Northeastern Indian state, capital Kohima; largest city Dimapur; borders Myanmar
The Brahmaputra floods have affected hundreds of thousands in Assam as cloudbursts and heavy monsoon rains have swelled rivers, submerging villages and disrupting life. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and relief camps are in use as waters recede in some districts.
Heavy monsoon downpours have caused floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka’s central hills, damaging 129 houses and prompting the evacuation of about 2,000 people. Five people are confirmed dead, with several missing, as navy and army units conduct rescues. The disaster compounds the region’s ongoing recovery from Cyclone Ditwa earlier last year.
The monsoon has intensified, causing deadly floods and landslides across multiple Indian states. Assam and Jharkhand report the highest casualties, while Kerala and Kashmir face ongoing damage as the weather system continues to unleash heavy rainfall. Officials warn that climate-driven changes are raising the risk of future disasters.
Assam endures devastating monsoon floods that have displaced hundreds of thousands, while in Bundelkhand, drought and heat have intensified water scarcity, revealing enduring caste and access inequalities.
Venice has faced criticism for including few female directors in its main competition. May el-Toukhys Woman Unknown was the lone woman-led feature in the initial lineup; festival organisers have since added the documentary NAZA. Jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal and programmers at London Film Festival have said structural barriers, especially financing, are limiting womens progression to larger films.