Following a series of earthquakes in November that rattled Bangladesh, experts are calling for the country to learn from Japan’s extensive experience in earthquake preparedness and resilience. Japan, located on the seismically active Ring of Fire, experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually but minimizes casualties through strict building codes, public awareness, and regular drills. Japanese citizens are trained from childhood to respond calmly and effectively during tremors, while cities maintain clear evacuation routes and safe zones. Structural innovations such as seismic isolation, motion dampers, and flexible mesh frameworks help Japanese skyscrapers withstand strong quakes. In contrast, many smaller private buildings in Bangladesh fail to follow seismic codes, leaving them vulnerable. Experts emphasize that Bangladesh should prioritize awareness programs, regular earthquake drills in schools and workplaces, and enforcement of construction regulations. They also stress the need for political will to ensure urban safety and disaster resilience.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter emphasized the need for responsible harvesting, technological innovation, science-based policymaking, and effective governance to ensure sustainable marine development. Speaking at the second day of the international conference ‘Marine Fisheries and Blue Innovations: Safeguarding Ocean Harmony’ in Chattogram, she said that identifying the blue economy as a national priority has created opportunities for a sustainable ocean future through coordination among science, policy, and community development. Farida highlighted alarming declines in small pelagic fish stocks—down 78.6% in seven years—and the rise of jellyfish due to reduced predator fish, signaling ecological imbalance in the Bay of Bengal. She also warned that the hilsa fish, a national and global heritage species, faces serious threats. Farida called for regional and global cooperation to combat climate change and illegal fishing, and urged that research findings by Bangladeshi scientists be prioritized in policymaking for ecosystem protection and climate-resilient fisheries management.

At least 712 people have been confirmed dead and more than 500 remain missing after devastating floods and landslides struck Indonesia’s Sumatra Island last week, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The disaster has affected around 1.1 million people across three provinces, with North and West Sumatra suffering the worst damage. Communication and transportation links in areas like Tapanuli and Sibolga have been completely severed, hampering rescue and relief operations. Despite government and international aid being sent by air and sea, many remote villages remain cut off, leading to severe shortages of food and clean water. Reports of looting and unrest have emerged as desperate residents struggle to survive. Authorities have deployed police to maintain order and facilitate aid distribution. In response to the communication crisis, technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced free Starlink internet services to support emergency connectivity in the affected regions.

The northern Bangladeshi district of Panchagarh, particularly Tetulia, is experiencing an early onset of winter as temperatures dropped to 11.7°C on Tuesday, the lowest of the season so far. The cold, combined with 79% humidity and dense fog, has significantly reduced visibility, forcing vehicles to use headlights even during the day. Local residents and drivers reported difficulties due to the biting cold and poor visibility, with reduced passenger numbers affecting daily income. The Tetulia Weather Observatory confirmed that temperatures had hovered around 13°C for several days before falling further. Officials indicated that such an early temperature drop in December could signal the possibility of a cold wave in the coming days. Despite daytime sunshine, the chill in the early morning and evening hours has intensified, making daily life increasingly difficult for locals.

A mild earthquake was felt in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram city, and the surrounding hilly areas just before 1 a.m. on Monday. Residents in Cox’s Bazar, Ukhiya, and Chakaria reported light tremors lasting a few seconds, prompting some to rush outdoors in fear. No casualties or property damage have been reported so far. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake measured 4.9 in magnitude, with its epicenter located in Natchuang, Sagaing region of Myanmar. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed similar data. This marks the eighth earthquake felt in Bangladesh since November 21, when a 5.2-magnitude quake struck Narsingdi and was felt across the country. Experts note that the recent series of mild tremors may indicate ongoing regional tectonic activity, though no major threat has been identified yet.

Lalmonirhat district in northern Bangladesh recorded the country’s lowest temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, December 1, according to the Kurigram Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Observatory. The acting officer, Shubel Chandra Sarkar, stated that the temperature could drop further in the coming days, with dense fog likely to persist. Locals reported heavy fog across Lalmonirhat Sadar and five surrounding upazilas, with visibility so low that fog appeared to fall like drizzle between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Due to poor visibility, vehicles on the Lalmonirhat-Burimari highway and regional roads were forced to move slowly with headlights on even during the day. Meteorologists warned that the cold wave could strengthen if the current weather pattern continues.

The death toll from severe flooding and landslides in Indonesia has climbed to 442, with 402 people still missing, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The disaster, triggered by tropical storm Seniyar, has devastated parts of Sumatra Island, leaving thousands displaced and many areas inaccessible. Relief operations are ongoing, with aid being delivered by air and sea, though poor weather and lack of heavy equipment have slowed progress. Two naval ships have been deployed from Jakarta to deliver supplies to the worst-hit areas, including Sibolga and North Sumatra’s Central Tapanuli district. Across Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 600 deaths. Authorities continue to struggle with damaged roads and disrupted communication lines, further complicating rescue and relief operations.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Md. Faruk Ahmed confirmed that no physical displacement occurred in Dhaka’s metro rail infrastructure following the recent earthquake. Speaking at a press conference in Uttara on December 1, he said that passenger safety remains the top priority and that operations were temporarily halted for thorough inspections. Engineers physically examined all metro structures for four to five hours after the tremor, including bearing pads at Farmgate and Bijoy Sarani. Two test runs were conducted before resuming public service, causing a 27-minute delay. Ahmed also addressed misinformation circulating on social media, dismissing claims that metro structures had collapsed. He clarified that only minor cracks appeared on a wall, two tiles fell, and a few ceiling pads loosened, none of which indicated structural damage. The DMTCL reassured commuters that the metro system remains safe and fully operational.

