Wildfires across Indonesia have burned more than 107,000 hectares and sent smoke into neighboring Malaysia, where air pollution has reached unhealthy levels in parts of Sarawak. In the small Sarawak town of Serian, the air pollution index measured 195 on Wednesday morning, according to the report published on August 12. At least nine areas of Sarawak recorded unhealthy air quality as haze from the Indonesian fires spread across the border.

Indonesian authorities are using aircraft for cloud seeding to create artificial rainfall as they struggle to contain the fires. Response efforts are being prioritized in six provinces: Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan and Riau. These regions contain extensive peatlands that can burn easily during dry seasons. Schools in several fire-hit provinces have been closed for three days.

In Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, resident Darwin Romi said fires had persisted for more than a month, with dense smoke causing eye irritation and a strong odor. A water shortage has also hampered firefighting. About 550 hectares burned in East Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park before the fire was controlled on Monday, while the area has remained closed to tourists since August 8 amid renewed fire concerns.

Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has instructed four seaports to display local warning signal No. 3 after a low-pressure area formed over the northern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining West Bengal-Bangladesh coast. The information was issued in a notice signed by meteorologist Dr Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik at about 10:15am on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The notice said the low-pressure system may intensify. Gusty winds could sweep across the northern Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh’s coastal areas as a result. The warning was issued because of the risk of such winds affecting maritime and coastal conditions.

The directive applies to the seaports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal have also been asked to remain close to the coast and move carefully until further instructions are issued. The notice reiterated the possibility that the low-pressure area could become more concentrated and bring gusty winds over coastal areas.

Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department said rainfall is likely to increase across the country from August 13 to 19 as a new low-pressure area may form over the northwestern Bay of Bengal by Wednesday. Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque said Wednesday may be relatively dry, though rain will continue in varying amounts during the monsoon season. Heavy rain is possible in some areas.

Coastal areas are expected to receive more rainfall during the period. Haque said heavy to very heavy rain may occur, but the likelihood of prolonged very heavy rainfall similar to earlier episodes is lower. In the 24 hours ending at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dhaka recorded 35 millimetres of rain, while Gopalganj recorded the highest total, 61 millimetres.

Lower rainfall contributed to warmer, humid conditions nationwide on Tuesday. Rajarhat in Kurigram recorded the highest temperature at 36.4 degrees Celsius, while Dhaka recorded 35.5 degrees. Forecasts said several divisions could receive rain or thunderstorms with gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday, with moderate heavy rainfall possible in isolated places. The department also said rainfall tendency may rise over the following five days.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said the Teesta Master Plan is closely linked to the prosperity of Bangladesh’s northern region and could eliminate disasters such as floods and drought if implemented. He made the remarks on August 11 at a progress briefing workshop in the capital’s BIAM auditorium, saying the current patriotic democratic government is committed to implementing the plan.

Dulu said people in the six-season country have grown up alongside disasters, which strike in various forms regularly. He said the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry stands beside people who lose everything during such crises. The minister described the Teesta plan as important to the fortune and development of the northern population.

The workshop concerned a project to improve flood early-warning and communication systems at the local level, implemented by the Department of Disaster Management under the Prabhati project. It is being carried out in 19 flood-prone upazilas of Gaibandha, Kurigram and Jamalpur in the northwest. According to Dulu, the initiative helps local communities address flood risks through improved seasonal flood forecasting and the dissemination of advance warnings.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s traffic division filed 915 cases in July against vehicles emitting black smoke in the capital. The cases were brought during operations in different areas of Dhaka aimed at preventing environmental pollution and stopping excessive black smoke emissions from vehicles using the roads.

Among DMP’s eight traffic divisions, Motijheel recorded the highest number with 354 cases. Wari filed 172 cases, Tejgaon 131, Uttara 128 and Gulshan 56. Mirpur registered 36 cases, Ramna 34 and Lalbagh four, according to DMP traffic division sources.

The traffic division said it conducts such operations regularly as part of efforts to curb pollution caused by black smoke-emitting vehicles. It said the drives and legal action against vehicles responsible for black smoke emissions will continue.

About 650,000 native tree seedlings have been planted on government forest land and other sites in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, under a mega plan to plant 2.5 billion trees. The initiative aims to maintain environmental balance, restore forest areas, conserve biodiversity and address the effects of climate change. Planting took place on forest department land across Rajapalong, Palongkhali, Jaliapalong, Ratnapalong and Haldia Palong unions.

The programme includes nearly 30 species, including garjan, neem, champa, chalta, bahera, arjun, jarul, kadam, shimul, sonalu, palash, teak, mahogany, banyan and sissoo. On Sunday, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam inspected a 150-hectare fast-growing plantation of mixed native species created in the 2025-26 fiscal year under the HELP project at the Thaingkhali Beat of Ukhiya Range.

