Rescue teams in Nepal have pulled two workers alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project, nine days after devastating flash floods struck the region, offering a major breakthrough in the search for people trapped underground.

The two workers were identified as Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor. They were rescued from a section of the tunnel about 170 metres underground, according to officials. Both were taken for medical treatment, with Maharjan flown to Kathmandu while Sah was being treated at a hospital in Trishuli.

Voices Heard Inside Tunnel

The rescue operation intensified earlier Friday after rescuers reported hearing voices from inside the tunnel.

Nepali Army and Armed Police Force personnel entered the tunnel and stepped up efforts to locate the people believed to be trapped inside. Engineer and lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane, who has been involved in the rescue operation, said rescuers received a response after calling out to those inside.

The discovery of survivors came after days of difficult operations as rescue teams worked through mud, rocks and debris blocking access to the underground passages.

Nine Days After Flash Floods

The workers had been trapped since the devastating Bhotekoshi flash floods of August 26.

The disaster caused extensive destruction across parts of Nepal's Himalayan region, damaging settlements, roads and hydropower infrastructure. Rescue operations at affected hydropower projects have been particularly challenging because floodwaters and debris blocked tunnel entrances and underground passages.

The Trishuli 3A facility became a major focus of rescue efforts as authorities worked to determine whether workers could have survived in air pockets inside the tunnels.

More Workers May Still Be Trapped

The rescue of Sah and Maharjan has raised hopes that other workers could still be alive underground.

Authorities have reported that hundreds of workers remain unaccounted for across hydropower projects affected by the disaster. Reports indicate that around 900 workers are missing from 12 hydropower projects, with roughly 500 believed to be trapped inside tunnels.

At Trishuli 3A itself, rescue teams are continuing searches for additional workers who may remain inside the facility.

Rescue Teams Continue Operation

Nepali security forces and specialist rescue teams have been working around the clock to clear the tunnel and reach potentially trapped workers.

The operation has involved heavy machinery and other equipment to remove accumulated mud and large rocks. However, unstable conditions and blocked access have made the rescue effort slow and technically difficult.

The successful recovery of two workers provides rescuers with fresh hope as they continue examining other sections of the tunnel.

Disaster Caused Widespread Destruction

The flash floods followed a major surge of water, mud and debris through the Trishuli River valley on August 26. The disaster devastated several areas of Nepal and also affected communities and infrastructure near the Nepal-China border.

The catastrophe has killed more than 1,200 people in Nepal and left thousands missing, according to the latest reports. The scale of the destruction has also prompted international assistance for rescue and relief operations.

Hope for Further Survivors

The survival of two workers after nine days underground has become a significant moment in Nepal's ongoing disaster response.

Rescue teams are now continuing the search with renewed urgency, hoping to locate others who may have survived inside the network of hydropower tunnels.

For families waiting for news about missing workers, the rescue of Sah and Maharjan has provided a rare positive development following days of uncertainty.

Nepal Floods: Rescuers Crawl Through Mud-Filled Tunnels as Death Toll Nears 1,000

Nepal’s devastating floods and landslides have triggered a major search-and-rescue operation across the country, with teams battling thick mud, damaged infrastructure and unstable terrain to reach people still missing in affected areas. The disaster has killed at least 939 people in Nepal, while 3,925 remain unaccounted for, according to the latest figures reported by Nepal’s disaster authorities. 

One of the most difficult rescue operations is underway at hydropower projects in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, where floodwaters and landslides buried tunnel networks and surrounding infrastructure. Rescue teams are using heavy machinery, cameras, air-pumping equipment and other specialised tools to locate workers who may still be trapped underground.

Rescuers Move Through Mud-Filled Tunnels

Footage released by the Nepali Army shows rescue personnel navigating narrow passages filled with mud and debris while searching for survivors. The conditions inside the tunnels remain extremely difficult, with mud obstructing access points and making it hard for teams to determine the original entry and exit routes.

