Page 594 - Disaster Accident
Indonesian island lifted 10 inches by deadly quake
Scientists say the powerful Indonesian earthquake that killed more than 300 people lifted the island it struck by as much as 25 centimetres (10 inches). Using satellite images of Lombok from the days following the August 5 quake, scientists from NASA and the California Institute of Technology's joint rapid imaging project measured changes in the island's surface. In the northwest of the island near the epicentre, the ground lifted a quarter of a metre. In other places it dropped by 5-15 centimetres (2-6 inches). Some 270,000 people are homeless or displaced after the 7.0 earthquake, which damaged and destroyed about 68,000 homes.
California blazes threaten populated area
Authorities battling massive wildfires in large swathes of California issued mandatory evacuation orders and health warnings over the worsening air quality as the flames grew ever closer to populated areas. After almost a month of wildfires, the National Weather Service warned that satellite images showed "widespread smoke" drifting from the fires into western and central Canada before heading back south in the US Northern Plains. The Kaibab National Forest service in neighbouring Arizona warned that "wildfires across the West are creating regional haze." But it was northern California where most air quality alerts were being issued, with warnings of "unhealthy conditions" for vulnerable groups such as the very young and old. The Mendocino Complex, made of two separate blazes, has been declared the most destructive fire in the state's history. Its largest blaze, the Ranch Fire, was only 53 percent contained compared to 87 percent for its twin River Fire. Further north, the Carr Fire ..
Kerala floods: Death toll reaches 29
As many as 29 people have lost their lives in flooding and landslides, following heavy and incessant rains in Kerala.Looking at the current circumstances, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has opened all the five shutters of the Cheruthony dam in order to release the excess inflow of the water deposited in the catchment areas of the reservoir from the past couple of days.Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged all his party workers in the state to help the needy ones."Unprecedented rainfall has created havoc in Kerala, destroying property and forcing thousands to abandon their homes. I urge each and every Congress worker in Kerala to step up and help those in need. My prayers and thoughts are with the people of Kerala in this difficult time," Rahul tweeted.Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had announced a relief fund worth Rs 10 crore to all flood-affected areas in Kerala in a bid to assist the state government in rehabilitation and rescue operations.He ...
20 injured in blast at steel plant in Brazil
A gas explosion on Friday at a Usiminas steel plant in Brazil's Ipatinga left around 20 people injured, officials said.
One arrested in death of two labourers inside tank in Delhi's Model Town
One man was arrested for alleged negligence after two people died while cleaning a tank at a petrol pump in northwest Delhi's Model Town, police said today. Rajeev (37) and Bittu (27) died after entering the 20 feet deep tank of 2,00,000 litre capacity to clean it yesterday. The labourers were brought out with the help of fire brigade personnel and taken to a hospital where they were declared brought dead. Accused Pawan was arrested for alleged negligence. He is a co-worker of the contractor Naresh, who is yet to be arrested, officials said. The accused did not provide safety gear to the two victims, they added. It is suspected that the tank had water and was closed for a long time, leading to the formation of toxic gases which led to suffocation of the victims, police said. The relatives of the deceased today took to the streets demanding justice, leading to a traffic jam in Azadpur area.
Four members of soccer team killed in Sikkim road accident
Four persons of a soccer team were killed and six others sustained serious injuries when their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in East Sikkim district on Saturday, police said.
Firefighters battle to curb wildfire before winds return
More than a thousand firefighters battled to keep a raging Southern California forest fire from reaching foothill neighbourhoods today before the expected return of blustery winds that drove the flames to new ferocity a day earlier. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency late yesterday for Orange and Riverside counties as the fire carved its way along ridges in the Cleveland National Forest. Some hillsides were allowed to burn under the watchful eyes of firefighters to reduce fuel and make it harder for flames to jump roadways into communities when gusts pick up. The arson blaze south of Los Angeles gained renewed strength yesterday afternoon, coming within yards of homes. Aircraft turned hillsides red with retardant as homeowners sprayed their houses with water from garden hoses. Hundreds more firefighters joined the effort, bringing the total to 1,200. The fire has blackened 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) of timber and brush and is only 5 per cent contained. More ...
Station masters' association calls hunger strike tomorrow
The All India Station Masters' Association has called a 24-hour hunger strike across the country tomorrow, a statement from railways said today. The association has demanded the benefits of the third Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS), provision of stress and safety allowance to station masters among other things, it said. The security directorate of the railways has issued an advisory for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to take precautionary measures in coordination with local authorities and state administration to avoid any untoward incident and ensure smooth running of trains, the statement added.
Army turns saviour in disaster-hit Kerala with 'Operation Sahyog'
The Indian Army has launched a major rescue and relief operation in flood-ravaged Kerala where torrential monsoon rains have killed at least 27 people and left thousands homeless due to flooding and landslides.