Severe tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have killed more than 900 people across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka over the past week to ten days. Indonesia’s Sumatra Island was hardest hit by Cyclone Seniyar, with at least 435 deaths and more than 400 people missing. Sri Lanka, battered by Cyclone Ditwah, reported 334 deaths and extensive damage to over 25,000 homes, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. In southern Thailand, 162 people died and 3.5 million were affected, though floodwaters have begun to recede. Malaysia reported two deaths and the evacuation of 34,000 people from coastal areas. Rescue operations continue across all four nations, with military helicopters delivering aid to isolated regions. Communication and transport networks remain severely disrupted in many affected areas, while reports of looting have emerged in some Indonesian towns due to delayed relief supplies.

After a ten-month ban imposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, tourists are once again permitted to stay overnight on Bangladesh’s only coral island, Saint Martin’s. Starting Monday, four ships have been authorized to operate daily from Cox’s Bazar to the island, with the permission valid until January 31. Authorities have capped the number of tourists at 2,000 per day and mandated strict adherence to environmental guidelines to protect the island’s fragile biodiversity. Visitors must purchase tickets online through a government-approved portal containing a QR-coded travel pass. The administration has reiterated the importance of sustainable tourism, prohibiting activities such as beach lighting at night, loud music, barbecues, and the use of single-use plastics. The move follows a limited reopening in November that allowed day trips only, but no overnight stays. Officials emphasize that preserving Saint Martin’s ecological balance is a national priority, and compliance with the 12-point conservation directive is mandatory for all visitors.

At least 212 people have been confirmed dead and more than 218 remain missing after Cyclone Ditwah battered Sri Lanka, triggering heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides across the island. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that nearly one million people have been affected, with around 200,000 displaced and taking shelter in 1,275 relief centers. The central region suffered the most damage, while Colombo’s northern areas were inundated after the Kelani River overflowed. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving over 24,000 personnel from the police, army, and air force. The air force has evacuated more than 120 people by helicopter from the eastern Mavil Aru reservoir area, where a dam breach caused severe flooding. Authorities warn that floodwaters in Colombo may take another day to recede, although the weather department forecasts drier conditions ahead. Cyclone Ditwah has since moved toward India, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.

A powerful winter storm has swept across the US Midwest, bringing over a foot of snow and causing major disruptions from South Dakota to New York. More than 53 million people were under winter weather alerts as heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms created hazardous conditions. Des Moines recorded 10.9 inches (28 cm) of snow by midnight Sunday, marking its heaviest two-day snowfall since January 2024. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport saw 8.4 inches of snow on Saturday, setting a new November snowfall record for the city. Illinois State Police reported around 500 vehicle accidents in the Chicago area on Saturday alone. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as cleanup and recovery efforts continue amid freezing temperatures and ongoing weather warnings.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has warned that marine fish stocks in the Bay of Bengal are rapidly declining due to illegal, unregulated, and excessive fishing, as well as the use of harmful nets. Speaking at the debriefing of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF)-Nansen Survey 2025 in Dhaka, she said the recent R.V. Dr. Fridtjof Nansen survey results highlight an alarming depletion of fish resources. The survey found oxygen-depleted zones, high microplastic concentrations, and abnormal jellyfish proliferation, signaling severe ecological stress. Akhter urged stricter control over industrial trawler licensing and called for scientific planning to ensure sustainable deep-sea fishing. The survey, conducted from August 21 to September 21, 2025, identified 65 new fish species, including five unique to the Bay of Bengal. Officials from Norway, FAO, and Bangladesh emphasized continued international cooperation and the need for Bangladesh to acquire its own research vessel to strengthen marine resource management and biodiversity conservation.

In Bangladesh’s Chalan Beel region, widespread snail collection has raised serious environmental concerns as local farmers and fishers, facing seasonal unemployment, harvest snails for sale to traders who supply them as feed for ducks and fish. The trade, reportedly worth around 50,000 taka daily at Bilsha point alone, has become a major source of income for marginalized communities. However, environmental experts warn that snails play a crucial ecological role by cleaning water bodies and maintaining soil fertility. Their indiscriminate removal could lead to water pollution, reduced fish production, and declining soil quality. Despite existing laws protecting aquatic species, enforcement remains weak, allowing the practice to continue unchecked. Local biodiversity activists have urged administrative intervention, while agricultural officials caution that the loss of snails and other aquatic organisms could reduce calcium levels in the soil, ultimately affecting crop yields. The local administration has pledged to investigate and take legal action against those involved.

In a rare and astonishing event in the deep Bay of Bengal, around three maunds of hilsa fish reportedly jumped directly onto a cargo vessel without the use of nets. The incident occurred about 70 kilometers off the coast near the first buoy of the Rabnabad Channel at Payra Port in Patuakhali. Crew members of the coal-carrying vessel MV KSL Gladiator witnessed the unusual phenomenon as schools of small hilsa suddenly leapt from the sea onto the ship’s deck, resembling a silvery rain. Ship engineer Robiul Hossain captured a short video of the event and shared it with journalists. Marine science expert Dr. Rajib Sarkar from Patuakhali Science and Technology University explained that the behavior might have been triggered by predatory fish chasing the hilsa, combined with the ship’s lights, vibrations, and propeller noise, which could have disoriented the fish and caused them to leap upwards. The sailors described the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime sight.