As anticipated, a mesoscale #vortex developed along the East–West... monsoon #ShearZone near the #Palghar–#Manor region, significantly enhancing the local monsoon dynamics. 🌧️ The strengthening of this vortex resulted in a sharp pressure fall over the #Mumbai region, with mean sea-level pressure dropping to around 997 hPa. Simultaneously, strong convective winds accompanied the system, with wind gusts of up to 80 km/h reported at #CSMIA, according to #METAR observations around **10:30 AM. From a #rainfall perspective, precipitation associated with such vortices is always challenging to forecast because the heaviest rainfall often becomes highly localized and depends on the exact position and movement of the circulation. Nevertheless, as indicated in the earlier outlook, there was potential for 300 mm-plus rainfall where the vortex became anchored, and that scenario has now materialized. The most intense rainfall overnight was concentrated over the southern quadrant of Mumbai, parts of North #Raigad district, particularly #Panvel, #Khalapur, #Matheran, #Karjat, and the adjoining #Sahyadri Ghat sections, including #Khandala to #Tamhini, where extremely heavy rainfall was recorded. Following the passage of the most intense phase, rainfall has reduced to intermittent drizzle across many areas, accompanied by breezy conditions as the vortex gradually weakens. Looking ahead, #atmospheric conditions remain favourable for heavy rainfall until 7 July, with Raigad district and Mumbai currently appearing best placed for further significant rainfall. Thereafter, rainfall prospects over #Thane and Palghar districts will depend largely on the future movement and positioning of the monsoon shear zone. If the primary vortex-induced event has already peaked, these regions are likely to continue receiving generally heavy rainfall upto 250 mm may be if any, although the probability of another widespread 300 mm-plus event may reduce unless a fresh mesoscale circulation develops. #WeatherAnalysis #WeatherUpdate #KonkanWeather #Maharashtra #July #SWM2026 #Monsoon2026 #MumbaiRainsshow more

🌧️ India is on the verge of a major... monsoon turnaround. The latest GFS-based SCORPION MJO analysis shows the strong #MonsoonBreak phase is rapidly fading, while conditions are aligning for the start of an Active Monsoon phase across large parts of the country. What's happening? 🔹 The atmosphere is finally breaking free from the lingering impacts of MJO activity that dominated February–May. 🔹 Monsoon circulation is reorganizing and strengthening. 🔹 Rainfall activity is expected to become more widespread as tropical convection shifts back into favorable zones. After weeks of stalled progress and suppressed rainfall, the Indian monsoon may be entering a much more productive phase heading into late June and early July. The atmosphere is waking up. 🌧️🇮🇳 #Monsoon2026 #IndiaWeather #MJO #WeatherUpdate #Rainfall #Climateshow more

🌊🌧 #MumbaiRains #floods: Why was flooding so severe in... #Vasai, #Virar & #Nalasopara this time? 🌧️ The rainfall was exceptional across the entire region. Both Vasai-Virar and its surrounding river catchments witnessed very heavy to extremely heavy rains. However, the widespread flooding wasn't caused by rainfall over Vasai-Virar alone, it was the result of multiple factors occurring simultaneously, with enormous upstream river discharge, tidal locking and urban drainage systems struggling to cope with such unprecedented volumes of water. The Ulhas River, originating near Lonavala, received extraordinary inflows after its upper catchment recorded around 1569 mm of rainfall in just 3 days. Torrential rain across the Ulhas Valley, Pune Ghats and Thane interiors sent enormous volumes of water into Vasai Creek.🌊🏞 At the same time, intense rainfall over the Nashik Ghats ⛰️, Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar, Shahapur and Palghar swelled the Vaitarna River, which drains into the sea just north of Virar. The Tungareshwar ranges ⛰️ also received torrential rain, with numerous streams and nallas adding further runoff into the Vasai-Virar drainage network. Meanwhile, Vasai, Virar and Nalasopara themselves were experiencing torrential rainfall of about 600-700mm in last 3 days, generating massive local runoff. The region was effectively jammed from both sides. Massive upstream river discharge coincided with high tides 🌊, also during Monsoon the seas remain already rough slowing the outflow into the Arabian Sea and creating a backwater effect that prevented creeks and stormwater drains from emptying efficiently. Such an extraordinary volume of water would have stressed any drainage system. However, rapid urbanisation, shrinking wetlands and mangroves, encroachment of natural drainage channels and increasing concretisation have significantly reduced the region's natural capacity to store and drain floodwater, making the impacts even more severe. This event was a classic example of record-breaking rainfall across multiple river basins, intense local rain, tidal locking and urban infrastructure struggling to cope with an unprecedented volume of water. Today, inflows into the river systems 🌊 remain high, and several areas may continue to experience waterlogging and flooding. However, with rainfall expected to gradually reduce from now, river levels should slowly begin to recede as the excess water drains into the sea. Even so, the impacts of this exceptional rainfall event are likely to persist for the next few days, especially in low-lying areas, until the entire drainage system returns to normal. 🌧️ #KokanRains #PalgharRains #ThaneRains Video credits: varun mundra & Vasai Virar Updateshow more

