Ahmedabad, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Nearly a year after the Air India AI-171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, a relative of three victims has claimed that while searching for his family members inside the city Civil Hospital mortuary, he saw the body of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal seated in what he described as a “boxer position”, with his hand still on the aircraft controls.

Romin Vohra, a resident of Thasra village in Gujarat’s Kheda district, said he entered the mortuary on June 13, a day after the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The AI-171 flight, operating from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed seconds after departure on June 12 after issuing a Mayday call to air traffic control, according to reports issued at the time.

The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew members. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder were among those killed. In total, 260 people died, including 19 on the ground. There was only one survivor in the crash.

Vohra lost three members of his family in the disaster -- his elder brother Parvez Vohra, 33; his niece Zuveriya Vahora, aged three years and eight months; and his maternal aunt Yasmin Vahra, 50.

Speaking in a detailed conversation nearly 11 months after the crash, Vohra said he had reached Civil Hospital within around 20 minutes of hearing about the accident as he was already in Ahmedabad at the time.

“At first, I was not searching for bodies. I was searching for survivors. I ran across the hospital in very difficult conditions looking for my family. By night, we came to know everyone had died,” he told IANS.

Vohra, who said he works in the paramedical field as a laboratory technician and had volunteered at Civil Hospital during the Covid-19 period, claimed he obtained permission to enter the mortuary because of his contacts and medical background.

He said he remained inside the mortuary between approximately noon and 2 p.m. on June 13, where he saw multiple rooms filled with bodies and body parts.

“There were five rooms and all five were filled with bodies, one over another. I opened the coverings and searched body after body hoping I would find my brother, the child or my aunt,” he said.

He described seeing severed body parts, burnt remains and victims from both inside the aircraft and on the ground.

“There was the severed head of a small child, maybe one-and-a-half or two years old. I even lifted the earrings to look closely. I saw a pregnant woman whose saree had not burnt but whose stomach had burst open. I saw a mother wrapped around her child and both were completely burnt,” he claimed.

According to Vohra, while moving through the mortuary he noticed a separate table in a corner where he said Captain Sabharwal’s body had been placed.

“I saw Captain Sumeet Sabharwal sir’s body separately on one side. The body was in a sitting position. His legs were bent, one hand was straight and there was a steering control in his hand. He was wearing a white shirt, blue trousers and a tie,” he told IANS.

He claimed the back portion of the body had suffered burn injuries while the front side remained comparatively identifiable.

“I belong to the medical field, so according to body structure, age and build, I could identify the difference between the two pilots,” he said, referring to Captain Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder.

He added, “Kunder sir was younger, while Sumeet sir was older.”

Vohra said he believed the captain had attempted to save the aircraft until the final moments.

“My main point is that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal sir tried till the end to save the flight and the passengers. If someone wanted to die intentionally, he would not continue holding the steering,” he asserted.

He repeatedly rejected suggestions that the pilot intentionally caused the crash.

“I have been saying since June 12 that the pilot did not do this. No person would kill so many people along with himself. Even if someone dies, they do not take hundreds of others with them,” he said.

Vohra said he had not initially spoken publicly because he did not realise the significance of what he had seen.

He said the issue came up during later conversations with social activist Kuldip Ishrani, also known as Kaviraj.

“I did not know this could become such an important point. Only later did I realise my statement mattered,” he said.

He told IANS that if the final investigation report attributes the crash to pilot error, the families would challenge it legally.

“If the final report says pilot error, then we will challenge the report as per our lawyers’ guidance,” he said.

Vohra is part of a group of nearly 200 families seeking access to the black box data.

Preliminary findings released months after the crash referred to confusion inside the cockpit after fuel supply switches reportedly moved to cutoff positions shortly after take-off.

Cockpit voice recordings reportedly captured one pilot asking, “Why did you cutoff?”, while the other replied, “I did not do so.”

Vohra said he signed panchnama documents for seven bodies at Meghani Nagar police station after being requested by officers present at the mortuary.

“If someone asks for proof that I was there, my signature is in the panchnama. I identified bodies and signed as a witness,” he said.

He claimed very few people were allowed inside the mortuary at the time.

“Even being allowed to enter was a big thing because most people were not allowed inside,” he claimed.

According to Vohra, his brother’s body was handed over on June 14 at around 6 p.m., his aunt’s remains on June 15 at around 3 p.m., and the child’s remains on June 19.

“I had decided I would not leave without taking the child with me,” he said.

He alleged that families spent days sleeping outside the hospital while waiting for DNA identification and documentation.

“We slept on footpaths. One night police beat us with sticks because politicians were expected to visit. For 10 days, we survived almost only on water,” he said.

Vohra said revisiting the crash site remained emotionally overwhelming.

“When I go there, my heartbeat increases,” he said.

Vohra noted that his sister-in-law had been nine months pregnant at the time of the crash and gave birth to a baby boy around 20 days after her husband’s death.

“My brother’s dream was to have a son because he already had two daughters. God gave him a son but took away the father,” he said.

He recalled that several relatives travelling on the flight were returning to London, where family members, including pregnant relatives, were living.

Vohra also said some victims’ families had approached the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) requesting participation in the probe, but were informed that the investigation remained under Indian jurisdiction.

The crash remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian aviation history.

Investigations involving Indian authorities and international aviation experts are continuing as the first anniversary of the disaster approaches on June 12.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) After T. Siddique took oath as Kerala's Agriculture Minister, one of the first calls he received was not from political leaders or bureaucrats, but from a group of students from the tragedy scarred Mundakkai–Chooralmala region of Wayanad.

The video call which took place on Thursday quickly turned emotional.

"When nobody else was there, you stood with us like strength and shelter," the students told him, their voices carrying memories of loss, uncertainty and survival after the devastating landslides that shattered families and futures in the hill district.

For Siddique, the moment was deeply personal.

Many of the children on the screen were students he had helped rebuild through his MLA Care initiative after the disaster uprooted hundreds of lives.

Several had lost parents or close relatives.

Many feared their education would end abruptly amid grief and financial ruin.

But what began as an emergency intervention slowly evolved into one of Wayanad's most touching rehabilitation efforts.

Siddique, however, was quick to share the credit.

He said the support extended by Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi played a crucial role in mobilising help when the district was struggling to recover.

According to Siddique, the Gandhi siblings helped bring together CSR support from various business groups to ensure that students could continue their education without interruption.

The assistance covered higher studies in demanding fields, including medicine, engineering and even aviation dreams, many families feared had been buried beneath the landslide debris.

The numbers tell a remarkable story.

A total of 351 students across Wayanad benefited from the initiative, including 152 directly affected by the disaster.

In perhaps the strongest sign of recovery, 21 students have already secured jobs within two years.

Yet beyond statistics, the programme became something far more human, a promise that tragedy would not decide the destiny of Wayanad's children.

Siddique assured the students that the support would continue and that employment opportunities would also be facilitated for those completing their studies, ensuring that hope, once restored, would not fade again.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) A huge fire broke out at a commercial complex near historic Charminar in Hyderabad on Thursday. No casualties were reported.

The incident occurred in a garment shop and spread to adjoining shops on the first floor of SYJ Complex at Pathergatti near the busy Madina Crossroads.

Eight fire engines rushed to the spot to extinguish the fire. Personnel from five different fire stations were mobilised to control the blaze.

Fire services personnel and police brought the fire under control after strenuous efforts for two hours.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Charminar Zone) Kiran Khare and other senior officials supervised the firefighting operation, which prevented the blaze from spreading to other shops.

Three shops were gutted in the fire. Casualties were averted as the fire broke out before the shops opened for the day. The complex has several shops, banks and diagnostic centres.

The cause of the fire was not known. Police said they were investigating.

The incident occurred a year after a devastating fire in the same area claimed the lives of 17 members of a pearl trader’s family.

Meanwhile, five shops were gutted in a fire in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district late on Wednesday night.

The fire broke out around midnight near Anjaneyaswamy temple in Maddimadugu in Padara mandal. Police said the fire was caused by a short circuit. Five shops, a motorbike and other property were gutted in the blaze.

In another incident, a huge fire erupted on the outskirts of Guntur in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

The incident occurred at Teachers’ Colony near Inner Ring Road. According to police, pipelines used for underground drainage works caught fire in the morning.

Massive flames and dense smoke triggered panic among people in the area. Fire services personnel and police rushed to the spot and were trying to douse the fire.

According to locals, the pipelines were lying there for a long time due to a court case relating to underground drainage works. A heap of garbage had piled up close to the pipelines.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology and Madikeri District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju on Tuesday directed the Madikeri district administration to strictly enforce guidelines at the famous Dubare Elephant Camp following the tragic death of a woman tourist during a clash between captive elephants in the camp.

In a press release, the Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“I have discussed the matter with the Madikeri Deputy Commissioner, senior officials of the Forest Department and the Police Department and obtained preliminary information regarding the incident. I have instructed officials to submit a comprehensive report on the exact cause of the incident and whether there was any lapse in the management of tourist guidelines,” the Minister stated.

