Avião de passageiro da U.S. Airways, Airbus A320, cai no Rio Hudson em Nova Iorque

Nova Yorque, Estados Unidos • 15 de janeiro de 2009

Um Airbus A320 que tentava retornar ao aeroporto de La Guardia, caiu no rio Hudson, em Nova Iorque.De acordo com a rede CNN, havia cerca de 135 passageiros a bordo, enquanto o jornal The New York Times fala em 151 pessoas. Os bombeiros trabalharam para resgatar as vítimas, mas ainda não se sabe se há feridos, nem a causa do acidente.

Segundo a porta-voz da Administração Federal, Laura Brown, o voo 1549 da US Airways tinha acabado de decolar de La Guardia quando aconteceu o acidente, próximo à rua 48, em Nova York. Segundo oficiais do governo americano citados pela agência Associated Press, os motores da aeronave foram atingido por um ou vários pássaros. A temperatura em Nova Iorque nesta quinta-feira está entre -6 °C e -13 °C, o que complicou o trabalho de resgate dos sobreviventes no rio, que separa a famosa ilha nova-iorquina do Estado vizinho de Nova Jersey

Um sobrevivente disse à CNN que achava que não havia vítimas, e que todas as pessoas a bordo sobreviveram. Segundo ele, momentos antes de o avião se chocar contra o rio, o comandante do voo avisou aos passageiros para se prepararem para o impacto. Segundo a CNN, os passageiros que eram resgatados chegavam a terra em boas condições. A maioria dos atendimentos aos feridos era devido à hipotermia.


US B-2 stealth bomber crashes in Guam

Two pilots are uninjured after a United States B-2 Spirit stealth bomber crashed at Andersen Air Force Base, a U.S. airbase on Guam. No one on the ground was injured as a result of the crash either.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Air Force, the two pilots from the 509th Bomb Wing were able to safely eject from the plane before it crashed into the ground at around 10:45 a.m. local time (00:45 GMT) and are said to be in good condition. Witnesses say a large plume of black smoke could be seen rising from the wreckage.

It is not yet known what caused the crash, but an investigation is ongoing.

The plane was making a visit to the island from Missouri's Whiteman Air Force Base which is home to all of the U.S.'s 21 B-2 bombers. Each plane costs about 1.2 to 2 billion U.S. dollars to build. Some of the bombers along with B-1B's are sometimes switched from Guam to the AFB in a routine rotation.


Un bombardier B-2 s'écrase à Guam

Deux pilotes ont été blessés à la suite de l'accident d'un bombardier américain B-2 peu après son décollage de la base d'Andersen à Guam. On ne déplore pas de blessés au sol.

D'après le communiqué de presse publié par l'U.S. Air Force, les deux pilotes appartenant au 509th Bomb Wing ont tous deux pu s'éjecter avant que leur appareil ne s'écrase au sol à environ 10h45 heure locale. Les témoins rapportent avoir vu une épaisse traînée de fumée noire s'échapper du fuselage de l'avion.

Les raisons de l'accident ne sont pas encore connue, bien qu'une enquête ait été ouverte pour élucider les raisons de cet accident, le premier touchant un B-2. Cet appareil, d'un coût unitaire de 1,2 à 2 milliards de dollars et qui a été utilisé pour la première fois pendant la guerre du Kosovo en 1999, était basé dans le Missouri à la Whiteman Air Force Base


US drone strike kills at least fifteen in Pakistan

According to local officials, a United States drone attack in Pakistan's South Waziristan province has killed at least fifteen people, although some reports put the death toll as high as twenty. The incident occurred in the Shaktoi region of the province.

"Now the death toll is 15. It could rise further. People are still busy removing rubble," said a senior security official to the Reuters news agency. He commented that most of the dead were foreign fighters.

"The drones are apparently tracking and targeting Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud, whose presence is frequently reported in the area," said another official.

The United States has increased attacks using drones since a suicide bomber killed seven US intelligence agents in eastern Afghanistan in late December of last year.


Pakistan : au moins 15 morts dans une attaque de drones américains

Selon des sources officielles locales, des drones américains ont attaqué hier près de Shaktoi, au Waziristan du Sud, au Pakistan, tuant au moins 15 personnes, bien que plusieurs informations fassent état de seulement 12 victimes au maximum.

« Le nombre de victimes a maintenant été réévalué à 15, mais pourrait encore être plus important : de nombreuses personnes sont encore occupées à dégager les gravats », a déclaré un agent de sécurité à l'agence Reuters, qui a d'ailleurs précisé que la majorité des victimes étaient des combattants étrangers, tandis que d'autres médias élèvent déjà le bilan à 20 morts.

« Les drones ont apparemment repéré et ciblé le chef des talibans pakistanais[1], Hakimullah Mehsud, dont la présence dans la zone est régulièrement rapportée », a déclaré un autre officiel.