'Operation Madad': Navy's helping hand in flood-ravaged Kerala
The Southern Naval Command at Kochi has rescued scores of people stranded in the flood-hit areas of Kerala as part of the Indian Navy's "Operation Madad" for the rain and landslide-ravaged state.
Kerala flood situation worsens as dams release water (Roundup)
The flood situation in Kerala worsened on Friday as all the five gates of the Idukki hydel project were opened and shutters of over two dozen dams were lifted, inundating various parts of the state which reeled under the unprecedented downpour in decades. The floods have claimed 27 lives so far.
Comprehensive grievance redressal system must be established in each state: Oxfam
A UK-based confederation of 20 independent charitable organisations has called on Indian authorities to set up of a comprehensive grievance redressal system in each state to respond to women and child protection issues. The call by Oxfam, which focusses on alleviation of global poverty, came after cases of sexual abuse of minor girls at shelter homes were uncovered in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Oxfam said it was evident that there was absence of a coordination and accountability mechanism between different departments in the two states. It said survivors should receive psychological counseling and medical support. The government must ensure safety and provide protection to minor survivors and witnesses. "Regular social audits of the shelter homes and the schemes under which it functions must be conducted by an independent body," it said in a statement. The issue of sexual abuse of minor girls first made headlines in April after the Tata Institute of Social Sciences submitted its audit ..
4 killed in Canada shooting, suspect arrested
At least four people were killed in a shooting on Friday in the Canadian city of Fredericton, the police said. A suspect was later arrested.
55 people so far been evacuated by Navy from flood hit areas
55 people have so far been evacuated from flood hit areas in Kerala by the Navy in its 'Operation Madad' to assist the state government, following heavy rains and release of excess water from many dams. The operation, launched by Southern Naval Command (SNC) since yesterday, continued today also. Two teams with Gemini boats commenced rescue operations at Kalpetta, Wayanad and at Panmarum (13 km south of Mananthavady), where they evacuated 55 stranded people till 12 noon today, a defence press release said. Another team was airlifted by a Seaking Helicopter to Kalpetta with all gear and two electric generators, which was requested by Wayanad District Collector. Three additional diving teams have also been dispatched to Aluva in coordination with the Deputy Collector for utilization by the District Collector in affected areas to augment the rescue, the release said. One of the teams is likely to be deployed at Idukki. This is in addition to the two diving teams on standby ..
Rains in Ker; drinking water supply problem in Kochi
Kochi is experiencing a shortage of drinking water as gushing flood waters due to rains have affected pumping operations from the Periyar river, officials said. State Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan, who reviewed the situation in Aluva this morning, said officials have been directed to distribute foodgrains and drinking water to people in the affected areas. "We have made alternative arrangements to ensure drinking water supply in the affected areas," he said. Ernakulam district administration said there was 20 per cent deduction in supply of drinking water. District Collector Muhammed Y Safirulla urged people use water wisely in view of the emerging crisis. Kerala Water Authority officials yesterday said high turbidity in the Periyar river had hit pumping and distribution of drinking water supply at Aluva, Eloor, Kalamassery, Thrikkakara, Cheranellur, Elankunnapuzha, Njarackal, Mulavukad and part of Kochi corporation. Deputy Mayor of Kochi T J Vinod alleged that no steps were ...
IAF deploys helicopters, transport planes for Kerala relief operation
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday said it had deployed five An-32 transport aircraft, two Mi-17 V5 helicopters and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) for rescue and relief operations in the rain-devastated parts of Kerala.
Declare Kerala floods national calamity: CPI
The CPI on Friday urged the union government to declare Kerala floods as a "national calamity" and enlist the services of the armed forces for rescue and relief operations.
Rajnath to visit flood-hit areas in Kerala on Sunday
Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh will visit flood-affected areas in Kerala on Sunday, a Ministry statement said on Friday. At least 27 people have died in the state due to incessant rain and landslides in the last 48 hours.
2,574 km new lines commissioned in four years three months: Gohain
The government on Friday said that 2,574 km of new rail lines have been commissioned from 2014 to June 2018.
Rajnath assures Kerala CM all help to deal with floods; to visit Sunday
The Centre today assured the Kerala government of all possible help in rescue and relief operations in the wake of rains and floods, which so far have claimed 26 lives in the state. The assurance was given to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who will also undertake an aerial survey of the state's flood affected areas on Sunday. "Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and discussed the prevailing flood situation in the state. I have assured all possible assistance from the Centre to the state government. The relief and rescue ops are going on. MHA is closely monitoring the flood situation," Singh tweeted. The home minister will undertake a survey of the flood affected areas in Kerala on Sunday, a Home Ministry spokesperson said. Fourteen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are being deployed in the rain-battered state for rescue operations, a spokesman of the force said. Each team has about 45 personnel. The South-West monsoon has been .