Keeping tourist safety in mind, the Minister directed officials to implement strict safety guidelines. “Officials and staff must ensure that these guidelines are mandatorily followed by everyone. The district administration should take appropriate precautionary measures,” he clarified.

The Minister further noted that it is impossible for anyone to accurately predict the behaviour and reactions of wild animals. Therefore, tourists visiting forest areas and elephant camps must strictly follow the instructions issued by the Forest Department. While observing animals, visitors should maintain a safe distance and exercise extreme caution regarding their own safety, he appealed.

It can be recalled that in a tragic incident, a woman tourist from Tamil Nadu was killed on Monday after coming under a captive elephant that was fighting with another elephant at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Madikeri district.

The deceased was identified as 33-year-old S. Juneshe. Her husband, Joyal, sustained severe injuries in the incident and has been shifted to the Kushalnagar Government Hospital for treatment.

According to police, the couple had arrived at the Dubare Elephant Camp on Monday morning. They initially got photographs taken with the trained elephants. Later, they ventured into the waterbody along with other tourists while elephants were being taken for a bath by mahouts. The tourists were also participating in cleaning and bathing the elephants.

While the tourists were engaged in the activity, two captive elephants, 'Marthanda' and 'Kanjan', suddenly started fighting with each other. Despite repeated attempts by the mahouts to control them, the elephants continued fighting.

During the commotion, Marthanda reportedly fell on Juneshe, killing her on the spot and seriously injuring her husband.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) With the onset of the southwest monsoon approaching, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated an extensive multi-tier monsoon preparedness and emergency-response framework across all ongoing metro and infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Recognising the critical importance of uninterrupted urban mobility, construction safety, drainage management and emergency responsiveness during the monsoon season, MMRDA has placed strong operational accountability on contractors, consultants and executing agencies through a structured compliance mechanism backed by strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and site-level monitoring systems, according to an MMRDA release.

As part of the preparedness framework, all contractors executing metro and engineering works have been directed to submit mandatory Site-Specific Monsoon Preparedness Plans (SMPP) within the prescribed timeline.

The plans must include detailed provisions for dewatering systems, slope protection, waterproofing, labour safety, emergency material inventory, flood-risk mitigation and emergency-response protocols linked directly with MMRDA’s Emergency Control Room.

MMRDA has made it clear that non-submission or non-compliance with these mandatory preparedness plans will be treated as a contractual default and referred to the Contract Management Committee for necessary action.

Project Directors and Chief Engineers have been instructed to enforce compliance without exception.

To strengthen on-ground preparedness, all executing agencies have been directed to deploy dedicated emergency-response teams at project sites during the monsoon period, along with adequate-capacity dewatering pumps, pothole-repair vehicles, barricading safety systems, emergency lighting arrangements and drainage-clearance mechanisms.

Contractors have also been instructed to clear debris, repair damaged drains and footpaths, secure reinforcement structures against high winds and ensure that all electrical systems are tested to prevent monsoon-related hazards.

MMRDA has additionally directed all contractors and consultants to suspend high-risk construction activities, including girder launching, during IMD and municipal red alert conditions and ensure that labour camps located in flood-prone areas are relocated before the peak monsoon period.

The authority has also mandated continuous CCTV surveillance and real-time site monitoring during the season.

A 24x7 Disaster Control Room will remain operational from May 25 to October 15, 2026, for complaint registration, emergency coordination and inter-agency communication with organisations including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), police, state government departments and other civic authorities.

Dedicated Chief Nodal Officers, divisional nodal teams and project-specific coordination officers are also being deployed to ensure rapid response and issue resolution during heavy rainfall events.

Special focus has also been placed on operational metro corridors including Metro Lines 2A, 7, 2B and 9. MMRDA has directed detailed inspections of station waterproofing systems, platform drainage infrastructure, traction substations, viaduct drainage arrangements and overhead equipment vulnerability zones before the commencement of heavy rainfall activity.

Operational SOPs for passenger communication, emergency speed restrictions and monsoon response management are also being upgraded and integrated into metro operations.

Considering that Metro Lines 2B and 9 will experience their first operational monsoon this year, MMRDA has ordered dedicated Monsoon Readiness Audits for both corridors, covering drainage systems, structural vulnerability assessments and operational safety preparedness.

The authority has also directed emergency mock drills, hospital tie-ups, IMD alert integration and formal pre-monsoon inspections across all construction packages before the onset of the monsoon.

Dedicated media-monitoring and rapid-response communication teams are additionally being deployed for real-time coordination and public information management during the monsoon period.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region face some of the most challenging urban monsoon conditions in the country every year. He said MMRDA has accordingly undertaken an extensive preparedness exercise across metro corridors, roads, tunnels and infrastructure projects to minimise inconvenience to citizens and ensure safety, mobility and continuity of essential services during the monsoon season.

Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said strict monitoring mechanisms have also been established to ensure there is no compromise on public safety, project-site discipline or emergency preparedness.

He said field-level coordination teams, emergency-response systems and project-wise nodal mechanisms have been activated to ensure immediate response wherever required.

MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee said the authority would maintain continuous monitoring throughout the monsoon season to ensure timely response and citizen safety.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Telangana is developing a more efficient disaster management system by studying rescue measures undertaken globally during disasters, said state Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.

He emphasised that rapid response, coordination among departments, and advance preparedness are extremely crucial in emergency situations such as floods, fire accidents, and industrial mishaps.

As part of the statewide disaster management mock exercises conducted on Monday, the minister, along with senior officials, inspected a massive flood mock drill held at the HMDA grounds on Necklace Road in Hyderabad.

Stating that protecting the lives and property of the people is the government's primary responsibility, he underlined the need for trained teams with the latest technology and modern equipment to be ready to undertake rescue operations.

Expressing anguish over forest fires destroying greenery, the minister also pointed out that the increasing fire accidents in urban areas are causing serious concern.

Srinivas Reddy stated that the first hour after a disaster strikes is extremely critical, and the actions taken during that "Golden Hour" are what can save lives. He noted that such mock drills are highly beneficial for evacuating people to safe areas, swiftly initiating relief measures, and coordinating emergency services during fire accidents, floods, and sudden mishaps.

Citing the 1908 Hyderabad Great Flood and the recent Godavari-Krishna floods, the minister remarked that history shows the extent of damage that occurred without vigilance in disaster management.

As part of the mock drill, special teams demonstrated inflatable lifeboats, technical methods to rescue those trapped in water, emergency evacuation procedures, and coordinated rescue operations in real-time.

The minister later visited the Necklace Road Boating Club and inspected the rescue activities. Commending the conduct of such extensive mock exercises in Telangana state, the minister congratulated the NDRF, SDRF, Disaster Management Department, and district officials.

He clarified that there is no need for the public to worry, as these are fully part of advance preparedness mock drills. He urged that only responsible information should reach the people through the media and social media platforms.

Participants in this programme included Disaster Management Department Secretary Dasari Harichandan, Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services DG Vikram Singh Mann, HYDRA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and NDMA Lead Consultant Major General (Retd.) Sudhir Bahl.

Officials and staff from Police, Fire, NDRF, SDRF, Revenue, Medical & Health, GHMC, HYDRA, Industries, Transport, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary, and other departments participated in this mock drill.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal/Ratlam, May 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) It was a swift, around 15-minute emergency evacuation protocol by onboard Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and railway staff that helped successfully deboard all 68 passengers from the B-1 coach of Train No. 12431 TVC-NZM Rajdhani Express on Sunday.

A massive fire broke out in the Thiruvananthapuram Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express 12431 in the morning, causing widespread panic.

The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. between the Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations under the Kota Division of the West Central Railway, located approximately 110 kilometres from Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh.

The blaze reportedly originated in the third AC coach designated as B-1, which was situated near the SLR luggage brake van coach towards the front of the Delhi-bound premium train. Thick smoke was initially seen billowing from the undercarriage of the coach, and within moments, the fire intensified rapidly, engulfing both the third AC and the adjacent SLR coaches in towering flames that were visible from a great distance.

A major tragedy was averted due to the swift action of the train guard, who promptly noticed the fire and alerted the loco pilot, bringing the high-speed train to an immediate halt.

Passengers were temporarily shifted to other coaches as the Railway Police and the staff raced against time and the blaze to save the passengers.

Fire brigade teams and senior railway officials, including the Ratlam Divisional Railway Manager, rushed to the site to supervise the firefighting operations.

As a safety precaution, the overhead electric supply was disconnected, and the two damaged coaches were detached from the rest of the train rake.

According to the senior divisional railway manager, while the incident caused no casualties or injuries among passengers or railway staff, it severely impacted rail operations. Several trains on the New Delhi Mumbai line, including the Mumbai Jaipur Superfast Express, were detained at various stations while the tracks were being cleared.