Les États-Unis ont augmenté les offensives par drones depuis qu'un attentat-suicide a tué sept agents de la CIA dans l'est de l'Afghanistan, en décembre dernier.


US F-18 fighter jet crashes in San Diego residential area

According to the Associated Press, a United States Navy F-18 fighter jet has crashed into a house in a residential area in San Diego, California, near University City High School. The crash occurred around 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) as the plane was preparing for landing at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Reports say that the pilot was able to eject from the plane before it crashed and is believed to have suffered only minor injuries. At least three people on the ground were killed, and one person is missing.

Eye witness Joe Kreischer told the LA Times, "It was chugging along with what seemed like one engine. Then I heard a roar of engine and all of a sudden, woop, dead silence."
Two houses burned down as a result of the crash.

Authorities and military officials are investigating the cause of the crash.

The four dead family members are known to have been Korean Methodists. Only the father Dong Yun Yoon was not in the house when it was destroyed.


Avião F-18 cai em área residencial em San Diego na Califórnia

San Diego, Califórnia • 8 de dezembro de  2008

Um avião militar F-18 cai em área residencial em San Diego na Califórnia, Estados Unidos. O piloto conseguiu ejetar, mas pelo menos 4 pessoas que estavam em terra morreram[1].


US military helicopter crashes in Florida

The United States military has said that a MH-53 Pave Low military helicopter carrying seven soldiers crashed during a routine training mission in Florida near Eglin Air Force Base late Friday night.

At least two of the soldiers suffered non-life threatening injuries, while the other five were unhurt and are being kept in the hospital for further evaluation. No civilians were injured and no damage was caused to civilian property.

The cause of the crash is not known and the military states that the crash is under investigation.

"A board of officers will investigate the accident. As soon as additional details become available, they will be provided," said a statement posted on the website for Eglin AFB.

The soldiers were with the 20th Special Operations Squadron from Hurlburt Field in Florida.


Un helicóptero militar estadounidense se estrella en Florida

8 de septiembre de 2007Florida, Estados Unidos —

Las fuerzas armadas de Estados Unidos declararon que un MH-53 Pave Low que llevaba siete soldados se estrello durante una misión de entrenamiento rutinaria en Florida cerca de la Eglin Air Force Base el viernes por la noche.

Al menos dos de los soldados recibieron heridas moderadas mientras que los cinco restantes no resultaron heridos aunque fueron trasladados al hospital para examinación. El accidente no causó ningún herido civil o daños a propiedad civil.

Se desconoce la causa del choque y las fuerzas armadas declararon que el incidente está bajo investigación.

"Una junta de oficiales investigarán el accidente. Tan pronto como los detalles adicionales se hayen disponibles, serán dichos", decía una declaración en la página web de la base Englin.


Utah mine co-owner: this will be the last chance for the missing miners

Today rescue workers will drill a sixth hole into the collapsed Utah mine in a final effort to resuce the trapped miners who have been missing since August 6.

The previous holes, which have been dug as deep as 1,500 feet (460 m) underground at the Crandall Canyon Mine, have not produced any signs of the trapped miners.

Bob Murray, the mine's co-owner, said this sixth attempt to reach the miners will be the last. Murray also said that this last attempt will bring him closure. However, he realizes the families may never find the closure they are calling for. A spokesman for the families said they do not want the rescue efforts to stop until they find the men. One family member said, "He doesn't realize that what we have now is hope, and maybe our family members are not alive, but we want our bodies out...We want proper burials."

Mining will not be resumed in the area, Murray said.


Se hará la última misión de rescate para rescatar a los mineros de Utah

23 de agosto de 2007Huntington, Utah —

Hoy los rescatistas harán el sexto hoyo en la mina derrumbada de Utah en un último esfuerzo para rescatar a los mineros atrapados que están desaparecidos desde el 6 de agosto.

Los anteriores hoyos, que fueron cavados hasta 1.500 pies de profundidad en la Mina Crandall Canyon, no han dado señales de los mineros.

Bob Murray, un copropietario de la mina, dijo que este será el sexto intento de llegar a los mineros y que será el último. Sin embargo, es consciente de que las familias de los mineros nunca tendrán el cierre que quieren.

Un portavoz de las familias dijo que no querían que los esfuerzos se detuvieran hasta encontrar a los hombres, a pesar de que los rescates han cobrado la vida de tres rescatistas.

"No se da cuenta que lo que ahora tenemos es esperanza, y tal vez los miembros de nuestras familias no están vivos, pero queremos sacar sus cuerpos... Queremos entierros adecuados".

Murray además dijo que era decisión del gobierno federal si se continuaba la minería luego de las investigaciones. Sin embargo, Murray dijo que él no continuaría la práctica minera.

"Te lo puedo decir ahora, no vamos a volver a esa montaña".


Valparaíso fire displaces thousands, kills at least a dozen

At least twelve people have been killed, and over ten thousand evacuated from the Chilean city of Valparaíso, following an ongoing fire sweeping across parts of the city.

