Rainfall activity is likely to increase from Thursday. Several coastal and adjoining districts may receive heavy showers till January 11. The India Meteorological Department said such intense January systems are uncommon over the Bay of Bengal.

Officials noted that only 20 intense weather systems have formed in January since 1891. Meteorologists said unfavourable atmospheric conditions usually limit intensification during this month. Advances in satellite monitoring have improved detection since the 1960s.

The Regional Meteorological Centre said the system may move west-northwestwards over the next 48 hours. Heavy rainfall is expected in Ramanathapuram and Thanjavur on Thursday. An orange alert was issued for Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam on Friday. Delta districts may see intense rain on January 10. Northern districts, including Chennai, may experience heavy rainfall over the weekend. Officials advised residents to remain alert.

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The curriculum will train students in CPR, the Heimlich manoeuvre, first aid, snake-bite response, and proper use of fire extinguishers. In addition, it will include disaster-preparedness modules covering earthquakes, landslides, floods, and fires, ensuring students are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

Chief Minister Tamang highlighted the importance of soft skills, saying the programme will enhance communication, teamwork, and emotional resilience among students. He instructed the Education Department, Health Department, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to finalize the curriculum and training modules promptly for timely implementation.

“I am delighted to announce a major initiative aimed at empowering our students and strengthening the safety framework of Sikkim,” Tamang said during the 3rd State-level Coordination meeting with senior officials.

Aligned with the guiding principles of “Health First, Life Foremost and Education Forward,” the curriculum reflects the state’s focus on holistic student development. Tamang also addressed the shortage of medical professionals in Sikkim, mandating that doctors seeking postgraduate courses must first complete three years of service at Primary Health Centres.

Additionally, the Chief Minister directed all departments to appoint senior officers as official spokespersons to issue accurate press releases, provide public information, and counter misinformation. This comprehensive approach aims to combine safety, skill-building, and effective communication for a safer and more prepared Sikkim.

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Due to this low pressure system, the department predicts sustained rainfall in Andhra Pradesh from November 24 to 27. The highest rainfall will likely hit Rayalaseema and coastal districts. Meteorologists added that moderate to very heavy showers are expected in these regions.

Given the forecast, the department has urged farmers to remain alert. They specifically recommended precautionary measures, especially for fields in vulnerable zones. The rainfall could affect crops, so farmers should prepare now. Local authorities are collaborating to issue clear guidance.

Meanwhile, Telangana is expected to remain unaffected by this low pressure system. Meteorologists believe the pressure effect won’t cross into Telangana’s territory. Residents in that state can breathe easy for now. However, Andhra Pradesh communities must brace themselves for three days of heavy rain.

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Sisodia, accompanied by District Collector DK Balaji, Joint Collector M Naveen, and SP V Vidyasagar Naidu, chaired a review meeting with district officials. He instructed them to ensure safety, maintain coordination, and stock all rehabilitation centres with essentials like food, water, and medicines. He also advised people to keep torches, candles, and batteries ready during possible power outages.

Amrapali and Joint Collector Naveen visited rehabilitation centres in Garaladibba and Gilakaladindi villages. They interacted with evacuees and verified facilities for women, children, and senior citizens. Naveen said 188 centres were arranged and fishermen from coastal areas were brought back safely.

Earlier, Collector DK Balaji and SP Vidyasagar Naidu inspected Kruthivennu, Bantumilli, Pedana, and Machilipatnam mandals. They alerted local officers and guided them on preventive measures to reduce damage and ensure public safety during Cyclone Montha’s impact.

The post Officials Review Cyclone Montha Preparations in Krishna District appeared first on India Podcast.

In Hualien County, the lake collapse sent a massive wall of water downstream, destroying a bridge and damaging nearby towns. Officials confirmed 14 deaths and 18 injuries, while Taiwan’s National Fire Agency reported 124 people unaccounted for. Rescue teams are working to locate the missing.

Floodwaters in some Hualien neighborhoods rose as high as two stories, forcing 263 residents to shelter in place. Authorities advised them to wait until waters receded before evacuation. Precautionary measures likely prevented a higher death toll.

Across Taiwan, more than 7,600 people were evacuated, including 3,100 near Hualien Creek who were relocated to safer areas. Officials warned that casualties may rise as rescue operations continue and more affected areas become accessible.

The post Super Typhoon Ragasa Causes Deadly Floods in Taiwan appeared first on India Podcast.

The MLA refuted BBMB’s claim that this year’s monsoon brought unprecedented rainfall, arguing that the board’s failure to release surplus water from the previous season worsened the disaster. “This was a foreseeable and avoidable situation,” he stated.

Rana Inder Partap Singh has called for an all-party meeting to fix accountability and create a proactive disaster management plan. “Political parties must come together to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Punjab’s people,” he said.

He also highlighted the lack of timely flood control measures in his constituency. “Farmers are suffering, and we are still waiting for intervention,” he added. The MLA urged both state and central governments to reform the BBMB and ensure better accountability moving forward.

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Reddy alleged that despite clear forecasts, the government neither alerted officials nor warned the public. He accused ministers of remaining absent when urgent action was needed. “The Congress authorities chose to sleep through the warnings,” he remarked, calling it gross negligence.

He also criticized the poor response after the floods, claiming relief and rescue efforts lacked coordination. According to him, flood-hit communities faced additional suffering due to mismanagement in aid distribution and rehabilitation.

Reddy demanded accountability and stronger disaster-preparedness measures, stressing that governance must prioritize public safety to avoid such tragedies in the future.

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