Preliminary reports suspect a short circuit as the cause, though senior officials have ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the exact origin of the blaze, railway officials said.

Now, arrangements were being made to attach an additional coach at Kota station to accommodate the rescued passengers for the remainder of their journey.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal/Betul, May 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) A series of sudden seismic disturbances accompanied by a mysterious loud sound sent waves of panic across multiple towns in Madhya Pradesh, officials said.

According to initial reports from National Center for Seismology, an earthquake measuring 3.91 on the Richter scale was felt across a widespread region, including the Betul, Pandhurna, and Multai areas at around 9:30 p.m., 9:41 p.m., 9:43 p.m. and 10:17 p.m. on Saturday.

While the initial tremors put residents on alert, a second, more intense disruption later in the night triggered absolute chaos within the local communities.

The situation escalated dramatically around 11:24 p.m. when certain parts of the region experienced a sudden and intense tremor.

According to eyewitnesses, the event began with an unsettling and incredibly loud boom that echoed through the night air.

Immediately after the sound, the earth began to shake violently.

The impact of the tremor was severe enough that the walls of houses vibrated, and household items rattled on shelves for several consecutive seconds, locals said.

Fearing an impending natural calamity or structural collapse, terrified residents who were still awake, as well as those jolted from their sleep, immediately fled their homes to seek safety in open grounds.

The suddenness of the tremors left the population visibly shaken.

Almost instantly, a massive flurry of phone calls ensued as anxious citizens reached out to family members, friends, and neighbours to check on one another's safety and ascertain the extent of the damage.

Residents living in the central parts of the town reported that the sequence of events was identical, with a thunderous noise preceding the physical shaking of the ground.

Within minutes of the event, news reports and personal accounts detailing the earthquake in Multai flooded various social media platforms, with citizens sharing videos of households vibrating.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Heavy rainfall triggered urban flooding in several parts of Assam’s Barak Valley on Friday, affecting thousands of people in Cachar and Sribhumi districts, officials said.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), flood-like conditions were reported mainly from Silchar town in Cachar district and the Badarpur and Sribhumi Sadar areas in Sribhumi district following incessant rainfall.

The official urban flood report stated that three districts -- Cachar, Sribhumi and Kamrup (Metro) -- were affected by waterlogging and flash floods, with the worst-hit areas located in southern Assam’s Barak Valley region.

In Cachar district, at least 15,617 people were affected in Silchar town alone after rainwater inundated several localities and municipal wards.

The major affected areas included Rangirkhari, Ambikapatty, Shillong Patty, Bilpar Road, Ashram Road, Hailakandi Road, Saratpally and several parts of Silchar town.

In neighbouring Sribhumi district, around 8,002 people were affected in the Badarpur and Sribhumi Sadar revenue circles. Areas such as Badarpur town, Raghunathpur, Debendranagar, Junbosti, Alakulipur, Deorail and Mission Road witnessed severe waterlogging after drains overflowed because of continuous rainfall.

The ASDMA report stated that a total of 23,619 people were affected across the state due to urban flooding, with the majority concentrated in the Barak Valley districts.

Authorities said SDRF personnel carried out rescue operations in Sribhumi district, where a rescue boat was deployed and 53 people, along with three animals, were evacuated from inundated areas.

Officials, however, said no loss of human life due to flooding had been recorded in the ASDMA report till Friday evening.

The report further noted that “urban flash flood” conditions were specifically observed in Badarpur town under Sribhumi district following the heavy downpour.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rainfall in several parts of southern Assam over the next 24 hours, prompting authorities to remain on alert.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Heavy rain lashed several parts of Assam on Friday, triggering floods in the urban areas of Silchar town of Cachar district and parts of Sribhumi district in the Barak Valley region, officials said.

Continuous downpour since early morning inundated several low-lying areas in Cachar, Sribhumi and Hailakandi districts, disrupting normal life and vehicular movement.

Roads in Silchar town went underwater, causing severe traffic congestion in several localities.

According to district officials, waterlogging was also reported from various parts of Sribhumi town after drains overflowed following intense rainfall.

In a tragic incident, one person died in the Sribhumi district after allegedly coming in contact with a live electric wire amid the rain. Police said the victim was electrocuted in a waterlogged area, while further investigation into the incident is underway.

Local authorities and disaster management teams have been placed on alert as more rainfall has been forecast in the region over the next few hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said generally cloudy skies accompanied by light to moderate rainfall activity are likely to continue in several parts of Assam.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati stated that rain-bearing cloud systems remain active over the northeastern region. Rainfall data issued by the IMD on Friday showed significant precipitation in and around Guwahati as well.

Guwahati Rupnagar recorded the highest accumulated rainfall of 50.5 mm since Thursday morning, while the Downtown University area received 21.5 mm, and Gauhati University recorded 19.5 mm of rainfall.

Hazo in Kamrup district received 15.5 mm of rainfall, while Sualkuchi recorded 18 mm of precipitation.

The IMD’s nowcast bulletin issued on Friday said one or two spells of moderate rain are “very likely” across different parts of Assam.

Officials said the state administration is closely monitoring the situation in the Barak Valley districts, particularly in vulnerable urban pockets prone to flash floods and waterlogging.

Source: IANS

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Vijayapura, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Four members of a family were killed after the roof of a house collapsed during heavy rain accompanied by strong winds in Moratagi village of Alamel taluk in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, officials stated on Friday.

The deceased have been identified as Gurunath Badiger (35), Jyoti Badiger (28), Kalamma Badiger (13), and Keerthi Badiger (9). The family was reportedly living in a rented old house while repair work was underway at their own residence.

According to officials, the old house collapsed after heavy rain and gusty winds lashed the region overnight. The victims were trapped under the debris and buried alive.

Police from Sindagi station visited the spot and launched an inspection. Fire and emergency services personnel also rushed to the scene and began rescue and recovery operations to retrieve the bodies trapped under the mud and collapsed roofing material.

Officials said the rescue work was challenging as the house had a mud roof and large quantities of soil had accumulated over the victims after the collapse.

The incident has created panic in the village, while scenes of grief and wailing from family members were witnessed at the spot. Rescue personnel and police continued the operation to clear debris and recover the bodies.

It can be recalled that an eight-year-old girl was killed after a house wall collapsed following heavy rains in Yadgir district of Karnataka. The incident occurred at Tumakuru village in Vadagera taluk, where the kitchen wall of a house belonging to Siddappa collapsed after heavy rainfall on Monday.

The deceased was identified as 8-year-old Akshata. According to police, following heavy rains, the kitchen wall of a house belonging to Siddappa collapsed. Akshata was playing with other girls when the wall fell on them.

Akshata died on the spot, while two other children who were playing with her sustained injuries. The injured children were shifted to the Yadgir Institute of Medical Sciences (YIMS) for treatment.

Earlier in April, heavy rain in Bengaluru, Karnataka, caused the collapse of an 8-foot compound wall near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, resulting in seven deaths, including three children. The incident, which occurred during intense rainfall and high winds on April 29, also caused injuries and trapped victims under debris, with rescue operations conducted immediately.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site, ordered a high-level investigation into the tragedy, and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.

Earlier, separate rain-related incidents on April 27 resulted in at least two additional deaths in BTM Layout and Whitefield due to electrocution and wall failure.

One woman died while four others, including three children, suffered injuries after the wall of a house collapsed at Hanagallu in Somwarpet taluk in Madikeri on July 26, 2025. The deceased was identified as Sushma. Her brother Akshay and three children have suffered injuries.

Source: IANS

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Dewas/Indore, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The death toll in the firecracker factory explosion in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district has risen to five after two more severely injured workers died during treatment, officials said on Friday.

The two victims succumbed to their injuries late on Thursday night.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav travelled directly from New Delhi to Indore late Thursday night and visited hospitals to meet the injured. He first reached Choithram Hospital, where he interacted with victims of the Dewas accident and issued necessary instructions to doctors attending to them.

He later visited MY Hospital to inquire about the health and well-being of other injured patients. “The state government is committed to providing every possible assistance to those affected by this tragedy,” CM Yadav said while speaking to the victims and their families.

The Chief Minister directed medical officials to ensure all the injured receive appropriate and comprehensive medical care. Demonstrating urgency, CM Yadav had cancelled his other scheduled engagements in Delhi after receiving information about the incident.

The factory has been sealed, and action under the National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against owner Anil Malviya, who has been arrested. Police said cases are also being prepared against four persons, including three contractors associated with the factory, for alleged violations of safety conditions under the Explosives Rules.

Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh has ordered a magisterial inquiry to examine the exact cause of the explosion, verify compliance with the Explosives Rules and the National Building Code-2016, and check the licences issued for operating the factory.

On Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister and district in-charge Minister Jagdish Devda visited the blast site and reviewed the relief measures with officials.​ He later met the injured workers admitted to Dewas District Hospital and Amaltas Hospital.​ “The state government stands firmly with the affected families in this difficult time. Every possible assistance and medical support will be provided to the injured,” Devda said.​

He added that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence during the investigation.​

The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety practices and the monitoring of firecracker manufacturing units in Madhya Pradesh. The district administration has directed departments to intensify inspections and verify licences and safety norms at all explosive manufacturing units operating in the region.