The state minister expressed satisfaction with seedling growth and maintenance work and planted one neem and one chapalish seedling. Forest officials said regular weeding, maintenance, monitoring and guarding are underway. They expect that if the programme is implemented successfully and seedlings survive, green cover in Ukhiya’s hilly areas will increase over the coming years, while helping curb soil erosion and create habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The death toll from a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to 132, with more than 480 people injured, according to the report published on August 11, 2026. The quake struck Chocó province at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, at a depth of about 107 kilometres near San José del Palmar. Authorities fear more people may remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings, raising the prospect of further casualties.

Tremors were felt across Colombia and in neighbouring Venezuela and Ecuador, though no tsunami warning was issued. Risaralda province, known for coffee production, was among the worst-hit areas. In Pereira and nearby districts, at least 40 people died and 65 buildings collapsed. People were feared trapped in the rubble of 15 of those structures, while a curfew was imposed in parts of Pereira until 5 a.m. Tuesday.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster situation, enabling special government powers and possible budget reallocations. More than 1,500 homes were damaged nationwide, he said. Several regional airports were affected, while Bogotá reported cracks in some buildings but no major infrastructure damage.

Severe riverbank erosion has emerged in Kazipur, Sirajganj, as water levels in the Jamuna River rise following upstream hill runoff and heavy rainfall. Published on August 11, the report says erosion has become particularly intense in the Chargiris area, placing Chargiris Government Primary School, homes, trees and other structures at risk. Low-lying areas in Kazipur, সদর, Belkuchi, Shahjadpur and Chauhali upazilas are also being inundated.

Chargiris resident Abdur Razzaq said erosion had eased for several days but intensified over the past two days. Roads, cropland and trees are being washed into the river, while homes are collapsing so quickly that residents have no time to move them, he said. He alleged that no measures are being taken to stop the erosion. Water levels have also risen in Sirajganj’s Gumani, Gohala, Bara Pangasi, Ichamati, Fuljor, Bangali, Baral and Hurasagar rivers.

Water Development Board Sub-Divisional Engineer Zakir Hossain said the Jamuna has risen for seven consecutive days. In the past 24 hours, water rose six centimetres at the Sirajganj town protection embankment hard point and three centimetres at Meghai Ghat, remaining 60 centimetres and 106 centimetres below danger levels respectively. Executive Engineer Mokhlesur Rahman said water may continue rising for three to four days, but flooding or crossing danger levels is not expected.

At least 47 people were killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia’s Choco region on Monday, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera. The US Geological Survey and Colombia’s Geological Service said the quake hit near the municipality of San Jose del Palmar, about 400 kilometres west of Bogota. Building collapses and extensive damage were reported in several areas.

USGS data placed the earthquake’s origin about 107 kilometres below the surface. Colombia initially reported the magnitude as 6.6. The US tsunami warning system said no tsunami warning had been issued. Residents in Choco and other areas were being moved to safer locations, while rescue and emergency personnel assessed damage and responded to the disaster.

Local officials reported at least 18 deaths in Pereira, two in Manizales and at least 27 in the Valle del Cauca region. Choco Governor Nubia Cordoba said strong shaking was felt across the province and raised concern about possible aftershocks. Casualties and damaged buildings were also reported in Quibdo. People were evacuated from several buildings in Bogota, and authorities said a preliminary official damage report would be released soon.

Fire Service and Civil Defence’s Dhaka Division held a preparatory meeting with stakeholders for post-earthquake firefighting and coordinated rescue operations. The meeting took place at 11am on August 10 at the Fire Service EOC Centre conference room in Mirpur. Owners and representatives of public and private institutions with cranes, excavators and other heavy rescue equipment from six districts attended.

The meeting covered Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Manikganj, Munshiganj and Narsingdi, as Dhaka was described as among the country’s most earthquake-vulnerable areas. Director of Operations and Maintenance Lt Col Md Mahmudul Hasan instructed zone commanders and district officials in the six districts to strengthen coordination and communication with stakeholders. He also offered views on planning firefighting and rescue operations and arranging training.

Participants in the open discussion expressed commitment to support rescue operations during national disasters. Heavy Equipment Association Bangladesh President Md Afzal Hossain said the association would work jointly with the Fire Service and proposed forming an “Emergency Equipment Support Team.” Dhaka Division Deputy Director Md Saleh Uddin called for greater coordination, training and drills after presenting images of the Rana Plaza collapse and recent earthquakes in Turkey and Myanmar. About 70 owners and representatives attended.

