Delhi's air quality plummeted to hazardous levels on Friday, with private monitor AQI.in recording an alarming AQI of 591, while the Air Quality Early Warning System reported 310. Thick smog blanketed the capital, rendering buildings and roads barely visible. The deterioration coincides with escalating stubble burning in neighboring states, with Punjab recording 351 incidents on Thursday, the second-highest daily count this pre-winter season. The highest was November 1 with 442 incidents. The sharp rise in farm fires pushed air quality into the "very poor" category. As cooler weather settles over the national capital, residents face another season of severe pollution and reduced visibility due to the dense smog cover.

Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in central Vietnam with maximum sustained winds of 92 mph (149 km/h), bringing severe flooding and landslide risks. Trees blocked main roads, hotel windows shattered in Quy Non, and the storm hit Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces. Vietnam's military deployed over 260,000 soldiers with 6,700 vehicles and six aircraft for rescue operations. Forecasters predict 200-400mm rainfall, potentially reaching 600mm in spots, with saturated ground from recent floods increasing risks. Vietnam was already battling deadly floods that killed at least 35 people, flooded 100,000 homes, and caused 150 landslides. The storm's remnants may impact Cambodia and eastern Thailand with up to 150mm rainfall.

Vietnam has closed six airports as Typhoon Kalmaegi moves toward its coast after devastating the Philippines. The storm has killed at least 114 people and destroyed several towns there. Now stronger, Kalmaegi is expected to bring winds and waves up to eight meters high to Vietnam’s central and northern regions. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha called it a “very abnormal” storm and urged local officials to take urgent safety steps. The government warned that hundreds of flights will be affected as the country faces one of Asia’s strongest typhoons this year. (PC: BBC)

The Philippines has declared a national state of emergency after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused massive destruction, leaving at least 241 people dead or missing and nearly 2 million affected across the archipelago. The storm triggered widespread landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure collapse, with the central provinces of Cebu and Leyte among the worst hit. Over 560,000 residents were forced to flee their homes, and 450,000 are currently housed in temporary shelters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the emergency order to expedite relief efforts, stabilize food prices, and prevent profiteering as rescue operations and recovery continue. (PC: X)

Typhoon Kalmaegi's devastating flooding in the central Philippines has killed at least 114 people, with authorities reporting 127 missing and 82 injured. Cebu, the region's most populous island, bore the brunt with 71 deaths reported, plus 28 additional fatalities. Most victims drowned as muddy torrents swept through towns. Over 400,000 people were displaced from Cebu's 2.5 million population. Six military helicopter crew members died during relief operations. Kalmaegi, the 20th tropical cyclone hitting Philippines this year, left Thursday morning, strengthening toward Vietnam with 155 km/h winds. Local officials called the destruction "unprecedented," with residents finding homes filled with mud. Thailand also braces for impact amid warnings of flash floods.

At least 66 people have died and 26 remain missing after Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the central Philippines, causing severe flooding and destruction. Most deaths were reported in Cebu, where rivers overflowed and people were trapped on rooftops waiting for rescue. Six military officers also died when their helicopter crashed during a relief mission in Mindanao. Over 387,000 residents evacuated before the storm, and Cebu declared a state of calamity to speed up aid. The typhoon brought winds up to 180 km/h and forced the cancellation of 186 flights. The Philippines faces around 20 major storms every year. (PC: Alan Tangcawan/AFP/Getty Images)

As Delhi’s air quality worsens each winter, many families are leaving the city for cleaner air. Former news anchor Tracy Shilshi moved to Goa in 2018 after her family suffered frequent respiratory issues. Public health expert Malini Aisola shifted to Chennai to protect her newborn from pollution. Doctors, however, warn that migration is not a long-term solution. Pulmonologist Dr. Gopi Chand Khilnani said people can stay safe with precautions, while experts like Dr. Randeep Guleria call air pollution a “silent pandemic.” Delhi’s toxic air remains a growing health crisis, demanding urgent government action.

Delhi woke to thick smog on November 5, recording "poor" air quality, while NCR cities Noida and Ghaziabad slipped into "very poor" zones. CPCB data showed most Delhi stations in "poor" category, except Shadipur at "very poor" (313 AQI). Anand Vihar recorded 284, Bawana 297, and ITO 278. Weather forecasts predict maximum 32°C, minimum 17°C temperatures with 59-94% humidity. IMD issued fog warnings for November 6-7. The Supreme Court urged authorities to take proactive anti-pollution measures, directing CAQM to submit actionable plans with clear data, emphasizing on-ground action beyond advisories. Rain alerts issued for Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Rayalaseema regions. (PC: Business Standard & HT)

Haryana’s Dharuhera was India’s most polluted city in October, while Delhi ranked sixth, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). All ten of the most polluted cities were in the Delhi-NCR region, with Dharuhera recording a PM2.5 level of 123 µg/m³ and Delhi 107 µg/m³. The report said stubble burning caused less than 6% of the pollution, pointing to year-round sources. In contrast, Shillong, Gangtok, and Mysuru were among the cleanest cities. CREA said India’s pollution problem is constant and that reactive, seasonal policies fail to address long-term emission sources. (PC: AFP)

At least three people have died and nearly 400,000 have fled their homes as Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the Philippines. The storm flooded large parts of Cebu, sweeping away cars and shipping containers. Many residents sheltered on rooftops as water levels rose. A military helicopter helping rescue efforts crashed in Mindanao, with no word yet on survivors. Governor Pamela Baricuatro called the flooding “unprecedented.” Winds of over 80 mph have caused severe damage, though the typhoon is now weakening. The storm comes weeks after two deadly typhoons and heavy monsoon rains that already left much of the country struggling to recover. (PC: BBC)