Controlled blasting has also been used in some areas to create access points, while specialised equipment is being deployed to search sections of the buried tunnel networks.

The hydropower sector has been among the worst affected. Earlier estimates had placed hundreds of workers among those missing from damaged projects. According to the latest reporting, the number of missing hydropower workers has fallen to 639, while rescue teams continue to search affected facilities. (BSS)

Roads, Bridges Disrupted by Floods

Rescue operations are also being slowed by widespread damage outside the tunnel sites. Floodwaters and landslides have destroyed or damaged roads and bridges, leaving several mountain communities difficult to reach.

Authorities are using helicopters to evacuate survivors and deliver essential supplies to areas cut off by the disaster. Road connectivity has gradually been restored in some affected districts, allowing rescue and relief teams to reach locations that had remained isolated. 

23 Bodies Found in Nuwakot House

The scale of the destruction has become clearer as search teams move into previously inaccessible areas. In Nuwakot district, rescuers recovered 23 bodies from a single house in the Betrabati area, according to reports on Tuesday. Search operations at the location were continuing as authorities worked to establish the final number of victims.

The development has added to concerns about the number of victims who may still be buried under mud, debris or collapsed structures.

International Support for Rescue Efforts

Nepal’s rescue operation has received international assistance as the country struggles to cope with the scale of the disaster. India and China have provided specialised support, including expertise relevant to tunnel rescue operations.

Reuters reported that 279 workers had been rescued from hydropower facilities, while around 600 remained trapped or unaccounted for in connection with the affected projects. 

Search Continues Amid Fresh Risks

Rescuers continue to face the threat of additional landslides, heavy rain and unstable ground. These conditions have repeatedly forced teams to pause operations and move to safer locations.

The immediate priority remains locating people still missing, rescuing anyone trapped underground and providing emergency assistance to communities that have lost homes, roads and other essential infrastructure.

The latest figures underline the severity of the disaster, with Nepal’s death toll already approaching the 1,000 mark and thousands of people still unaccounted for. Authorities are continuing search, evacuation and relief operations across the worst-hit districts.

 Nepal remained on high alert on Saturday as rescue operations continued after devastating flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal-China border region, leaving hundreds dead and thousands missing. The disaster has also created new glacial and landslide-dammed lakes, raising fears of another sudden flood in already devastated areas.

The latest reports put the combined death toll in Nepal and China's Tibet region at 633, including 626 deaths in Nepal and seven in Tibet. Nearly 3,000 people are still unaccounted for across the affected areas, although official figures continue to change as authorities receive new information and rescuers reach previously inaccessible locations. 

The disaster began on August 26 after a major collapse of ice, rock and debris in the Himalayan region triggered a powerful surge of water and mud. The resulting flash floods swept through parts of Nepal's Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts and severely damaged roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. The flood also devastated the Gyirong border area on the Tibetan side.

New Lakes Add to Flood Risk

One of the biggest concerns for authorities is the formation of water bodies behind landslide debris. Officials and scientists are monitoring newly formed lakes near the disaster zone because a sudden breach could send another destructive surge downstream.

Rescue operations were temporarily affected by concerns over rising water levels, while authorities continued assessing whether the natural barriers holding back the lakes were stable. Experts have warned that loose rock and debris could make such barriers vulnerable, although the immediate risk remains under close observation. 

Thousands Remain Unaccounted For

The number of missing people has fluctuated sharply as Nepalese and Chinese authorities update their records. A Reuters-based report put the combined number of missing people at nearly 3,000, including hundreds of foreign nationals. The figures include people who were travelling, working or living in the affected border region when the disaster struck. 

Among those affected are Indian nationals, including pilgrims and workers who were travelling through the region. Authorities in India and Nepal have been coordinating efforts to locate and evacuate citizens caught in the disaster.

India Steps Up Relief Efforts

India has expanded its humanitarian and rescue assistance to Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-affected areas. India has also sent specialised medical and rescue personnel to assist the ongoing operations. 

