The northeast will continue to receive heavy to very heavy showers.

Late-night disaster on Betwa river

At least six labourers were killed early Friday after a concrete slab of an under-construction bridge collapsed on the Betwa river in Hamirpur district. The incident took place around 3 AM when a sudden, intense storm accompanied by heavy rain swept through the region.

Officials said the workers were either sleeping or working underneath the slab when the supporting structure gave way. The collapse trapped several people under heavy debris. Rescue teams have since pulled out six bodies, but officials fear the number could rise.

Storm triggers collapse

Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports indicate that the severe weather was the immediate trigger. According to Suresh Kumar, a labourer who was on top of the bridge when the storm hit, the wind turned violently around midnight.

“Those from the first shift were resting below. Seven of us from the second shift were working on top. We just lay down flat to save ourselves from the storm. That’s when the slab fell,” Kumar said. He survived but saw colleagues get buried.

Rescue operation underway

A joint rescue operation involving local police, disaster response teams, and JCB machines is active at the site. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) reached the spot by early morning. Officials are removing the concrete rubble piece by piece.

ASP Arvind Kumar Verma confirmed that the alert came in around 2 AM. “Six people are still trapped under the debris. Five have been identified so far,” he said. Senior district officials, including the DM, are present on the ground.

Victims identified

Among the deceased, four hailed from Banda district, while two were from Hamirpur. They have been identified as Lokendra Nishad (22), Kuldeep Nishad (19), Sawant Yadav (28), Sabhajeet (30), Pushpendra Singh Chauhan (34), and Rajesh Pal (42). Family members of the victims, including Rajesh Pal’s young daughters, broke down on reaching the spot.

Officials promise action

Managing Director of the UP Bridge Corporation, Dharmveer Singh, said the bridge was still under construction. “Strong winds disturbed the support system placed beneath the slabs. That caused the segment to collapse. Workers sleeping below had no chance,” he said.

Singh added that the corporation and local administration will conduct a joint investigation. A third-party audit by IIT BHU was already in process for the structure. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the accident. Local BJP MP Brij Lal said the government will investigate and “action will be taken against those responsible.”

What happens next

Rescue work continues as authorities clear heavy debris. Officials have not yet ruled out more casualties. The district administration has announced assistance for the families of the deceased. For now, questions are being raised about safety protocols at the site, especially for overnight shifts during unpredictable weather.

Vidisha EV Showroom Fire Destroys 30 Bikes, Six Rescued

A major Vidisha EV showroom fire gutted 30–35 bikes and caused losses of ₹25 lakh; six residents trapped above were rescued using a JCB

Late-night blaze erupts

A massive fire broke out at an electric vehicle (EV) bike showroom in Vidisha late Tuesday night, leaving 30 to 35 vehicles completely destroyed and causing an estimated loss of around ₹25 lakh. The incident occurred in the Peetal Mill area, opposite a convent school, and quickly spread through the building.

Initial reports indicate the fire started sometime around 1:30 am, though the exact cause remains under investigation. No casualties have been reported so far.

Residents trapped upstairs

The showroom occupies the ground floor of a multi-storey building, with residential units on the first and second floors. As thick smoke engulfed the structure, two families living above found themselves trapped.

According to local accounts, six people—belonging to two families—were unable to exit as the staircase was filled with smoke, making breathing difficult and escape nearly impossible.

JCB used in rescue

With the situation worsening, a private JCB machine was brought in to assist with the rescue. The machine was used to break open the balcony grill on the first floor, allowing emergency access.

A senior citizen and her daughter were evacuated first. The family residing on the second floor had moved to the terrace to avoid smoke inhalation and were brought down safely after the fire was brought under control.

Officials said the use of heavy machinery was a last resort, but it proved critical in ensuring no lives were lost.

Distress call from Bhopal

Gaurang Mathur, whose mother and sister were among those trapped, was in Bhopal at the time of the incident. He said he received a call from his mother around 2 am informing him about smoke rising from the lower floor.

Mathur told local authorities that he tried contacting the fire brigade but was unable to get through initially. He then alerted Civil Lines police station officials, following which emergency services were dispatched.

“Had the fire brigade reached earlier, the damage could have been less,” he reportedly said, adding that he arranged for the JCB that ultimately helped rescue his family members.

Vehicles reduced to ashes

By the time firefighters brought the blaze under control, the showroom had suffered extensive damage. Around 30 to 35 electric bikes were reduced to charred remains.

Pankaj Jain, the building owner, said he was informed about the fire by a tenant living on the first floor. “The entire showroom stock has been destroyed. The loss is roughly ₹25 lakh,” he stated.

Despite the scale of the fire, authorities noted that no battery explosions were reported among the burnt vehicles, which could have made the situation far more dangerous.

Cause under investigation

Preliminary assessments suggest the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit or a possible air conditioner malfunction. However, officials have not confirmed the exact cause.

Fire department teams, along with local police, are conducting a detailed investigation. A forensic assessment of the site is expected to determine whether electrical faults or equipment failure led to the blaze.

Smoke lingers, probe continues

Even hours after the incident, smoke continued to linger in parts of the building. A tenant who returned in the morning found his room filled with smoke, though his belongings remained intact.

Authorities said timely evacuation and improvised rescue efforts prevented a tragedy. The Vidisha EV showroom fire has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in mixed-use buildings, especially those dealing with electric vehicles.

Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe.