Severe flooding in Maharashtra’s Raigad district has destroyed around one million clay Ganesh idols just weeks before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Thousands of workshops and artisans have suffered major losses as floodwaters swept away finished idols, molds, and raw materials. Many artisans, including Bhaskar Dilip Matre, lost months of work and their primary source of income. Local authorities have begun assessing the damage, with officials promising financial assistance once evaluations are complete.

Raigad is a major hub for Ganesh idol production, hosting about 20,000 workshops that produce up to eight million idols annually, supporting roughly 150,000 seasonal workers and generating business worth 3.5 billion rupees. This year’s floods, caused by over 548 millimeters of rain between July 5 and 7, have disrupted the entire production cycle. Artisans say insurance coverage is insufficient, and many are struggling to meet festival orders.

Some workshop owners are planning to build permanent shelters and raise platforms to protect future production. However, with the festival approaching, artisans are focused on salvaging what remains and fulfilling as many orders as possible.

A rare species of dead marine fish, identified as a unicorn leatherjacket or filefish, washed ashore on Kuakata’s Char Gangamati beach in Patuakhali on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The fish, locally known as 'jacket fish' or 'potka fish', was first spotted by a local resident, Abdul Jalil, who noticed the unusual creature lying on the sand. The discovery quickly drew attention from residents and tourists, who gathered to see the rare specimen.

Local environmentalist K.M. Bachchu described the incident as exceptional, noting that such fish had not been seen in the area before. Experts explained that the filefish, scientifically known as Aluterus monoceros, typically inhabits deep-sea environments and feeds on algae, sponges, jellyfish, shrimp, and other small invertebrates. According to researcher Md. Bakhtiar Rahman from the “Healthy Ocean” project, the fish may have drifted ashore due to environmental changes, stormy weather, or illness, though such occurrences are very rare.

Senior fisheries officer Apu Saha emphasized that when rare marine species appear on the coast, authorities should be informed for preservation and research purposes.

Authorities in Bhangura upazila of Pabna conducted a joint operation on Sunday afternoon, seizing banned Chinese fishing nets worth Tk 260,000. The nets were confiscated from several water bodies in Chakdigar, Satbariya, and Boidyamorich areas and later destroyed by fire. The drive was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, with the participation of the upazila fisheries officer Md. Ali Azam and local police personnel.

According to Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, the Bhangura region, once rich in native fish species due to its proximity to the Chalan Beel wetlands, is now facing a decline in indigenous fish resources. The use of prohibited nets has been identified as a major threat to local fish populations and aquatic biodiversity.

The operation reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to protect aquatic ecosystems and enforce fishing regulations in the region.

United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) has extended humanitarian support to flood-affected residents of Bandarban. As part of its corporate social responsibility program, the bank distributed food packages to 1,000 families impacted by recent floods. The distribution event took place on Sunday morning at the District Council Rest House premises in Bandarban town, where Professor Thanzama Lushai, Chairman of the Bandarban Hill District Council, attended as the chief guest and handed over the aid packages.

During the event, Thanzama Lushai emphasized that helping disaster victims is a collective social and moral duty, noting that private organizations like UCB complement government relief and rehabilitation efforts. UCB’s Zonal Head and Senior Vice President Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury and Bandarban Branch Head Muha. Hanif Chowdhury were also present.

UCB officials stated that the food assistance was aimed at meeting the immediate needs of flood victims and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to continue such humanitarian initiatives during future natural disasters.

Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) A K M Shamsul Islam visited the Bangladesh Meteorological Department in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday. During the visit, he reviewed the department’s ongoing activities in weather observation, forecast preparation, cyclone and heavy rainfall warnings, and dissemination of emergency weather information to the public. Senior officials briefed him on the use of modern technology, data collection methods, and the steps involved in preparing forecasts.

The adviser toured various divisions, including the storm warning center, forecasting, agricultural meteorology, climate, earthquake observatory, and research facilities. He emphasized the need for clear and accessible weather warnings for people in remote areas. Highlighting the growing risks from climate change, he called for transforming the department into a modern, technology-driven, and people-oriented institution. He also instructed officials to explore expanding mobile-based alert services and to strengthen coordination among disaster management agencies, local administrations, media, and telecom operators.

An ISPR press release confirmed that senior officials from the Defense Ministry, SPARRSO, and the Meteorological Department attended the visit.

Continuous heavy rainfall and prolonged tidal flooding have submerged about 25,000 hectares of cropland in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali, damaging Aus paddy, Aman seedbeds, seasonal vegetables, fruits, chili, and betel leaf plantations. According to the local agriculture office, the estimated financial loss may exceed 300 million taka, affecting around 80,000 farmers across the region.

Official data show that 21,520 hectares of Aus paddy, 1,920 hectares of Aman seedbeds, 950 hectares of vegetables, 58 hectares of fruit orchards, 4 hectares of chili, and 10 hectares of betel leaf farms have been damaged. Farmers from several unions, including Char King and Char Ishwar, reported total crop loss. Many, like Kamal Uddin and Hoksab, described losing their entire investment and now face financial hardship.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Bashed Sobuj said field officers are advising affected farmers, and detailed damage reports have been sent to the district agriculture office. He expressed hope that government assistance will soon be allocated to help farmers recover.

At least eight people were killed and six others went missing after heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods in India-administered Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Rajouri districts. Rescue operations are underway in the affected areas, with the most severe damage reported in Surankote of Poonch, where a house was buried by a landslide. Two bodies were recovered from the site, while six people remain unaccounted for. Several others died as homes collapsed or they drowned in floodwaters.

In Rajouri town, floodwaters entered residential areas, forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer locations. Numerous vehicles were swept away, causing extensive property damage. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his Delhi visit to return to Jammu and oversee the situation, stating that the administration is prioritizing relief efforts for the victims.

The weather department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides in the region.

Continuous rainfall and flooding have severely damaged Chattogram’s agricultural sector, affecting crops and water sources across 16 upazilas. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, more than 15,911 hectares of farmland, including Aus paddy, Aman seedbeds, and summer vegetables, have been damaged, with estimated financial losses exceeding Tk 400 crore. Around 20,000 tube wells and over 5,000 toilets were also damaged, creating acute shortages of food and safe drinking water in affected areas.

The worst-hit upazilas include Banshkhali, Sandwip, Chandanaish, Fatikchhari, and Satkania, where large portions of Aus paddy and vegetables were destroyed. Many farmers will need to replant Aman seedbeds, increasing production costs. Health experts have warned that contaminated tube wells could trigger outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid if safe water is not ensured.

Officials from the Department of Public Health Engineering said damage assessments are underway, and efforts are being made to repair or reinstall tube wells and restore safe water supply to flood-affected communities.

Authorities at the Kaptai Dam in Rangamati opened 16 spillway gates by six inches each at 11:20 a.m. on Saturday to release about 9,000 cusecs of water into the Karnaphuli River. The decision followed heavy rainfall and mountain runoff that rapidly raised the water level of Kaptai Lake. The measure aims to manage upstream and downstream water flow and prevent potential flooding.

According to the manager engineer of the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station, the lake’s water level reached 104.08 feet MSL at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Five power generation units are currently operating, producing an average of 222 megawatts of electricity while discharging around 32,000 cusecs of water through turbines. The lake’s maximum capacity is 109 feet MSL, and authorities may open more gates if necessary.

Officials have advised residents in low-lying areas along the Karnaphuli River to remain alert. The situation is being continuously monitored, and Rangamati’s deputy commissioner and other local officials visited the dam to observe the water release operation.

A section of the embankment in Talukdar village under Char Ishwar Union of Hatiya upazila, Noakhali, collapsed on Friday afternoon under pressure from an unusually high tide, flooding three villages. The sudden inundation swept away household furniture, fish from ponds, livestock, and crops. Local residents fear the situation may worsen during the next high tide at night, with further damage expected.

According to local sources, continuous rainfall and high tides had weakened several parts of the embankment before it gave way. Floodwaters rose two to three feet in some areas, submerging rural roads, homes, and farmlands. Union Parishad member Asar Uddin said authorities had been warned earlier but no preventive action was taken. Residents accused officials of negligence and urged immediate repair using geo-bags or sandbags to block water entry.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rasel Iqbal confirmed that the Water Development Board had been alerted earlier, and emergency repairs are planned. Sub-divisional engineer Jamil Uddin Patwary said repair work would begin as soon as weather conditions allow.

Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has forecast intensified rainfall across the country starting from July 20 or 21, with heavy to very heavy showers expected particularly in the northern divisions. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre warned that the combined effect of heavy rain and upstream water from India could worsen the overall flood situation. On Saturday, Nilphamari’s Dimla recorded 137 millimeters of rain, while Rangpur, Sylhet, and Noakhali also experienced significant rainfall.

According to the latest forecasts, active monsoon conditions will bring widespread rain and thunderstorms to Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet, and moderate rain to other regions. Water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara, Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers are rising, with some points already above danger levels. Short-term flooding may occur in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Kurigram.

Authorities have issued local weather alerts for coastal ports and advised fishing boats in the Bay of Bengal to remain near shore. The extent of flooding this week will depend on rainfall intensity and the inflow of water from India.

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has risen to 5,119, according to the latest official figures released on Saturday. The quakes, which occurred on June 24, caused severe damage in the coastal state of La Guaira near the capital Caracas. Authorities reported that the number of injured remains unchanged at 16,740.

Venezuelan parliamentary president Jorge Rodríguez confirmed the updated figures through Telegram. Rescue operations continue in La Guaira, where many buildings collapsed, and bodies are still being recovered from the debris. Thousands of residents have been left homeless and are currently staying in temporary shelters.

Officials have not yet released any formal count of those still missing, leaving uncertainty about the total human impact of the disaster.

The Government of Bangladesh has announced a plan to modernize the country’s public transport system by introducing around 1,400 electric buses. Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and make transport cleaner, safer, and more efficient. The plan includes establishing a universal EV charging network and exploring new systems such as monorail.

According to the secretary, several projects are underway: 500 buses are under financing process, 300 buses are being implemented with South Korean support, and another 400-bus project awaits World Bank approval. Two separate procurement packages worth Tk 400 crore each have been added to accelerate purchases, including a special fleet for women passengers. The government expects visible progress on selected routes by December this year or early next year, initially targeting 200 buses.

A technical committee comprising BUET and MIST experts is developing unified standards for batteries, charging, and mechanical systems. The government is also considering incentives for private operators and discussing fare structures with the finance ministry to balance costs and affordability.

The United States is facing a simultaneous onslaught of wildfires, floods, and smoke pollution, affecting multiple regions at once. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 68 large wildfires are burning across 15 states, with 17 new fires ignited by lightning in the Pacific Northwest. Thick smoke has spread from the Great Lakes to Washington, D.C., while Texas’ Hill Country remains submerged under floodwaters for a third consecutive day. More than 17,400 firefighters, 140 helicopters, and four military C-130 air tankers have been deployed nationwide to combat the crises.

So far this year, about 3.72 million acres of forest have burned—over one million acres more than during the same period last year. Experts from several U.S. universities warn that overlapping disasters amplify overall damage. They link the extreme weather to abnormal jet stream patterns and human-driven climate change, which have tripled stagnant jet stream events since the 1950s.

Researchers also note that global warming intensifies both drought and heavy rainfall, creating conditions where wildfires and floods increasingly occur at the same time.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government has adopted long-term plans, including the construction of sustainable embankments, to minimize losses from floods and tidal surges. He said the government’s primary goal is public welfare and that as an elected administration, it is committed to standing by citizens during any disaster. He made the remarks on Saturday at an event in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, where 100 houses are being built for flood-affected families under the Shamsul Haque Foundation’s initiative.

The minister stated that assistance programs have been introduced for affected farmers, fishers, and livestock owners, including the distribution of fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural materials. Damaged educational institutions, roads, and other infrastructure will be repaired quickly. He added that local administrations and representatives, not the Water Development Board, will manage sluice gates to ensure timely water drainage.

Ahmed emphasized that floods and tidal surges are natural realities in coastal areas but said strong, permanent embankments and new sluice gates are being planned across Cox’s Bazar to reduce future damage.