Indian relief supplies have also reached Nepal as rescue teams work in difficult terrain. The assistance includes emergency supplies and specialised personnel needed for complex rescue operations, including work in areas affected by landslides and damaged infrastructure.

Roads and Bridges Severely Damaged

The floods have severely disrupted transport links across northern Nepal. Several roads and bridges have been destroyed or damaged, cutting off communities and making it difficult for rescue teams to reach isolated areas.

The destruction has also affected important routes connecting Nepal with Tibet. Rescue teams have had to rely on helicopters, boats, drones and difficult mountain routes to reach some of the worst-hit locations.

Rescue Operations Continue

More than 3,700 people have reportedly been rescued in Nepal, while emergency teams continue searching through mud, debris and damaged structures. Operations remain challenging because of bad weather, unstable terrain and the possibility of further flooding. 

In some locations, rescuers are also searching areas where workers and residents may still be trapped. Families of missing people have gathered at hospitals, relief centres and other locations while authorities continue efforts to establish the identities of those rescued or recovered.

International Assistance Arrives

The scale of the disaster has prompted assistance from several countries and international organisations. India, the United Nations, the Red Cross and other partners have provided humanitarian support as Nepal faces the enormous challenge of rescue, recovery and reconstruction.

The Nepalese government has also indicated that specialised international assistance could be important for difficult operations, including tunnel rescue, restoration of transport and communications networks, identification of victims and handling of recovered bodies. 

With thousands still missing and fresh flood risks being monitored, authorities remain focused on rescue operations while assessing the full scale of destruction caused by one of the region's most severe recent flood disasters.

Nepal is facing a major disaster after a devastating flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River system caused widespread destruction in the country's northern districts, with former Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali describing the scale of damage as “huge”. Rescue and recovery operations have continued as authorities assess casualties, missing people and damage to public and private infrastructure. 

162 Bodies Recovered

Speaking to ANI, Gyawali said rescue teams had continued their operations through the afternoon and overnight. According to his assessment, 162 bodies had been recovered, while more than 1,000 people remained out of contact. He also said a preliminary assessment put damage to public and private property at more than 200 billion Nepalese rupees. 

The figures are part of an evolving disaster situation, with search operations continuing in affected areas and authorities working to establish the full extent of the losses.

Bhote Koshi Flood Impact

The flash flood struck areas around Timure and Syafrubesi in Rasuwa district after a sudden surge entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibet side. The flooding affected downstream areas and damaged settlements, roads, bridges, vehicles and other infrastructure. 

Nepalese authorities have not yet established the precise cause of the sudden water surge. Officials said there had not been heavy rainfall in Rasuwa at the time and were examining possibilities including heavy rainfall on the Tibetan side, an avalanche or a glacial event. 

Infrastructure Hit Hard

The flooding has also affected Nepal's hydropower and trade infrastructure. The Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal said eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 MW, along with five projects under construction in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, were damaged.

Among the affected operational facilities were the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, the 78-MW Sanjen Khola project and the 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A project. A bridge and vehicles and goods stored at the Rasuwa customs premises were also reportedly swept away. 

The damage has particular significance because Rasuwa lies near Nepal's border with Tibet and is an important route for trade and transport.

Foreign Nationals Missing

The disaster has also raised concerns over foreign nationals in the affected region. Nepal's Tourism Board reported that 291 foreign nationals, including 105 Indians, were reported missing after the flash flood. Search and rescue teams, including the Nepal Army, have been deployed in the affected areas. 

Authorities have placed several downstream districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitawan, on alert and urged people living close to riverbanks to remain cautious.

India Sends Humanitarian Aid

India has stepped up its humanitarian response as Nepal deals with the disaster. The assistance comes amid continuing rescue and relief operations and concerns over the safety of people affected by the flooding.

The response underlines the close humanitarian and disaster-response cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, particularly during emergencies affecting communities along the Himalayan region.