⛈️ Heavy rainfall and flooding threat from South Texas... to the lower Mississippi Valley A multi-day episode of heavy rain will be driven by the interaction of a nearly stationary cold front, tropical moisture, and a tropical disturbance. The tropical disturbance is currently located over Mexico and will gradually move toward South Texas. According to the NHC/NOAA, the chance that it will organize into a tropical cyclone remains low, around 30%. Regardless of whether a tropical cyclone actually forms, the system may bring intense showers and thunderstorms along the western and central Gulf Coast. Over the next four days, widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches are expected from the Texas coast into Louisiana, with locally higher amounts possible. Such rainfall totals could trigger flash and river flooding, posing a significant threat to life and property. ⚠️ Please monitor official warnings and follow the instructions of local authorities.show more

🌎 NOAA has officially declared the onset of El... Niño El Niño is the warm phase of ENSO, during which surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become warmer than usual. As the distribution of warm water in the Pacific shifts, atmospheric circulation also changes, including the position of the jet stream and storm tracks. This can influence temperatures and rainfall thousands of kilometres away. Current seasonal forecasts suggest that El Niño will continue to strengthen through the rest of the year. According to NOAA, there is a 60% chance that sea surface temperature anomalies in the central and eastern tropical Pacific will exceed 2 °C by the end of the year. This episode could therefore become very strong and rank among the strongest events on record. Typical impacts of El Niño: • globally: an increase in the planet’s average temperature • more rainfall: western and southern South America, parts of East Africa, and the southern United States • drier conditions: northern and eastern Australia, Indonesia, parts of Southeast Asia, southern Africa, and parts of Central America • South Asia: the southwest monsoon is often weaker • tropical cyclones: less favourable conditions in the Atlantic, a more active eastern and central Pacific, and typhoon formation in the western North Pacific often shifting farther eastshow more

Major Storm to Impact Southern California As of Wednesday,... February 12, 2025, at 6:50 PM PDT, the latest infrared satellite imagery confirms that the incoming storm system is fully developed and on track to deliver severe weather across Northern and Central California tonight into early Thursday afternoon. The system is intensifying rapidly, with a powerful surface cold front expected to sweep through San Luis Obispo to San Diego counties, bringing damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and the potential for severe thunderstorms. Key Storm Impacts: "Big Thursday" – A Major Weather Event • Extreme Rainfall Rates – 0.50 to 1.5 inches per hour, increasing the risk of urban flooding, flash floods, and mudslides, particularly in burn scar areas of Los Angeles County. • Damaging Winds – Southerly gusts of 45-65 mph, capable of toppling trees, damaging weak structures, and causing widespread power outages. • Severe Thunderstorm & Weak Tornado Potential – The latest HRRR model data (18Z, 0Z) indicates the presence of a squall line, increasing the risk of isolated severe thunderstorms and weak tornadoes between 12 PM and 10 PM Thursday. • Scattered to Widespread power Outages – Areas at risk include the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura County, and portions of Los Angeles County, where infrastructure could be severely impacted. • Urban Flooding Concerns – Locations such as Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, Altadena, and Pacific Palisades will experience rapid runoff and potential roadway flooding, creating hazardous travel conditions. The Seriousness of the Situation This storm is shaping up to be one of the most intense weather events of the season, posing a significant threat to life and property. Residents in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas must prepare for prolonged heavy rainfall, high winds, possible power outages, and dangerous road conditions. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare emergency supplies. Those in flood-prone and burn scar areas should be especially vigilant for potential debris flows and flash flooding. This is a rapidly evolving situation and further updates in the next 24 to 30 hours. #CAwx #CaliforniaStormsshow more

