Page 101 - Disaster Accident
Turkmenistan airlines to resume flights to Europe
Turkmenistan's national air carrier has scheduled flights to the United Kingdom and Germany again following a ban imposed in February by European Aviation Authorities. Flights to the English city of Birmingham and Germany's Frankfurt beginning on June 1 appeared on Turkmenistan Airlines' schedule late Friday. Flights were not listed to Paris, another destination the airline flew to regularly. "We have no confirmation regarding Paris," a Turkmenistan Airlines spokesman told AFP on Saturday. The resumption of flights was not mentioned on the European Aviation Safety Agency's website as of Saturday. Hundreds of passengers were left stranded in Britain in February after the EASA suspended Turkmenistan Airlines over safety concerns. The isolated Central Asian republic's flag carrier provides services from London and Birmingham to the Indian city of Amritsar which is popular with Britain's Punjabi community. The UK Foreign Office said in a February travel advisory that EASA had "suspended .
SpaceX launches supplies to space station after power delays
SpaceX launched a load of supplies to the International Space Station on Saturday following a pair of power delays. A Falcon rocket raced into the pre-dawn darkness, carrying a Dragon capsule with 5,500 pounds (2,500 kilograms) of goods. This recycled Dragon which is making its second space trip is due to arrive at the orbiting lab Monday. The delivery is a few days late because of electrical power shortages that cropped up first at the space station, then at SpaceX's rocket-landing platform in the Atlantic. Both problems were quickly resolved with equipment replacements: a power-switching unit in orbit and a generator at sea. Minutes after liftoff, SpaceX landed its brand new, first-stage booster on the ocean platform a mere 14 miles (22 kilometers) offshore, considerably closer than usual with the sonic booms easily heard at the launch site. SpaceX couldn't resist the Star Wars Day connection Saturday is May 4. "Dragon is now officially on the way to the space station," the ...
Fani to stay over B'desh till 4 pm, 12 killed
At least 12 have been killed across Bangladesh due to the cyclonic storm Fani, which is expected to stay over the country until 4 pm today.Speaking to The Daily Star, Shamsuddin Ahmed, the director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department said that the cyclone eye was located west of Dhaka on Saturday morning.Rains continue to lash regions across Bangladesh due to the cyclone, as the skies will remain overcast as per a Met bulletin. Furthermore, the cyclone is projected to move in a north-northeasterly direction further inland over Bangladesh.Five people, including a two-year-old toddler, lost their lives due to the cyclone in Naokhali and Barguna on Saturday morning. This takes the total death toll to 12, ever since Fani made landfall in Bangladesh on Friday.Meanwhile, the United Nations has undertaken efforts to protect the 1.2 million Rohingya in Bangladesh in the wake of the cyclonic storm.Around 4,071 centres in 19 districts across Bangladesh were prepared to take in 22,00,000 to .
'Miracle': Plane crashes into Florida river, but no deaths
A charter plane carrying 143 people and travelling from Cuba to north Florida ended up in a river at the end of a runway Friday night, though no critical injuries or deaths were reported, officials said. A Boeing 737 arriving at Naval Air Station Jacksonville from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with 136 passengers and seven aircrew slid off the runway into the St. Johns River, a NAS Jacksonville news release said. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office posted on Twitter that a marine unit responded to assist. The plane was in shallow water and not submerged. Everyone on the plane was alive and accounted for, the agency posted, with 21 adults transported to local hospitals in good condition. A photo posted by deputies shows a Miami Air International logo on the plane. The company didn't immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press. Capt. Michael Connor, the commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, said during a news conference that passengers were a mix of civilian and ...
Rain lashes Assam due to Fani impact
Most parts of Assam witnessed incessant rains on Saturday due to the impact of cyclone Fani, one of the strongest storms to batter the Indian subcontinent in decades.
Cyclone Fani: PM Modi to visit Odisha on May 6, discusses situation with CM, Governor
As the cyclone, Fani wreaked havoc in Odisha on Friday leaving a trail of destruction behind it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor Ganeshi Lal and assured all support from the Central government. The PM will also visit Odisha on May 6 to 'take stock of the situation'."Spoke to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Ji and discussed the situation prevailing due to cyclone Fani. Assured continuous support from the Central Government in the wake of the cyclone. The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi."Had a discussion with Odisha Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal Ji on the situation in the state due to Cyclone Fani. Assured all possible help from the Centre to the sisters and brothers of Odisha, who are showing exemplary courage in the face of a natural disaster," said PM in a subsequent tweet.Also, in the wake up of the fact that ...