Rescue Operations Continue

For Nepalese authorities, the immediate priority remains locating missing people, recovering victims and reaching communities affected by the sudden flood. The possibility of further flooding from the Tibetan side has also not been completely ruled out, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance along downstream river systems. T

he full economic and infrastructure impact is likely to become clearer as assessment teams gain access to affected areas. With major hydropower facilities, transport links and trade infrastructure damaged, the disaster could have consequences extending beyond the immediate rescue operation.

Gyawali's account highlights the scale of the challenge facing Nepal, while the continuing Indian humanitarian assistance adds a regional dimension to the emergency response.

Uttar Pradesh has been placed on high alert following the devastating flash floods in neighbouring Nepal, with authorities conducting 24-hour monitoring in border districts and activating emergency arrangements for Indians who may be stranded or missing in the disaster-hit country. Bihar and other states have also stepped up preparedness as officials monitor the possible downstream impact of the floods. 

The flash floods, which struck Nepal's Rasuwa district and areas along the Bhote Koshi river corridor, have caused extensive loss of life and infrastructure. The disaster has also affected foreign tourists and pilgrims, including Indian nationals, prompting Indian state governments and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to establish helplines for families seeking information about relatives. 

UP Begins 24-Hour Monitoring

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed officials in vulnerable border districts to maintain round-the-clock vigilance amid concerns over possible changes in river levels. The state has also issued emergency helpline number 1070 for people from Uttar Pradesh seeking assistance for relatives stranded in Nepal. 

The precautionary measures are significant because rivers originating in or flowing through Nepal feed into river systems in northern India. The Narayani River, for instance, becomes the Gandak after entering India and flows through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, creating a direct hydrological link between the two countries. 

Bihar Also on Alert

Bihar has similarly been placed on high alert, with authorities monitoring the Gandak and other river systems for any sudden rise in water levels. The Centre has directed agencies to remain prepared, while National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as a precautionary measure. 

The focus is on preventing loss of life in vulnerable areas, particularly settlements located close to rivers and low-lying zones. Officials are also keeping emergency response teams ready in case water levels rise rapidly.

States Open Helplines

Several Indian states have activated dedicated control rooms to help families locate residents who may have been travelling in Nepal. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also issued emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals requiring assistance. 

According to the latest information compiled by The Statesman, helplines have been activated in states including Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan, Odisha and Sikkim. Families have been advised to provide details such as the traveller's full name, passport number, mobile number, last known location, accommodation and travel itinerary when contacting authorities. 

For Uttar Pradesh residents, the emergency number is 1070. The Indian Embassy's emergency contacts listed for people seeking assistance in Nepal are +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500, with WhatsApp access also available. 

Hundreds Still Missing

The scale of the Nepal disaster has made the tracing of stranded Indians a major concern. Reports indicate that hundreds of people remain missing following the sudden flood, while the death toll has continued to rise as rescue teams recover bodies from affected areas.

The disaster has affected villages, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure along the Himalayan corridor. Rescue operations remain difficult because of damaged communications, blocked roads and the continuing risk of landslides and additional flooding. 

India Keeps Agencies Ready

Indian authorities are treating the situation as both a humanitarian emergency and a potential downstream flood risk. The Centre has maintained close coordination with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, while disaster-response agencies remain prepared for any deterioration in conditions. 

The immediate priority is to protect vulnerable communities on the Indian side, track river levels and assist Indians caught in the Nepal disaster. Officials are also urging families searching for relatives to use the designated control rooms and provide complete identification and travel information to speed up tracing efforts.

The situation remains fluid, with rescue operations continuing in Nepal and authorities on both sides of the border monitoring developments closely.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday visited the Gandak River and conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas along the state’s border with Nepal as authorities remained on high alert following the devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country. The Chief Minister reviewed preparedness and precautionary measures in areas including Bagaha, Valmiki Nagar, Bettiah and Motihari. 

The survey came amid concerns over the impact of floodwaters entering the Gandak river system from Nepal. Bihar authorities have been closely monitoring river levels and the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage, while disaster-response arrangements have been strengthened in vulnerable districts. 