The fire, which began on Saturday in woods on one of Valparaíso's hills, has razed at least five hundred houses. 1,200 fire personnel are tackling the blaze, whilst members of the Chilean Navy have been deployed to discourage looting. Many residences of the affected area have no water supply, and are joined by narrow winding streets; yesterday firefighters dropped water on the flames from seventeen aircraft.

Chilean president Michelle Bachelet declared an emergency,  with the army coordinating the evacuation. She called the blaze a "tremendous tragedy", noting, "In some places the fires have started again so we're working on this and people will continue to be protected".

One resident told the Reuters news agency, "[w]e fled from the La Cruz neighborhood, from an apartment I just got not too long ago. It’s all burned down, my sister’s house also burnt to the ground".

Shelters have been erected to house the thousands fleeing the inferno, and hospitals have been treating hundreds for smoke inhalation. Much of the city is without power.


Chili : gigantesque incendie à Valparaiso

Au moins seize personnes ont été tuées et plus de dix mille évacuées de la ville chilienne Valparaiso en raison d'un gigantesque incendie.

L'incendie, qui a débuté samedi dans les bois sur une des collines de Valparaiso, a détruit plus de 500 maisons. Plus de 1 200 pompiers participent aux secours, tandis que les membres de la marine chilienne ont été déployés pour décourager les pillages. La difficulté pour les pompiers est que beaucoup de résidences de la zone affectée n'ont pas d'approvisionnement en eau et ne sont accessibles que par des rues étroites et sinueuses. Les pompiers chiliens ont également déployé 17 avions bombardier d'eau.

La présidente du Chili, Michelle Bachelet, a déclaré l'état d'urgence et a demandé à l'armée de coordonner l'évacuation des populations dans la zone touchée. Michelle Bachelet a qualifié l'incendie d'« énorme tragédie ».

Des abris ont été mis en place afin d'abriter les milliers de personnes fuyant l'incendie, les hôpitaux ont traité des centaines de patients pour des inhalations de fumée. Une grande partie de la ville reste privée d'alimentation électrique.


Vancouver stadium dome damaged

Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

The inflatable roof covering BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia was intentionally collapsed in a "controlled deflation" on Friday after a section of the dome was ripped open. As the seven-metre tear became caught in the wind, it began to make loud noises, which one stadium worker described as similar to "elephants running through your living room". The venue was evacuated and no one was reported injured. Windy weather conditions are blamed for the damage. Officials have not yet indicated when roof repairs can be completed to allow the facility to re-open.

BC Place Stadium was opened in June 1983 and is scheduled as a key venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The roof costs $300,000 per year to maintain.


Vancouver: Kuppel des Stadions beschädigt

Vancouver (Kanada), 07.01.2007 – Das aufblasbare Dach des „British-Columbia-Place“-Stadions in Vancouver, British Columbia, wurde am Freitag mit einem „kontrollierten Ablassen der Luft“ absichtlich zum Einsturz gebracht, nachdem ein Teil der Kuppel aufgerissen worden war. Als der Einriss auf einer Länge von sieben Metern vom Wind erfasst wurde, fing er an, laute Geräusche zu machen, die ein Stadionarbeiter so beschrieb, als wenn „Elefanten durch dein Wohnzimmer rennen“. Der Veranstaltungsort wurde evakuiert, und es wurde von niemandem berichtet, der verletzt wurde. Windige Wetterbedingungen werden für den Schaden verantwortlich gemacht. Sprecher haben noch nicht angedeutet, wann die Dachreparaturarbeiten beendet werden und die Einrichtung wiedereröffnet werden kann.

Das BC-Place-Stadion wurde im Juni 1983 eröffnet und soll einer der Hauptveranstaltungsorte für die Olympischen Winterspiele im Jahre 2010 werden. Die Instandhaltung des Daches kostet 300.000 Dollar pro Jahr.


Vanuatu hit by 7.2 magnitude earthquake

Vanuatu has been hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake at 04:14 local time on Friday (17:14 UTC on Thursday). The epicenter was located 215 kilometers to the northwest of Luganville, Espíritu Santo, Vanuatu; 340 kilometers to the southeast of Lata, Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands; 485 kilometers to the northwest of Port-Vila, Vanuatu; and 2,070 kilometers to the northeast of Brisbane, Australia.

The earthquake had a depth of 36.1 kilometers, approximately 22.4 miles. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued a tsunami warning for Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. They said on the report: "It is not known that a tsunami was generated. This warning is based only on the earthquake evaluation. An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines in the region near the epicenter within minutes to hours." The Vanuatu government Meteorological Office reported infrastructure cracks, and power outages, but does not foresee major damage. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, CNN reported. USGS initially reported the earthquake as 7.6, but they later downgraded it. Magnitude 5.7, 5.2 and 6.4 aftershocks were reported later by USGS.

