Disaster

Natural disasters have almost doubled in the last 20 years

The last two decades have seen several climate-related emergencies, posing a major challenge to human life and its surrounding environment, according to a recent UN disaster report.

Oil tanker burning off the coast of Sri Lanka leaves 1km-long oil slick

The blaze was finally brought under control, but a trail of diesel has been spilled across the sea.

Flash floods kill scores in eastern Afghanistan

Flooding caused by torrential rains has destroyed homes in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province as the country celebrates the Muslim holiday of Eid al Adha. Relief operations continue to help affected families.

Monsoon rains trigger multiple landslides in Nepal

The mudslides killed at least 10 people as the search continues for dozens of others feared buried. Landslides are common in the Himalayan nation during the monsoon season that began in June and lasts up to September.

Dozens more to be buried in mass grave as Myanmar jade mine toll rises

More than 170 people, many of them migrants seeking their fortune in the jade-rich Hpakant area of Kachin state, died on Thursday after mining waste collapsed into a lake, triggering a surge of mud and water.

At least 12 dead, many missing as Australia suffers devastating bushfires

Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holiday makers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames.

Eight dead, 60 hurt as quakes shake northern Philippine islands

The quakes – of magnitude 5.4 and 5.9 – struck the Batanes islands within hours of each other, according to the US Geological Survey. No tsunami alerts were issued.

23 dead, 16 injured in Mali lorry crash

Authorities in Mali said more than 20 people died after tire of a minibus blew out, causing the vehicle to swerve into the path of the lorry coming the other way.

Landslide buries dozens at illegal gold mine in Indonesia

Local disaster official Abdul Muin Paputungan said one person was confirmed dead and 14 people with injuries ranging from light to serious had been rescued. As many as 60 people were buried, he said.

Indonesia calls off search for quake, tsunami victims

Volunteers and family members can continue searching and emergency response efforts would continue until the end of the month, said Indonesia's disaster agency.

Hundreds of missing feared dead in quake-devastated Indonesia

Rescue operations continue on Sulawesi island in Indonesia a week after a devastating earthquake and tsunami last Friday. The death toll is now above 1,500, but that could rise as central areas of the hard-hit island have not yet been reached.

India's flood-hit Kerala faces huge clean-up, fear of disease

The worst floods in a century in the Indian state of Kerala have killed hundreds of people and forced hundreds of thousands into relief camps.