Cyclone Fani: Air India resumes operation at Kolkata Airport
Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to cyclone Fani on Thursday.The National carrier also stepped forward to help residents of Odisha affected by the Cyclone Fani and has decided to ship free of cost relief material to cyclone-affected areas by any NGO/ Civil society/ Self Help Group etc.After wreaking havoc at the Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts in Odisha on Friday, cyclonic storm Fani made landfall in West Bengal early on Saturday. Rain lashed Kolkata and other coastal towns in West Bengal.According to IMD the cyclone will weaken and move into Bangladesh by noon. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.
Cyclone Fani lashes Odisha, leaves 3 dead besides over 160 injured
Cyclone Fani on Friday lashed Odisha, triggering heavy rainfall accompanied by wind touching speed of 200 kmph, and left three persons dead besides over 160 injured, a trail of destruction that included damaged houses, uprooted trees and electricity poles.The impact of the "extremely severe cyclonic storm", which made landfall close to the temple town of Puri between 8 a.m and 10 a.m. was also felt in parts of West Bengal, including the beach town of Digha, and Andhra Pradesh.The cyclone, the worst April storm in 43 years, caused "huge damage" in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Khordha districts in the state, according to the Odisha government.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre has released Rs. 1,000 crores to Odisha and other states to deal with the devastation caused by Fani.Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) S N Pradhan said that three persons lost their lives during the cyclone."As of now, three persons have lost their lives in the ..
Florida: Boeing jet skids off runway, slides into river with 142 on board
A Boeing 737 jet with 142 people on board skidded off the runway into the St Johns River in Florida near Naval Air Station Jacksonville on Friday.No casualties have been reported yet. The rescue operation is underway, reported Hill."The plane was not submerged. Every person is alive and accounted for," tweeted Jacksonville Sheriff's office."We have a commercial plane down on the river. I have been briefed by our Fire and Rescue. They are on the scene. While they work please pray," Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry tweeted..
UN agencies met ahead of Fani to assess preparedness
UN's humanitarian agencies have met ahead of Cyclone Fani arrival in India to study the readiness for it, according to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's Spokesperson Stephane Guterres.
UN agency praises India on minimising loss of life from Cyclone Fani
The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri. The powerful cyclone, strongest to hit India in 20 years, made landfall at around 8 AM in India's eastern state of Odisha, killing at least eight people. Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state affecting about 11 lakh people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Fani as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm". UN agencies are monitoring Fani's movements closely and taking measures to protect families living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, which is on alert. The Cyclone lashed the coast with maximum wind speeds of up to 175 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall ...
US commercial plane slides into river, no casualties
A US commercial jet with more than 130 people on board, slid into a river in Florida, an official said, adding that all lives have been accounted for.
India's 'zero casualty' policy, pinpoint warnings minimised Fani deaths
The Indian government's "zero casualty" policy for cyclones and the pinpoint accuracy of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) early warning system have helped reduce the possibility of deaths from cyclone Fani, according to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (ODRR).
As West Bengal gears up for Cyclone Fani's landfall, PM Modi speaks to governor
As West Bengal braces for Cyclone Fani's landfall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the governor of the state, Keshari Nath Tripathi, on Saturday about the ground situation. During his conversation with Tripathi, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's readiness to provide all help needed to cope with the extremely severe cyclonic storm. "Also conveyed my solidarity with the people of Bengal in the wake of Cyclone Fani," Modi said in a tweet. Fani barrelled through Odisha on Friday, unleashing copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 175 kmph, killing at least eight people, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages, officials said. Several districts of West Bengal, including East and West Midnapore, North and South 24 Pargana, besides Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram, Kolkata and the Sundarbans are likely to be hit by the storm that would then move towards Bangladesh and taper off.