The tsunami warning was cancelled an hour after it was issued. Geophysicist Barry Hershorn said to The Huffington Post that they had confirmed there was no tsunami from ocean buoys and from coastal sea level gauges in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu goverment said they were pleased the tsunami alert had been canceled. "We haven't received any reports yet about earthquake damage," said Salesa Kaniaha, Meteorological Office acting director of Vanuatu. "The very close proximity [of the epicenter] to Espíritu Santo [the closest island] meant there was nothing much we could do to alert residents to any danger," he added.

Vanuatu is an insular country located in southern Pacific Ocean, located 1,750 kilometers to the east of Australia.


Tsunami-Warnung nach Magnitude-7,2-Erdbeben in Vanuatu aufgehoben

Denver / Honolulu (Vereinigte Staaten), 28.05.2010 – Nach dem starken Erdbeben im pazifischen Inselstaat Vanuatu besteht nach Meinung des Pacific Tsunami Warning Centers keine Gefahr mehr, dass ein Tsunami die Region gefährden könnte. Die für Vanuatu, die Solomonen und Neukaledonien geltende Tsunamiwarnung wurde deswegen aufgehoben. Das Erdbeben ereignete sich am Freitag, dem 28. Mai um 04.14:48 Uhr Ortszeit (19:14:48 Uhr MESZ am 27. Mai) und erreichte eine Stärke vom 7,2 Mw auf der Momenten-Magnituden-Skala, gab der United States Geological Survey (USGS) bekannt. Das Hypozentrum des Erdbebens hat nach Angaben der US-Erdbebenwarte in Denver rund 215 km nord-nordwestlich von Luganville auf Espiritu Santo und rund 2.070 km nordöstlich von Brisbane im australischen Bundesstaat Queensland in 36 km Tiefe gelegen.

Der USGS hatte zunächst gemeldet, dass das Erdbeben eine Magnitude von 7,6 Mw erreicht habe.

Aus Vanuatu wurden keine Opfer oder Schäden gemeldet.


Снажан земљотрес у јужном Пацифику

Порт Вила / Вануату (Ројтерс) Снажан земљотрес јачине 7.2 степена Рихтерове скале погодио је острвску Републику Вануатуу у јужном Пацифику. Пацифички центар за узбуну са Хаваја издао упозорење од цунамија.

Око 4:14 по локалном времену снажан земљотрес погодио је Република Вануатуу. Према подацима Америчког геолошког центра епицентар потреса био је на дубини од 36 километара испод површине мора, 485 километара далеко од престонице Порта Виле.

Због опасности да би у периоду од неколико минута до пар сати приобалска подручја Вануатуа, Соломонских острва и Нове Каледоније погодио снажан цунами Пацифички центар за узбуњивање са Хаваја издао је свим државним институцијама упозорење, преноси агенција Ројтерс.

Власти Вануатуа још проверавају информације о земљотресу и опасности од цунамија. „Још немамо никакве информације, нема знакова цунамија, а још нисмо примили ни знак за узбуну“, рекао је портпарол тамошње полиције.


Vietnam fishing vessel sinks in South China Sea, 27 missing

A Vietnam registered fishing vessel sank Thursday in the South China Sea, leaving at least 27 fishermen missing. Chinese state media and officials have revealed that the vessel capsized and sank in high winds.

Reports reveal that the name of the vessel is "Phu Tan", however the reports did not state the nationalities of the fishermen. The Phu Tan sank 185 kilometres (115 miles) west of Sanya located in China's Hainan province.

Both China and Vietnam have sent rescue vessels to assist the fishermen. An officer at the Hainan maritime safety administration was quoted as saying, "We received a message asking for help from the vessel today. It has 27 fishermen on board." An official from Vietnam's National Search and Rescue Committee also said, "We just sent our vessels to look for it a few hours ago. This ship belongs to us." The official also revealed that the ship was a container ship.


V Jihočínském moři se potopila vietnamská rybářská loď, 27 nezvěstných

Rybářská loď Phu Tan registrovaná ve Vietnamu se ve čtvrtek potopila v Jihočínském moři, ztratilo se nejméně 27 rybářů. Podle čínských úřadů a státních médií se plavidlo ve vysokém větru nejprve převrhlo a pak potopilo.

Zpráva dále uvádí, že k nehodě došlo zhruba 185 kilometrů na západ od města San-ja v čínské provincii Chaj-nan, naopak nezmiňuje národnost pohřešovaných.

Záchranná plavidla vyslaly do oblasti obě země, Čína i Vietnam. Podle informací z čínského Chaj-nanského úřadu pro námořní bezpečnost dostal úřad zprávu žádající o pomoc pro loď s 27 rybáři. Vietnamský představitel potvrdil, že loď byla vietnamská a Vietnam poslal několik svých plavidel na pomoc. Také prozradil, že Phu Tan byla kontejnerová loď.

Tato zpráva byla založena zčásti nebo zcela překladem zprávy Vietnam fishing vessel sinks in South China Sea, 27 missing na anglických Wikizprávách.