CM Reviews Border Areas

During the aerial survey, Choudhary assessed the situation in the border areas of Bagaha, Valmiki Nagar, Bettiah and Motihari. He also reviewed administrative preparations aimed at dealing with any potential impact of the Nepal floods.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the review covered precautionary measures, safety arrangements and relief and rescue preparedness. He directed officials to take all necessary steps with complete readiness, stressing that the safety of people in flood-prone areas remained the priority. 

Gandak Water Flow Monitored

The Gandak has become a key focus for Bihar after floodwaters from Nepal entered the river system and reached the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar in West Champaran.

Authorities opened all 36 gates of the barrage to manage the increased inflow. The discharge reached around 1.50 lakh cusecs at 11 pm on Wednesday before beginning to decline on Thursday morning. The Water Resources Department said the discharge had fallen to around 1.04 lakh cusecs by Thursday morning. 

The receding trend offered some relief to residents in low-lying parts of northern Bihar, although officials continued to monitor the river system closely.

Districts Remain on Alert

The Nepal disaster prompted Bihar to strengthen its preparedness across districts connected to the Gandak and other river systems. High alerts were issued in several northern districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Supaul and Khagaria. 

The administration has been instructed to maintain vigilance and ensure that emergency response teams and essential supplies are available if conditions deteriorate.

Earlier, Choudhary had directed officials to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable areas and ensure continuous vigilance along dams and embankments as the situation in Nepal developed. 

NDRF, SDRF Prepared

Disaster-response agencies have also been kept ready as a precaution. NDRF teams have been deployed in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, while state agencies are monitoring vulnerable locations and river levels.

The Centre has also been coordinating with the two states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and assured them of central assistance in dealing with any downstream impact from the Nepal floods. 

Nepal Disaster Raises Concern

The precautions in Bihar follow a catastrophic flash flood in Nepal that caused extensive destruction near the Nepal-Tibet border. The disaster affected the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, damaging settlements, bridges and infrastructure and leaving hundreds of people dead or missing. 

The river connection between Nepal and northern India makes developments upstream important for Bihar. The Narayani River in Nepal becomes the Gandak after entering India and flows through parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, making sudden changes in upstream water levels a significant concern during extreme weather events. 

For Bihar, the immediate focus remains on monitoring the Gandak, protecting communities in vulnerable areas and ensuring that relief and rescue resources can be deployed quickly if required. While the river showed signs of receding on Thursday, authorities continued to maintain heightened vigilance along the Nepal border.

Families in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are anxiously waiting for information about relatives who became untraceable or stranded after devastating flash floods hit Nepal, with several Indian pilgrims and tourists caught in the disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border. Authorities and rescue agencies are working to establish contact with those whose whereabouts remain unclear as communication networks in affected areas have been disrupted.

The disaster has triggered concern across several Indian states, particularly among families whose relatives were travelling to Nepal as part of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage groups. Officials have activated helplines and control rooms to coordinate information about Indian nationals, while rescue operations continue in difficult conditions.

Kolkata Group Remains Untraceable

A 32-member group from Kolkata, comprising 30 tourists and two tour managers, has remained untraceable after the flash floods struck the Rasuwagadhi area near the Nepal-Tibet border. The group had left Kolkata on August 21 and reached Nepal the following day before travelling towards the border. (The Times of India)

According to officials, the group was at an immigration office at around 8:30 am when the flash flood hit the area. There has been no communication with the members since the disaster, adding to the uncertainty for their families back home. 

Officials in West Bengal are attempting to establish contact with residents who may have been in the affected region, but damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication have complicated the effort.

Tamil Nadu Families Await Updates

Concern is also mounting in Tamil Nadu, where several pilgrims travelling in Nepal have been affected. Officials said 37 of 57 tourists from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remained unaccounted for, while 20 had been traced and were reported safe.

The group had travelled for a pilgrimage and was caught in the flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River region. Families have been closely following updates as authorities attempt to locate the remaining travellers and facilitate communication with those who have reached safer areas.