Source: IANS

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Moscow, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the heavy loss of life and large-scale destruction caused in Uttar Pradesh due to thunderstorm, heavy rain, hailstorm and lightning strikes on Wednesday evening.

"Please accept my deepest condolences over the heavy loss of life and large-scale destruction caused in Uttar Pradesh. Please convey my words of sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of those who perished, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured as a result of this natural disaster," Putin wrote in his condolence message.

According to the authorities, at least 89 people have lost their lives and 53 others were injured after heavy rain, hailstorm and lightning strikes battered several districts of Uttar Pradesh causing widespread destruction. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the widespread damage and directed officials to undertake immediate relief and rescue measures.

The UP Chief Minister also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to immediately visit the affected areas and provide assistance and compensation to victims.

He instructed District Magistrates and other officials concerned to conduct ground surveys on priority so that compensation for loss of lives, livestock and crop damage can be released in coordination with the departments concerned.

The Chief Minister directed all districts to send situation reports every three hours and asked officials to prioritise rescue and relief operations. He further instructed authorities to share updates regarding compensation distribution and relief work through social media platforms.

According to the Relief Commissioner’s Office, the adverse weather conditions also resulted in the death of 114 livestock and damage to 87 houses across the state.

The Relief Commissioner’s Office said it is continuously monitoring the situation through direct communication with district-level officials, and necessary funds are being released to the districts.

Prayagraj reported the highest number of fatalities with 21 deaths, followed by Sant Ravidas Nagar with 14 deaths and Fatehpur with 11 deaths. Casualties were also reported from several other districts, including Barabanki, Bahraich, Kanpur Dehat, Basti, Sambhal, Hardoi, and Unnao.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal/Dewas, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Several persons were killed, and many others were injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Tonkkala in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district.

Some of the survivors were critically injured, police said, adding that they had been admitted to hospitals.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief and wrote on his X handle, “The news of several people being killed or injured in the explosion at a firecracker factory in Tonk Kala, Dewas district, is heart-wrenching. I have directed the district in-charge and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda ji, the Home Secretary, and senior officials to reach the incident site.”

He also wrote that orders for an investigation into the incident have been issued.

Instructions have been given to provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the state government to the families of the deceased and to ensure free treatment for the injured. The injured have been referred to Indore for advanced treatment.

The blast was so powerful that it shook the entire locality, with nearby houses trembling under the impact.

According to reports, which described scenes of horror, as shreds of flesh and severed body parts were found scattered across the road, plunging the area into chaos and panic.

The explosion reduced a major portion of the factory to rubble, leaving behind mangled remains of the structure and triggering widespread fear among residents.

Locals recounted how the accident unfolded with terrifying force, followed by screams and pandemonium as people rushed to help the victims.

Police and fire brigade teams arrived swiftly, conducting rescue operations and working to extinguish the fire.

With the assistance of villagers, the injured were evacuated and admitted to hospitals.

In February, a similar incident happened in the Harda firecracker factory. At least 11 people died, and 149 were injured in the massive blast followed by a fire in the firecracker factory.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major initiative aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, the Indian Army and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Wednesday conducted a joint flood relief exercise in Assam’s Jorhat, officials said.

The exercise, titled Jal Raksha III, was organised by the Red Shield Gunners under the Spear Corps in coordination with SDRF personnel at Jorhat.

Officials said the training programme was designed to enhance coordination, communication and operational preparedness among agencies involved in rescue and relief operations during flood-related emergencies, which frequently affect several parts of Assam during the monsoon.

According to defence officials, the joint exercise focused on improving the collective response capability of participating agencies to tackle disaster situations in a coordinated manner. During the training session, personnel from the Indian Army and SDRF were familiarised with various flood relief procedures, rescue drills, casualty evacuation techniques and the efficient utilisation of available resources during emergencies.

Officials said the exercise also stressed the importance of timely response, joint operational planning and seamless coordination between military and civil disaster response agencies to minimise loss of life and property during floods.

“The exercise was aimed at enhancing inter-agency synergy and ensuring better preparedness in dealing with natural disasters, particularly floods that remain a recurring challenge in the region,” an official statement said.

The authorities noted that such collaborative initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening disaster management mechanisms and building mutual confidence among response agencies.

Assam faces annual flooding during the monsoon season, affecting lakhs of people across multiple districts. The Indian Army, SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and civil administration regularly work together in carrying out rescue, evacuation and relief operations during such crises.

Officials further said the exercise reflected the “whole-of-government approach” towards disaster management and reaffirmed the Indian Army’s continued commitment to assisting civil authorities during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The event also highlighted the Indian Army’s ethos of “Nation First” and its role in supporting civilian administration during emergencies and natural calamities across the northeastern region.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Family members of victims of the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad have demanded that the final investigation report be “fair” and that the Black Box and raw flight data be shared transparently with relatives.

They also said the investigation should not attribute responsibility solely to the pilots without fully disclosing the technical findings, while speaking at a gathering in Ahmedabad ahead of the first anniversary of the tragedy.

The London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12 last year, killing 260 people, including passengers, crew members and people on the ground.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the crash, while Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu recently said the final report was likely within a month.

At the gathering, around 50 affected families said compensation alone could not answer questions surrounding the cause of the accident and repeatedly called for the release of Black Box data and the “truth” behind the crash.

Krutik Patel, a resident of Kapadvanj in Gujarat’s Kheda district, told IANS that his 24-year-old younger brother, Dirth Patel, died in the crash while travelling back to Leeds in the UK.

“Actually, me, my brother and my wife all lived together in Leeds. He had completed his Masters and came back to India in March to meet our parents. His job was supposed to start in July, so he was travelling on the June 12 flight,” Patel said.

He confirmed that the family had received the compensation announced by Tata Sons and Air India, but said their primary demand was for a transparent probe.

“Whatever report comes, it should be a fair report. It should not simply put all the blame on the pilot,” he told IANS.

He further added, “Whatever happened on the flight, the truth should come out. Since everything that happens during the flight is recorded in the Black Box, all of that should come out fairly. It should not be that someone publishes a false report.”

Patel said his family did not believe the crash was caused by pilot error alone and alleged there may have been technical and maintenance issues with the aircraft.

“We do not believe at all that this could have happened because of pilot error. Whatever happened may have been because Air India perhaps did not maintain the aircraft properly, because people were already saying that the flight coming from Delhi had water leaking inside and perhaps there was also a problem with the electricity supply,” he said.

Patel also said that after the crash, his wife and he left their settled life in the UK and returned permanently to India in October to stay with his parents.

Speaking about the belongings recovered after the accident, he said the family had avoided searching through the uploaded items because of the emotional trauma attached to them.

“We were getting emotional just trying to look through them, because if we saw something related to him then the whole family might once again go back into the same emotional trauma,” he said.

Janvi Purohit, whose brother Akash died in the crash, told IANS that although compensation had been received by the family, they were seeking “justice, not money”.

“My brother was everything to me. After he left, I feel my brother’s absence very deeply," she said.

Janvi said her father and sister-in-law were handling compensation matters, while she herself had been approached regarding employment.

She said the CEO of Tata Croma and a woman identified as Ravneet had spoken to her about a job opportunity.

“I went for an interview at Tata Croma, but they only offered me a sales job for Rs 11,000,” she said.

Questioning reports surrounding the aircraft’s condition before the crash, she said: “Right now I want to know what happened in the plane. I am hearing that the plane was already damaged, there was a fault in the plane. Then why was the plane flown? I want to know this.”

“I lost my brother, my parents lost their son. No other family should suffer like this. Whose negligence is this?” she added.

Her father, Nilesh Purohit, who identified himself as a farmer, told IANS that his family’s “main demand” remained pending.

“The main demand is how did this plane accident happen? Whether there was a technical fault or some other reason, we want that report. We want the Black Box data and we want the final compensation from Air India,” he said.

Purohit confirmed that the family had received Rs 1 crore from Tata Sons and Rs 25 lakh from Air India.

He also referred to statements by the Aviation Minister that a final report could be released within one month.

“The government should prepare the report honestly. Whatever fault was there in the plane should be honestly revealed so that such an accident never happens again and no father like me loses his son again,” he said.

Purohit alleged that there had been technical issues with the aircraft before the crash and claimed that Akash had earlier sent a mail mentioning faults in the aircraft.

“He had written that there was a problem with the electricity and that the tablets were not functioning. So we are completely sure that there was definitely some defect in the plane,” he alleged.

Mohammad Rafiq from Diu, whose 25-year-old son died while travelling back to London for Islamic religious studies, told IANS that his family had still not received compensation from Air India and had struggled to get responses from the airline.