Villagers evacuating as Mayon volcano erupts

Officials in Manila have issued evacuation orders for a 6km (4mi) radius around Mayon Volcano in the Philippines as ash clouds, rivulets of lava, and sulphur dioxide levels indicate an imminent explosive eruption.

Many residents, though, are hesitant to leave. Regional disaster coordinating council official Angel Capilli has said that the people who farm the rich soil near the volcano would be "forcibly" removed from the area should vulcanologists determine an explosive eruption is imminent.

Mount Mayon has erupted 47 times in recorded history, with the last major eruption in 2001 shooting ash nearly 10km above the volcano.


Moradores são evacuados ante iminente erupção do Vulcão Mayon nas Filipinas

Autoridades em  Manila emitiram ordens de evacuação num raio  6 km   em volta do Vulcão Mayon, nas Filipinas visto que nuvens de cinza,   rios de lava, e níveis de dióxido de enxofre indicam uma erupção explosiva iminente.

Muitos residentes, entretanto,  hesitam em   partir. Um funcionário do conselho de coordenação de desastre regional  disse que as pessoas que cultivam o solo fértil  perto do vulcão seriam   retiradas à força da área onde  vulcanólogos dizem  que é iminente uma erupção.

O   Mayon   entrou em erupção 47 vezes. Sua última erupção foi em 2001 quando   cinzas foram despejadas a quase 10 km acima do vulcão.


Virgin train crashes in England

A 9 Carriage Class 390 Pendolino train, with as many as 180 people onboard, operated by Virgin Trains has derailed and crashed in Cumbria, England.

The train was the 17:15 service from London's Euston Station to Glasgow Central. Witnesses said that several passengers have broken bones. All but one carriage have slid down the embankment and all of the carriages were derailed. 5 people are still seriously injured in hospital, including the driver Ian Black,  and 11 people altogether are still in hospital. Hospital reports early on Saturday morning indicate 1 death, 84 year old lady Margaret Masson from Glasgow.

"It's our understanding there are a number of people injured on the train. We think there are numerous injuries," said a spokesman for the Cumbria Fire and Rescue squad, Brian Mitchelhill.

"A train has crashed between Oxenholme and Tebay, but that is all we know at the moment. We have got two cars travelling there now and local police are attending," said a spokeswoman for the British Transport Police.

At least twelve ambulances and at least five fire trucks are at the scene, along with 3 Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters, two mountain rescue teams and one police helicopter.  The rescue effort was hampered by limited access to the remote site and poor weather conditions.

"At the moment, we have reports of various injuries, from leg injuries to back injuries and head injuries -- ranging from minor to quite serious," said an unnamed ambulance official.

"The carriage I am in is completely on its side, it did a sort of bump - and I was thinking don't worry this fine - but then the swaying became very dramatic," said a BBC executive, Caroline Thomson. "Where I am there are some injuries - a woman with a very badly hurt back but I suspect further up the train it's a bit more serious."

First reports suggested that the train hit something on the track at 20:15 near Grayrigg, between Oxenholme and Tebay, derailed and slid down an embankment.  Early investigators reports say a set of points will be the primary focus of the investigation. All but one of the train's carriages are said to have totally come off the tracks, a spokeswoman said.

So far 12 passengers have been taken to The Royal Preston Hospital, where three casualties are said to be in a "critical condition" and one serious. 3 passengers with limb injuries are at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.  People with minor injuries were taken to a nearby farm before being transferred to a Kendal hotel.

As of 22:16, Sleeper services over the affected line have been suspended. Other major services are terminating at Preston or Carlisle according to (UK) National Rail Enquires.  A five mile cordon has been set up to seal the crash site as investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch attempt to determine the cause of the crash.

Virgin owner Richard Branson came to the site from his holiday in Switzerland and held a press conference at a safe distance, roughly 200 meters, from the site. Branson stated that the Virgin Train Pendolino was "built like a tank", and believed the track was to blame. All of the carriages retained their integrity and none of the windows broke. Mr Branson also praised the driver of the train for attempting to stop the train and not leaving the cockpit.

Network Rail has checked 700 sets of rail points in response to the accident, though no speed restrictions have been imposed.


Incidente ferroviario in Cumbria, Inghilterra

Un pendolino a 9 carrozze, con 200 persone a bordo, della Virgin Trains è deragliato e si è schiantato nella Cumbria, nel Regno Unito.

Il treno coinvolto nell'incidente è quello in partenza alle 17:15 (ora locale inglese) da Londra per Glasgow. Testimoni hanno riferito che alcuni passeggeri hanno subito fratture. Tutte le carrozze, tranne una sono deragliate scivolando giù dal terrapieno della massicciata. Dalle 6 alle 8 persone sarebbero intrappolate in quella carrozza. Secondo i bollettini medici dell'ospedale, una donna di 80 anni è morta.