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00 PM PDT: A significant... shift in the pattern from 90° temperatures in the next 2 to 3 days across much of Southern California and the southwest. A shift in the main Pacific Jet stream axis is just approximately 230 miles due west of the Hawaiian islands and Marshall Island corridor. A series of strong Pacific storms that are trending one right after the other this particular series of storms may produce similar to what we had a couple of weeks ago that brought significant rainfall to our region. I’m watching the details as this emerges this upcoming week as we transition into March 2025. This is also known as the pinnacle of Hollywood’s award season, which is on March 2, 2025, which is next Sunday already. Higher confidence is growing in potential for at least over an inch of rainfall. Possibly higher rainfall amounts first week of March 2025. This still is being looked at closely in the next 24 to 36 hours from San Francisco to San Diego, California. The hardest-hit areas trending are San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties. Many burn areas from Pacific Palisades to Altadena will have to keep a close eye on this developing weather situation over the next few days as this evolves. #CAwx #CaliforniaStormsshow more

On the 16th of March 2025, Earshot was contacted... by activists in Serbia to investigate the potential use of sonic weapons by the government on a crowd of protestors as they were holding a silent vigil for the victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse. Earshot received 12 videos that document the moments where a weapon was allegedly used against the protestors. 4 of these videos contain a sound consistent with the noise produced by a Vortex Ring Gun or Vortex Cannon. As this weapon pushes gas out of its cylinder at speeds of 185mph, its expulsion produces a howling noise which has been compared to a jet engine, along with vortex rings that may be ionized. This would create electromagnetic interference with devices such as hearing aids, corroborating reports made by witnesses at the protest. Should this be the vortex cannon, these recordings would be more than 700m away. At this distance the combustion of the weapon is no longer audible; only the distinct whistling sound of the pressure wave as it travels away from the shooter location and towards the crowd can be heard, causing mass panic. As Earshot is looking to further investigate this incident, we ask anyone with video footage from that night that captures the specific sound that can be heard in this post to get in touch with us.show more

☀️12th April 2026: India Under the Dome: 6-Day Intense... Dry Spell to Grip Subcontinent. The loan oasis, Northeast India Defies National Trend with Rain and Thunderstorms until 15th April. ​Mercury Surge: Central and South India Brace for 40°C+ as High Pressure Caps the Skies ​ Detailed Forecast & Analysis ​1. The Dominant "Heat Dome" Effect ​The orange and red anomalies in the loop represent positive geopotential height anomalies. This indicates a high-pressure system (anticyclone) at the 500mb level (approx. 5.5 km altitude). ​The Cause: This system acts like a "lid" or dome, trapping sinking air which warms up as it is compressed. This suppresses cloud formation and prevents moisture from the oceans from penetrating inland. ​Impact: Expect a rapid rise in maximum temperatures by 3–6°C across Northwest, Central, and East India. Example, cities like Delhi, Nagpur, and Ahmedabad are likely to approach or exceed the 40°C mark by April 15. ​2. Regional Breakdown Region Weather Outlook (Next 6 Days): Primary Driver Northwest & Central Severe dry heat; clear skies; rising heatwave risks. Strong anticyclonic subsidence. South Peninsular Hot and humid; minimal rainfall. High-pressure stability. East India Significant temperature spike (3–5°C rise). Expansion of the heat ridge eastward. Northeast India Scattered thunderstorms & light-to-moderate rain. Persistent 3. The Northeast Exception until 15th April. ​The red arrow in the loop image points to a specific area (Northeast India/Bangladesh border) where the high-pressure dome is weaker or interrupted. ​The Cause: A "trough" (an elongated area of low pressure) is expected to persist over this region. This allows moisture from the Bay of Bengal to interact with the hilly terrain, triggering Orographically induced thunderstorms. ​Expected Conditions: While the rest of India stays dry, states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh will likely see fairly widespread rainfall and gusty winds 30–40 kmph through April 16. ​Preparation Advice ​Agriculture: Farmers in Central and West India should ensure adequate irrigation for summer crops as soil moisture will deplete rapidly. ​Health: High UV indices 9–10 are expected; avoid outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM in heat-affected zones. ​Northeast Residents: Prepare for sudden squalls and lightning; ensure drainage systems are clear for localized heavy spells.show more

