Voo da Germanwings 9525 cai na França e mata 150 a bordo

O voo 9525 da empresa Germanwings, um Airbus A320 que transportava 150 pessoas[12] (144 passageiros[3][12] e 6 tripulantes[12]), incluindo os dois pilotos, caiu nos Alpes Franceses hoje de manhã entre as cidades de Digne e Barcelonnette, após o avião desaparecer nos radares franceses em Haute Provence.[12][13] O avião estava voando para Dusseldorf (Alemanha), vindo de Barcelona (Espanha).[13] De acordo com autoridades espanholas, dos 142 passageiros estavam a bordo do avião, incluem relatadas dezesseis crianças em idade escolar que estavam viajando em um projeto de intercâmbio alemão.

Embora as autoridades da Força Aérea Francesa e do Governo tenham chegado no local do acidente, mostrou a visão de que difícil para a sobrevivência, estão fazendo as operações de resgate e de busca, apesar da França ter mobilizado os policiais, helicópteros, entre outros.[13] O vôo, que estava programado hora de partida 9hs35min, mas foi adiada às 10hs01min, era predominantemente composta de cidadãos alemães (60) e espanhóis (49).[3] Para alívio da França, não haviam entre as vítimas, os passageiros franceses.

A Direção Geral da Aviação Civil e as autoridades de controle de tráfego aéreo na França, no momento do acidente, não houve divulgação do sinal de socorro, enquanto presume-se que estava de saída, já que não houve transmissão.[13] A Aviação Civil afirma que a aeronave foi declarada em perigo por pilotos às 10hs47min e desapareceu pouco depois, quando o avião passou de mais de 30.000 para 6.900 pés em oito ou nove minutos antes do impacto de queda, quando os pilotos não enviaram um sinal de socorro.

O clima estava declaradamente claro quando o acidente ocorreu, de acordo com vários relatos de moradores locais. Autoridades francesas disseram que não haver sobreviventes e deslocaram uma equipe de recuperação de emergência fez o seu caminho para o local do acidente e recuperaram umas das caixas pretas, o gravador (RVC) de voo na parte tarde.

O plano SATER (Salvament Aero-Terrestre, em francês) foi ativado e o plano do hospital para Orsan Dinha. A montanha esquadrão policial permanece indica que os ingressos são distribuídos por cerca de 2.700 quilômetros quadrados de 2 mil metros acima do nível do mar. Na área do acidente é muito difícil chegar por terra, os serviços de emergência indicam que têm que andar 2 a 3 horas para chegar ao local. 240 bombeiros, 210 policiais e uma centena de soldados foram enviados por via aérea. Dez helicópteros foram mobilizados para o local.

Várias autoridades descreveram o desastre como um acidente; a Casa Branca (Governo dos Estados Unidos) afirma não se acredita ser um fator de terrorismo. O presidente francês, François Hollande, disse sobre o acidente:

Hollande disse que tem estado em contato com a chanceler Angela Merkel (da Alemanha) e o rei Felipe VI (da Espanha. O rei espanhol estava com Hollande em Paris para uma visita de Estado no momento do desastre aéreo, que devido à repercussão internacional da queda do avião, anunciou à imprensa francesa que decidiu suspender a visita de Estado à França após conversar com presidente francês e voltou para Espanha para acompanhar o desdobrar dos eventos.

De acordo com o promotor francês Bruce Robin, o avião foi completamente destruído. Ele disse: "O corpo do avião está em um estado de destruição, não há um pedaço de asa ou fuselagem intacta". Ele fez os comentários à agência de notícias Reuters, descrevendo sua visão do local da queda de um helicóptero.

O ministro do Interior francês, Bernard Cazeneuve, disse que iria imediatamente primeiro-ministro Manuel Valls, chamado de ativação da célula de crise interministerial. Bernard Cazeneuve será acompanhado pela Ministra da Ecologia, Ségolène Royal e o ministro dos Transportes, Alain Vidal.

No final da tarde, o Ministério do Interior francês anunciou que foi encontrado uma parte da caixa-preta do voo 9525 e com isso a investigação foi iniciada.[13]

Já na manhã do dia 25 de março (horário local, noite do dia 24), o Ministério de Relações Exteriores japonês anunciou que dois cidadãos japoneses estavam no vôo acidentado. Segundo o ministério, dois homens residentes em Dusseldorf, oeste da Alemanha, identificados como Satoshi Nagata (60 anos) e Junichi Sato (40).[14] Shinzo Abe primeiro-ministro, disse na manhã do dia 25 (UTC+9) em que confirma a morte de dois cidadãos. "É em xeque a segurança atual. Eu quero apressar a confirmação" e outra que foi anunciado a comentar sobre dois de segurança, "é um grande desastre, as pessoas que se tornaram vítimas Eu conversei com também gostaria sinceramente de expressar condolências".[14]

Destes, Nagata nasceu na Prefeitura de Tottori, de acordo com parentes que moram na mesma prefeitura, pois o Ministério das Relações Exteriores fez contato após ter sido colocado na lista de passageiros no avião que caiu em 24 de março.[15] Além disso, de acordo com outro dos parentes, Nagata era ex-funcionário de KDDI, atualmente vivendo na Alemanha.[15] Na Espanha, foi dado como visto de turista, que estava programado para voltar para casa temporariamente em abril.[15]

Além disso, Sato trabalhava em Tóquio na empresa de comercialização relacionadas com a máquina de Sherwood ("Resultado"), a indústria tem trabalhado como nome do gerente da filial alemã do local, para retornar ao escritório em Dusseldorf em 24 de março, a partir de uma viagem de negócios na Espanha em que foi programado.[15] Sato havia sido destacado para a subsidiária local da Alemanha por mais de seis anos.[15]

Germanwings é de propriedade da Lufthansa. CEO da Lufthansa Carsten Spohr disse: "Nós ainda não sabemos o que aconteceu com 4U vôo 9525. A minha mais profunda simpatia vai para as famílias e amigos dos nossos passageiros e tripulantes a 4U 9525. Se os nossos medos são confirmados, este é um dia negro para Lufthansa. Temos esperança de encontrar sobreviventes."

O avião, registrado como D-AIPX, tinha sido em serviço há quase 25 anos. Ele voou pela primeira vez em 29 de Novembro de 1990, e foi verificado pela última vez no início deste mês.


На юге Франции разбился самолет A320 со 144 пассажирами

Во вторник, 24 марта 2015 года, на юге Франции в департаменте Альпы Верхнего Прованса потерпел крушение самолёт Airbus A320 авиакомпании Germanwings, выполнявший рейс 9525 из Барселоны в Дюссельдорф.
Обломки самолета обнаружены в районе города Барселоннет, что около 100 км к северу от Ниццы.
По предварительным данным, на борту лайнера находились 144 пассажира и шесть членов экипажа (два пилота и четыте бортпроводника).
По сообщениям СМИ перед катастрофой экипаж подавал сигналы бедствия.

Президент Франции Франсуа Олланд заявил, что выживших в авиакатастрофе скорее всего нет.
Он выразил соболезнования погибшим.

По сведениям газеты Le Parisien, лайнер исчез с экранов радаров примерно спустя час после вылета.
Издание Spiegel со ссылкой на представителя аэропорта Барселоны отмечает, что самолёт вылетел из Барселоны в 08:55 (по UTC).
Лайнер исчез с экранов радаров примерно в 11:15-11:20 по местному времени, он должен был приземлиться в Дюссельдорфе в 11:55.
По информации El Mundo, самолёт передал сигнал бедствия в 10:47 по местному времени (12:47 мск), после чего исчез с экранов радаров.

Крушение произошло недалеко от округа Барселонет, над горным массивом Труа Эвеше.
Самолёт упал в долине От-Блеоноколо 11:00 по местному времени (13:00 мск).

Причины катастрофы выясняются.
В зону падения самолета вылетел глава МВД республики Бернар Казнев.

Профсоюз авиадиспетчеров Франции в связи с авиакатастрофой отменил забастовку, намеченную на 25-27 марта 2015 года.

По сведениям сайта Flight Radar, разбившийся самолет с серийным номером 0147 был «одним из старейших» среди лайнеров этой модели.
Он был выпущен в ноябре 1990 года, первый полет совершил 29 ноября того же года.
В феврале 1991 года поступил в Lufthansa, в Germanwings он оказался в 2003 году.
Через год самолет вернули обратно в Lufthansa, где он летал вплоть до конца 2013 года.
В январе 2014 года A-320 снова был передан в Germanwings.

Germanwings — немецкая бюджетная авиакомпания, базирующаяся в аэропорту Кёльн-Бонн, со штаб-квартирой в Кёльне. Germanwings является аффилированным членом Star Alliance, как дочерняя компания Lufthansa.

Это первая с 2008 года катастрофа пассажирского самолета в Евросоюзе.
Тогда в Мадриде разбился при попытке взлететь самолёт испанской Spanair и погибли 154 человека.

Последняя крупная авиакатастрофа на территории Франции произошла 25 июля 2000 года, когда при взлёте из парижского аэропорта Шарль-де-Голль рухнул направлявшийся в Нью-Йорк самолет Concorde.
В результате катастрофы погибло 113 человек.

Последняя катастрофа лайнера A-320 во Франции произошла 20 января 1992 года, тогда погибли 87 человек.

Как отмечает Le Figaro, падение самолёта Germanwings стало первой катастрофой самолета компании-лоукостера в Европе.

24 марта 2015 года


Нема преживелих у авионској несрећи

24. март 2015.Европска унија -  (Beta-AFP) - Нема преживелих у паду авиона на француским Алпима немачке компаније Џерманвингса са 148 путника и члана посаде, изјавио је у уторак француски државни секретар за саобраћај Ален Видалис.

„Позив за помоћ упућен је у 10:47 (09:47 по средњоевропском времену). Сигнал показује да је тада авион био на висини од 5.000 стопа (1.600 метара), у абнормалној ситуацији“, рекао је Видалис и додао да је пад забележен убрзо по примању тог сигнала.

Ербас немачке компаније, филијале Луфтхансе, летео је од Барселоне до Диселдорфа. У авиону који се срушио на неприступачном терену француских Алпа, било је 142 путника и шест чланова посаде.

Француске власти саопштиле су и да су лоцирале олупину авиона у Алпима на 2.000 метара надморске висине.


Glasgow International Airport reopened; arrests made and houses searched

On July 1, 2007 Glasgow International Airport began to reopen after a car was driven into the airport by terrorists, with flights from Orlando and Ibiza arriving during the day. By the end of the day, the airport was reported to be operating largely as usual, but passengers continued to be advised to confirm their flights with operators before coming to the airport. Tight security precautions remain in force across UK airports today, although most flights are operating as normal.

Several houses have been searched in the area of Renfrewshire in Neuk Crescent, Houston, Scotland. Five arrests have been made following the incident in Glasgow: two in Glasgow, Scotland, two on the M6 motorway in Cheshire, and one in Liverpool (England). The police are continuing house searches and inquiries throughout the country, including in Merseyside and Staffordshire, with one suspect identified to "still be at large".

Sky News reports that two of the arrested men are doctors, working in British hospitals.

A suspicious car has undergone a controlled explosion outside the Royal Alexandra Hospital, to which a suspect of the attack at the airport had been taken for treatment as a result of burns. A 200 m cordon was set up around the hospital as a precautionary measure, with ambulances being turned away from the accident and emergency department. Police have stated that they believe that the suspicious vehicle was connected to the earlier attack at Glasgow International Airport, but that they do not believe it to have contained any explosives.

During a press conference Strathclyde police revealed that they believe the two men had been living in Renfrew for at least six weeks prior to the attacks of yesterday. The green Cherokee jeep is "possibly" a second hand, rather than stolen, car with registration L808 RDT. Questions were raised during the conference concerning whether the USA had, as had been reported in certain circles, published a report predicting that there may be an attack on Glasgow Airport. This was not confirmed and considered as speculation. The police issued an appeal for any details about sightings of the vehicle prior to the event.


Gran Bretagna, cinque sospettati nel mirino della polizia per gli attentati di Glasgow e Londra

Proclamato lo stato di massima allerta in tutto il Regno Unito, dopo i due falliti attentati di Londra e l'attacco suicida compiuto sabato a Glasgow: un SUV in fiamme si è lanciato contro un terminal dell'aeroporto della più grande città scozzese.