“He had come from London to Ahmedabad and was travelling back to London. He was studying an Islamic religion-related course there,” Rafiq said.

He alleged that Air India representatives had initially remained in touch with families and assured support, but communication later reduced significantly.

“They asked us for details of travel expenses, accommodation expenses and bills. We submitted everything, but after that they stopped responding. Their mail IDs stopped working, they do not answer calls, nor do they reply to us,” he alleged.

Rafiq said there was no Air India office locally where affected families could seek assistance. “We only want justice and answers about how this accident happened. Such an incident should not happen to anyone else again," he told IANS.

He also demanded access to the Black Box data and said "families deserved answers regarding the deaths of their children".

Rafiq said he currently works as a driver and lives in Diu. "My family had received Rs 2 lakh assistance from the Diu administration," he noted.

Hetal Prajapati, originally from Vadodara and now residing in Ahmedabad, told IANS that her husband, Mahesh Kalavadiya, a film director in his mid-30s, died on the ground during the crash.

She said the family had received Rs 1.25 crore in compensation but added that she was now demanding employment support after remaining at home for the past six months.

Prajapati also demanded that the Black Box data be released publicly and referred to the one-year deadline indicated by the Aviation Ministry regarding the investigation report.

Social activist Kuldip Ishrani, also known as Kaviraj, who said he was in direct contact with nearly 200 affected families, told IANS that relatives had gathered in Ahmedabad as the first anniversary of the crash approached on June 12.

He said families from different religious communities wanted permission to organise purification rituals and religious ceremonies at the crash site.

“Every member of those families wants that at the crash site there should either be a land purification ceremony or some kind of religious programme. People from every religion want to perform their respective rituals,” he said.

Ishrani said the families had consistently demanded that the Black Box “raw data” be shared with them.

He added that families were also in contact with the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which has more than 6,000 pilots associated with it.

According to him, FIP president Captain C.S. Randhawa had written letters to both AAIB India and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB UK), but no response had been received.

The families’ demands include a greater and more active role for AAIB UK in the investigation, that AAIB UK should seek raw data and investigation-related documents from AAIB India, that Captain Randhawa’s submissions should be properly reviewed, and that investigators should examine whether the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine was deployed during the emergency.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Two people, including building owner Zafar Nishad, were arrested by the police in less than 24 hours after the Tiljala fire incident in the state capital, which claimed two lives.

The police said on Wednesday that the two were arrested from Palm Avenue in South Kolkata.

The state government had formed a high-level investigation committee on Tuesday on the instructions of Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari.

The committee was conducting a detailed survey of the fire site and will submit a report later in the day. The state government also directed Kolkata Police to lodge a specific FIR in the matter immediately. Based on the FIR, the two arrests were made.

On Tuesday, two people were killed, while five others were injured after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building on GJ Khan Road in the Tiljala area of East Kolkata. The injured are undergoing treatment in the hospital with burns. Their condition is said to be critical.

According to locals, the fire broke out on the second floor of a four-storey building at 50/1 GJ Khan Road. The fire spread instantly, and soon, black smoke completely covered the surroundings. As soon as the locals noticed the blaze, the fire department was informed. Four fire engines rushed to the spot one by one.

Meanwhile, the intensity of the fire increased to the point that seven people were trapped in a room on the floor. Some reports said that the seven tried to save themselves from the flames by taking shelter in the washroom. However, they were trapped in a suffocating situation. The fire officials finally rescued them and sent them to the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared two dead.

According to the fire department, the two died due to severe respiratory distress. On the other hand, the condition of the five others is also critical.

The police were investigating the incident, but so far it was unclear as to how the fire started. The preliminary report of the fire department is that the blaze may have started due to a short circuit.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tragedy struck Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday as two eight-year-old girls, identified as Nibiya and Tanvi Sahu, lost their lives when lightning struck a tree under which they had taken shelter.​

According to police, the incident occurred between 7 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. during a sudden onset of thunderstorms and gusty winds in Baidora village.​

The fatal strike came amid extreme weather volatility in Madhya Pradesh, where northern districts are battling severe storms while western and central regions are enduring a blistering heatwave.​

Reports indicate that the weather took a violent turn in the Niwari tehsil of Tikamgarh district, where several villages were hit by hailstorms and intense winds.​

While these localised storms brought destruction and grief to the north, the rest of the state remained gripped by relentless heat.​

Ratlam emerged as the hottest spot in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius.​

Other regions also faced high-velocity winds, with Balaghat reporting wind speeds reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour.​

The Weather Centre in Bhopal has issued an urgent forecast for the night hours, predicting that the atmospheric instability will continue.​

Residents in Morena and Bhind have been warned of moderate thunderstorms with lightning and possible hail, with wind speeds expected to reach 60 kilometres per hour.​

Additionally, light thunderstorms with lightning are likely to persist over Tikamgarh, north Gwalior, Sagar, Damoh, and north Chhatarpur, including the tourist destination of Khajuraho.​

Data from the meteorological department shows that several cities are currently exceeding 40 degrees.​

While Ratlam led the heat chart, Gwalior recorded 43.1 degrees Celsius, and Jabalpur recorded 41.6 degrees Celsius.​

Conversely, Pachmarhi offered the only respite with a high of 35.8 degrees Celsius.​

Experts suggest that the state is currently experiencing temperature fluctuations between dry heat from the west and moisture-laden winds, leading to localised convective activity.​

Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or near metal structures, as the current weather patterns remain unpredictable and potentially life-threatening.​

The administration remains on high alert in the storm-affected northern belt to manage any further emergencies.​

Source: IANS

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Sangli, May 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least six devotees were killed, and many others were injured after a wall and tin sheets on the premises of a temple collapsed following strong winds and heavy rains in Maharashtra's Sangli district on Tuesday.

Of the six victims, three were residents of the local area, while the others were from Bijapur taluka (Karnataka). About 14 people were rushed to nearby hospitals. Several remain in critical condition as they undergo treatment.

The police sources said that the incident took place at the Margudevi Temple in Mothewadi village under Jath tehsil in the western Maharashtra district.

According to the police sources, a large number of devotees usually visit the temple on Tuesdays. They said that sudden gusty winds and heavy rainfall caused a wall and adjoining tin sheets on the temple premises to collapse. As heavy rain and stormy winds lashed the area, many people sought shelter near a wall and under tin structures. The structure proved unable to withstand the wind pressure and collapsed, trapping several people under the debris.

Local residents and authorities immediately launched a rescue operation to pull victims from the rubble.

"There were around 350 devotees on the temple premises. In the evening, sudden strong winds accompanied by heavy rains lashed the area, prompting devotees to take shelter along a wall and under tin sheets. The wall and the tin sheets suddenly collapsed, trapping devotees," said Sangli Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said, “Deeply pained to hear the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Sangli, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this sad hour. May the injured recover at the earliest.”

The tragedy took place during the Margubai Devi Yatra, an annual fair that attracts a large number of devotees.

Police and revenue administration officials have visited the site to conduct a panchnama (official assessment).

The local community is in a state of mourning following the sudden disaster.

While rescue operations have largely concluded, authorities are continuing to monitor the condition of the injured and investigate the structural integrity of the remaining temple buildings.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The West Bengal government on Tuesday directed Kolkata Police to file an FIR in connection with the fire incident in Tiljala area of east Kolkata earlier in the day, which claimed two lives.

The state government also formed a committee to conduct a detailed survey of the fire site and submit a report by Wednesday morning.

The order issued by the government read, "As directed by Hon’ble Chief Minister, West Bengal, in reference to the fire incident at Tiljala in which 2 persons lost their lives, and 5 persons sustained serious burn injuries, and considering the substantial loss of life and property caused by the incident, Kolkata Police is hereby directed to lodge a specific FIR in the matter immediately."

It further said, "Further, a departmental committee comprising the following officers is hereby constituted to conduct a detailed survey of the site and examine all relevant documents connected with the incident... The Committee shall conduct a detailed inquiry/survey and submit a report to the undersigned positively by 11:00 A.M. on 13.05.2026."

Notably, two people died, while five others were injured after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building on GJ Khan Road in the Tiljala area of east Kolkata on Tuesday afternoon.

The injured are undergoing treatment in the hospital with burns. Their condition is also critical.

According to locals, the fire broke out on the second floor of a four-story building at 50/1 GJ Khan Road. The fire spread instantly, and soon, black smoke completely covered the surroundings. As soon as the locals noticed the matter, the fire department was immediately informed. Four fire engines rushed to the spot one by one.

The intensity of the fire was so severe that seven people in the room were trapped at that time. It is known that everyone hid in the bathroom to save their lives. However, there too, a suffocating situation was created due to black smoke. Although the fire officials quickly tried to rescue them, it was not possible. Later, all the people were rescued in a burnt condition and sent to the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. Doctors examined them and declared two of them dead.

According to the fire department, the two died due to severe respiratory distress. On the other hand, the condition of the five others is also critical. It is feared that the death toll may increase as a result. However, it is still unclear how the fire started.