«Secondo i nostri agenti sul posto, ci sono diverse persone ferite. Pensiamo possano essere numerose», ha detto il portavoce dei vigili del fuoco Brian Mitchelhill.

«Un treno si è schiantato tra Oxenholme e Tebay, ma questo è tutto ciò che sappiamo al momento. Due nostre auto stanno raggiungendo il luogo, dove è già presente la polizia locale», ha detto il portavoce della polizia ferroviaria britannica.

Almeno dodici ambulanze e almeno cinque automezzi dei vigili del fuoco sono sulla scena, oltre che tre elicotteri della Royal Air Force, due squadre di recupero montane e un elicottero della polizia.

«Al momento, sappiamo di diversi feriti, alcuni abbastanza gravi» ha detto un anonimo funzionario paramedico.

«La carrozza vicino a cui mi trovo è rovesciata su un lato», ha detto l'inviata della BBC, Caroline Thomson. «Vedo diversi feriti - una donna ha una grave ferita alla schiena, ma credo ci siano altri feriti più gravi sul treno».

Si ritiene che il treno abbia colpito qualcosa verso le 20:20 ora locale, mentre si trovava tra Oxenholme e Tebay e sia poi scivolato giù per il terrapieno.


Vladivostok fire witnesses dispute official death toll of nine, claim at least 50

At 11:45am on January 16, in Vladivostok, Russia, a fire broke out on the three upper floors of the Sberbank building.

Photographs taken by eye-witnesses show people, who were trapped, dropping from 8th floor windows to their deaths. According to some reports the firemen who were dispatched to the scene were pre-occupied at the rear of the building. They had apparently been ordered to evacuate the bank and its management from the area, which was not under immediate threat.

Official Russian media initially denied the fire, accusing the reports of being false.

Russian media later confirmed 7 and then, 9 dead. Witnesses and those rescued from the burning building have claimed that the figure exceeds 50.

A maintenance employee who worked in the building was quoted as saying, "I know at least about 13 dead inside ... that's the least I've noticed, not to consider those who've dropped down ...  8 of them dropped, looking at the three already dead on the ground, but they went through the windows without hope to be rescued ... They collected and hid the dead bodies inside. I work at this building! I know its layout very well! To declare, as it become clear, a less number of the dead later."

"My daughter worked in a justice department," - Natalia, one of the witnesses said. "She said that there were actually much more dead - up to 70. She went on the dead bodies, getting out from the building … some of them were so scorched, that it was impossible to identify them… 9 victims? That's a lie!"

Georic, a witness: "The cops ("menty"), whom I know, say that they've been loading the dead bodies all night long."

Lelya has posted her evidence on January 21, 2006 on the web-site http://news.vl.ru/vlad/2006/01/18/tradegy/
"My brother worked in that building, on the 6th flour. So, the night after the fire they visited the building to collect the documents, etc. and they saw how workers transported the dead bodies. He said, there were 50-60.."

Eugenia, a witness said, "who has told you, that fireteam arrived in 3 minutes? Or in 20 minutes? My uncle worked on anouther side of the building. He personally gave a call to the fire department. They said, "ok, ok, take it easy, here we go..." as if it were just some fun for them, "nothing serious!"

Reports from the scene say the fire brigade arrived at least 40 minutes or more from the time the call about the fire was placed.

The Fire-safety Department officials state that firemen had had "objective obstacles" which hampered rescue efforts. Among them were barred emergency exits and a congestion of cars in front of the burning building.

The mayor of Vladivostok in reply to a plea "to rescue those who are still in fire, does human life really cost nothing?" replied saying that, "human life costs nothing in Russia."

Law-enforcement authorities arrested the inspector who had checked the building in July 2004, and exposed a number of irregularities, such as barred windows in stairwells, but failed to control the elimination of these shortcomings.

Lyudmila Feofanova, CEO of the Maritime branch of "Sberbank", was arrested in Vladivostok in conjunction with the case of the fire which has killed, according to official reports, 9 and seriousely wounded 17 last Monday.

The Office of Public Prosecutor accuses L.Feofanova on failure to provide the bank with a fire-prevention system.

The Russian official news agencies and mass-media report only 9 victims, several bank employees.

Five days following the fire, people have launched dozens of forums and web-sites, trying to tell their side of the story. They have created lists of those believed to be killed or those that are unable to be indentified.


Митинг, посвящённый пожару во Владивостоке и его последствиям, назначен на 21 января

Митинг, посвященный пожару во Владивостоке и его последствиям, назначен активистами сайта http://fire.zloe.net на 21 января. Он должен состояться в 12:00 по местному времени, перед зданием администрации города Владивостока.

На митинге предполагается потребовать от администрации города, государственных структур, службы спасения и пожарных ответы на следующие вопросы и выдвинуть следующие требования:

Митинг будет проходить под лозунгами:

20 января 2006 года


Volcano eruption in Ecuador kills six and destroys several small villages

The eruption of volcano Tungurahua on August 16 destroyed several small villages in the Ecuadorian Andes. At least 6 people have been killed and about 4000 residents of the affected area have been evacuated.