Cinque sono le persone fermate dalla polizia britannica: due, un uomo e una donna, sono stati bloccati su un'autostrada nella contea del Cheshire, un terzo a Liverpool e altri due a Glasgow; la polizia non ha reso note le identità dei fermati: secondo alcune voci, i due fermati di Glasgow, uno dei quali gravemente ustionatosi nel corso dell'attentato suicida, avrebbero un aspetto asiatico e il loro accento non li qualificherebbe come originari della Scozia.

Massimo riserbo, dunque, sull'andamento delle indagini sebbene il neo-primo ministro Gordon Brown abbia dichiarato che le forze dell'ordine sono in stato di massima allerta.

«Non cederemo agli atti del male, che non possono in nessun modo essere giustificati dalla fede», ha detto il primo ministro domenica 1º luglio, anche se la matrice degli attentati ancora non è stata ufficialmente attribuita. Un pacco sospetto ha causato sabato sera la chiusura dello scalo londinese di Heathrow per quello che poi si è rivelato un falso allarme; a Newcastle-under-Lyne, nello Staffordshire, la polizia inglese ha effettuato retate negli appartamenti di alcuni sospetti. Infine, a Glasgow, gli artificieri della polizia scozzese hanno fatto esplodere un'automobile sospetta parcheggiata non lontano dall'ospedale dove si trova ricoverata la persona ustionata in stato d'arresto.


Government of the Bahamas isssues warning over Hurricane Hanna

The government of the Bahamas has issued a hurricane warning for the Central Bahamas, the Southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos islands.

As of 17:30 UTC today the Hurricane is moving towards the west-southwest at a speed of 7 km/h and it is expected to hit the central and southeastern Bahamas during the next two days.

According to the National Hurricane Service the maximum sustained wind speed of the hurricane will be 120 km/h.

The hurricane is expected to produce up to twenty centimeters of rainfall over the affected areas of the Bahamas.

Forecasters have also predicted that the hurricane my strike the United States.  "Right now, the uncertainty is such that it could hit anywhere from Miami to the outer banks of North Carolina," commented Jessica Schauer Clark, a spokesperson National Hurricane Center. "So people really need to keep an eye on it."


Governo das Bahamas emite alerta de perigo sobre o Furacão Hanna

O governo das Bahamas emitiu um alerta de perigo do furacão na Bahamas Central, Bahamas e do sudeste das Ilhas Turks e Caicos.

A partir de hoje das 17h30 UTC, o furacão está avançando para o oeste-sudoeste a uma velocidade de 7 km/h e espera-se para acertar o centro e sudeste de Bahamasl durante os próximos dois dias.

De acordo com o Serviço Nacional de Furacão sustentado a máxima velocidade do vento do furacão serão 120 km/h.

O furacão está prevista para produzir até vinte centímetros de chuva ao longo das zonas afetadas das Bahamas. Previsões previram também que o furacão vai passar pelos Estados Unidos. "Neste momento, a incerteza é tal que ela poderia chegar em qualquer lugar a partir de Miami para as costas no exterior da Carolina do Norte", comentou Jessica Schauer Clark, um porta-voz do Centro Nacional de Furacão Center. "Portanto, as pessoas realmente precisam manter de olho nele".


Greece declines Finland's offer of helicopters, personnel to help fight forest fires

Greece has declined Finland's offer of three firefighting helicopters and 25 firefighters.

The offer had been made as a result of a request by Greece for aid with the forest fires Greece is currently experiencing. Greece had stressed at the time that the most urgent need was for fixed-wing aircraft with water-bombing capabilities, assets Finland does not possess.

The Greek authorities said that the equipment Finland had offered was not suited to the task it had been proposed for. Ole Norrback, current Finnish ambassador to Greece, has already said that Finland is in a better position to aid with reforestation efforts once the fires have been quenched.


Grecia rechaza la oferta finesa de enviar helicópteros y personal para batallar el fuego

Grecia ha rechazado la oferta de Finlandia para enviar tres helicópteros especializados para incendios y 25 bomberos.

La oferta fue hecha luego de que Grecia pidiera ayuda para apaciguar a las llamas que devoran Grecia.

Grecia además hizo hincapié en que necesitaba aviones con capacidades de bombear agua, instrumentos de los cuales Finlandia carece. Las autoridades griegas añadieron que el equipamiento que Finlandia ofrecía no era adecuada para la tarea por la que se necesitaba.

Ole Norrback, actual embajador finés en Grecia, ha dicho que Finlandia está en una mejor posición para ayudar con la reforestación una vez que se apaguen los incendios.


Greece wildfires force thousands to evacuate

Thousands of people in Greece have been forced to evacuate their homes after major wildfires continued for their third day in the suburbs outside of Athens.

10,000 people were evacuated out of one town, Agios Stefanos, located 23 kilometres from downtown Athens, after the flames headed for the area. All residents were ordered to take the main highway to Athens.

The deputy mayor of the town, Panayiotis Bitakos, told Skai TV that "I call on all residents to follow the instructions of the police as to where they will go. We had been begging the authorities since early in the morning to send forces [...] It is too late now. Too late."

Athens Prefect Yannis Sgouras told state NET TV that strong winds helped strengthen the fires, and caused extra difficulties for the firefighters trying to put out the blaze. He said that approximately 120 square kilometres have been burned so far.

"More than 120,000 stremmas [30,000 acres] have been burnt. It is an ecological disaster," he said.

In a televised speech on NET, the fire department spokesman Ioannis Kapakis stated that "the strength of the winds has increased and the situation remains particularly difficult.”

In total, 83 major fires were reported across Greece from 06.00 yesterday to 18.00 today.

No casualties have yet been reported, and no official property damage tally has yet been made, although Greek media have estimated tens of homes to have been damaged.

The fires are the worst in Greece since 2007, when heavy wildfires killed 77 people.


Incendios en Grecia ocasionan más daños

Miles de griegos pasaron la noche del domingo a la intemperie, huyendo de voraces incendios forestales que amenazan sus comunidades en las afueras de Atenas. Residentes de Agio Stéfanos, una comunidad al norte de Atenas, recibieron órdenes de evacuar sus hogares.
En 2007, año en que se habían quemado cerca de 250.000 hectáreas y fallecieron 77 personas, habían ocurrido incendios de tal magnitud.

Los bomberos lograron controlar los numerosos siniestros en los alrededores de la capital, pero fuertes vientos siguen empujando las llamas hacia la ciudad.

Más de 2.000 bomberos y soldados están combatiendo los incendios que se iniciaron el viernes y se esparcieron a todo lo ancho de un área de 50 kilómetros.

También en el trayecto de las llamas se encuentra la ciudad de Maratón, con sus monumentos y museos. El alcalde de Maratón, Spyros Zagaris, dijo que había estado “rogado al gobierno que enviara aviones y helicópteros” pero que hasta el momento la ayuda no ha llegado.

Los incendios se iniciaron hace cuatro días y se han cobrado más de 15.000 hectáreas de bosques en diferentes partes de Grecia, los alrededores de Atenas son unas de las áreas más perjudicadas, los incendios afectan desde varios días a la isla Eubea, frente a Atenas al este de Grecia y la isla de Zante, que es una de las Islas Jónicas, al oeste de Grecia.

El combate de los incendios comprende aproximadamente 600 bomberos, 300 soldados, 12 aviones y 4 helicópteros cisterna.
Varios países europeos han enviaso ayuda, entre ellos, Austria quye ha destinado 30 soldados, 3 avionetas Pilatus PC-6 y tres helicópteros. Chipre, por su parte, ha enviado a Grecia 16 bomberos, vehículos terrestres y un helicóptero.

También ha recibido varios hidroaviones especializados contra incendios; del tipo Canadair CL-415 dos por España, dos por Italia y uno por Francia; del tipo Canadair CL-215 uno por Francia y uno por Turquía, país que le reserva otros dos más por si son necesarios.


Grécia sofre com incêndios

A Grécia está sofrendo com um incêndio florestal desde de sexta-feira 21. Fortes ventos contribuíram para que o fogo se espalhasse. Os bombeiros informaram que o foco do incêndio começara em Grammatiko, perto de Nomarthon, norte da cidade de Atenas.

Este é o pior incêndio desde 2007, quando 65 pessoas morreram no mais terrível dos incêndios da Grécia. Yannis Sgourso, um dos governadores de Atenas, informou que ‘‘em vários pontos, a situação é incontrolável.’’ França, Itália e Chipre já mandaram reforços para tentar conter o fogo. Há ainda uma espessa cortina de fumaça acumulando-se e causando diversos problemas respiratórios nos cidadãos do subúrbio de Atenas e arredores, que foram aconselhados a deixar suas casas imediatamente.


கிரேக்கத்தில் காட்டுத் தீயால் ஆயிரக்கணக்கானோர் வெளியேற்றம்

ஞாயிறு, ஆகத்து 23, 2009, ஏதென்சு, கிரேக்கம்:

கிரேக்கத்தில் பரவிவரும் காட்டுத்தீ அந்நாட்டின் தலைநகரில் சேதங்களை ஏற்பபடுத்தும் என்று அஞ்சப்படும் நிலையில், அப்பகுதியில் ஏற்பட்டுள்ள மிக மோசமான சுற்றுச்சூழல் பேரவலம் இதுதான் என அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

பெரும் சீற்றத்துடன் காற்று வீசுவதால் தீ வேகமாக பரவி வரும் நிலையில், ஏதென்சு நகரின் வடக்கு மற்றும் கிழக்கு புறநகர்ப் பகுதிகளிலிருந்து பத்தாயிரத்திற்கும் அதிகமான மக்களை வீடுகளை துறந்து வெளியேறுமாறு அதிகாரிகள் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளனர்.

இத்தாலி, பிரான்ஸ் சைப்ரஸ் போன்ற நாடுகளிலிருந்து தீயணைப்பு விமானங்கள் உள்ளிட்ட சர்வதேச உதவிகளை காட்டுத் தீயை அணைப்பது தொடர்பில் கிரேக்க அரசாங்கம் பெற்றுள்ளது.

இரண்டு ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு கிரேக்கத்தில் இதேபோல் காட்டுத் தீ பரவியதில் எழுபதுக்கும் அதிகமானோர் கொல்லப்பட்டிருந்தனர்.


Yunanistan'da orman yangınları sonucu olağanüstü hal ilan edildi

23 Ağustos 2009, Pazar Güncelleme: 24 Ağustos 2009, Pazartesi

Yunanistan'ın kuzeydoğu kıyılarındaki ağır orman yangınları kontrol altına alınamayınca Yunanistan'da olağanüstü hal ilan edildi. İtfaiye ekipleri, söndürme araçları ve helikopterlerin de yardımıyla yangını kontrol altına almaya çalışmak için yangın bölgesine sevkedildi.

Yetkililerin açıklamasına göre yangın, cuma günü geç saatlerde Atina'ya 40 kilometre uzaklıkta bulunan Grammatiko yakınlarında çıktı. Alevler rüzgarın da etkisiyle güçlenerek cumartesi günü erken saatlerde Varnavas ve Marathon bölgelerine kadar yayıldı.

Yangın departmanı sözcüsü Yiannis Kapakis, yangın tarafından tehdit edilen evlerin boşaltılması üzerinde ısrar etti. Bölgede olağanüstü hal ilan edilmesine karşın yangın sonucu hiçbir yaralı veya ölü bildirilmedi. 24 Ağustos 2009 tarihinde Türkiye Başbakanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'ın, Yunanistan Başbakanı Kostas Karamanlis'i aradığı ve yardım teklif ettiği öğrenildi. Bu konuşmanın ardından Türkiye'nin 2 amfibik uçak gönderdiği bildirildi.


Grenade set off outside Tajik ministry

A woman set off a hand grenade outside the Tajikistan Ministry of Emergencies, killing herself.

The incident, which happened on October 9, has not been claimed by any groups. It is unknown whether the attack, and two similar happenings earlier this year, were by a terrorist group. Some Western diplomats suggest the first two bombs were linked to business disputes or political vendettas.

The woman died in an ambulance, en route to the hospital. The grenade was hidden in her handbag.


Une grenade explose devant un ministère tadjik

Une femme a fait exploser une grenade (dissimulée dans son sac) dimanche devant le ministère tadjik des urgences. Elle est mort dans l'ambulance qui la menait à l'hôpital.

L'incident, similaire a deux attaques qui avaient été déclenchés plus tôt dans l'année. Il n'est pas clair si ces attaques à l'explosif sont l'œuvre de groupuscules terroristes ou d'individus mécontents de la politique du gouvernement.