🚨 It’s happening. Our Storm is entering BOMB GENESIS... MODE and is now rapidly strengthening. 💨 Conditions about to head downhill in a HURRY as Winds begin to CRANK close to Hurricane Force this evening , especially near the Carolina coastline. ⏬ Over the next 24 hours, this Storm is expected to drop 35 millibars in pressure, rivaling the rate of intensification seen in some of the MOST EXTREME Hurricanes in recent years. 🌀 At peak intensity, pressure could fall as low as 967 mb, territory normally reserved for a Category 3 Hurricane. 🌬️ That kind of pressure drop will drive WIND GUSTS up to 70 mph on land, particularly along the Carolina coast. This is near HURRICANE FORCE. 🌊Over the open water of the Atlantic, Winds could get as high as 100mph during the height of the Storm. Just insane. ❄️ The combination of HOWLING WIND and HEAVY SNOW will produce BLIZZARD CONDITIONS for many. ⁉️We should have widespread Blizzard Warnings across eastern North Carolina. Not sure why the NWS is holding back. But that doesn't matter. ❤️The HEART OF THE STORM is still ahead of us. 🔏LOCK IN. Hang on, my brotheren. With a little luck and a lot of toilet paper, we will all get through this. Godspeed and good luck 👊show more

Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 5:42 PM PDT: All systems... are a go for a cold and unseasonable Gulf of Alaskan April storm. Strong thunderstorms have already developed near Redding, California, and a series of embedded impulses are rotating around the main low axis off the coast of Humboldt County this afternoon. This storm system will undergo a brief 12 to 24-hour intensification process before hitting San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento late Thursday afternoon. It will bring isolated strong to severe thunderstorm conditions. A large surface cold front will develop late Friday morning as the low axis trajectory slides down the coast towards Pismo Beach, California by Friday at dawn. Severe Weather Risk In Central And Southern California on Friday. The atmospheric conditions will become increasingly unstable, giving way to thunderstorms from central California to San Diego. The cold pool of air aloft, at minus 28 Celsius above 25,000FT, will create volatile weather conditions with the possibility of pea-sized hail and brief heavy rainfall in some areas. The air mass will be very cold, supporting a dusting of snow near the Grapevine and Cajon Pass. Temperatures will drop into the 40s and 50s, and the 30s near the mountains by Friday midday. As snow levels have been trending downward and hit rock bottom, there may be some isolated areas at 2,000-foot elevation along the San Gabriel’s and parts of the San Bernardino mountains that could see a dusting of snow. Even some dusting of snow in the high desert cannot be ruled out. There is a high confidence of elevated water spouts developing from San Luis Obispo to San Diego coastal zones, especially since one of the embedded disturbances will arrive on Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM. This is also the best opportunity for ample early April sun angle, which will give way to stronger convection across our region. I'm closely monitoring this developing situation in the next 24 hours. #Californiastorms #ElNiño #April2024show more

