Heavy rain in Manipur has caused flooding again, just weeks after the state experienced a major flood in May. The rain over the past day has made rivers like Thoubal and Iril overflow, flooding parts of Imphal and other areas.
Government minister Awangbow Newmai visited several places in Imphal to check the rivers and prevent more flooding. He said the government is working hard to control the situation and asked people to help.
Due to the rising water levels and ongoing rain, all schools in Manipur will be closed on July 3rd and 4th for the safety of students and teachers.
In Senapati district, one man died when his vehicle was swept into the river by a mudslide on Monday. His body was found the next morning. Another person is missing after being caught in a landslide along the Imphal-Dimapur road.
In May, Manipur had its third-worst flood ever, with two deaths and many people affected.
Deadly Stampede at India Religious Event Leaves Over 50 Dead: What Happened?
More than 50 people have died in a tragic incident at a religious gathering in northern India. The event, known as a satsang, happened in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh.
Officials say the disaster occurred when people were leaving the gathering in Mughalgarhi village. Witnesses described chaos as screams erupted and people fell over each other, resulting in many being crushed to death.
The victims, including many women and some children, are still being identified. Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the stampede-like situation as they tried to escape.
Rescue efforts were challenging, with injured individuals being rushed to hospitals in makeshift vehicles like pick-up trucks and motorbikes. Distressing scenes showed bodies piled up at hospital entrances, while distraught relatives cried out for help.
Authorities mentioned that the venue was overcrowded, and a committee had been formed to investigate the incident thoroughly. Medical procedures and investigations are ongoing.
Tragically, such accidents are not uncommon at large religious gatherings in India, where safety measures can be overlooked in crowded spaces. The community in Hathras is overwhelmed with grief and struggling to cope with the aftermath of this devastating event.
Kerala Witnesses Alarming Surge: 90% of India’s Fresh Covid-19 Cases; Omicron Variant Detected | Latest Updates and Implications
New Delhi: There has been a sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Kerala, with two deaths from the virus reported this month. According to official figures, the state reported 470 cases in November, and 825 new ones within the first ten days of this month, the highest in India.
Rising Cases in Kerala
The state of Kerala has witnessed a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, with 90% of the fresh cases in India being reported from the region. The numbers have escalated from 470 cases in November to a concerning 825 new cases in the first ten days of December, making it the highest in the country.
Underlying Causes
Patients admitted to hospitals with respiratory symptoms are testing negative for H1N1 but positive for Covid-19, according to Dr. Sunny P. Orathel, the state hospital medical superintendent. He notes that, in some cases, symptoms persist for a month or two, and the current aggravation might be linked to atmospheric pollution and climate change.
Severity and Vulnerability
While the majority of cases are not severe, individuals with existing comorbidities and low immunity remain vulnerable. Health experts emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of the virus despite the relatively low severity of cases.
Omicron Variant Concerns
Recent reports suggest the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron variant in Kerala, sparking fresh concerns. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and continuous monitoring as the situation unfolds. If the cases continue to rise, the Kerala government may consider imposing restrictions and preventive measures in sensitive areas.
Regional and Global Impact
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has confirmed the presence of the JN.1 variant in Kerala. This variant has also been detected in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Indonesia, where authorities are responding by making masks mandatory at airports.
Covid-19 Cases in India
According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, India recorded 237 new coronavirus infections on Friday, with active cases increasing to 1,296. The total death toll stands at 5,33,310, and the national recovery rate is reported at 98.81%. While the overall recovery is promising, the recent single-day rise of 252 new infections marks the highest since June 2 this year.
Symptoms of COVID-19 to Watch Out For
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights common symptoms of COVID-19, including fever or chills, cough, breathlessness, fatigue, and muscle or body aches. Individuals may also experience less common but serious symptoms like pink eyes, swollen eyes, fainting, and more. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
As the situation unfolds, health authorities are urging the public to adhere to safety measures and stay informed about the evolving nature of the pandemic.
Extreme Rainfall Hits Kothagudem: Two Fatalities Reported in Khammam
Kothagudem: Cyclone Michaung has unleashed havoc in the Kothagudem district, with extreme rainfall wreaking havoc in five mandals. The heavy downpour, measuring 31 cm, was recorded in Aswaraopet mandal from 8.30 am on Tuesday to 8.30 am on Wednesday, with Maddukuru of Chandrugonda mandal experiencing 30.8 cm of rainfall.
Several areas, including Dammapet, Annapureddypally, and Kothagudem mandals, faced the brunt of the extreme weather, receiving rainfall ranging from 26 cm to 21.2 cm. A total of 12 mandals witnessed very heavy rainfall, while nine recorded heavy rainfall during this period.
Tragically, two lives were lost in Khammam, where 10 mandals experienced very heavy rainfall, and others faced varying degrees of rainfall. A couple, N Pulla Ra and Lakshmi, tragically lost their lives due to a wall collapse at Cheruvu Madaram village in Nelakondapalli Mandal.
Apart from the human toll, the heavy rains have led to other repercussions. In Bhimavaram of Aswapuram Mandal, 40 sheep perished due to the extreme cold weather. The Kinnerasani project in Paloncha Mandal had to lift two gates to release 8,000 cusecs of excess water downstream. A similar situation unfolded at the Peddavagu project in Gummadavalli village of Aswaraopet mandal.
A breach in the bund of the Perantala tank at Dammapet mandal headquarters inundated paddy fields, affecting standing crops across thousands of acres. The rainwater standing in agricultural fields has brought coal production in SCCL opencast mines to a halt.
Vehicular movements have been severely impacted, with Superintendent for Police Dr. Vineeth G stating that several roads in Dammapet, Aswaraopet, Sujatha Nagar, Julurpad, Aswapuram, and Mulakalapalli mandals are restricted due to overflowing rainwater. Precautionary measures, such as setting up barricades on inundated roads, have been implemented to ensure public safety. The Superintendent urges people to cooperate with the police to prevent untoward incidents during these heavy rains.
As the region copes with the aftermath of the extreme rainfall, authorities are on high alert, implementing measures to mitigate further damage and ensure the safety of the affected population.
Tragic Turn in Vizag Gas Leak Incident: Family of Four Succumbs to Burns
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: The gas leak incident that occurred in Madhurawada Vambay Colony five days ago has taken a tragic turn, with the death toll rising to four. All four members of a family who sustained severe burns in the fire accident have succumbed to their injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Y. Balaraju, 60, his wife Chinni, 55, and their sons Giri, 22, and Kartik, 21. The family was at home when the gas leak occurred, triggering a fire that engulfed their residence. All four were rushed to the hospital with severe burn injuries.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the family members’ condition deteriorated, and they passed away one by one. Youngest son Kartik was the first to succumb to his injuries, followed by his father, mother, and elder brother.
The devastating incident has cast a pall over the community, and the loss of an entire family has left their relatives and friends inconsolable. Authorities are investigating the cause of the gas leak and are taking steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with gas leaks and the importance of implementing strict safety measures to prevent such occurrences. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and the community during this difficult time.