Des diplomates occidentaux supposeraient que les attentats seraient liés à des intérêts économiques et vendettas mafieuses.


タジキスタン非常事態省の外で手榴弾が爆発

9日、タジキスタンの非常事態省庁舎の外で、ある女性が持っていた手榴弾が爆発し、女性は死亡した。

事件は現地時間(UTC +5)9日夕方（日本時間9日夜）、首都ドゥシャンベで起こった。犯行声明は出ていない。この爆発が非常事態省への攻撃であるかどうかは明らかではない。一方で今年、テロリストグループによる似たような事件が2つ起こっている。西側外交官の一部は、以前の2つの爆破事件は、ビジネス上の争いか政治的な復讐ではないかと示唆している。

女性は救急車で病院に搬送される途中で死亡した。手榴弾は女性のハンドバッグの中に入っていた。

英語版ウィキニュースからの翻訳です。


Guatemalan minister killed in helicopter crash

Vinicio Gómez, the Guatemalan Interior Minister and Édgar Hernández Umaña, the deputy Interior Minister, were yesterday killed in a helicopter crash, according to government officials. The helicopter lost contact at 19:08 UTC yesterday, and as a result, this is believed to be the time that the accident occurred.

A spokesperson for the Guatemalan government said that the accident was caused by bad weather. They also stated, one their official website, that the incident occurred at a point 42 miles away from La Aurora International Airport, the country's major international airport.

A spokesperson for the Guatemalan government highlighted the official response to the events. "The government is distraught and regrets the death of a key minister, who had done good work in a few months in office," he said.

"The Mexican government is already lending its support. It has put a plane at the president's disposal to take him from Villahermosa to Guatemala tomorrow," continued Fernando Barrillas, the spokesperson.


危地馬拉內政部正副首長墜機身亡

危地馬拉內政部長維尼喬·戈麥斯及副部長埃德加·赫爾南，昨天（6月27日）在危地馬拉城以北的阿塔維拉帕茲省，因直升機墜毀而喪生。

根據當地消息指出，直升機約在當地時間下午一時五十八分與空中管制中心失去聯絡，隨後便發現直升機已墜毀。內政部長及副部長、另一名乘客以及機師無一生還。直升機初步被懷疑因天氣問題導致墜毀，但失事的真正原因尚待進一步調查。


Gulf of Mexico oil spill expanding; submarines to try to stop leak

Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion

After an explosion aboard an oil rig four days ago, an oil spill caused by the sinking of the rig has expanded to cover an area of around 600 square miles (1550 square kilometers), and efforts to shut off the leak have thus far been unsuccessful.

Officials have begun to use robotic submersible vehicles to stop the leak. The efforts began yesterday, although it could be as late as tomorrow before they are completed. The vehicles will attempt to engage a device called a blowout preventer, which can seal the well shut to prevent sudden releases of pressure within the well, like the one that may have caused the rig to explode. According to BP, the company that operated the well, the attempt was the first of its kind in the world.

The leaks are on a pipe from the ocean floor called a riser. They are currently estimated to be releasing around 42,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico, and the oil slick on the surface of the ocean is estimated to cover an area about 48 by 39 miles at its widest points. Officials say oil is not expected to reach land until at least Thursday, and would remain at least 30 miles from land through Tuesday. The impact of the spill on wildlife is currently unknown; there have been no reports of animal casualties, though whales were seen in the vicinity of the spill yesterday.

According to officials, there are two other possible ways to contain the oil spill if the attempt to seal the well is unsuccessful. One option would be to install a large dome over the leak and send the collected oil to the surface, where it would be collected by ships. This has been done before, although only in shallow water. The second option is to drill an entirely new well that would intersect the original, although this could take months to complete.


Únik ropy v Mexickém zálivu se snaží zastavit ponorky

Po explozi na ropné plošině Deepwater Horizon a jejím následném potopení se Mexickým zálivem šíří ropná skvrna, která má v současnosti plochu už 1550 čtverečních kilometrů. Dosavadní snahy únik zastavit byly neúspěšné.

Včera byly nasazeny robotické ponorky, aby únik zastavily, ale operace může trvat dva až tři dny. Cílem čtyř ponorek vybavených kamerami a dálkově ovládanými robotickými pažemi je aktivovat zařízení složené ze soustavy potrubí a ventilů, které by mohlo únik zastavit. Podle firmy BP, která plošinu provozuje, se takový způsob řešení zkouší poprvé. Není jisté, zdali bude úspěšný.

Podle dosavadních odhadů by se neměla ropa dostat k pobřeží dřív než ve čtvrtek. Míra škod na životním prostředí není dosud chvíli známa, nejsou ani žádné zprávy o mrtvých zvířatech.

Ropa uniká zhruba v hloubce půl druhého kilometru pod hladinou rychlostí přibližně tisíc barelů denně. Pokud robotické ponorky neuspějí, existují ještě další dvě možnosti k zastavení úniku. Jednou z nich by bylo přikrýt místo úniku kupolí, z které by vedly roury na hladinu, kde by byla ropa nakládána do lodí. Jinou možností by bylo vyvrtání nového vrtu, který by odbíral ropu z poškozeného, realizace takového plánu ale může trvat celé měsíce.


Bohrinsel-Unglück: Großer Ölteppich bedroht die Küste Louisianas

New Orleans (Vereinigte Staaten), 30.04.2010 – Gut eine Woche nach der Explosion und dem Sinken der Bohrinsel „Deepwater Horizon“ zeichnete sich zumindest teilweise die Lösung einer Umweltkatastrophe ab, der Optimismus erwies sich jedoch als verfrüht. Experten bestätigten bereits zwei Tage nach dem Sinken der Bohrinsel zwei Lecks in der Tiefsee. Eines ist genau an der Stelle, wo die Bohrinsel ihre Bohrlöcher hatte, ein weiteres wurde an einem Verbindungsrohr durch ein unbemanntes Mini-U-Boot entdeckt. Es wurde unterschiedlichen Medienberichten zufolge ein Austritt von annähernd 140.000 - 190.000 Litern Rohöl pro Tag erwartet. Die eingebaute Sicherungstechnik, welche unter der Bezeichnung „blow-out preventer“ (BOP) das unkontrollierte Austreten von Öl in der Tiefsee in einer Tiefe von 1.500 Metern durch automatisches Verschließen der Bohrlöcher verhindern sollte, hat Medienberichten zufolge kläglich versagt. Es könnte möglicherweise bei der Explosion und dem anschließenden Untergang beschädigt worden sein. Der Verbleib von 700.000 Barrel Dieselkraftstoff für die Bohrinsel, welche vor Ort gelagert worden sind, ist noch immer unklar. Inzwischen steht fest, dass sich ein etwa 4.500 Quadratkilometer großer, jedoch stellenweise nur wenige Zentimeter dicker Ölfilm gebildet hat. Er wurde durch Winde und Meeresströmungen auseinander getrieben. Zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt ist der Ölteppich aber noch so weit von den Landmassen entfernt, dass es etwa drei Tage bis zum Auftreffen auf die Küsten brauchen würde. Dennoch sind Experten besorgt und haben damit begonnen, den Ölfilm kontrolliert abzufackeln. Dies ist den Experten zufolge aber nur dann Erfolg versprechend, wenn die Dicke des Films größer als fünf Millimeter ist und damit gemäß Expertenmeinung ausreicht, ihn anzuzünden. Dort wo dies nicht gegeben sei, würde das Verfahren von vornherein scheitern. Von der Dicke des Films hängt auch ab, zu wie viel Prozent desselben abgeflämmt und damit zumindest unschädlich gemacht werden könnte. Die wissenschaftlich umstrittene Methode birgt aber auch noch andere Gefahren: Diese sind zum Beispiel das Freisetzen giftigen Rauchs und das Zurückbleiben von verbrannten Ölresten, welche das Meer weiterhin verunreinigen würden. Die US-Behörden haben sich dennoch entschlossen, diesen Schritt zu wagen und starteten ihn am Mittwochabend (MESZ). Doch das Abflämmen des Ölfilms kam zu spät. Behördenangaben zufolge soll aufgrund der Ausdehnung des Ölfilms dieser nicht mehr bekämpfbar sein. Die US-Behörden haben inzwischen das Scheitern sämtlicher Bemühungen eingeräumt. Zudem wurde ein drittes Leck entdeckt, wodurch sich die austretende Menge fast verfünffacht hat und nun auch vom Ölkonzern BP mit 800.000 Litern pro Tag angegeben wird.

Das Schließen der Lecks mittels Spezialgeräten (Tauchrobotern) hätte nach anfangs gemeldeten Behördenangaben zufolge noch Wochen andauern können, ist zwischenzeitlich aber wohl gescheitert. Behindert wurden zeitweise alle Arbeiten zur Sicherung der Unglücksstelle und auch die Aufräum- und Säuberungsarbeiten durch Starkregen und heftige Stürme, so zum Beispiel durch einen Tornado im US-Bundesstaat Louisiana. Sollte der Wind den Ölteppich auf die Küsten Louisianas, Alabamas oder Mississippis zutreiben, stehen gigantische Umweltschäden ins Haus. Dort sind Garnelenzuchtfarmen, Austernbänke und Brutkolonien seltener Meeresvögel, die möglicherweise betroffen werden könnten. Aber auch die Wale, Meeresfauna und Meeresflora sind bedroht.

An beiden Austrittsstellen kommen behelfsweise Entlastungsbohrungen durch ins Unglücksgebiet geschleppte, mobile Ölplattformen in Betracht.

Die Behörden gaben vor wenigen Tagen bekannt, dass die Suche nach den elf vermissten Arbeitern des Konzerns BP eingestellt worden ist. Am Dienstag vor gut einer Woche war die größte Ölplattform der Welt, welche von Transocean Limited betrieben und von BP geleast wurde, zunächst explodiert. In der Folge ist sie am vergangenen Donnerstag brennend gesunken.


Meksika Körfezi'nde petrol sızıntısı

Meksika Körfezi'nde BP şirketine ait bir petrol kuyusundan yüksek miktarda petrol sızması gerçekleşiyor. Petrol 1500 kilometrekareyi aşkın alana yayıldı. Denize günde 5000 varil (210,000 galon) petrol akıyor. Olayın önüne geçebilmek için petrol sızan deniz ateşe verildi. Petrol kuyusunda iki delik daha bulunmasıyla birlikte olayın tarihteki en büyük petrol sızıntısı olmasından duyulan korku daha da büyüdü. Bölgede ayrıca filtre gemileri ile robot denizaltılar da sızıntıyı önlemeye çalışıyor. Petroller şu anda Louisiana sahiline 50 km kadar yaklaşmış durumda.


Haiti relief efforts: in depth

Countries and relief organisations around the world are sending aid to Haiti, which was hit by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on Tuesday, affecting up to three million people, most of them in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Relief efforts, however, have been hampered by damaged or destroyed infrastructure, lack of shelter, and communications difficulties.

As of today, at least 300,000 people were estimated to be homeless in the capital, according to the United Nations; the organisation reports that one in ten buildings completely collapsed due to the tremors and resulting aftershocks. The UN said it believes 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed by the quake, while Haitian President Rene Preval said that seven thousand bodies were buried in a mass grave.

Port-au-Prince's main airport remained open as of today, and relief airplanes were arriving faster than they could be unloaded, prompting fears that planes could run out of fuel while waiting their turn to land. As a result, all non-military flights out of the airport were restricted. Air traffic controllers from the US were present to help handle the flow.

The main port, meanwhile, was severely damaged, and unable to handle any cargo.

To see more images related to the disaster, you may wish to look at the companion article Haitian earthquake: in pictures.

Even with the amount of aid coming in, it is proving difficult to deliver it where it is needed; many roads have been blocked by rubble. Alejandro Lopez-Chicheri, a senior spokesman for the World Food Programme (WFP), commented: "The roads, many of them are still to be opened, and on the ones that are open there are still people concentrated on the sides of the roads." He described Haiti as being "completely on the ground".

"This is a logistical challenge. Before the earthquake struck we were already assisting one million people here, we are considering it will be at least double that after this earthquake," he told the Al Jazeera news agency.

The WFP has estimated that two million people will need food aid; however, only four thousand have so far been fed.

"The physical destruction is so great that physically getting from point A to B with the supplies is not an easy task," said a WFP spokeswoman in Geneva at a news conference.

Transporting supplies was made even harder due to lack of communications. Telephone lines were down. "There have been a lot of criticism from local authorities about the relief efforts, but in all fairness, if we could catch a break and get some communication up and running, things would go a lot faster," commented Louis Belanger, spokesman with the humanitarian aid group Oxfam International.