BC, here’s the next update on the unusual bomb... cyclone situation, on Nov 19th. (Scroll for wind forecast) The low pressure system - which is currently roughly 3,200 km SSW of Vancouver island - will race southeast over the pacific during the next 36 hours, while growing rapidly. But the weather system truly becomes problematic as it turns northeast Tuesday morning, where it will completely devour the low in the gulf of Alaska. The storm will explode in intensity, and as pressures plummet near the centre of the storm, winds will explode to numbers more typically seen in tropical cyclones. At this point the storm will be a major bomb cyclone, and will obtain peak intensity by late afternoon or early evening, roughly 400 km west of Vancouver Island. Peak intensify: • Max wind gusts: 185km/h • Min pressure: 944mb Yet the low casts uncertainty over parts of the BC south coast. Northern and western Vancouver island are likely to be impacted with very high southeasterly winds, but southern and eastern sections lay in a zone filled with possibilities. Despite that, I have gathered together the latest data, to create this forecast ⬇️ • Western Vancouver Island: Peak wind gusts 80 to 110km/h, except up to 140km/h near Brooks peninsula provincial park. Timeframe: Tuesday afternoon, through Wednesday. • Northern Vancouver Island: Peak wind gusts of 90 to 120km/h. Timeframe: Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night. • Eastern Vancouver Island: Peak gusts of 70 to 100km/h. Timeframe: Tuesday evening, again gusting up to 90km/h near Comox on Wednesday. • Southern Vancouver Island: Peak gusts of 70 to 100km/h Tuesday evening, highest winds over western sections. Timeframe: Tuesday evening, with winds reaching-strengthening early Wednesday near the Haro Strait. • Sunshine Coast - Sechelt to Powell River: Peak gusts ranging 70 to 100km/h. Timeframe: Later Tuesday evening lasting into Wednesday. • Lower Mainland: Peak easterly wind gusts of 40 to 70km/h except southeast up to 90km/h near the Strait Of Georgia. Timeframe: Tuesday night - and into Wednesday near the coast. Prepare for power outages and travel delays. Secure lose objects. Another update will be posted Monday, Nov 18th. #BCStormWatch #BC #BCWind #Storm #BombCyclone #BCBombCycloneshow more

KwaZulu-Natal braces as storms bring rain, wind, and snow.... #ColdFront KwaZulu-Natal is in the grip of intense storms as heavy rainfall, fierce winds, and snowfall batter the province, prompting swift action from disaster management teams. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued warnings for disruptive weather, with conditions intensifying since Sunday, June 8, and continuing into Tuesday, June 10. Torrential rain has flooded roads and low-lying areas, particularly in eThekwini, Ugu, and uMgungundlovu municipalities, while strong winds threaten structures and coastal zones. .“We’re on high alert to protect lives and property,” said a spokesperson for KZN’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department, as teams assist affected communities. Residents are urged to avoid travel, secure loose items, and stay updated via SAWS alerts. With the storm’s end still uncertain, KZN battles nature’s fury with resilience and readiness.show more

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feature the most impressive... severe thunderstorm setup I’ve seen along the California coastline in at least a decade. The first round of isolated severe thunderstorms will come ashore tonight, bringing the threat of a isolated tornado and severe wind gusts over 60 mph from the Central Coast up to Humboldt County. The severe weather threat then expands into the Central Valley during the afternoon, California’s tornado alley, with the potential for isolated tornadoes, damaging winds, and even large hail. The threat then shifts south into Southern California tomorrow, where isolated severe wind gusts and a brief tornado will be possible. However, Christmas Eve into Christmas morning features the most potent severe weather environment of the week and could lead to a severe thunderstorm outbreak along the coastline from the Central Coast up to the North Coast. The combination of strong low-level and deep-layer shear with sufficient instability is rarely seen in this part of the world. I seriously cannot recall seeing Significant Tornado Parameter (STP) values exceed 3 along the California coastline. The peak threat window appears to be from 10 PM Thursday to 8 AM Friday. It would not be out of the question to see a Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued Christmas Eve night with the potential for a couple tornadoes and scattered severe wind gusts. I also believe this may be the first time on record that San Francisco has been placed under a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms in the Day 1–3 NWS Storm Prediction Center Convective Outlooks.show more

