snow Archives - Disasters News

Apr212025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Himalayan Snowfall Crisis Major River Basins Record Sharpest Decline in Snow Persistence

In a concerning climate signal all three major river basins of the Indian Subcontinent the Ganga Indus and Brahmaputra are witnessing their steepest declines in snow persistence, a new report warns. The findings, released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on April 21, 2025, reveal that the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region is experiencing its third consecutive below-normal snow year. Snow persistence defined as the duration snow remains on the ground after snowfall is a key indicator for seasonal water availability. A drop in this metric threatens water security for millions, as snowmelt feeds major rivers across South Asia. The Ganga basin, which saw its highest snow persistence of +30.2% in 2015, has plummeted to a 23-year low of -24.1% in 2025...

Mar32025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rajasthan Churu Leaving Farmers Devastated as Crops Destroyed in Thar Desert’s Unexpected Winter Scene

Breaking News, Climate Actions

The Churu district of Rajasthan known for its scorching temperatures and arid terrain witnessed an unusual hailstorm and heavy rainfall, transforming parts of the Great Indian Thar Desert into a surreal winter-like landscape. Villages such as Bhanipura, Bisarasar, Rajasar, and Sardarshahar were blanketed in hail, with farmers counting heavy losses as crops neared harvest. Hailstones, described as the size of jujubes, wreaked havoc on farmlands, devastating mustard, wheat, barley, isabgol, fenugreek, and gram crops. Vishnu Parikh, a farmer from Rajasar Panwaran, expressed his distress, stating, "Everything we worked for this season is gone in minutes. The damage is severe." Another farmer, Raj Kumar Sharma, called for immediate government relief and compensation, fearing an economic setb...

Feb282025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heavy Snowfall Hits Himachal Higher Reaches IMD Predicts heavy Rain Snowfall

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

The higher-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh have been blanketed in fresh snowfall, while widespread rainfall has drenched the state over the past 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued snowfall in upper reaches and rain across most regions for the next 48 hours. According to IMD’s Senior Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Kullu received 22 mm of rain, while Manali witnessed 20 cm of snowfall. Other higher-altitude areas, including Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, recorded nearly one to one and a half feet of snow overnight. The snowfall is expected to persist in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur, with heavy rainfall likely in parts of Kangra. Daytime temperatures across Himachal Pradesh are currently ...

Jan132025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Winter Storm Paralyzes Mid-Atlantic as NOAA Satellites Prove Vital

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Space, Tech

On January 6, 2025, a ferocious winter storm swept through Washington, D.C., and the Mid-Atlantic region, bringing life to a halt with heavy snowfall, icy winds, and widespread disruptions. As the storm wreaked havoc across states, NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) played a critical role in forecasting and mitigating its impact, proving indispensable in the face of extreme weather. The storm began its journey across the Central Plains, leaving a trail of heavy snow and plunging temperatures in states like Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio. By the time it reached the Mid-Atlantic, it had gathered strength, blanketing Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in thick layers of snow. In the nation’s capital, over five inches of snow accumulated by eve...

Jan62025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Winter Storm Hits US Heartland: Record Snowfall, Dangerous Conditions, and Widespread Disruptions

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

A powerful winter storm blanketed parts of the central United States with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and setting records in several areas. The National Weather Service described it as the potential "heaviest snowfall in a decade" for some regions, impacting 63 million people across the central and southern U.S. States Struggle with Record Snowfall and Ice Major roadways in Kansas, western Nebraska, and Indiana were buried under snow, leading to closures and travel chaos. Snowfall north of Interstate 70 in Kansas reached 10 inches, with some areas predicting totals exceeding 14 inches. Indiana: Portions of major interstates were fully covered in snow, prompting officials to activate the state’s National Guard to assist...

Dec282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Season First Major Snowfall in Srinagar Disrupts Air Travel, Cancels All Flights

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Srinagar experienced its first major snowfall of the season on Friday, bringing picturesque views to the Valley but causing significant disruptions at Srinagar International Airport. Heavy snow accumulation and reduced visibility led to the cancellation of all flights, leaving passengers stranded. Operations at the airport began smoothly but were soon halted due to snow buildup on the runway and dense cloud cover. “So far, five flights have been cancelled. I urge passengers to check the status as the ongoing snowfall is affecting operations,” said the airport director. An airport spokesperson added, “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority, and operations are heavily dependent on weather conditions.” Passengers expressed mixed emotions about the delays. While so...

Dec252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Shimla Manali Turn into White Wonderland as Fresh Snowfall Delights on Christmas Eve

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Popular tourist destinations Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, along with parts of Jammu and Kashmir, have been transformed into stunning snowy landscapes, bringing festive cheer for visitors celebrating Christmas. However, the heavy snowfall has also caused disruptions, including road closures and accidents. Shimla, Manali, and surrounding regions have been receiving snowfall, creating picturesque views that have flooded social media. The weather has delighted tourists seeking a ‘white Christmas,’ a rare and cherished experience. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and snow at isolated locations in Himachal Pradesh, with the heaviest snowfall expected between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. The heavy snow has resulted in the closure of over 200 roads...

Jun182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Water Shortages Feared as Hindu Kush Himalaya Records Second-Lowest Snow Persistence on Record, Warns ICIMOD Report

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Snow persistence, the fraction of time snow remains on the ground, is significantly lower than normal in the Hindu Kush Himalaya this year, with serious implications for downstream communities’ water security. Leading experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), which publishes the annual Snow Update Report, warn water management officials to initiate drought management strategies and pre-emptive emergency water supply measures. The report reveals that snowmelt, a critical source of water, contributes approximately 23% of the total water flow to 12 major river basins originating in the HKH region. However, its contribution varies significantly among rivers: the Amu Darya receives 74% of its flow from snowmelt, the Helmand 77%, and the Indus 40%. ...