Looting has also been an issue. Delfin Antonio Rodriguez, the rescue commander from adjacent Dominican Republic, said to the Agency France-Presse news agency earlier today that "[o]ur biggest problem is insecurity. Yesterday they tried to hijack some of our trucks. Today we were barely able to work in some places because of that."

Elisabeth Byrs, a UN humanitarian spokeswoman in Geneva described the desperation of those in the capital. "People who have not been eating or drinking for almost 50 hours and are already in a very poor situation. If they see a truck with something, or if they see a supermarket which has collapsed, they just rush to get something to eat."

The WFP initially reported that its warehouses in the capital were looted, but this was later retracted. WFP spokeswoman Caroline Hurford told the BBC that "[a]pparently there were unconfirmed reports of looting taking place but once our teams got down to the dockside they were able to see that there was some mistake."

The earthquake also destroyed Port-au-Prince's main prison. According to International Red Cross spokesman Marcal Izard, 4,000 inmates escaped the jail and are now on the city streets. "They obviously took advantage of this disaster," he said.

Haitian police were "not visible at all," according to a UN spokesman, probably because they had to deal with lost family members and homes, further exacerbating the situation. Around 3,000 international UN peacekeeping troops were present to try to maintain law and order in lieu of the local police force.

According to a reporter for Al Jazeera, frustration among Port-au-Prince's residents was increasing because they were not receiving enough help, and there was an exodus out of the city to try and find areas with more supplies. "A lot of people have simply grown tired of waiting for those emergency workers to get to them," said Sebastian Walker. "Thousands of people are streaming out of the city towards the provinces to try to find supplies of food and water, supplies that are running out in the city."

A spokesman for the Brazilian-commanded UN peacekeeping force, David Wimhurst, also commented that "unfortunately, they're slowly getting more angry and impatient. I fear, we are all aware that the situation is getting more tense as the poorest people who need so much, are waiting for deliveries. I think tempers might be frayed."

Photographer Shaul Schwarz for the TIME magazine reported seeing at least two roadblocks downtown, made of rocks and corpses. "They are starting to block the roads with bodies. It's getting ugly out there. People are fed up with getting no help," he said.

"We hear on the radio that rescue teams are coming from the outside, but nothing is coming," said one resident, Jean-Baptiste Lafontin Wilfried, as quoted by the BBC.

"We need food. The people are suffering. My neighbors and friends are suffering," said another resident, Sylvain Angerlotte, aged 22, as quoted by the Associated Press. "We don't have money. We don't have nothing to eat. We need pure water."

Due to lack of buildings or shelter, many relief members were facing the same difficulties as were residents. "Even the aid workers themselves are sleeping in cars or in tents on the streets," said Jamieson Davies, the international programmes director of the Caritas relief organisation, to Al Jazeera. She described the situation as being "extremely difficult".


Haïti : la mission de l'ONU assure la sécurité après le séisme

La mission des Nations unies pour la stabilisation[1] prend en charge le maintien de l'ordre en Haïti, frappé mardi par un séisme dévastateur. La nouvelle a été annoncée, vendredi, par le Secrétaire général de l'ONU Ban Ki-moon.

Le tremblement de terre, de magnitude 7 sur l'échelle de Richter, est survenu le 12 janvier dernier au large d'Haïti, coupant les télécommunications et détruisant de nombreux édifices, dont le palais présidentiel et le siège d'une mission des Nations unies.

Les autorités haïtiennes craignent qu'un manque d'alimentation et d'eau potable ne provoquent des poussées de violence. Selon les informations fournies par l'ONU, quelques 3 millions de personnes sont privées du strict nécessaire.

Les informations officielles ne donnent pas, pour l'instant, le nombre de victimes, mais le bilan pourrait largement dépasser les 100 000 morts.


Haitian earthquake: in pictures

Haiti was hit by a heavy earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 on Tuesday, killing an unknown number of people, and destroying up to ten percent of buildings in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

No official death toll has been released as of yet, although the United Nations says that up to fifty thousand people may potentially have been killed. An estimated 300,000 more were left without homes.

In a special photo report, Wikinews looks at the extensive damage caused by the disaster.

To find more information about a certain image or to enlarge it, click it. For an in-depth textual report on the same subject, please see Haiti relief efforts: in depth.


Haiti: wtórny wstrząs wywołał panikę; liczba zabitych stale rośnie

W sobotę na Haiti odnotowano wtórny wstrząs o sile 4,5 w skali Richtera. W zrujnowanej stolicy kraju nawiedzonego 12 stycznia potężnym trzęsieniem ziemi, Port-au-Prince, wybuchła panika. Dokładna liczba zabitych nadal nie jest znana, jednak waha się od 50 do 200 tys.

Wtórny wstrząs spowodował przerwanie prac międzynarodowych ekip ratunkowych, które non stop przeszukują gruzowiska, by odnaleźć żywych ludzi. Dziś z gruzów wydobyto żywą 16-miesięczną dziewczynkę. W Port-au-Prince wybuchła panika wskutek ponownego wstrząsu, a także tysiące ludzi uciekło z miasta.

Międzynarodowy Komitet Czerwonego Krzyża szacuje, iż w kataklizmie życie straciło 45 tys. do 50 tys., jednakże władze Haiti podają znacznie dramatyczniejsze dane. Według haitańskiego ministra spraw wewnętrznych wstrząs zabił między 100 a 200 tysięcy ludzi. W kraju pogrzebano już 40 tys. zabitych. Co najmniej 300 tysięcy jest pozbawione dachu nad głową. Wśród zabitych jest jeden Polak, pracownik stabilizacyjnych sił ONZ stacjonujących na Haiti.

Tymczasem w najbiedniejszym kraju Ameryki Centralnej panuje dramatyczna sytuacja humanitarna. Umierają ranni, gdyż w kraju brakuje szpitali, a te które przyjmują poszkodowanych są przepełnione. Do Haiti płynie wielka amerykańska morska jednostka - szpital, która pomoże w leczeniu poszkodowanych. Do Port-au-Prince dotarła polska ekipa ratownicza.

Dla poszkodowanych brakuje żywności oraz wody. Dochodzi także do zamieszek, a tworzące się gangi grabią cenne rzeczy, bądź pomoc, która dotarła na Haiti. Ponadto główne więzienie w Port-au-Prince także uległo zniszczeniu, w wyniku czego znajdujący się tam więźniowie uciekli. Wśród zbiegów jest kilka osób skazanych na dożywocie.


Cutremurul din Haiti în imagini

23 ianuarie 2010 Port-au-Prince, Haiti —

Statul Haiti a fost lovit de un grav cutremur de pământ cu magnitudinea de 7,0 pe scara Richter în data de marți, 12 ianuarie 2010, care a produs moartea a unui număr încă necunoscut de persoane și a distrus 10% din clădirile construite în capitala Port-au-Prince.

Numărul morților nu a fost confirmat oficial, însă Organizația Națiunilor Unite susține că în jur de 50.000 de oameni și-ar fi pierdut viața. Se estimează că aproximativ 300.000 de locuitori au rămas fără adăpost.


எயிட்டி நிலநடுக்கம்: படங்களில்

எயிட்டி சென்ற செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை 7.3 ரிக்டர் நிலநடுக்கத்தால் பெரும் பாதிப்படைந்தது. எண்ணிலடங்காதோர் கொல்லப்பட்டனர். தலைநகர் போர்ட்-ஓ-பிரின்சில் பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கான கட்டிடங்கள் இடிந்து தரைமட்டமாகின.

கொல்லப்பட்டவர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை இதுவரையில் அதிகாரபூர்வமாக அறிவிக்கப்படவில்லை. ஆனாலும், 50,000 பேருக்கு மேல் இறந்திருக்கலாம் என ஐக்கிய நாடுகள் அறிவித்துள்ளது.

இந்நிலநடுக்கம் ஏற்படுத்திய பேரழிவுகளை விக்கிசெய்திகளின் சிறப்புப் படங்கள் காட்டுகின்றன:

சனி, சனவரி 16, 2010


Heat protection system on Space Shuttle Atlantis damaged during liftoff

The Space Shuttle Atlantis has received at least a 4 inch tear on its Thermal Protection System (TPS) on one of the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pods near the thrusters after it took off on June 8, but officials say the damage is not concerning yet, and the OMS was not damaged.

"There's not a whole lot of concerns just yet," said a spokesman for NASA, Louis Parker.

"Preliminary Area of Interest in TPS inspection: Around a 4 inch blanket reported sticking out at the port OMS pod. Crew reported that on the port OMS pod they can see a 4 to 5 inch piece of blanket sticking up. They are getting photos," said NASA.

The OMS is used to control the shuttle's movement in space and is also used for orbital injection and NASA says that preliminary imaging shows that the OMS was not damaged.

"Analysis by launch team looking at other camera views show that the tyvek cover did not strike the OMS pod," said NASA.

Astronauts inspected the shuttle for more damage at approximately 2:00 p.m. (eastern time) using Atlantis's robotic arm with digital cameras placed on the end, but found none and Atlantis is still planned to dock with the International Space Station.


El escudo térmico del Atlantis es dañado

El Transbordador espacial Atlantis, que despegó hace tan sólo horas, recibió un hoyo de 4 pulgadas en su Sistema de Protección Térmica (SPT) en una de las vainas del Sistema Orbitacional de Maniobras (SOM), pero los oficiales dicen que el daño no es preocupante aún.

"No es un gran problema aún," dijo el portavoz de la NASA, Luis Parker.

"Área de Interés Preliminar en la inspección del SPT: una capa de 4 pulgadas reportada saliéndose de la vaina del puerto SOM. La tripulación reportó que pueden ver una capa saliéndose de entre 4 y 5 pulgadas de la vaina de puerto SOM. Están consiguiendo algunas fotografía," dijo la NASA

El SOM es utilizado para controlar el movimiento del transbordador en el espacio y también para la inyección orbital; la NASA dice que las imágenes preliminares muestras que el SOM no fue dañado.

Los astronautas en el Atlantis inspeccionarán el transboradador alrededor de las 2:00 p.m (CET) a fin de encontrar si hay más daño utilizando el brazo robótico con cámaras digitales en él.

La misión STS-117 tenía como objetivo instalar paneles solares en la Estación Espacial Internacional (ISS).


Atlantis z dziurą w pokrywie

Na zdjęciach zrobionych przez załogę Atlantisa widać, po lewej stronie, w pobliżu sterujących silników rakietowych, niewielką dziurę. NASA twierdzi, że uszkodzenie nie jest groźne i astronautom nic nie zagraża.

Astronauci sprawdzą, czy podczas piątkowego startu nie ucierpiała powłoka ochronna promu, aby wykryć wszystkie ewentualne uszkodzenia i dzięki temu uniknąć powtórzenia się tragedii siostrzanego promu Columbia. Wahadłowiec ten w 2003 roku rozpadł się podczas powrotu na Ziemię w wyniku awarii, zapoczątkowanej drobnym odpryskiem ceramicznej pianki ochronnej.


Heavy earthquake hits Sumatra, Indonesia

A heavy earthquake has struck near Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, the US Geological Survey reports. It had a magnitude of 7.7, although its original intensity was measured at 7.6.

According to the USGS, the tremor, which began at 05.15 local time (UTC 22.15 UTC) had a depth of 46 kilometres (28.6 miles) and was 230 kilometres (145 miles) southwest of Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia. The quake was originally reported as having a magnitude of 7.6, but was later determined to be 7.8.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said that local tsunami watch was in place for Indonesia.

"A destructive widespread tsunami threat does not exist based on historical earthquake and tsunami data," although "there is the possibility of a local tsunami that could affect coasts", the centre said. According to the centre, any such tsunami would affect an area no further than 100 kilometers away from the location of the quake.

Geophysicist Gerard Fryer from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre commented that scientists are looking at data from buoys in the ocean to find out whether or not a wave was already generated; however, he said that if there was a tsunami in generated, it wouldn't move a lot of water due to the shallow waters.

There haven't been any reports of casualties or damage as of yet; however, witnesses on the Simeulue island reported that there were power outages, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The BBC also reported power outages in parts of Aceh province, on the northern end of the island of Sumatra.

This temblor is the heaviest to strike the region since March 2008.