Reports from Tamil Nadu have highlighted the uncertainty faced by relatives who have been unable to speak directly with family members since the disaster. The affected pilgrims include people from districts such as Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai. 

More Indians Among Missing

The concerns in Bengal and Tamil Nadu are part of a wider effort to trace Indian nationals caught in the Nepal disaster. Earlier figures indicated that more than 130 Indians, including pilgrims travelling on the Mansarovar route, were among those missing or unaccounted for. 

The numbers have continued to evolve as rescue teams establish contact with survivors and recover information from affected areas. Reuters reported on Thursday that nearly 500 foreigners were among 826 people reported missing in Nepal, with 177 Indians listed among the missing tourists. 

The disaster has also affected travellers from several other countries, underscoring the scale of the disruption along the Himalayan pilgrimage and tourism corridor.

Rescue Operations Continue

The flash floods caused extensive destruction across parts of Nepal, sweeping away roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. Rescue teams have been using helicopters to reach people stranded in isolated areas, while emergency supplies are being delivered to communities cut off by the disaster. 

The rescue operation remains challenging because several affected areas have suffered communication breakdowns and road connectivity has been severely damaged. Authorities are continuing searches for missing people while also working to evacuate those trapped in vulnerable locations.

The disaster has been linked to a glacial collapse and debris flow in the Himalayan region, rather than the earthquake initially suspected. The sudden release of water and debris produced a powerful flood surge through populated areas. 

Helplines Help Families

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and several state governments have established helplines for Indians stranded in Nepal and their relatives in India. Tamil Nadu is among the states coordinating assistance for affected travellers, while other states have also opened control rooms as the list of missing and stranded Indians is assessed. 

For families in Kolkata, Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, the immediate priority remains establishing contact with relatives and confirming their safety. With rescue operations still underway, authorities are expected to continue updating the status of Indian nationals as communication is restored and search teams reach affected locations.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing more than 130 people and injuring over 570 others, as rescuers continued searching collapsed buildings for survivors.

The earthquake struck shortly after 7:30 am local time, with the epicentre reported near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. Strong tremors were felt across several parts of Colombia, including Bogotá, as well as in neighbouring Ecuador and Venezuela.

Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as emergency teams reach areas that remain difficult to access and continue assessing damaged structures.

Three Floors Collapse at Cali Hospital

One of the most serious incidents occurred at Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali, where around 30 per cent of the facility's infrastructure was reportedly damaged.

Three floors of the hospital collapsed, affecting sections used for pediatrics, internal medicine and parts of the neonatal unit.

Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro said people were trapped inside the damaged structure. Firefighters, soldiers and civilian volunteers joined the rescue operation, using debris-removal equipment and forming human chains to move rubble.

Several survivors were rescued from the hospital during the initial hours of the operation, including four people pulled from the collapsed sections.

However, aftershocks complicated the rescue effort and increased risks for emergency personnel working inside damaged structures.

Patients Evacuated From Hospital

Parts of the hospital were declared unsafe following the structural damage. Medical teams subsequently moved patients to temporary treatment areas in gardens and parking lots around the facility.

Patients were evacuated using beds and wheelchairs, while those requiring specialised care were transferred to other hospitals across the Valle del Cauca region.

The damage has added pressure to Cali's healthcare infrastructure at a time when hospitals are already dealing with a large number of earthquake-related injuries.

Health Network on Red Alert

At least seven major healthcare facilities in Cali reportedly sustained significant structural damage, with some hospitals forced to suspend services.

Authorities placed the city's medical network on red alert as emergency departments reached capacity.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said the immediate priorities were rescuing people trapped under rubble and maintaining essential medical services.

The earthquake also caused extensive damage to residential and commercial properties. At least 30 buildings in Cali were reported to have suffered major structural collapses.

National Emergency Declared

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency following the earthquake.

The emergency declaration is intended to accelerate the deployment of resources, funding and military assistance to the worst-affected areas.