The 5,023 m high volcano spat lava, stones and ash for several hours on Wednesday night. A 10km high ash cloud spread over an area of 740 by 180 km. Towns like Ambato or Riobamba, 30 km away from the volcano have been covered with up to 5cm of ash. Pyroclastic flows descending on the northwestern slopes of the volcano left a path of destruction behind.

At least seven small villages and hamlets have been completely destroyed. The ash and rocks blocked the Chambo and the Peula river and the road Ambato - Baños, one of the main connections between the Ecuadorian highlands and the Amazon region. The Institute for Geophysics has lost an important part of its equipment installed on the slopes of Tungurahua, limiting their capability to monitor the volcanic activity.

The Hydroelectric power plant Agoyan near Baños has been shut down since Wednesday night. On Thursday, air traffic in the whole country was limited due to ash layers on several airports. On Thursday the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cotopaxi and Bolivar have been declared a disaster area. Losses in agriculture due to the ash cover are estimated at $150 Million.

On Friday, volcanic activity decreased to a calm that remained into Saturday evening, but the Ecuadorian Institute for Geophysics warns that a further eruption may be imminent.

In 1999, after a long period of rest, the volcano started an eruptive process that continues to this day. After the first eruptions in October 1999 that produced a major ash out-fall and led to the temporary evacuation of more than 25,000 inhabitants of Baños and its surroundings, the activity continued on a medium level. In May 2006 it increased dramatically culminating in violent eruptions on July 14 and August 16.


El volcán Tungurahua hace erupción y cubre de cenizas a Ecuador

El volcán Tungurahua, que hizo erupción la mañana del miércoles (16), cubre de cenizas casi todo Ecuador, lo que ha ocasionado el cierre de los aeropuertos y hasta la suspensión de un partido de fútbol. Por otro lado, los caminos cercanos al volcán, que queda a 140 kilómetros al sur de Quito, son intransitables por la lava.

Hasta el momento, los medios informan de la muerte de cinco personas, así como de diez heridos y 60 desaparecidos. Cerca de 3.000 personas fueron evacuadas en la madrugada del jueves (17) hacia la población de Penipe. A la difícil situación se une un posible desbordamiento del río Chambo, cuyo flujo fue bloqueado por la actividad volcánica.

El presidente Alfredo Palacio declaró "zona de desastre" el sur del país. Hugo Yepes, director del Instituto Geofísico, se mostró preocupado por la aparente calma del volcán en la madrugada del jueves y el lanzamiento de un chorro de lava de más de 8 km, así como la caída de rocas y ceniza registrados a medianoche, tras la violenta explosión del miércoles.


Ponad milion poszkodowanych przez ekwadorski wulkan

W środę 16 sierpnia nastąpiła erupcja położonego w Andach, w centrum Ekwadoru wulkanu Tungurahu. Jak informuje ekwadorska Obrona Narodowa liczba poszkodowanych może wynieść nawet ponad milionów osób.

Z ponad pięciokilometrowego wulkanu lawa spływała przez kilka godzin. Dziesięciokilometrowa chmura popiołu objęła obszar o powierzchni 740 na 180 km. Miasta takie jak Ambato czy Rioamba, oddalone 30km od wulkanu zostały przykryte pięciocentymetrową warstwą pyłu wulkanicznego. Lawa spływająca po północnowschodnim zboczu zostawiała za sobą jedynie ogromne zniszczenia. Co najmniej siedem wsi zostało doszczętnie zniszczonych. Popiół i głazy zablokowały rzeki: Chambo i Peula oraz drogę z Ambato do Beños – jeden z głównych szlaków łączących ekwadorskie miejscowości górskie z doliną Amazonki.

Tuż przed erupcją ewakuowano sześć tysięcy mieszkańców pobliskich wsi. Nie wszyscy jednak zgodzili się opuścić swoje domostwa. W prowincji Tungurahua  poszkodowanych zostało ponad 450 tysięcy osób. Jak wynika z informacji lokalnych władz 65 osób zostało rannych, 60 wciąż uważa się za zaginione, a sześć poniosło śmierć.

Rejony, z których pochodzi najwięcej ofiar zostały objęte stanem wyjątkowym. Na czas opadnięcia wulkanicznych popiołów został wstrzymany ruch powietrzny. Straty w rolnictwie spowodowane opadającym pyłem szacuje się na na 150 milionów dolarów.

Instytut Geofizyki stracił znaczną część sprzętu, zamontowanego na zboczu Tungurahuy, który umożliwiał im kontrolowanie stanu wulkanu.

W piątek wulkan uspokoił się. Specjaliści ostrzegają jednak, że groźba kolejnego wybuchu jest wciąż duża.