Panik nach Erdbeben auf Sumatra – Tsunami-Warnung aufgehoben

Jakarta (Indonesien) / Denver (Vereinigte Staaten), 07.04.2010 – Ein Erdbeben mit der Stärke 7,7 Mw auf der Momenten-Magnituden-Skala hat am 6. April um 22:15:02 Uhr UTC (05:15:02 Uhr Ortszeit am 7. April) Panik verursacht. Mindestens siebzehn Personen wurden verletzt, einige von ihnen schwer. Das Erdbeben ereignete sich nach Angaben des United States Geological Survey vor der Küste von Sumatra , etwa 200 km westnordwestlich der knapp 80.000 Einwohner zählenden Stadt Sibolga im Norden der Insel und damit 515 km westlich der malaiischen Hauptstadt Kuala Lumpur.

Das Hypozentrum des Erdbebens lag demnach unterseeisch in rund 30 km Tiefe. Aus diesem Grund löste das Pazfische Tsunamiwarnzentrum in Honolulu eine lokale Warnung vor einem Tsunami aus. Durch das Erdbeben fiel im Norden der Insel verbreitet der Strom aus. Auch sollen einige Häuser eingestürzt sein. Es gibt unterschiedliche Schilderungen uber die Dauer des Erdbebens. Ein Reporter von Agence France-Presse berichtete, das Erdbeben habe eine Minute gedauert. Ein Hotelmanager aus der Stadt Medan, dessen Namen mit Jeffry angegeben wurde, sprach davon, dass das Erdbeben eine Dauer von vier Minuten gehabt hätte. Außerdem sei es etwa eine Viertelstunde später zu einem heftigen Nachbeben gekommen.

Vor dem Hintergrund des fünften Jahrestages der Tsunami-Katastrophe von Weihnachten 2004 flüchteten viele Bewohner auf höhergelegene Stellen. „Ich weckte meine Frau und meine beiden Kinder, wir sprangen alle auf das Moped, um uns weiter oben in Sicherheit zu bringen“, schilderte ein 30-jähriger Mann aus Banda Aceh, dessen Mutter 2004 durch den Tsunami umgekommen war, seine Flucht. Insgesamt forderte der Tsunami 2004 in Indonesien 168.000 Menschenleben, im gesamten Indischen Ozean und den angrenzenden Meeresgebieten wurden rund 220.000 Menschen getötet.

Sumatra liegt auf dem Pazifischen Feuerring, starke Erdbeben sind hier häufig. Das Erdbeben ereignete sich in der Subduktionszone zwischen der Australischen und Indischen Platte und der Sunda-Platte östlich davon. Die beiden größeren Platten schieben sich mit einer Geschwindigkeit von 60–65 Millimetern jährlich nach Nordosten.

Das Erdbeben vom 6. April ist das bisher letzte in einer Reihe sehr starker Erdbeben, von denen sich 2002 und 2008 zwei Mw-7,4-Erdbeben 125&nbsk;km weiter nördlich bei Simeulue ereigneten, auch das Mw-9.1-Erdbeben des Jahres 2004 ereignete sich nördlich. Im März riss ein Erdbeben mit der Magnitude Mw 8,7 an der Küste der Insel Nias etwa 1.300 Menschen in den Tod. Im Jahre 2007 brach die Erdkruste bei einem Erdbeben der Stärke Mw 8,5 etwa 375 km weiter südlich auf. Beim letzten starken Beben in Sumatra wurden im September 2009 rund 1.100 Menschen getötet. Damals lag das Epizentrum vor der Küste bei Padang, rund 260 km südlich des Erdbebens vom 6. April.


Un terremoto de 7,7 grados sacudió a la isla de Sumatra

El martes pasado el Servicio Geológico de Estados Unidos (USGS por sus siglas en inglés) detectó un potente terremoto de 7,7 grados en la escala de Richter, que sacudió a Sumatra y se hizo sentir hasta en Indonesia a las 22:15 UTC, el epicentro del sismo se ubicó a 235 kilómetros al sudoeste de Medan la capital de la provincia de Sumatra Septentrional con una profundad de 46 kilómetros.

El Centro de Advertencia de Tsunamis en el Pacifico (NOAA por sus siglas en inglés) decretó un informe de observación preventiva contra un tsunami que podría haberse generado producto del terremoto, este informe mantiene la alerta a 100 kilómetros alrededor del epicentro según el boletín emitido por la entidad.

Un terremoto de 9,1 grados había afectado a la costa de Sumatra, en la provincia de Aceh, en diciembre de 2004, provocando un maremoto en el océano Índico, con un saldo de cerca de 200.000 personas fallecidas en Indonesia, India, Tailandia y otros países de la región, causando una pérdida de miles de millones de dólares.

Según testigos, un apagón generalizado causó pánico en la isla de Simeule. La agencia geológica de Indonesia no informó aún si existen daños materiales o si hay víctimas, además no informó si existió un tsunami, ya que el Centro de Advertencia de Tsunamis en el Pacifico había emitido una alerta.


Indonésie : un séisme de magnitude 7,8 frappe Sumatra

Un tremblement de terre de magnitude 7,8 a frappé le nord de Sumatra, en Indonésie, rapporte l'Institut d'études géologique des États-Unis (USGS).

Selon l'USGS, la secousse s'est produite à 05 h 15 heure locale (mardi 22 h 15 UTC) à 46 kilomètres de profondeur. L'épicentre est situé à 230 kilomètres au sud-ouest de la ville de Medan. Initialement mesurée à 7,6 sur l'échelle de Richter, la magnitude a ensuite été portée à 7,8.

Aucun mort n'a été annoncé, mais six personnes ont été blessées. Des coupures de courant sur l'île de Simeulue et dans la province d'Aceh ont été signalées.

Une alerte au tsunami a été lancée par le centre d'alerte des tsunamis dans le Pacifique en Indonésie et dans des pays voisins, avant d'être levée quelques heures plus tard.

Ce séisme est la plus important dans la région depuis mars 2008.


Heavy earthquake hits the Philippines

An earthquake with a magnitude of at least 6.0 has struck the Philippines, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported.

The epicentre was 130 kilometres (80 miles) from the country's capital, Manila, at a depth of eighteen kilometres (11.2 miles). The temblor started at 01:29:25 local time (05:29:25 UTC), the USGS said.

Some media reports contradicted the USGS' reports, saying that the earthquake's magnitude was 6.1.

No reports of damage, injuries, or casualties have been reported, although many people working in the capital's central business district rushed out of buildings when the tremors started, according to Al Jazeera.

The chief of the Philippine seismology institute, Renato Solidum, said to the Agence France-Presse news agency that the earthquake was felt throughout the suburbs of Manila and provinces nearby. According to the Philippine News Agency, the tremors were felt in Quezon City and Lubang Island as well.


Un séisme de magnitude 6 frappe les Philippines

Selon l'UGSGS[1], l'organisme américain de surveillance géologique, un séisme de magnitude 6 sur l'échelle du moment a frappé jeudi dernier les Philippines.

L'épicentre se situait à 130 kilomètres de la capitale, Manille, à une profondeur de 72 kilomètres. Le tremblement de terre a commencé à 05 h 29 UTC (01 h 29 heure locale).

Aucun dommage ou blessure n'a été rapporté, bien que beaucoup de personnes se soient ruées à l'extérieur des bâtiments de la capitale, d'après Al Jazeera. L'institut philippin de sismologie a indiqué que l'épicentre se situe à 10 km de profondeur.


Cutremur puternic loveşte Filipine

Epicentrul a fost la 130 de kilometri (80 mile) de capitala țării, Manila, la o adâncime de 18 kilometri (11.2 mile). Cutremurul a început la ora locală 01:29:25 (05:29:25 UTC), a spus USGS.

Unele rapoarte media au contrazis rapoartele USGS ", spunând că magnitudinea cutremurului a fost de 6.1.

Nu s-au raportat pierderi, accidente, deși mulți oameni care lucrează în districtul central de afaceri din capitală s-au grabit din clădiri atunci când a început cutremurul, în conformitate cu  Al Jazeera.


Heavy monsoon rains kill over 100 in India, many thousands evacuated

Heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 110 people in Maharashtra state in western India, with close to 90,000 evacuated.  In Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, just under 60 cm (23 in) of rain fell in 24 hours from Thursday through Friday morning, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The deaths included 42 in the village of Taliye, near Mumbai in Maharashtra, which was destroyed in a major landslide. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Udhav Thackeray planned to visit the village on Saturday. He called for a meeting to address the emergency, and called for aid for those affected.

At least two people died and ten were injured in Mumbai on Friday when a residential building collapsed due to the rainfall. The total death toll in Mumbai numbered more than 30, including deaths from landslides and electrocution. More heavy rain is forecast. The Indian military and rescue crews are assisting as the death toll continues to rise.

In Goa, more than 1000 houses were seriously damaged. No deaths have so far been reported in the state.


Fortaj musonaj pluvoj mortigis pli ol 100 en Barato, multaj miloj evakuiĝis

Fortaj musonaj pluvoj mortigis almenaŭ 110 homojn en Maharaŝtro en okcidenta Barato kaj preskaŭ 90 000 homoj evakuiĝis. En Mahabaleshwar, Maharaŝtro, pro pluvego preskaŭ 60 cm (23 in) da precipitaĵoj falis dum 24 horoj de la 22-a ĝis la 23-a de julio (de ĵaŭdo ĝis vendreda mateno), laŭ la Barata Meteologia Departemento.

La mortoj inkluzivis 42 en la vilaĝo Taliye, proksime al Mumbajo en Maharaŝtro, kiu detruiĝis per grava terglito. Ĉefministro de Maharaŝtro Udhav Thackeray planis viziti la vilaĝon sabate. Li alvokis kunvenon por trakti la krizon, kaj petis helpon por la helpbezonantoj.

Almenaŭ du homoj pereis kaj dek vundiĝis en Mumbajo la 23-an de julio kiam loĝkonstruaĵo kolapsis pro la pluvo. La totala mortnombro en Mumbajo superis 30, inkluzive de mortoj pro terglitoj kaj trafitaj de elektro. En la veterprognozo estas pli da pluvego. La barataj militistoj kaj savistaroj helpas, dum la nombro da mortoj kreskas.

En Goao pli ol 1 000 domoj estas grave damaĝitaj. Ĝis nun neniuj mortoj estis raportitaj en la ŝtato.


Mais de 100 morreram e milhares são evacuados durante as monções da Índia

Agência VOA

Mais de 100 pessoas morreram e dezenas de milhares foram evacuadas, dizem as autoridades indianas, depois que o estado indiano de Maharashtra foi bombardeado por chuvas de monções, causando inundações e deslizamentos de terra.

O primeiro-ministro Narendra Modi disse que está "angustiado com a perda de vidas".

Autoridades dizem que militares indianos foram enviados para ajudar equipes de resgate a procurar sobreviventes.

Os meteorologistas dizem que as chuvas devem continuar por mais alguns dias.


Heavy rain causes flooding across the UK

Heavy rain and thunderstorms have hit several areas of the UK today, causing flash floods and disrupting some transport links. The UK Met Office have issued severe weather warnings.

In London, parts of Victoria Station were inches deep in water, with rain pouring in through leaks in the roof. Many shops were forced to close, and many trains were cancelled or delayed.  On the London Underground network, the Circle and District lines were suspended due to flooding, with several other lines experiencing major delays, and at least nine stations having to close.

Many of the worst-hit areas have seen schools closed, and driving conditions have been deteriorating, with police advising extra caution whilst travelling on roads affected by standing water.

The flash flooding follows a month of unusually wet weather, in which several areas have had to evacuate people to temporary shelters set up in schools and community centres.


Des pluies torrentielles font d'importants dégâts au Royaume-Uni

Des pluies torrentielles et des tempêtes d'orage ont touché plusieurs régions du Royaume-Uni aujourd'hui, causant des inondations éclairs et interrompant des voies de transport. Le UK Met Office[1] a annoncé des niveaux d'alertes météorologiques élevés.
À Londres, des parties de la Victoria Station ont été submergées sous plusieurs centimètres d'eau, la pluie ruisselant à travers des fissures dans la toiture. De nombreux magasins ont été contraints à la fermeture, et de nombreux trains ont été annulés ou décalés. Dans le réseau du métro, les lignes Circle et District ont été coupées en raison des inondations, de nombreuses autres lignes ont subi des retards importants, et au moins neuf stations ont dû fermer.
Dans tout le pays, des écoles ont dû fermer, et les routes très humides ont créé des conditions de conduite difficiles.
Les inondations éclairs ont suivi un mois inhabituellement humide, durant lequel de nombreuses régions ont dû procéder à des évacuations vers des abris temporaires dressés dans les écoles et autres centres communautaires.