Another weekend, and the #SundayWanderer in me makes another... discovery. Once again, I’m reminded of my ignorance about the breathtaking landscapes that lie just a short journey from where I live… Kokankada, in the Harishchandragad Fort region of Ahmednagar district, is about 170 km from Mumbai and 160 km from Pune. Part of the Sahyadri range, the name literally means “Konkan cliff.” It’s one of the most striking viewpoints of Harishchandragad Fort, standing at around 3,500 feet above sea level. This video was shared by @Roads_of_India, and I found more photos of this awe-inspiring location online. (harishchandragad_ig) But I couldn’t tell from the videos and photos if such a magnificent site is a safe viewing experience? Maybe I’m wrong and those who have been there, could share their feedback. Of course, the goal isn’t to mar its raw beauty with intrusive structures, but to provide eco-sensitive, sustainable access, well-defined trekking trails, handrails, and solar-lit markers to guide trekkers safely, even in monsoon mist. And perhaps someday, a stargazing deck where visitors can look up at the cosmos from one of the darkest skies in Maharashtra?show more

#Pune: Kalpataru Exquisite Society Residents In Wakad Without Water... Supply For Over 48 Hours; Lifts Not Functional Too Reported by Varad Bhatkhande Pune, 27th July 2024: The severe rainfall on 24th and 25th July caused widespread disruption in Pune and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area. Both cities faced severe flooding due to inadequate drainage systems, elevated water discharge from the dams, and rising water levels in the Mutha, Mula, and Pavana Rivers. Low-lying areas were particularly affected, with many residential societies reporting severe waterlogging in their underground basements. Residents of the Kalpataru Exquisite Society in Kaspate Wasti, Wakad, are still grappling with the flood situation two days after the rain. Frustration is growing as the newly built society faces issues such as a lack of parking, electricity, and operational lifts, along with an increase in mosquitoes. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of drinking water, functional toilets, and operational lifts. With basements filled with knee-deep water, daily tasks are becoming increasingly difficult, especially for senior citizens and those with medical emergencies, as access to higher floors is challenging. Dattatraya Deshmukh, President of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, told Punekar News, "There are drainage problems. Other societies in our area, particularly those close to the Mula River in Wakad, have faced similar issues. However, the problems in those societies were resolved the same day or the next, but this particular society's issues persist." Chandrakant Indalkar, Additional Commissioner of PCMC and head of the Disaster Management Department told Punekar News, "The ward officials have been informed about the situation. The problem has been exacerbated due to the society's proximity to the river. We are currently taking all necessary measures to address this issue." Abhishek Gupta, a resident of Sierra Tower in Kalpataru Exquisite Society, said, "For the past two days, there has been no water in our society. The lifts were closed, but now a lift has temporarily started operating. However, the situation remains dire. Water was removed earlier using pipes, which has been a great relief for me and the more than 1,000 residents living here." In response to the situation, Rahul Kalate, former corporator of the area, has pledged to offer all possible support to the residents.show more

Facial reconstruction of a 53,000-year-old man from France This... skeleton is one of the best preserved Neanderthal found in Europe at the time. The skull, nearly all vertebrae, 20 ribs, and most arm and leg bones survived, including parts of the hands and feet. The body position suggested an intentional burial in a cave depression, accompanied by Mousterian tools, shells, and animal remains of woolly rhinoceros, horse, reindeer, and bison, dating it to the Middle Mousterian period. The individual, described by Boule and estimated at 55–60 years old. Parts of the upper jaw, palate, zygomatic arch, nasal bones, and teeth were missing, with extensive deformation caused by tooth loss before death. The skull was long and low: maximum length 208 mm, breadth 156 mm, cranial index 75.0 (subdolichocephalic). The cranial vault was flattened, with a broad forehead, massive brow ridges, a strongly projecting glabella, and a pronounced occipital torus. Cranial bones were extremely robust. The face was broad (153mm) and triangular, with a very low forehead and strongly projecting midface. The nose was large and protruding, with a broad pear-shaped nasal aperture measuring 35 mm. The orbits were rectangular with rounded corners; orbital width was 47 mm and height 38 mm. The cheekbones projected laterally, increasing facial breadth. The forward-projecting nasal region and maxillae created the characteristic Neanderthal midfacial projection seen in skulls from La Ferrassie, Le Moustier, Gibraltar, and Krapina. The facial skeleton appeared exceptionally massive and heavy compared to the low cranial vault. The mastoid processes were very small relative to the overall skull, while the occipital and neck muscle attachments were extremely powerful. The position of the foramen magnum and cervical vertebrae indicated a forward-thrust, inclined head posture resting on a short, receding neck. Strong cervical and thoracic spinous processes gave the individual a stooped, hunched upper-body appearance. (Gerasimov, 1955) The old man of La Chapelle had lost many of his teeth, with evidence of healing. All of the mandibular molars were absent and consequently, some researchers suggested that the Old Man would have needed someone to process his food for him. This was widely cited as an example of Neanderthal altruism, similar to Shanidar 1. Reconstruction made in collaboration with InterspeciesFaceshow more

