Ayoola Atitebi

More than 40 construction workers remain trapped following an avalanche near India's Tibetan border, with rescue efforts hindered by severe weather conditions. The avalanche struck Friday at a camp near Mana village in Uttarakhand state amid blizzard conditions. Initially, 57 workers who had been clearing snow became trapped, with 15 subsequently rescued while 42 others remain missing, according to Ridhim Agarwal from the state's disaster relief force. Emergency response teams are attempting to reach the high-altitude camp, which had reportedly been under an avalanche warning since Thursday evening. However, their efforts face significant challenges due to ongoing harsh weather. "It has been snowing with strong winds. … The roads are completely blocked. We have deployed snow cutters to open the road," said Deepam Seth, Uttarakhand's top police officer, in comments to NDTV. The Indian army's Central Command announced they are […]

Approximately 880 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employees, including weather forecasters, were terminated Thursday in the latest wave of federal workforce reductions by the Trump administration, according to CBS News. The layoffs come as Elon Musk, heading the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), continues efforts to cut government spending through funding reductions and staff dismissals. A NOAA spokesperson declined to comment on internal personnel matters but assured that the agency would continue to "provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission." Prior to these cuts, NOAA employed about 12,000 staff worldwide, including 6,773 scientists and engineers. Democratic Congressman Jared Huffman criticized the move, stating that Americans "depend on NOAA for free, accurate forecasts, severe weather alerts, and emergency information." He added that "Musk's sham mission is bringing vital programs to a screeching halt" and warned […]

A tour bus accident in eastern Thailand has left 18 people dead and 23 injured after the vehicle overturned into a ditch, according to police reports. Colonel Sophon Phramaneehe explained the cause of the Wednesday crash: "It was a downhill road and the brakes failed, and the driver lost control of the vehicle before it overturned." He confirmed the deceased were adults participating in a study trip. The bus was carrying 49 Thai nationals, including the driver. Social media showed emergency personnel responding at the scene in Prachinburi province, approximately 155km east of Bangkok, assisting victims near the overturned bus. Local official Somjai Phutthasena reported about 20 injured passengers were hospitalized, with several in critical condition. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra offered condolences and announced an ongoing investigation. She warned on X that legal consequences would follow if safety violations were […]

The death toll from a military aircraft crash in Omdurman near Sudan's capital has risen to at least 46 people, with 10 others injured, officials confirmed. The Antonov plane crashed Tuesday evening during takeoff from Wadi Seidna military airport in northern Omdurman, part of greater Khartoum. The Khartoum Media Office updated the casualty figures on Wednesday, revising the health ministry's initial report of 19 deaths. The aircraft reportedly crashed over a residential house in Omdurman's Karrari district. Major-General Bahr Ahmed, a high-ranking Khartoum commander, was reportedly among those killed. The Sudanese military, currently engaged in conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, confirmed both military personnel and civilians perished in the incident. Military sources told Reuters the crash was likely caused by technical failure, though the official statement provided no specific cause. Local residents reported hearing a […]