Heavy rain causes severe flooding in UK

Heavy rain in England and Wales has caused the death of one man after he was sucked down a man hole in Hull when attempting to clear flood water. A teenage boy was also killed after being swept away by flood water of the River Sheaf, Sheffield. The flooding has inundated large areas of land, many houses and caused travel chaos with many roads and railways flooded or blocked by stranded vehicles, especially in northern England.

75 mm of rain in some areas has caused severe flooding, which could get worse as forecasters predict one month's worth of rain will fall in the next 24 hours.

A state of emergency has been declared in Hull and over 120 schools have been closed in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The fire service, police and coast guards have attempted many rescues today with helicopters used to remove people from stranded houses to temporary shelters.

Areas also affected are along the River Severn, the River Teme, and the River Aire.

The rain also affected the start of Wimbledon and created more problems for the clear-up at the end of another "mud bath" Glastonbury festival.


Wielka powódź w Wielkiej Brytanii

Anglię i Walię nawiedziła powódź, jakiej nie było tam od kilkuset lat. Powódź zaatakowała już milion osób, zalała setki tysięcy domów, a także ośrodek atomowy w Burghfield, gdzie nie odnotowano skażenia radioaktywnego.

W hrabstwie Gloucestershire 350 tysięcy osób nie ma wody do picia. Władze sadzą, że mogą jej nie mieć przez najbliższe dwa tygodnie. 50 tysięcy domów zostało pozbawionych prądu, a 10 tysięcy budynków jest zalanych. Część powodzian nie będzie mogła powrócić do swoich domów nawet przez rok.

Brytyjscy meteorolodzy przewidują kolejne ulewy, głównie na terenach położonych w pobliżu Tamizy i Severn. Mieszkańcy tych okolic spodziewają się w ciągu tej doby fali kulminacyjnej, przez którą na Tamizie, Severn i ich dopływach poziom wody może podnieść się o 7 metrów.

Na część miejscowości w ciągu godziny spadło tyle wody, co średnia opadowa w całym miesiącu. Mieszkańcy środkowej Anglii ponadto walczą nadal ze skutkami ulewy, która nawiedziła tą część kraju w ostatni piątek.

Rząd Gordona Browna zapowiedział budowę wałów przeciwpowodziowych by podobne ulewy nie niosły w przyszłości podobnych skutków jak teraz, natomiast lokalnym władzom obiecał dodatkowe pieniądze na akcję ratunkową.

Największe brytyjskie towarzystwa ubezpieczeniowe oceniają, że wypłacą około dwóch miliardów funtów powodzianom dotkniętym obecną i czerwcową powódzią.


Helicopter accident in Afghanistan wounds three Italian soldiers

Three soldiers of the Italian part of NATO's mission in Afghanistan, ISAF, were injured while their helicopter was performing an emergency landing. The Italian Ministry of Defence reported that the soldiers are not in a serious condition, and they are currently hospitalized at a French field hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The helicopter, an AB-212 with seven on board, was forced to make an emergency landing because of technical malfunction, 21 km south east of Kabul.


Incidente aéreo deja tres soldados italianos heridos en Afganistán

21 de agosto de 2007Kabul, Afganistán —

Tres soldados italianos de la ISAF, la misión italiana de la OTAN en Afganistán, fueron heridos cuando su helicóptero realizó un aterrizaje de emergencia. El Ministro de Defensa italiano reportó que los soldados no estaban en condición serie, y que fueron hospitalizados en un hospital francés en la capital afgana, Kabul.

El helicóptero, un AB-212 con 7 a bordo, se vio forzado a hacer un aterrizaje de emergencia por un fallo técnico, 21 km al sudeste de Kabul.

El helicóptero estaba realizando una misión de reconocimiento táctico según el ejército italiano en Kabul.


Helicopter collides with crane in central London

A helicopter hit a crane on the top of a high-rise building, St George Wharf Tower, in Vauxhall, Central London today, killing the pilot, Pete Barnes, and another person not in the helicopter.  At least nine people were injured and at least five of them were delivered to hospital.

After the collision, debris from the lightweight, twin-engine Augusta 109 fell on the road.

The incident occurred during the morning rush hour, in heavy fog. Full investigation may take up to several months, but authorities already have said the incident does not suggest terrorism.

Barnes had extensive piloting experience and used to work in film industry, including some work in the James Bond film series.


В центре Лондона упал вертолёт

Утром 16 января 2013 года лондонском районе Воксхолл вблизи железнодорожной станции Ватерлоо потерпел крушение вертолёт Agusta 109 упав посреди улицы.
В результате аварии погибли два человека, еще четырёх пострадавших доставили в больницу.

Вертолёт упал на два автомобиля.
На месте происшествия начался пожар.

Службы спасения столицы Великобритании оперативно прореагировали на аварию.
На место происшествия прибыло не менее восьми пожарных расчётов (около 100 человек) и несколько бригад скорой помощи, «по Темзе к Воксхоллскому мосту подошла целая флотилия полицейских катеров».

Дорожное движение в районе Воксхолла перекрыто, транспорт направлен в объезд, поезда минуют расположенную неподалеку станцию «Воксхолл» без остановок.

Полиция и спасательные службы эвакуировали пешеходов с района аварией из-за возможности обрушения крана, в котором, после аварии нарушена система противовесов.
Также эвакуирован автовокзал на Воксхолле.

По предварительным данным, авария произошла после столкновения вертолёта со строительным краном с поворотной стрелой, работающий на высоте более 250 метров над уровнем моря, который был скрыт туманом, однако версии очевидцев расходятся.
Тем не менее полиция не рассматривает версию, что произошедшее было терактом.

16 января 2013 года


Срушио се хеликоптер у Лондону

16. јануар 2013.Лондон/ Енглеска  (Beta) - Хеликоптер се у среду ујутру срушио у Лондону, пошто је претходно ударио у грађевински кран, а на месту догађаја види се велики облак дима, јавио је Би-Би-Си (ББЦ). Том приликом погинуле су две особе, а још две су превезене болницу са лакшим повредама, саопштила је служба хитне помоћи.

Хеликоптер се срушио јужно од реке Темзе, недалеко од железничке и станице метроа у Воксхолу и седишта британске обавештајне агенције МИ6. Лондонски ватрогасци наводе да су примили велики број позива са информацијама да је хеликоптер ударио у кран и срушио се у четврти Воксхол, у јужном делу града.

На место несреће стигли су полиција и више возила хитне помоћи. Вест о несрећи потврдила је и лондонска саобраћајна управа.

Би-Би-Си наводи да се кран у који је хеликоптер ударио налазио покрај зграде у изградњи.


Helicopter crash in Turkey kills six

On Wednesday, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu, leader of the Great Union Party (Büyük Birlik Partisi – BBP), died in a helicopter crash that claimed six lives.

The helicopter crashed in a mountainous region near the city of Kahramanmaraş, and rescue efforts were hampered by stormy weather.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, related that 2,000 personnel had assisted in the search and rescue to locate the downed helicopter. Thick fog compounded by a snow blizzard hampered efforts.

Ismail Gunes, an Ihlas News Agency cameraman, called an emergency line on his cell phone after the crash.  He reported that the others on board appeared dead, and he himself was trapped with a broken foot.

Rescue workers found the crash site three days after it went down. All 6 people on board had perished.

Yazicioglu had departed from a pre-election rally held at Kahramanmaraş.  Subsequent campaigning for Sunday's election was suspended in light of this incident.

"May his soul rest in peace. I am expressing my condolences to all his family members and the community," said the Minister of Justice, Mehmet Ali Şahin.


Türkiye'de helikopter kazası: 6 ölü

25 Mart 2009 tarihinde Kahramanmaraş'ta yapılan Büyük Birlik Partisi mitinginden Yozgat mitingine giden Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu'nun da bulunduğu helikopter Kahramanmaraş'ın Göksun ilçesinde düştü. Helikopterde bulunan 6 kişi hayatını kaybetti

25 Martta düşen helikopteri arama çalışmaları hemen başlatıldı. Ancak kötü hava şartları yüzünden arama ekipleri uzun süre helikoptere ulaşamadı. Civar köylerde yaşayan bir grup gönüllü tarafından ancak 48 saat sonra bulunabilen helikopterden dört ceset çıktı. Yapılan aramalar sonucu Yazıcıoğlunun cesedine de ulaşıldı.

Olay Türkiye'de büyük üzüntüyle karşılanırken, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanı Abdullah Gül, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Başbakanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi lideri Devlet Bahçeli ve birçok siyasi lider, Büyük Birlik Partisi'ne ve Yazıcıoğlunun ailesine taziyelerini iletti.


Helicopter crash kills sixteen at NATO base in Afghanistan

A civilian helicopter chartered by NATO has crashed while taking off from Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan, killing sixteen. The Mil Mi-8 did not come under enemy fire.

The helicopter had been chartered from the Russian company Vertical-T and all the victims were civilians. A NATO statement said that there was no obvious cause for the accident but hostile fire had been ruled out. Emergency responders are on the scene.

Five other people were wounded in the accident. The airport serves as NATO's operating base for southern Afghanistan.

The crash comes just days after another civilian helicopter chartered for military activities crashed near Sangin Airbase in Helmand. The Mil Mi-26 is believed to have been shot down; six Ukrainian civilians onboard and one Afghan girl on the ground were killed in the crash on Tuesday. The helicopter had been taking supplies to a British military base.

Roads in Afghanistan are often difficult to traverse, so militaries often contract aircraft, especially from Russia, to transport troops and cargo between bases.


سقوط مروحية مدنية في أفغانستان

أكد مسؤولون في حلف شمال الأطلسي "الناتو" سقوط مروحية مدنية جنوبي أفغانستان من طراز ميل مي-8 مستأجرة لقوات الحلف في أفغانستان تحطمت عند قاعدة عسكرية في جنوب البلاد امس مما أسفر عن مقتل 16 شخصا واصابة خمسة آخرين.

وسقطت المروحية بالقرب من قاعدة عسكرية للحلف في قندهار فيما كانت تحاول الإقلاع كما يبدو، وقال الكابتن روبن هورنفيلد المتحدث الهولندي باسم حلف شمال الاطلسي في قاعدة قندهار الجوية: "ان العدو (طالبان والقاعدة) لا يد له في حادث التحطم".

والطائرة مملوكة لشركة الطيران الروسية فيرتيكال تي. ولم تعرف بعد الجنسيات التي ينتمي إليها ضحايا الحادث.

ومن الجدير بالذكر أن يوم أمس سقطت مقاتلة إف-15 أمريكية في أفغانستان، والتي تدور الشكوك على أنها أسقطت بواسطة قوات طالبان أو القاعدة.


Helikopterabsturz in Afghanistan tötet 16 Menschen

Kandahar (Afghanistan), 20.07.2009 – Während des Startens ist nahe dem Kandahar International Airpot in Afghanistan ein von der NATO gecharterter, ziviler Helikopter vom Typ Mil Mi-8 ohne den Einfluss von gegnerischem Feuer abgestürzt.

Der Helikopter wurde von der russischen Firma Vertical-T gechartert. Alle Opfer waren Zivilisten. Laut einer NATO-Stellungnahme gab es keinen offensichtlichen Grund für den Absturz. Allerdings wurde feindlicher Beschuss ausgeschlossen. Hilfskräfte waren vor Ort.

Neben den Insassen wurden fünf andere Zivilisten verwundet. Der Flughafen dient der NATO als operative Basis für das südliche Afghanistan.

Der Absturz ereignete sich nur wenige Tage, nachdem ein anderer ziviler Helikopter, welcher für militärische Einsätze gechartert wurde, nahe der Sangin Airbase in Helmand verunglückt war. Es wird vermutet, dass der Mil Mi-26 abgeschossen wurde. Sechs ukrainische Zivilisten und ein afghanisches Mädchen am Boden kamen dabei ums Leben. Der Helikopter transportierte Nachschub zu einer britischen Militärbasis.

Die Straßen in Afghanistan sind oft schwer zu passieren. Daher werden nicht selten russische Luftfahrzeuge von militärischer Seite gechartert, um Truppen und Fracht zwischen Militärbasen zu transportieren.


High potential for wildfires across Texas for several days

Extreme high heat and dry conditions are serving to create the potential for excessive wildfires across much of Texas, according to officials. On Tuesday, a report citing officials with the Texas A&M Forest Service, noted that even though thunderstorms are predicted this week, lightning from those storms could spark ignitions of fire. Between July 8 and July 10, forty-three new wildfires were recorded across the state. The report also noted the potential is high for wildfires to erupt near the cities of Athens, Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Huntsville.