The initial assumption of the fire department is that the fire may have started due to a short circuit. The entire incident is being investigated seriously.

Source: IANS

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Raipur/Durg, May 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Four members of a single family, including a toddler, were charred to death in a domestic cooking gas cylinder blast in Durg district of Chhattisgarh.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in ward number four of the Kumhari area, sending shockwaves through the local community and leaving the entire village in a state of mourning.

According to police officials, the explosion took place suddenly inside a residential house. The force of the blast was so powerful that the building was almost immediately engulfed in a massive fire.

Witnesses stated that the flames spread with such rapidity that the occupants were trapped inside and were unable to find an escape route.

While neighbours heard the cries for help and attempted to intervene, the intensity of the inferno prevented anyone from entering the premises before the situation turned fatal.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. This assistance, the Chief Minister wrote on his X handle, would be additional to Rs 4 lakh provided under government rules.

He expressed profound grief over the incident and sudden death of the family members and wrote that the news of the demise of four members of the same family due to a short circuit and cylinder explosion in the Kumhari police station area of Durg district is extremely heartbreaking; this tragic incident has left the heart deeply anguished. My deepest condolences are with the bereaved family.

Arrangements for the stay of the affected families and other necessary facilities are being ensured, and instructions have been issued for an investigation into the incident. Emergency services, including the local police and the fire brigade, rushed to the spot after receiving the alert.

Upon extinguishing the fire and entering the skeletal remains of the house, rescue teams recovered four bodies. The victims have been identified as 45-year-old Anil Vaishnav, 18-year-old Vaishnav, 20-year-old Lakshmi Vaishnav, and a one-and-a-half-year-old girl named Gopika.

The loss of the young child has added more grief to the tragedy.

The police have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to verify if there were any technical lapses in the gas connection.

Senior administrative officials and political leaders have expressed their condolences and visited the site to oversee the recovery process.

Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, and Member of Parliament Vijay Baghel were among those who took note of the incident. In response to the tragedy, the government has announced a financial assistance package for the surviving relatives of the deceased.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations as the community struggles to come to terms with the sudden and devastating loss of the Vaishnav family.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, May 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lightning killed 90 sheep and goats overnight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, officials said on Monday.

Officials said nearly 90 sheep and goats belonging to a nomadic family from Rajouri district were killed after lightning struck during the intervening night in a high-altitude forest area of Poshkar Kangan in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, officials and locals said on Monday.

The incident occurred in the Dhana Dok area of Poshkar, a remote grazing belt frequented by migratory tribal families during the summer season. The livestock reportedly belonged to nomads identified as Mohmmad Yaseen Bijran and Abdul Majeed Bijran, sons of Khan Mohammad Bijran and residents of Sunderbani area of Rajouri district.

Locals said the area witnessed intense weather activity during the night, following which dozens of animals were found dead in the pasture on Monday morning. Preliminary reports suggested that lightning may have struck the flock during the storm. The incident has caused massive financial loss to the affected family, whose livelihood primarily depends on livestock rearing and seasonal migration to upper reaches for grazing.

Police and local authorities were informed about the incident, who assessed the exact scale of the damage. Such incidents are not uncommon in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir during the summer migration season when nomadic families move with their livestock to alpine pastures vulnerable to sudden weather changes, thunderstorms, and lightning activity.

Scores of nomadic goatherds called the ‘Bakarwals’ move from the plains during summer months into highland pastures of the Valley with their families, livestock and household goods to spend over four months in the Valley’s meadows.

These hardy souls cover hundreds of miles on foot to and from their winter homes in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi and Ramban districts each year to tend to their livestock.

The Government has created many facilities for the Bakarwal families like mobile schools for their children, while veterinary doctors and nursing staff visit the meadows at regular periods to provide professional services to the livestock and the people etc.

Due to their high physical mobility, despite consuming large amounts of milk, butter and ‘Ghee’, the Bakarwals very rarely have lifestyle diseases like fatty liver, high blood pressure, diabetes etc.

Each Bakarwal family has a pair of special breed of shepherd dogs who work as guards and sentinels for their master’s livestock guarding animals against predators like leopards, bears, jackals etc.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, May 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) The government of Madhya Pradesh has officially ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragic cruise accident at the Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, which resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives earlier this month.

To lead this investigation, the state administration has constituted a one member inquiry commission headed by retired High Court Justice Sanjay Dwivedi.

The commission has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe and is expected to submit its findings to the government within a period of three months.

According to a notification issued by the General Administration Department under the authority of Additional Secretary Dinesh Kumar Maurya, the commission holds the responsibility of uncovering the exact causes of the accident.

A major part of the mandate includes determining the accountability of individuals and officials whose negligence may have led to the disaster.

Furthermore, the commission will review the efficacy of the rescue and relief operations that were carried out during and immediately after the incident.

Beyond the specific details of the Bargi Dam tragedy, the state government has empowered the commission to conduct a comprehensive audit of all boats, cruises, and water sports activities currently operating throughout Madhya Pradesh.

This safety audit will examine whether water vessels are adhering to the certification and safety protocols mandated by the Inland Vessels Act of 2021 and the Boat Safety Guidelines of 2017.

One of the long term goals of this inquiry is to establish a uniform Standard Operating Procedure for the operation and maintenance of all water based recreational activities in the state to prevent future occurrences of such accidents.

This judicial probe follows the initial formation of a four member committee that was previously asked to report its findings within 15 days.

Preliminary investigations have already suggested significant negligence at multiple administrative levels. The tragedy claimed the lives of eight women, four children, and one man, sparking widespread concern over safety standards at popular tourist destinations.

The commission must complete its investigation and present its final report within 90 days of the notification being published in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette, ensuring a time bound approach to justice for the victims and their families.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the country's preparedness to deal with potential floods and heatwaves and directed an National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) study to find out how many states are following the guidelines for dealing with forest fires, heatwaves and floods, an official said on Sunday.

Addressing the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah said that at least 60 lakes should be included in the plan to develop an early warning system for 30 high-risk lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim with the support of the NDMA.

The Union Minister also said that there should be an integrated system for flood forecasting at both the Centre and state levels, a statement said.

He added that Flood Crisis Management Teams (FCMTs) should be constituted and activated in every state of the country.

He said that the guidelines issued by the NDMA for disasters have led to better awareness and the development of a "Whole of Government" approach, but reviewing compliance with these guidelines at the state, district, and municipal levels can further strengthen their implementation.

Union Minister Shah added that the NDMA should conduct a study to assess how many states are following the Ministry of Home Affairs' directives and the NDMA guidelines for dealing with forest fires, heatwaves, and floods.

The meeting was attended by the Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, the Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Secretaries and senior officials of various Ministries, members and heads of departments of the NDMA and the Director Generals of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

It was also attended by officials of the India Meteorological Department, the Chairpersons of the National Highways Authority of India and the Central Water Commission, as well as senior officials from the National Remote Sensing Centre and other concerned departments.

"The Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts must be made to implement the vision of Zero Casualty Disaster Management," the statement added.

He added that greater possibilities for water conservation and improvement in groundwater levels should be explored through water storage and check dam projects.

Our objective should be to conserve water by constructing check dams on rivers while also minimising the impact of heatwaves.

Union Minister Shah said that the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority Fund should be utilised to make efforts aimed at maintaining environmental balance more multi-dimensional.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed that water conservation projects and works under the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 must be completed on a war footing in light of the El Nino threat.​

He emphasised prioritising areas where groundwater levels have depleted and making concerted efforts to recharge them.​

He issued these directives at a meeting to review the Soil and Water Conservation Department's work.​

CM Fadnavis stated that increasing groundwater levels is essential due to El Nino.​

Priorities must be set for water conservation, and Jalyukt Shivar works to ensure timely completion.​

State-level plans for Jalyukt Shivar must be approved by May 15.​

Revised plans should be provided to districts to accelerate progress.​

Beyond the selected villages, 10 per cent of additional works in neighbouring areas should also be undertaken based on priority, he added.​

To prevent de-silted streams from clogging again, CM Fadnavis suggested planting bamboo along stream banks.​

Repair work on Malgujari tanks in Vidarbha is scheduled for completion by June.​

He mentioned that he would personally meet Union Ministers to secure increased funding under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.​

Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod noted that the department’s revised organisational structure will speed up operations.​

Guidelines have been established to ensure that work aligns strictly with the original plans.​

Earlier, CM Fadnavis directed all state departments to prioritise disaster mitigation through rigorous water planning, accelerated soil conservation and the rejuvenation of old water resources.​

He emphasised that the state must remain “battle-ready” to minimise the impact of a predicted rainfall deficit.​

CM Fadnavis asked the administration to immediately focus on the Jalyukt Shivar and Galmukt Dharan-Galyukt Shivar (silt-free dams) schemes.​

Repairing existing water bodies was highlighted as a cost-effective way to increase storage capacity.​

The Chief Minister said each district will establish a dedicated Task Force comprising the Collector, irrigation officials and local body representatives to monitor water usage and storage.​

To prevent a livestock crisis, he directed robust implementation of the Fodder Development Programme, particularly in the backwater areas of dams and drought-prone regions like Solapur, Sangli and Marathwada.​

CM Fadnavis said that fertiliser supply and distribution will be monitored via the ‘AgriStack’ system, utilising Artificial Intelligence to prevent artificial scarcity and ensure transparency.​

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, May 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday said the final report into the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is “mostly” expected after one month, adding that the investigation is in its final stages and is being carried out with complete transparency.