A powerful earthquake struck several parts of Colombia at about 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, August 10. The US Geological Survey initially measured the quake at magnitude 7.4. Its epicenter was about five kilometres east of San José del Palmar in Chocó department, with a depth of about 107 kilometres below the surface.

The US tsunami warning system listed the earthquake at magnitude 7.1, but no tsunami warning was issued. Initial reports said the tremor was felt across areas of Colombia as well as in regions near the Venezuelan border. Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi said several people were injured in the departmental capital, Quibdó, where several permanent structures were also damaged.

Authorities are working to determine the full extent of the damage, the governor said. Residents have also been urged to remain alert for possible further tremors or aftershocks. Colombia is considered vulnerable to earthquakes because of its location near multiple tectonic plate boundaries and active fault lines. The Colombian Geological Service records more than 100 major destructive earthquakes in the country.

Oil from a damaged tanker has spread across about 390 square kilometres in Oman’s coastal waters, authorities said. Oman’s government said the sanctioned vessel, Caroline Bezengi, was carrying Russian crude oil. The environmental authority is working to contain the spill near the Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate, according to information published on August 10.

The authority said the oil slick had moved northeast from the islands toward the mainland. Its closest point to the coast was estimated at about seven kilometres offshore. The spill is within Omani waters near the southern Hallaniyat Islands, where officials said containment work was under way.

Two maritime security sources told Reuters that the ship’s crew first reported problems near Yemen’s Mukalla port on June 8. An initial assessment had suggested an explosion inside the vessel, but the cause of the damage remains unclear and Omani authorities have provided no explanation. Shipping data showed the tanker had loaded Russian crude before its voyage and last transmitted a public AIS tracking signal near Yemen’s coast on June 11.

Bangladesh lawmaker Sachinpru Jery called for increased tree planting to protect environmental balance and reduce landslide risks in Bandarban. Speaking as chief guest at a tree-planting and sapling-distribution event organised by the Bandarban Timber Traders Association in Ruma upazila on Monday morning, he linked heavier rainfall and landslides to climate change.

Jery said the declining number of trees is increasing soil erosion and the risk of landslides. He stressed that planting trees alone would not be sufficient and that regular care of planted trees must also be ensured. He described the traders association’s initiative as commendable in implementing the government’s election manifesto on environmental protection.

The event was attended by Ruma Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tajmin Alam Tuli, Bandarban Forest Department Divisional Forest Officer Md Toufiqul Islam, Pulpwood Plantation Division Forest Officer Abu Yusuf, and leaders of the district timber traders association. Local residents and students from different educational institutions also participated. After the discussion, guests distributed fruit and forest saplings of different species among local communities and students.

British Columbia has declared a state of emergency as the rapidly spreading Bald Range wildfire forced thousands of people from their homes in western Canada. First detected on Friday, the fire quickly doubled in size and spread across more than 136 square kilometres around Summerland, Peachland and nearby communities, according to the provincial wildfire authority. The report was published on August 10, 2026.

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes said residents must prepare for the worst. Premier David Eby said homes and property had been lost, while some people became trapped as conditions changed rapidly and needed rescue. Officials said flames rose so high that they generated lightning in the area, increasing the risk of further fire spread. Summerland residents were evacuated, while residents in some parts of Peachland were also told to leave.

The emergency declaration allows the provincial government to restrict movement, secure supplies, prevent price gouging and deploy additional resources for firefighting and rescue operations. Officials said more than 20,000 people have left homes across the province. Hundreds of people in care facilities, including seniors’ housing, are being moved to safer locations, though the number of destroyed homes and structures has not yet been confirmed.

A program featuring transplanted Aman rice seedlings using a rice transplanter and the distribution of tree saplings was held at Shopnoneer Agro BD farm in the Sijkandi area of Purbadhala, Netrokona, on Sunday morning. The initiative aimed to expand modern agricultural technology, reduce production costs and labour, and support environmental protection. Netrokona-5 member of parliament Masum Mostafa inaugurated the event.

The programme was organized under the overall supervision of the উপজেলা Agricultural Extension Department and chaired by Agricultural Extension Officer Rakibur Rahman. Mostafa said wider use of modern farm machinery such as rice transplanters, instead of traditional methods, could reduce both farmers' production costs and labour. He added that greater use of technology in agriculture could strengthen food security and improve farmers' living standards.

Shopnoneer Agro BD entrepreneur Sajjatun Nur Niloy said the farm uses modern machinery at different stages of farming, including cultivation and threshing, to save time and labour and popularize technology among farmers. Environment-friendly saplings of different species were later distributed among local farmers. Mostafa also planted a sapling on the farm premises, while local farmers and residents viewed the initiative positively.