Also on Tuesday, temperatures in the city of Tyler hovered at 102 °F (38.9 °C) for most of the afternoon. As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service has a heat advisory in place across portions of southern Texas.


Zwiększone ryzyko wystąpienia pożarów w Teksasie

Fala upałów, susza i zapowiadane burze znacząco zwiększają ryzyko pożarów w Teksasie w ostatnich tygodniach.

Między 8 a 10 lipca w całym stanie odnotowano czterdzieści trzy pożary.
We wtorek, temperatury w mieście Tyler utrzymywały się na poziomie 38,9 °C przez większość popołudnia. W środę National Weather Service ogłosił alarm cieplny dla części południowego Teksasu.


Highway bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapses

The Interstate 35W Mississippi River eight-lane bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota has collapsed on both sides of the highway over the Mississippi River during rush hour.

Previous reports indicated at least nine people had died, but Minneapolis police revised this to four during a 7:30 a.m. (local time) press conference. Tim Dolan, the Minneapolis Police Chief later stated that "several [adding to the four] people are confirmed dead at the scene," but would not elaborate on how many. At least 79 have been injured and at least 8 are still missing, still believed to be in the rubble.

The road was busy with bumper-to-bumper traffic in four lanes when the  entire 1907 foot (581 m) steel arch bridge collapsed. At least 50 cars were traveling on the bridge, including a school bus. The Red Cross said that 60 children were aboard a school bus, and that ten of those were admitted to a hospital.

The entire length of the bridge over the river collapsed at 6:05 p.m. CDT (UTC-5). The bridge, built in 1967, cleared the water level by 64 feet; the deck surface and pavement were considerably higher.

Reports say that people may be trapped in the water.  Further, "many voids may contain survivors, but we cannot search those voids until it's safe," said Jim Clack, Minneapolis Fire Chief, during a press conference.

"One has died from drowning," said a doctor from the medical center during an 8:00 pm press conference, who also said that so far 22 are in "yellow condition" and at least six are in "critical condition."

Minneapolis officials have stated during an earlier press conference that "people are being sent downtown and all survivors are off the bridge. We are seeking help from the Red Cross." and "[...]at least 60 children are receiving trauma care some with severe injures, some with minor injuries."

Most of the injured have been received by Hennepin County Medical Center in downtown Minneapolis for medical treatment. Area hospitals are requesting all off duty staff and all Minneapolis ambulances to report. Residents are being encouraged to stay away from the area to let emergency crews do their work.

It is not known what caused the collapse, but there was construction being performed on the bridge's road surface which included the use of jackhammers and the FBI has ruled out terrorism.

"Although it is much too early to make any determination of the cause, we have no reason at this time to believe there is any nexus to terrorism," said Paul McCabe, an FBI spokesman.

In 2001 a stress inspection was done and Minnesota Department of Transportation stated that the bridge "should not have any problems with fatigue cracking in the foreseeable future."

Typically an eight-lane bridge, the bridge was reduced to four lanes (two in each direction) during the current construction. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) had just announced overnight lane reductions on the bridge to one lane in each direction for the late evening hours of July 31 and August 1.

R. T. Rybak, the Mayor of Minneapolis, has issued a statement, posted on the front page of his website saying, "Our heartfelt grief goes out to the families and loved ones of those who perished in tonight's I-35W bridge collapsed [sic] over the Mississippi River. The impact of this tragic disaster is felt by every resident of Minneapolis as we pray for those lost to this terrible accident.

"We are deeply grateful to Minneapolis' brave emergency first responders who risked their lives to immediately respond to this disaster and rescue those caught in the collapse. Their dedication and service will not be forgotten.

"I am directing every available City resource to guarantee that our emergency response teams work to ensure that nearby infrastructure, streets and bridges are safe. We will also work with our state and federal partners to complete a full and thorough investigation into the cause off [sic] this disaster."

United States President George W. Bush said in a press conference at 10:50 a.m. (eastern time), "I understand what it is like to carry the burden of grieving people. We are in prayer for those who suffered. I thank my fellow citizens for helping those who are suffering. We in the federal government must respond and respond robustly to help the people there not only recover but to make sure that lifeline of activity, that bridge, gets rebuilt as quickly as possible."

Mary E. Peters, the Secretary of Transportation, arrived in the Minneapolis area to survey the damage caused by the collapse.

"We will take every step possible to make sure something like this will never happen again," said Peters who also stated that at least US$5 million is set aside to clean up the wreckage and to help with rebuilding the flow of traffic in the area. Peters later signed off on an advisory to the Federal Highway Administration. It urges state transportation departments to do inspections on bridges, similar to the one which just collapsed in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging commuters to follow signed detours around the collapsed bridge. The official detour will be to use Minnesota Highway 280 and Interstate 94 to bypass the damaged section of Interstate 35W. Highway 280 will be temporarily converted to freeway operation by closing the intersection at Broadway Ave. and County Road B and green lighting all highway 280 traffic through that intersection. Interstate 35W will be closed between the Mississippi River and Stinson/New Brighton Blvd. The northbound lanes of 35W north of Interstate 94 will also be closed.

Metro Transit announced that extra buses will be added north of Minneapolis due to the altered traffic situation.  Additional buses will run from 6 am to 9 am at the following park-and-ride locations:

A baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Royals was minutes from starting when the nearby bridge collapsed. Because most of the fans were already at the stadium, it was decided to play the game because releasing thousands of cars would greatly interfere with the numerous rescue vehicles at work in the area. There was a moment of prayer held before the Wednesday game and fans were encouraged to stay off their cell phones. Most of the rescue work had been completed before the game ended. Thursday's Twins-Royals game, as well as the ceremonial ground-breaking for their new ball park, have been postponed due to the collapse.  Minneapolis officials earlier stated the "Metrodome is safe."


Autobahnbrücke über den Mississippi in Minneapolis eingestürzt

Minneapolis (Vereinigte Staaten), 03.08.2007 – Nach dem Einsturz einer Autobahnbrücke über den Mississippi in Minneapolis, Minnesota, wurde bisher der Tod von sechs Menschen bestätigt. Die achtspurige Brücke war vorgestern um zirka 18:05 Uhr Ortszeit (01:05 Uhr gestern MESZ) mitten im Berufsverkehr aus noch ungeklärten Gründen eingestürzt. Nach Augenzeugenberichten stürzten 50 bis 100 Fahrzeuge ins Wasser oder wurden am Ufer unter den Trümmern begraben, darunter auch ein mit 60 Kindern besetzter Schulbus. Ein Polizist berichtete, dass die Autos Stoßstange an Stoßstange gestanden haben.

Bislang wurde in den Medien von 25 Verletzten gesprochen, die Katastrophenschutzbehörden vermuten jedoch stark ansteigende Opferzahlen. Zahlreiche Menschen wurden Augenzeugenberichten zufolge jedoch bereits durch Boote gerettet.

Unterdessen wird spekuliert, dass Bauarbeiten an der 40 Jahre alten und 600 Meter langen Brücke das Unglück ausgelöst haben könnten. Die Brücke wurde zuletzt vor drei Jahren inspiziert und für sicher befunden. Durch die Bauarbeiten waren jedoch auch mehrere Spuren der Brücke gesperrt, so dass sich deutlich weniger Fahrzeuge darauf befanden als zu dieser Zeit üblich.

Nach dem Einsturz ist damit auch ein zentraler Transportweg für Getreide unpassierbar geworden. Die US-Küstenwache hat die Wasserstraße auf acht Kilometern in beiden Richtungen gesperrt.


Un puente colapsa en Minneapolis

1 de agosto de 2007Minneapolis, Minnesota —

Un puente de cuatro carriles por el cual circulaba la autopista I-35W se derrumbó en Minneapolis este miércoles durante la hora pico enviando decenas de autos al fondo del Río Mississippi. El puente se derrumbó primero en ambos extremos, y cedió completamente a las 6:10 p.m. CDT (11:10 p.m UTC). Toneladas de cemento y acero han caído al agua.

Los informes indican que han muerto al menos nueve personas que estaban en el puente cuando cedió, aunque la policía de Minneapolis sólo ha confirmado cuatro muertos en una conferencia de prensa a las 7:30 a.m. (hora local). Alrededor de 60 personas han resultado heridas; otras 20 están desaparecidas, y se cree que podrían estar atrapadas en los escombros. Aproximadamente 50 automóviles estaban en el puente, incluyendo un autobús escolar, en el cual se hallaban unos 60 niños según la Cruz Roja, de los que diez fueron llevados al hospital.

Los heridos están siendo transportados al Hennepin County Medical Center, en el centro de Minneapolis. Además, los hospitales están pidiendo que todo su personal y ambulancias den informes de la situación.

"Al principio escuché un gran estruendo. Estaba en mi computadora. Primero pensé, 'Wow, ¿eso fue un avión?'", dijo Leone Carstens, una residente que vive cerca del puente.

Reportes también indican que pueden haber gente atrapada en el agua. "Muchos vacíos pueden tener sobrevivientes, pero no podemos buscar hasta que sea seguro", dijo durante una conferencia de prensa Jim Clack, Jefe de Bomberos de Minneapolis.

"Uno ha muerto por ahogamiento", dijo un doctor del centro médico durante una conferencia de prensa a las 8:00 p.m. y también dijo que 22 heridos están en "situación amarilla" mientras que otros 6 en "condición crítica".

Todavía se desconoce qué hizo que el puente colapsara, aunque se estaba llevando a cabo una construcción en la ruta. El Departamento de Seguridad de Estados Unidos ha descartado que sea un ataque terrorista. "A esta altura no hay indicios de un nexo con el terrorismo", declaró a la AFP un portavoz del Departamento de Seguridad.

El puente, construido en 1967 a 64 metros sobre el nivel del agua, tiene una longitud de 160 metros y alrededor de 200.000 automóviles lo utilizan a diario.


Instorting brug over de Mississippi in Minneapolis


Brokollaps i Minneapolis

Målform: Bokmål - Dato: 2. august 2007 - Oppdater siden - Rediger artikkelen - Flere nyheter

Motorveibroen Interstate 35W over Mississippi i Minneapolis i Minnesota har kollapset i rushtiden. Broen kollapset 18:05 lokal tid (UTC-5). På det tidspunkt var motorveien fylt med bilister i fire kjørebaner hver retning da hele den 581 meter lange stålkonstruksjonen kollapset. Broen, som ble bygget i 1967, raget over 30 meter over vannlinjen.

Minst 60 personer ble skadet, og minst 20 er savnet, som man tror fortsatt befinner seg i ruinene av broen. Tidlige rapporter indikerer at minst ni personer er drept.


Zawalił się most w Minneapolis, kilka ofiar śmiertelnych

W Minneapolis w stanie Minnesota podczas godzin szczytu zawalił się ośmiopasmowy most nad rzeką Mississippi, który był częścią autostrady międzystanowej 35.

Reporterzy mówią, że zginęło co najmniej 9 osób, lecz policja Minneapolis powiedziała podczas konferencji o 7:30 czasu lokalnego, że tylko cztery zgony zostały potwierdzone. Co najmniej 79 osób zostało rannych, a 30 zaginęło. Co najmniej 50 samochodów, włączając autobus szkolny, znajdowało się na moście, gdy ten się zawalił.

Zawalenie na całej długości mostu nastąpiło o 18:05 CDT (UTC-5; 1:05 2 sierpnia czasu warszawskiego). Cztery pasy mostu były zajęte, gdy cały 581-metrowy stalowy most się zawalił. Most zbudowany w 1967 zaczynał się 15 metrów ponad poziomem rzeki. Czerwony Krzyż powiedział, że w autobusie znajdowało się 60 dzieci, a spośród nich 10 znalazło się w szpitalu.

Raporty mówią, że pod wodą dalej mogą się znajdować uwięzieni ludzie.  Co więcej "w wielu lukach mogą znajdować się ocaleni, lecz nie możemy przeszukiwać, dopóki nie będzie to bezpieczne" - powiedział Jim Clack, dowódca jednostki ratowniczo-gaśniczej Minneapolis, podczas konferencji prasowej.

"Jedna osoba zmarła w wyniku utonięcia" - powiedział doktor z centrum medycznego podczas konferencji prasowej o 20:00 CDT. Powiedział też, że 22 osoby są w poważnym stanie, a co najmniej 6 znajduje się w stanie krytycznym.