Addressing a press conference after participating in the India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 at GIFT City, the minister said multiple agencies are involved in the probe being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

“Investigation is in progress, and with full transparency and in the final stage. Since it was an international flight, any country can do the scrutiny on the report," he said.

The minister said the Centre was extending all possible support to investigators. “We are offering full resources to the investigation agency, which is AAIB. Mostly, the final report will come after a month," he told reporters.

The crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12 last year.

The aircraft came down in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad moments after departure, hitting residential buildings and a hostel complex.

According to official figures, 260 people were killed in the crash, including passengers, crew members and people on the ground. Of the 242 people onboard, only one passenger survived.

The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers along with two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.

Following the crash, the AAIB launched a detailed investigation, while the Centre also constituted a high-level committee to examine operational and safety-related aspects linked to the incident.

Naidu said the government was closely monitoring assistance and compensation procedures for affected families.

“We are monitoring the situation, and the compensation amount procedure is being prioritised. We are conveying to the airline to coordinate with the passengers,” he said.

Preliminary findings released earlier had indicated that the aircraft lost thrust shortly after take-off, leading investigators to examine engine systems and cockpit procedures in detail.

Aviation authorities subsequently ordered enhanced inspections of Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India and intensified oversight of maintenance procedures.

Source: IANS

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Gangtok, May 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday congratulated the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority for being conferred the prestigious Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for 2026, describing it as a proud moment for the people of the Himalayan state.

In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the award recognised the authority's "distinguished contribution to the field of disaster management and its outstanding service to the people".

"This well-deserved achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts of the entire team in strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and resilience across the State. The people of Sikkim take immense pride in this national recognition," Tamang added.

The Chief Minister also extended appreciation to officers, staff members, volunteers and stakeholders associated with the authority's work and expressed hope that the recognition would inspire greater excellence in safeguarding lives and communities.

"Warmest congratulations and best wishes for many more achievements ahead," he added.

The Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar is one of the country's highest recognitions in the field of disaster management.

Instituted by the Union government, the annual award honours individuals and institutions for their exemplary work in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, rescue, relief, rehabilitation, research and innovation.

The award carries a cash prize and a certificate and is announced every year around January 23, the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose.

Sikkim, located in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, glacial lake outburst floods and extreme weather events.

In recent years, the state government and disaster management agencies have focused on strengthening early warning systems, improving response mechanisms and enhancing community preparedness.

The recognition of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority comes amid ongoing efforts by the state to build resilience against climate-related and natural disasters in the region.

Chief Minister Tamang's congratulatory message received appreciation from social media users and citizens, who hailed the achievement as a matter of pride for Sikkim.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, May 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three youths drowned in a stream in Telangana’s Siddipet district, police said on Thursday.

The tragedy occurred at Nacharam in Wargal mandal of Siddipet district on Wednesday but came to light on Thursday.

According to police, the youths drowned in the Haldhi Vaagu near Nacharam on Wednesday.

Their bodies were retrieved on Thursday morning. The deceased have been identified as Yerragolla Prasanth (27), Vikas (26) and K. Anand Reddy (27).

All three youths were residents of Narsapur village in the same district. They had come to Toopran on Wednesday to attend the wedding of a friend.

Later, they went to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Nacharam for darshan. While returning, they ventured into the stream.

When they did not return, their friends began a search. On Thursday morning, their bodies were recovered from the stream.

Police shifted the bodies to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.

Though none of them knew how to swim, they ventured deep into the stream and drowned.

Police registered a case and took up an investigation.

Meanwhile, three persons were injured in a road accident near Venkateshwarlapalli in Koheda mandal of Siddipet district.

According to police, a DCM van loaded with mangoes overturned, injuring the three persons travelling in the vehicle.

Local people took away the mangoes strewn on the road after the accident.

In another accident in the Suryapet district of Telangana, a private travel bus collided with a DCM vehicle.

The accident occurred at Dwarakunt in Kodad mandal. A private travel bus heading to Vijayawada from Hyderabad rammed into the DCM vehicle.

According to the police, there were 30 passengers in the bus. Some of the passengers suffered minor injuries.

On receipt of information, police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.

Police suspect that the bus driver dozed off, resulting in the collision. Police registered a case and took up an investigation.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, May 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Four farmers were killed, and four others were injured when an iron shed collapsed due to heavy winds in Telangana’s Mancherial district, said officials on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at Luxettipet on Tuesday night, where gusty winds and rain wreaked havoc.

Four farmers identified as Venkatesh, Abhiram, Lacchanna and Nagaraju died in the incident. Four others were injured in the mishap, and they have been admitted to hospitals at Luxettipet and Karimnagar.

Trees were uprooted, and electricity poles collapsed due to heavy winds in the area. Thunderstorms lashed some districts of Telangana on Tuesday night.

Farmers, waiting at the procurement centres with their produce, suffered huge losses.

Paddy, maize and other produce brought by farmers to the procurement centres set up by the government were damaged in the rains.

The grains kept outside procurement centres at several places in Peddapalli district were soaked in heavy rain, causing huge losses to farmers. The affected farmers alleged that authorities delayed the procurement of their produce, causing them massive losses. They said they had been waiting at the procurement centres for the last 10 days.

Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtrta Samithi (BRS) working President K.T. Rama Rao conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased in the Luxettipet incident.

“Are farmers' lives like lamps in the wind?” he asked. Terming the incident heartbreaking, he extended deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. The state government should immediately announce an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased farmers and provide better medical assistance to the injured farmers, he said.

The BRS leader also alleged that the Congress government is showing apathy by refusing to purchase the crops that farmers have toiled to grow for months. “In just three days, seven farmers have died at various procurement centers. These are nothing but murders committed by the state government. I demand that the state government immediately purchase all the crops lying in warehouses and procurement centers across the state,” he said.

State BJP President N. Ramchander Rao also expressed shock over the deaths of farmers. He said the farmers lost their lives while trying to protect the harvested rice in the fields amidst heavy rain and gusty winds.

“I urge the state government to immediately provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and extend all necessary support to them during this difficult time. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family members of the deceased,” the BJP leader posted on ‘X’.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc across Bihar over the past 24 hours, leaving more than 20 people dead and several others injured due to storms, heavy rainfall, and lightning strikes.

The worst-affected districts include East Champaran, Gaya and Aurangabad.

In response, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat has announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

The sudden weather shift followed a day of intense heat and humidity.

By late Monday afternoon, dark clouds gathered across multiple districts, and by evening, powerful storms accompanied by rain and lightning swept through large parts of the state.

Casualties have been reported from several districts.

Two people died in Barh in Patna district due to falling trees and collapsing walls, while East Champaran reported five deaths.

In Gaya, three deaths were recorded across the district, while Aurangabad reported three deaths due to lightning.

Additional casualties were reported from Vaishali (1), Sitamarhi (2), and Bhojpur (1).

In Sitamarhi, two women—Rakiba Khatoon and Nikhat Parveen—died after an electric pole collapsed during the storm.

One person, Ghulam Hussain, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.

The incident has triggered public outrage, with residents alleging negligence by the electricity department due to poorly maintained infrastructure.

In Rohtas, 25-year-old Balwant Paswan died after being struck by lightning at a worksite, while four others were injured.

A major disaster was narrowly averted at Azamnagar station under the Katihar Railway Division when a heavy tree branch fell onto a high-tension overhead wire carrying around 25,000 volts, sparking a fire.

Panic gripped passengers as smoke engulfed the platform area.

Train number 55708 (Katihar–Radhikapur Passenger) remained halted for nearly an hour before railway officials brought the situation under control and restored operations.

The widespread damage also disrupted daily life, with fallen trees and electric poles blocking roads, and the power supply remaining cut off for hours in several areas.

The India Meteorological Department had issued an alert earlier in the day, warning of storms, rainfall, and lightning activity across Bihar.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety advisories as adverse weather conditions may persist.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Political tensions have escalated in Bihar following the collapse of a portion of the Vikramshila Bridge in Bhagalpur, with Opposition leaders launching sharp attacks on the ruling NDA government and making allegations of corruption.

Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, took to social media platform X to criticise the government, alleging large-scale corruption in the construction and maintenance of the bridge.

Sharing images of the damaged structure, he claimed that prior warnings about the bridge’s condition had been ignored.

