Nearly five million people have been affected by severe flooding in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, where swollen rivers including the Ganga and its tributaries have inundated vast areas following heavy monsoon rains and inflows from Nepal.

As of mid-September 2026, Bihar’s Disaster Management Department reported that around 49 to 50 lakh (4.9 to 5 million) people across 15 districts— including Patna, Bhagalpur, Saran, Vaishali, Begusarai, and others—were impacted in hundreds of gram panchayats. Several major rivers remained above danger levels at multiple gauge stations, with agricultural land submerged and villages cut off.

Authorities have distributed food packets, polythene sheets, fodder for livestock, and medical supplies, while operating community kitchens, relief camps, and nearly 1,800 boats for evacuations and transport. Local officials described ongoing challenges in accessing clean water, food, and milk for children in the worst-hit areas. Some reports noted at least a handful of drowning deaths earlier in the crisis, though the full toll continued to be assessed.

Flooding has also hit other states. In West Bengal, the death toll from recent floods climbed toward 100 even as water levels began receding in some areas, with hundreds of thousands affected and large tracts of farmland under water. Uttar Pradesh reported hundreds of thousands impacted across more than two dozen districts, with thousands evacuated and relief camps established.

The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued rain and thunderstorms in northern and central regions, keeping flood risks elevated. State governments and central agencies are coordinating large-scale relief and monitoring river levels as the monsoon remains active.

A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 11 people crashed and burst into flames during an emergency landing near Sucia Island in Washington state’s San Juan Islands on Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026. All occupants survived.

The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, operating as Flight 140, took off from Lake Union in Seattle around 4:30 p.m. bound for Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. About 45 minutes later, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the single-engine floatplane made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay off Sucia Island after the pilot adjusted course due to weather.

The aircraft struck the water, hit rocks along the shore, and then caught fire, with flames and black smoke engulfing much of the wreckage.

Videos from nearby boats captured the plane tilting and bouncing on the water before coming to rest against the rocky coastline. Passengers and the pilot escaped the aircraft before it was fully consumed by fire. Nearby recreational boaters reached the scene first and assisted in the rescue, followed by a multi-agency response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, local fire and rescue teams, and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

All 11 people on board—10 passengers and one pilot—were accounted for and transported for medical care. Injuries included head trauma, broken bones, and lacerations. One person was initially reported in critical condition; by the following day, three remained hospitalized in satisfactory condition, while the pilot and others had been released or discharged.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident. Preliminary information indicates the pilot reported bad weather that prevented a landing at the intended destination, though the exact cause remains under review. Kenmore Air canceled flights the next day to support those involved and is cooperating with authorities.

Sucia Island, a popular state park north of Orcas Island near the U.S.-Canada border, saw a swift response that officials credited with helping ensure everyone survived the fiery crash.

Widespread protests have erupted across Syria in response to a significant increase in fuel prices, with demonstrators taking to the streets in several cities to express their anger.

The surge in fuel costs has triggered public outrage amid already difficult economic conditions, as many Syrians struggle with high living expenses and limited purchasing power.

Crowds gathered in major urban centres, chanting against the price hike and calling for immediate government intervention to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.

Reports indicate that the demonstrations turned tense in some locations, with security forces deployed to maintain order. Protesters blocked roads and gathered outside government buildings, demanding a reversal of the fuel price adjustment.

The fuel price increase is the latest in a series of economic pressures facing the country, where years of conflict and sanctions have left infrastructure strained and basic commodities increasingly expensive.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed official response to the unrest, as the protests continue to gain momentum.