The regions of Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Chocó were among those reporting the most serious damage.

In a televised address, de la Espriella said the government would provide assistance to affected communities and coordinate the emergency response.

The declaration also allows authorities to streamline disaster-relief operations as rescue teams continue working in areas with damaged infrastructure.

US Announces $15.5 Million Assistance

International support has also begun reaching Colombia.

The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for the earthquake response.

The assistance is expected to support urban search-and-rescue operations, structural assessments and emergency medical facilities, particularly in locations where hospitals have been damaged or overwhelmed.

The international response is expected to complement the efforts of Colombian soldiers, firefighters, medical workers, volunteers and other emergency personnel.

Rescue Operations Continue

Search-and-rescue teams remained deployed across the affected regions as authorities assessed the full scale of the destruction.

Rescuers are using specialised equipment as well as manual methods to search collapsed buildings for people who may still be trapped.

Officials have cautioned that the final impact of the earthquake may not be immediately known because several areas remain under assessment.

For emergency teams, the priority remains locating survivors, treating the injured and securing damaged structures against further collapses as aftershocks continue.

The Colombian government is expected to conduct further assessments of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, roads and other essential facilities, as the disaster-response operation continues.

At least 11 people have lost their lives and several others remain missing after cloudbursts and flash floods triggered widespread devastation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Kishtwar districts. The extreme weather also caused extensive damage to homes, roads and agricultural land, while heavy rainfall and landslides disrupted major pilgrimage routes in Uttarakhand.

The latest incidents come as the southwest monsoon intensifies across northern India, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue fresh red and orange alerts for several states over the next two days.

Flash Floods Sweep Away Vehicles in Rajouri

Heavy rainfall during the early hours of Saturday caused the Dharhal River to overflow in Rajouri district, triggering flash floods that inundated the New Bus Stand area in Bela.

According to officials, nearly 200 to 250 vehicles parked in the area were swept away by the powerful floodwaters, causing significant property damage. Emergency teams were deployed to assess the situation and restore normalcy.

Poonch Suffers Heavy Losses After Landslide

The worst impact was reported from Poonch district, where torrential overnight rain triggered landslides and flash floods, leaving 11 people dead and seven others missing.

In Surankote, a landslide buried a house under debris, trapping eight members of a family. Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of five victims, including two-year-old Sofian Yasir, while search operations continue to locate the remaining missing persons.

Authorities have intensified rescue efforts despite challenging weather conditions and unstable terrain.

Cloudburst Hits Kishtwar, Damages Homes and Farmland

A separate cloudburst in Dachhan area of Kishtwar district caused extensive destruction, damaging several residential houses, roads and agricultural fields.

Local administration teams have begun damage assessment, while relief measures are being coordinated for affected families.

Landslides Disrupt Kedarnath and Kailash Mansarovar Yatras

In neighbouring Uttarakhand, continuous rainfall triggered multiple landslides, disrupting important pilgrimage routes.

Authorities suspended horse and mule services on the Kedarnath Yatra route after debris blocked sections of the path. Meanwhile, the fourth batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, comprising around 50 devotees, was halted at Dharchula Base Camp in Pithoragarh after a landslide blocked the road near Garbadhar.

Officials said pilgrims would be allowed to proceed only after the route is declared safe.

Arunachal Floods Affect Over 1.49 Lakh People

The monsoon has also caused severe flooding in Arunachal Pradesh, where officials reported that 1,49,257 people across 26 districts, 328 administrative circles and 576 villages have been affected.

The state has recorded seven fatalities and 29 injuries due to floods and landslides during the current spell of heavy rainfall.

IMD Issues Fresh Rain Alerts

The India Meteorological Department has warned that heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to continue across northern and northeastern India.

For 20 July, red alerts have been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, while orange alerts remain in effect for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and West Bengal.

On 21 July, red alerts will continue for Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, with widespread heavy rainfall expected across eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and several northeastern states.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official weather advisories as rescue and relief operations continue.

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.