In his post, Tejashwi Yadav wrote that the collapse of the bridge into the Ganges River was a direct result of corruption under the NDA government.

He further alleged that despite raising concerns last month about the bridge’s vulnerability, the government failed to take corrective action.

He also claimed that over the past two years, more than 100 bridges and culverts have collapsed across Bihar, attributing this to systemic corruption.

He added that although several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the incident, a major tragedy was narrowly avoided as no vehicle was directly on the portion that collapsed.

Meanwhile, the state government has initiated action following the incident.

The Road Construction Department has suspended an Executive Engineer, citing negligence.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has also held discussions with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding urgent repair measures.

Sources indicate that assistance from the Indian Army may be sought to expedite restoration work on the bridge.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Monday, around 12.50 A.M., when an approximately 33-metre stretch of the 4.7-kilometre-long Vikramshila Setu collapsed into the river.

Timely action by the administration in halting traffic helped avert any loss of life.

However, the damage has severely disrupted connectivity across nearly 16 districts, including the Seemanchal region and Jharkhand, impacting the daily commute of around one lakh people.

Notably, the bridge has undergone repairs three times over the past decade, raising concerns about the quality of maintenance and infrastructure oversight.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Following the damage to Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur, the Bihar government has moved swiftly, initiating administrative action and seeking central assistance to fast-track repairs.

The state’s Road Construction Department has suspended an Executive Engineer on charges of negligence.

Given the seriousness of the situation, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary held discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior military leadership.

The government is now preparing to seek assistance from the Indian Army to expedite restoration work.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Monday, around 12.50 A.M., when a 33-meter portion near Pillar number 133 of the 4.7-km-long bridge collapsed into the Ganges River.

Timely action by the administration—halting traffic in advance—helped avert a major tragedy.

The sudden structural failure created panic in the area and brought traffic to a complete halt.

Several vehicles were reportedly on the bridge at the time, but were quickly moved to safety before the collapse.

Upon receiving information, Bhagalpur District Magistrate Naval Kishore Chaudhary rushed to the spot and assessed the situation.

He stated that, in the interest of public safety, all vehicular movement across the bridge has been completely suspended.

Barricades have been installed at both ends, and a team of technical experts has been called in to inspect the damage.

Connectivity across 16 districts, including the Seemanchal region and Jharkhand, has been disrupted, and the daily movement of nearly 1 lakh people has been affected due to the incident.

The bridge serves as a critical lifeline between north and south Bihar.

The incident has raised serious concerns, especially as the bridge has undergone three rounds of repairs in the past decade, with the latest maintenance completed in March 2026.

The recurrence of structural damage has triggered questions about construction quality and oversight.

The government’s quick response has helped contain the immediate fallout, but the incident has intensified scrutiny over infrastructure quality and long-term maintenance practices in Bihar.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) A portion of the Vikramshila Setu in Bihar's Bhagalpur district has collapsed, disrupting connectivity and causing difficulties to the general public.

The Vikramshila Setu serves as a crucial link between Bhagalpur and Naugachhia, connecting North and South Bihar.

According to an official, following subsidence in the approach section on the Bhagalpur side, a stretch of nearly 33 meters of the bridge gave way and fell into the Ganga River.

The incident occurred at around 12.50 a.m. on Monday, when a large slab near Pillar Number 133 suddenly collapsed into the river.

The sudden structural failure created panic in the area and brought traffic to a complete halt.

A major tragedy was narrowly averted due to the alertness of police personnel and administrative officials present at the site.

Several vehicles were reportedly on the bridge at the time but were quickly moved to safety before the collapse.

Upon receiving information, Bhagalpur District Magistrate Naval Kishore Chaudhary rushed to the spot and assessed the situation.

He stated that, in the interest of public safety, all vehicular movement across the bridge has been completely suspended.

Barricades have been installed at both ends, and a team of technical experts has been called in to inspect the damage.

Senior Superintendent of Police Pramod Yadav confirmed that traffic is being diverted through alternative routes.

The administration is closely monitoring the situation and has urged the public to avoid rumours and strictly follow designated diversions.

With the closure of the bridge, commuters travelling between Bhagalpur, Naugachhia, and the Seemanchal region will now have to take longer routes via Munger and Sultanganj.

The Vikramshila Setu is a lifeline for the region, and its closure is expected to severely impact daily commuting as well as commercial activities across the area.

The collapse of the important link has once again raised serious concerns over infrastructure safety in the state.

Source: IANS

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Manila, May 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Thousands of people are being evacuated from the area south of Manila after the Mayon Volcano erupted on Sunday, the Philippines government news agency reported.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued an advisory for the people, assigning an alert level of three out of five for volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano. Alert level three means Magma is near or at the surface, and activity could lead to a hazardous eruption in weeks. Danger zones may be expanded up to eight kilometres from the active crater.

The institute reported Lava effusion with lava flow on multiple gullies of the volcano with episodic minor strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining.

It also mentioned successive pyroclastic density currents (PDC) and ashfall on the southwestern slope of the volcano.

It restricted entry into a 6-kilometre radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and also said flying of any aircraft close to the volcano should not be allowed.

The advisory also included possible hazards of Rockfalls or landslides or avalanches, Ballistic fragments, Lava flows and lava fountaining, moderate-sized explosions, Lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

1,325 families are affected, and water supply will be rationed to Quitago, Maguiron, Inamnan Pequeno, Iraya, San Francisco, Travesia, San Rafael, Inamnan Grande, Calzada, Morera, Poblacion and Ilawod villages, reported the government-run Philippines news agency.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Water filtration units, and water sanitation teams will work on clearing roads and be deployed in the affected regions, added the report.

It highlighted that the Office of Civil Defence-Bicol are determining the immediate needs, which include potable water, face masks (including N95) and medicine for respiratory illnesses.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute hygiene kits along with family food packs and ready-to-eat meals in evacuation centres, the report stated.

The damage reports of livestock and farmlands will be coordinated with the Department of Agriculture by the office of Civil Defence-Bicol, it added.

–IANS

ksk/uk

Source: IANS

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Bhopal/Jabalpur, May 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Madhya Pradesh’s Culture and Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi on Sunday termed the Bargi Dam cruise tragedy in Jabalpur “deeply distressing” and acknowledged that while a sudden storm triggered the sinking of the vessel, negligence at some level cannot be ruled out.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS after the four-day-long search operation concluded on Sunday, the Minister outlined the government’s position, the ongoing inquiry, and the immediate corrective steps initiated in the aftermath of the incident.

Lodhi made it clear that the state government is treating the matter with seriousness and transparency, stating that accountability will be fixed once the inquiry is completed.

“This incident is truly tragic, and it is undeniable that negligence played a role,” he said, indicating that the government is not shying away from identifying lapses.

He explained that negligence could include failures in enforcing safety protocols, monitoring weather conditions, or ensuring operational preparedness of the cruise.

The Minister informed that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has already constituted a high-level inquiry committee, which has been given a one-week deadline to submit a comprehensive report.

According to Lodhi, the objective of the probe is to examine every aspect -- from administrative oversight to technical and operational issues.

“Immediate action has been taken against those individuals whose negligence has come to light during the preliminary inquiry. Strict action will also be taken against anyone found guilty after the full investigation,” he said.

Addressing speculation around overcrowding, Lodhi rejected the claim that excess passengers alone caused the tragedy. He clarified that the cruise vessel had a capacity of more than 60 people. “Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that the incident occurred simply because there were too many people on board,” he said, suggesting that such narratives oversimplify a complex situation.

Instead, the Minister pointed to a sudden and severe storm as the immediate cause of the accident. “A severe storm struck, causing the cruise ship to sink. However, it must be acknowledged that there was negligence involved,” he stated, emphasising that while natural factors triggered the incident, human lapses may have worsened its impact.

He indicated that questions are being raised about whether the cruise should have been operating under such weather conditions and whether adequate safety measures were in place.

Lodhi further revealed that the investigation is also focusing on possible technical defects in the vessel. He said authorities are examining whether the cruise met all safety and maintenance standards required for passenger operations. “An investigation is currently underway to determine whether there were any technical defects in the cruise ship; the full truth will soon come to light,” he added, assuring that findings will be made public.

Highlighting immediate government action, the Minister announced that operations of all cruise vessels across Madhya Pradesh have been suspended. He described this as a precautionary step aimed at ensuring passenger safety and restoring public confidence.

“Orders have been issued for teams of officials to conduct physical inspections. Every cruise vessel will be inspected, detailed reports will be prepared, and further decisions regarding their operation will be taken only thereafter,” he said.

On the political reactions surrounding the tragedy, Lodhi urged restraint and responsibility. “This is a horrific tragedy, and it should not be politicised,” he remarked, adding that while questions are natural in such situations, they should be aimed at correcting systemic issues rather than seeking political mileage.

He maintained that both the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have responded with sensitivity, noting that the Chief Minister personally visited the site and met affected families.

Source: IANS

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