The Global News Desk 115

BIHAR, India  —    This week, lightning and thunderstorms in the province of Bihar, India, have tragically resulted in no less than 33 fatalities and have inflicted injuries upon numerous people.  The disaster management department noted that the main victims were mostly farmers and workers involved in outdoor tasks. Heavy monsoons and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday caused fatalities in eastern India. More rain and lightning are expected in parts of the state, according to media reports. Bihar's disaster management minister announced that officials in at-risk districts must "raise awareness and take precautions" due to a lightning alert. The provincial government announced a ₹40 lakh compensation for families of those who died from lightning strikes.

Al-Kut, also known as Kut al-Imara, is mainly a Shia Muslim city in Iraq. BAGHDAD, Iraq  —   Police and health officials report that a massive fire in an al-Kut city superstore in eastern Iraq killed at least 60 people, with 11 still missing as of Thursday. Throughout the night, a major fire consumed the five-story self-service store in Al-Kut, while firefighters bravely fought to extinguish it, local media reported. The cause of the fire remains undetermined; however, the governor of the province has announced that preliminary investigation findings will be disclosed within two days.  No other piece of information about the deceased was immediately released by the Iraqi government authorities. Bodies were being taken to a hospital for identification.  "The governor informed the journalists, 'We have initiated legal action against the owner of the general store."

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  6 people, including 4 women, died and 38 were injured in a bus crash on the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M2) near Chakri Interchange on Sunday. According to reports from various media outlets, a passenger bus plunged into a ravine near the Chakri Interchange on the M-2 Motorway on Sunday. The bus, run by a private company, was traveling from Rawalpindi to Multan with 43 passengers when it crashed. Police, rescue teams, and other emergency services quickly arrived at the scene. The injured got first aid right there before being taken to the  Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad  and the  District Quarter Hospital in Rawalpindi. The Motorway Police, in collaboration with district officials, have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and identify any parties accountable.

President Trump pledges comprehensive federal assistance in response to the Texas flood disaster. Flash flooding in central Texas on Friday morning has left 24 people dead and many others missing. The Texas Governor promised "all necessary resources" to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and the Texas Hill Country during severe floods. Local media say that 24 people have died, but the exact number of deaths and missing persons hasn't been officially confirmed by authorities yet. Millions in Texas Confront Severe Flood Risks: 'Immediate Evacuation Advised' "Stay safe, be alert, heed warnings, and avoid flooded roads," said the Texas Agriculture Commissioner. The rescue and evacuation efforts began early, but flash flood warnings are still in place.

New Delhi, India —  Severe floods and landslides in India's Himalayan regions have caused at least 69 deaths and injured over 112 people. Over the past two weeks, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states faced severe damage from heavy rainfall. Local officials report that rivers have overflowed, wreaking havoc on roads, homes, and vehicles, and severing access to numerous outlying towns and villages. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a new warning for "heavy to very heavy rainfall" in the Himalayan region. Rescue teams, including the military, are working tirelessly to bring relief supplies to the affected communities. The local authorities recommend that both residents and visitors refrain from accessing the mountainous areas.

At least 39 workers were killed and 34 others injured as a result of Monday's explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical company in southern India.  Telangana's Health Minister, Damodar Raja Narasimha, said 108 workers were inside the plant when the explosion happened. The incident occurred in Telangana province at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory, police reported. On Tuesday, the state's fire services announced that they continue to clear the rubble from the demolished plant to ascertain whether any workers remain trapped. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced on Monday that the families of those who died will receive 200,000 rupees each, and those who were injured will get 50,000 rupees each.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  A government source reported Wednesday that flash floods and heavy rain in Pakistan killed 64 people and injured 117 in just one week. The National Disaster Management Authority reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was hit hardest by the floods, resulting in 23 deaths, including 10 children. Local media in Swat reported that a flash flood in KPK's Swat Valley last week swept away 18 picnickers, including women and children of the same family.  The authority reported heavy rain-related flash floods and collapsing houses killed 21 more people, including 11 children, in eastern Punjab.  Additionally, there were five deaths in southwestern Balochistan and 15 in southern Sindh. Until at least Saturday night, there is a considerable chance of intense rain and possible severe flooding, according to the National Weather Service.