Air India waives charges for carrying relief material for cyclone 'Fani' victims
National carrier Air India on Saturday waived charges for carrying relief materials to victims of cyclone 'Fani' on its flights from Delhi to Odisha.Cyclone Fani hit Odisha's bordering state West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur. It is expected to continue further in North-East direction with the wind speed of 90 km/hour, said India Meteorological Department."If any (NGO/ Civil society/ SHG etc) wants to send relief materials to a cyclone-affected area of Orissa, Air India would ship it free of cost. Concern NGO/ Civil Society/ SHG etc may contact Resident Commissioner office of Orissa at Delhi to send the relief materials to Cyclone affected area of Orissa free of cost by Air India," the organisation stated in its press release.Cyclone Fani made landfall in the morning of May 3 and wreaked havoc in the state of Odisha. It has claimed three lives and left more than 160 injured, besides causing large scale destruction of property.
Plane crashes into Florida river at end of runway, no deaths
Officials say a charter plane travelling from Cuba to north Florida ended up in a river at the end of a runway. A Naval Air Station Jacksonville news release says a Boeing 737 arriving from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, crashed into the St Johns River Friday night. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office posted on Twitter that a marine unit responded to assist. The plane was in shallow water and not submerged. Officials say everyone on the plane was alive and accounted for. A photo posted by deputies shows a Miami Air International logo on the plane. The company didn't immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry posted on Twitter that teams were working to control jet fuel in the water. Officials didn't immediately say what caused the plane to leave the runway.
Thane: Building catches fire, no casualties reported
A fire broke out at a building in Patlipada area of the city on an early morning Saturday.According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the fire broke out at around 5:45 AM on the third floor of a building at Rutu State."MSEDC official, RDMC and fire brigade are sent on site with one fire engine, two rescue vehicle and one water tanker. There has been no injury or casualty and the situation is under control," informed the municipal corporation.A total of 22 residences were evacuated safely by RDMC and fire brigade official. The fire fighting operations were still underway.
Manipur boat tragedy: Navy recovers bodies of 2 remaining missing persons
The Indian Navy's diving team located and recovered bodies of two remaining persons reported missing from a river near Imphal.The three persons were reported missing at Mapithel Dam Reservoir.The team recovered bodies of 21-year-old S Romen and 19-year-old N Rani on Friday, while the body of their elder sibling, 35-year-old S Rajiv was recovered on Wednesday and handed over to the district officials.The diving team will later be airlifted by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and the personnel will be redeployed in the rescue and relief operations in West Bengal in the aftermath of Cyclone Fani, as per a statement issued by the Navy.
Cyclone Fani blows off 20 tents at Everest base camp
The winds of cyclone Fani were felt hundreds of miles away from where it hit the eastern coast in India, after nearly 20 tents set up at the Everest Base Camp were blown off on Friday.The Nepalese government has issued a warning, asking all trekking agencies and support staff to ensure the safety of tourists."We have received reports of some tents being damaged in the strong wind, but all the climbers and their support staff are safe," said Mira Acharya, the director of the Hotel and Mountaineering section under the Department of Tourism."We have alerted all agencies to keep their clients [mountaineers] safe and suspend their plans until the weather improves," he added.Strong winds coupled with light to moderate rainfall occurred in some parts of eastern Nepal, reported the Kathmandu Post."Nepal will not have a direct impact from the cyclone, but it will partially impact out weather systems, primarily in the eastern part of the country," said Barun Paudel, a senior meteorologist at ...
Cyclone Fani: Odisha CM chairs review meeting
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a review meeting with senior officials on the destruction caused by cyclonic storm Fani in the state.Speaking to media here after the meeting, Patnaik said in the last 24 hours, over 12 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable districts to safer locations."Just now, I reviewed the cyclone situation with the chief secretary and other senior officers. Our first priority is to evacuate people living in vulnerable areas, including kutcha houses. In the last 24 hours, 12 lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations and they are being taken care of in shelters. As we speak, Fani (pronounced Foni) is still passing through Odisha, and an assessment of damage will be possible only after it crosses the state," he said.Patnaik said Puri, where the cyclone made landfall, has suffered the most amount of damage."Restoration of electricity is a challenge. Electricity supply will be restored in Ganjam by tomorrow. Restoration of communication ...