Facial reconstruction of a 2,500-year-old Scythian from Tuva Standing... about 127 cm tall, this individual, dating to an early phase of the Scythian Uyuk-Sagly culture, suffered from pituitary dwarfism. The Scythians, also known as the Saka, were an Iranic-speaking people who originated in the regions of Minusinsk, the Altai, Tuva, Mongolia, and Xinjiang. The skull exhibits infantile features, including hyperbrachycrany, a large nasal index, and very flat nasal bones. Marked glabellar relief suggests that the individual was male. The dimensions of the long bones are comparable to those of modern children aged around seven years. Estimates of body height based on formulae for both males and females range from 124 to 131 cm. Traits such as facial flatness, measured by both naso-malar and zygo-maxillary angles, point to East Asian affinities and link the individual with other population members. The individual’s cranial proportions fall within the normal range. The skull itself is small, with a cranial length of 153 mm, a width of 134 mm, and a bizygomatic breadth of 115 mm. The individual’s peculiarities likely included a clumsy or limping gait, a barrel-shaped chest, scoliosis, chronic joint pain, and reduced mobility. These conditions, together with the underdevelopment of the apophyses of the upper and lower limb bones, must have resulted in decreased mobility and, most likely, obesity. The cranium exhibits healed injuries, suggesting that the individual was the target of aggression; in fact, he may have died following a traumatic brain injury. His age at death, however, was no less than 45 years. Such a long lifespan for an individual with pituitary dwarfism complicated by epiphyseal dysplasia is exceptional even by modern medical standards (E.S. Aristova, T.A. Chikisheva, A.M. Seidman, A.N. Mashak, Y.A. Khoroshevskaya, 2006).show more

The destruction caused by #AssamFloods is of an unimaginable... scale. Over 9 lakh people across 1,800+ villages in 25 districts have been impacted by this calamity. We have lost 41 precious lives till date and thousands of livestock has been washed away. Cloudbursts upstream, coupled with localised heavy rainfall, 436% above normal, have led to flooding in villages that have not seen such devastation in recent history. We are responding with the full strength of a whole-of-government approach. 1️⃣All agencies, from the Indian Air Force and the NDRF to our State machinery, are working round the clock, carrying out rescue and evacuation operations by air and boat. 2️⃣We have set up over 148 relief camps, where close to 30,000 people are currently taking shelter. 3️⃣Our teams are reaching as many affected families as possible with food, drinking water and other essential supplies. In the worst-affected districts alone, over 3,00,000 kg of rice and other essential relief materials have already been delivered, with more on the way. 4️⃣We are working closely with various departments and the Government of India to prepare a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation package for every affected family. 5️⃣ Last but not the least, once the immediate crisis subsides, we will begin a structured dialogue with neighbouring States to establish a stronger coordination mechanism that can better protect our people from the impact of upstream cloudbursts and similar calamities in the future. Chief Minister Assam ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY Indian Air Force NDRF India I राष्ट्रीय आपदा मोचन बल 🇮🇳 🇮🇳CRPF🇮🇳show more