Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
Seismic activity near Grjótárvatn has increased with a tremor episode on January 2, 2025, indicating a potential deep magmatic intrusion. The IMO has reported earthquakes at depths of 15 to 20 km (9.3 to 12.4 miles) which suggests subsurface magma movement without surface deformation.
The increase in seismic activity has prompted the relocation of approximately 80 000 residents to safer areas in Ethiopia’s Afar and Oromia regions.
The UK Met Office has issued fresh Amber and Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for snow and ice on January 8, 2025, as cold weather that already claimed 2 lives persists.
A powerful tornado struck the Rabigh Governorate along Saudi Arabia’s coast on January 6, 2025, marking the strongest ever recorded in the region. The event occurred as severe weather warnings were issued for heavy rains, hail, and high waves across the Makkah region including Jeddah.
Heavy rainfall resulted in flash floods that swept away vehicles and inundated homes in Windhoek, Namibia, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Over 1 000 residents were affected but no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Red alerts for heavy rainfall, hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds affecting multiple regions have been issued by NCM in Saudi Arabia on Monday, January 6, 2025. The severe weather conditions are expected to continue until January 10.
A massive multi-vehicle crash involving around 40 vehicles, including semitrailers, forced the closure of Interstate 70 near Greenup, Illinois, during a winter storm on January 5, 2025. The Illinois State Police (ISP) confirmed the highway would remain shut for hours with traffic diverted to U.S. Route 40.
A series of strong earthquakes, a newly opened volcanic vent, and the appearance of large cracks near the long-dormant Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region triggered the evacuation of thousands of people on January 4, 2025.
A new vent opened at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, releasing powerful jets of steam, rocks, and mud on January 3, 2025. The development comes during a series of earthquakes recorded in the region since December 22 and raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption — which would be the first on record.
Manchester experienced severe flooding on January 1, 2025, when over 100 mm (4 inches) of rain drenched the region and forced hundreds to evacuate homes and hotels. A major incident was declared and emergency services coordinated rescues amid rising water levels and extensive damage.