Urzędnicy Minneapolis na wczesnej konferencji prasowej powiedzieli, że "ludzie wysyłani są w głąb miasta, a wszyscy, którzy przeżyli są już poza mostem. Szukamy pomocy u Czerwonego Krzyża".

Większość rannych została przewieziona do Centrum Medycznego Hrabstwa Hennepin (Hennepin County Medical Center) w centrum Minneapolis. Lokalne szpitale wezwały wszystkich pracowników medycznych Minneapolis do zgłaszania się do swoich placówek. Mieszkańcom nakazano nie zbliżać się do miejsca wypadku, aby nie przeszkadzać służbom ratowniczym.

Nie wiadomo, co spowodowało zawalenie się mostu. FBI wykluczyło atak terrorystyczny. Na moście prowadzone były roboty budownicze z użyciem młotów pneumatycznych.

"Chociaż wciąż jest za wcześnie na podanie przyczyn, nie mamy aktualnie powodu, aby wierzyć, że ma to jakikolwiek związek z atakiem terrorystycznym" - powiedział Paul McCabe, rzecznik FBI.

W 2001 po ekspertyzie stanu technicznego mostu Departament Transportu stanu Minnesota oświadczył, że most "nie powinien mieć żadnych problemów z naprężeniem materiału w najbliższej przyszłości".

Z ośmiopasmowego mostu wyłączono cztery pasy na czas robót. Departament Transportu stanu Minnesota przedwczoraj oświadczył, że podczas godzin wieczornych 31 lipca i 1 sierpnia na moście przejezdne będą tylko dwa pasy.

R. T. Rybak, burmistrz Minneapolis, wydał oświadczenie na swojej stronie internetowej, mówiąc "Niech wyrazy naszego smutku dotrą do rodzin i ukochanych wszystkich osób, które ucierpiały w dzisiejszym zawaleniu się mostu I-35W nad rzeką Mississippi. Tragedia ta dotknęła każdego mieszkańca Minneapolis, więc módlmy się za utraconych w tej tragicznej katastrofie".

"Jesteśmy ogromnie wdzięczni dzielnym służbom ratowniczym miasta Minneapolis, które ryzykowały własnym życiem, żeby ratować ludzi, którzy przebywali wtedy na moście. Ich poświęcenie i zasługi nie zostaną zapomniane."

"Zwracam się do wszystkich, aby udostępniali służbom ratowniczym wszystkiego, czego potrzebują do zabezpieczenia najbliższych budowli, ulic i mostów. Będziemy również współpracować ze służbami stanowymi i federalnymi w celu ustalenia przyczyn tej katastrofy."

Prezydent Stanów Zjednoczonych George W. Bush powiedział podczas konferencji o 10:50 (czasu wschodniego): "Rozumiem, jak to jest dźwigać brzemię smutku. Modlimy się za tych, którzy cierpią. Dziękuję moim drogim mieszkańcom za to, że pomagają cierpiącym. My, zasiadający w rządzie, musimy odpowiedzieć pomocą dla ludzi (...)by doszli do siebie".

Bush oświadczył też, że Mary E. Peters, Sekretarz Transportu, przybędzie niedługo do Minneapolis w celu ocenienia zniszczeń.

"Podejmiemy wszelkie kroki, aby upewnić się, że coś takiego już więcej nie nastąpi" - powiedziała Peters, która oświadczyła również, że co najmniej 5 milionów dolarów jest zarezerwowane na posprzątanie po katastrofie i pomoc w przywróceniu ruchu w obszarze.

Departament Transportu stanu Minnesota namawia do podążania za wyznaczonymi objazdami wokół zniszczonego mostu. Głównym objazdem jest autostrada stanowa Minnesota 280 i międzystanowa 94. Międzystanowa 35W zostanie zamknięta pomiędzy rzeką River i Stinson/New Brighton Blvd. Zamknięte zostaną również drogi 35W prowadzące na północ znajdujące się na północ od międzystanowej 94.

Z powodu zmian operator komunikacji miejskiej Minneapolis, Metro Transit, ogłosił, że w trasę wyruszy kilka dodatkowych linii. Dodatkowe linie będą jeździć od 6:00 do 9:00 przez następujące lokacje:

Mecz baseballowy pomiędzy Minnesota Twins i Kansas City Royals odbył się parę minut po tym, jak most się zawalił. Ponieważ większość fanów była już na stadionie, zdecydowano się na rozpoczęcie meczu, ponieważ włączenie się do ruchu tysięcy samochodów mogłoby spowodować utrudnienia w pracy służb ratowniczych. Większość prac ratowniczych została ukończona przed zakończeniem meczu. Czwartkowa gra Twins-Royals oraz uroczyste rozpoczęcie budowy nowego stadionu Twinsów zostały przełożone z powodu katastrofy.


Queda de ponte em Minneapolis

Uma ponte desabou no rio Mississipi, em Minneapolis, EUA, por volta da 11:10 p.m UTC. A ponte I35-W foi construída em 1967, tinha altura de 64 metros e 160 de largura e o trânsito era de 200.000 carros por dia. Números, ainda parciais, dão conta de quatro mortes e mais de 30 feridos.O número de desaparecidos chega aos 8.


Highway overpass collapses near Montreal

An overpass has collapsed in Laval, a suburb of the Montreal area of Quebec, Canada. Three lanes of the Concorde Boulevard overpass collapsed into Highway 19. At least 5 people are dead, 6 others injured, 2 critically and least 3 cars are reported to be trapped underneath the overpass. Authorities have stated that 3 cars and a motorcycle were on the overpass when it collapsed.

Rescue workers and construction engineers have brought in heavy equipment, cranes and drills to break up the overpass into roughly a dozen smaller segments for removal. At the time of the collapse, authorities reported that 2 vehicles were trapped under the debris. Around midnight, the two vehicles were removed from the debris, and the five occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead on the site.

Transport Quebec and Sûreté du Québec have reported that around 9:30 a.m. local time, people called 911, reporting that small chunks of concrete had fallen from the Boulevard de la Concorde (Concorde Boulevard) overpass over Autoroute 19, and Transport Quebec sent a crew to inspect. At around 11:55 a.m., Transport's Québec patrol arrived at the overpass confirming the facts. The patroller moved the chunks off the highway and produced a report, sent to the Transports Quebec branch responsible for Laval.

The incident happened at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time, local residents described what sounded like "an earthquake". It is not known at this time how the collapse occurred, or when it might be repaired. It is currently assumed that the cement bondings to the steel rods which held the overpass to its approaches gave way, and with nothing to hold the overpass' central span up, it collapsed.

This isn't the first overpass collapse in Laval. In 2000, a section of the Highway 15 overpass collapsed, killing one and injuring two others. It was later determined that the collapse in 2000 was caused by a manufacturing defect.


Un autre viaduc s'effondre à Laval

6 ans après l'effondrement du viaduc du souvenir à Laval, le viaduc de la concorde s'effondre à Laval, dans la banlieue de Montréal, au Québec. Plusieurs véhicules sont coincés sous les décombres.

Des alertes de chutes de blocs de béton ont été signalées une heure avant la catastrophe sans que les voies de circulation n'aient alors été fermées.


Brug ingestort nabij Montreal

In Canada, in de buurt van Montreal, is een brug over een autosnelweg ingestort. Er vielen zeker vijf doden en zes gewonden, waarvan er drie in kritieke toestand liggen. De overledenen zaten in twee auto's, die onder de brug reden, toen de brug instortte. Enkele auto's kwamen onder de brokstukken terecht. Anderen die op de brug reden, vielen naar beneden. Het is niet duidelijk waardoor de brug is ingestort.


House fire in Bristol, England kills two

A house fire in Bristol, England has caused the deaths of two brothers, identified as Charlie, aged five, and seven-year-old Mackenzie. Emergency services were called to the scene in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The bodies were discovered by firemen, at the scene in the suburb of Bradley Stoke around 0630 UTC. Police and ambulance services were also in attendance. Prior to their arrival, three other children and two adults escaped from the building in Merryweather Close through windows.

Speaking on behalf of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, manager William Roberts explained: "When crews arrived, the fire was fully developed and engulfing the first floor and roof space. Sadly, when crews entered the building they found the children. They were both upstairs, one in back bedroom, one in front. It is a sad day for the Bradley Stoke community and Avon fire. The ceiling has fallen in on itself and on top of our evidence. This is probably the worst fire I've seen in my 32 years."

According to Roberts, smoke alarms were in the building, however the damage was "so extensive" that it is uncertain as to whether or not they were functioning correctly. "A full investigation has been launched by the police and fire investigators. No formal identification has yet taken place," Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Detective Sergeant Simon Chubb stated.


Hausbrand in Bristol fordert zwei Opfer

Bristol (Vereinigtes Königreich), 21.03.2011 – Beim Brand eines Hauses in Bristol, England, starben zwei Brüder. Sie wurden als Charlie, fünf Jahre alt, und Mackenzie, sieben Jahre alt, identifiziert. Notdienste waren am Samstagmorgen verständigt worden.

In einem Vorort von Bradley Stoke wurden die beiden Leichen um 6.30 Uhr (UTC) von Feuerwehrleuten entdeckt. Polizei und Krankenwagen waren ebenfalls vor Ort. Bevor diese ankamen, konnten sich drei andere Kinder und zwei Erwachsene aus dem Gebäude in Merryweather Close durch Fenster retten.

Im Namen der Feuerwehr und des Rettungsdienstes erklärte William Roberts: „Als die Besatzung ankam, stand das Gebäude vollständig in Flammen, von der ersten Etage bis zum Dachboden brannte es. Leider war es für die beiden Kinder zu spät, und die Feuerwehrleute fanden sie im oberen Teil des Hauses, eins im Schlafzimmer, das andere im vorderen Bereich. Es ist ein trauriger Tag für die Gemeinde Bradley Stoke und die Avon-Feuerwehr. Das ist wohl der schlimmste Brand, den ich in meinen 32 Jahren als Feuerwehrmann gesehen habe.“

Laut Roberts waren Rauchmelder im Haus. Es steht jedoch nicht fest, ob diese funktionsfähig waren, weil der Schaden so umfangreich war. „Genaue Ermittlungen von Polizei und Feuerwehr wurden eingeleitet. Es liegen noch keine formalen Ermittlungsergebnisse vor“, sagte der Kriminalbeamte Simon Chubb.


Houston mayor urges evacuations as Hurricane Rita moves closer to shore

Traffic is bumper to bumper on Houston interstate highways as citizens try to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Rita. Houston Mayor Bill White urged citizens in low areas of the city to "begin making their evacuation plans" in preparation for what is currently the 3rd strongest hurricane to ever form in the Atlantic Ocean and the worst to enter the Gulf of Mexico.

Acting U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) director David Paulison was quoted saying "I strongly, strongly urge Gulf Coast residents to pay close attention to this storm. It's already a Category 4, a huge storm, it's in warm waters and there's a potential for it to increase more," at a briefing in Washington DC. The storm was upgraded to a category 5 hurricane on Thursday, the strongest category of storm. Recently, Rita has lost intensity since entering cooler waters and facing wind shear from an opposing weather front, and is now a Category 4 storm.

Houston, Texas lies 50 feet above sea-level on average, but the area is still prone to flooding as the region is very flat and supported by multiple bayous. In 2001, following Tropical Storm Allison, large areas of Houston remained flooded after receiving 10 inches (250 mm) of rain, causing over $US 5 billion in damage. Meteorologists fear that Rita could cause similar, if not worse damage.

Located 50 miles away from the inland city of Houston, and situated on the Gulf’s coastline, lies Galveston, Texas at a mere 8 feet above sea level. The island city, with a population of nearly 60,000, built a 10-mile-long, 17-foot-high solid granite barrier next to the sea as a defense against hurricanes.

The National Hurricane Center currently predicts a storm surge from Rita in the 15 to 20 feet range, along with strong battering waves. The city manager of Galveston, Steve LeBlanc said, "Galveston is going to suffer. And we are going to need to get it back in order as quickly as possible. I would say that we probably have 90 percent of our residents have left the island. It feels like a ghost town to me, and that's a good thing."

Rita is expected to slow down and linger after making landfall in the region. That could possibly mean even more damage from heavy rainfall accumulations. The governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco, said the rain is a threat to New Orleans. Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rainfall are expected there, when earlier predictions estimated that 3 inches of rainfall would be enough to cause more flooding in the city.