Volcano erupts in Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo's Mount Nyamuragira, the most active volcano in Africa, erupted in the morning hours of Saturday, spilling lava out over its southern flank.

The explosion occurred at about 03.45 local time, according to rangers from the Virunga National Park, where the volcano is situated.

The warden for the southern sector of Virunga National Park, Innocent Mburanumwe, was a witness to the event. "I first thought [it] was the sound of war. I thought there was fighting again near our park station. Then I saw the mountain was on fire with sparks flying. We could see that we were not in immediate danger here at Rumangabo, but there are many people who live to the south of the volcano, where the lava is heading as I speak," he said, as quoted by CNN.

Mount Nyamuragira is located around 25 kilometres from Goma, a city with 600,000 residents. According to a posting on Mburanumwe's blog, however, it is unlikely that the city would be affected by the volcano's eruptions. The mountain rises to 10,333 feet above sea level, and over 35 eruptions from it have been recorded since 1882.


République démocratique du Congo : le volcan Nyamuragira en éruption

Le volcan Nyamuragira, situé près de Goma, chef-lieu du Nord-Kivu, dans l'est de la République démocratique du Congo, est entré en éruption dans la nuit de samedi. Les coulées de lave se dirigent vers le parc national des Virunga, une zone inhabitée.

Aucune victime n'est à déplorer à l'heure actuelle, mais les autorités surveillent l'évolution de la situation avec l'aide d'hélicoptères de l'ONU.

Le parc national des Virunga, classé au patrimoine mondial par l'UNESCO, est l'un des habitats les plus variés au monde, abritant des espèces menacées, telles que les gorilles de montagne, qui pourraient être menacés par l'éruption. Les deux dernières éruptions du volcan, le plus actif d'Afrique, remontent à 2004 et 2006.


Repubblica Democratica del Congo: erutta il vulcano più attivo dell'Africa

Il monte Nyamuragira (Repubblica Democratica del Congo), il vulcano più attivo dell'Africa, ha eruttato nelle prime ore del mattino del sabato facendo fuoriuscire la lava dal suo versante meridionale.

L'eruzione è avvenuta verso le 3.45 (ora locale), secondo i ranger del parco nazionale di Virunga, dove il vulcano è situato.

Il guardiano per il settore meridionale del parco nazionale di Virunga, Innocent Mburanumwe, è stato un testimone dell'accaduto. Alla CNN, ha così illustrato le prime impressioni:

Il monte Nyamuragira si trova a circa 25 chilometri da Goma, una città con 600.000 abitanti. Secondo un intervento sul blog di Mburanumwe, tuttavia, è improbabile che la città sia stata danneggiata da eruzioni vulcaniche. Il vulcano è alto 3 149,5 m s.l.m. e più di 35 eruzioni sono state registrate dal 1882.


கொங்கோவில் எரிமலை சீற்றம்: அரிதான சிம்பன்சிகளுக்கு ஆபத்து

கொங்கோ மக்களாட்சிக் குடியரசில் எரிமலை ஒன்று வெடித்துச் சீறியதில், அப்பகுதியில் வாழும் மிக அரிதான சிம்பன்சிகளுக்கு ஆபத்தாக உள்ளதாக வனப்பகுதி அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்தனர்.

கொங்கோவின் கிழக்கு நகரான கோமாவில் இருந்து 25 கிமீ தூரத்தில் உள்ள நியாமுராகிரா மலை நேற்று சனிக்கிழமை வெடித்ததில், அதிலிருது கிளம்பிய எரிமலைக் குழம்புகள் அம்மலையைச் சுற்றியிருந்த விருங்கா தேசியப் பூங்கா வரையில் வந்து வீழ்ந்தன.

இப்பகுதியில் சுமார் 40 அரிதான சிம்பன்சிகளும் வேறு மிருகங்களும் வாழ்ந்து வருகின்றன.

ஆனாலும், கொங்கோவின் புகழ்பெற்ற சில மிக அரிதான மலை கொரில்லாக்கள் மேலும் கிழக்கே வாழ்வதால் அவற்றிற்கு இப்போதைக்கு ஆபத்து இல்லை எனத் தெரிவிக்கப்படுகிறது.

தேசியப் பூங்காவின் ஊழியர்கள் உள்ளூர் மக்கள் மற்றும் இராணுவத்தினருடன் இணைந்து தேவையான பாதுகாப்புத் திட்டங்களை முன்னெடுத்து வருகிறார்கள் என விருங்காவின் உயரதிகாரி எம்மானுவேல் டி மெரூடே தெரிவித்தார்.

ஐக்கிய நாடுகளின் உலங்கு வானூர்தி ஓன்றும் சேவையில் ஈடுபடுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளதாக அரசு அதிகாரி ஒருவர் தெரிவித்தார்.

உடனடியாக ஆபத்துக்குள்ளான பகுதிகளில் குறைந்தளவு மக்களே வசிக்கின்றபடியால், அவர்கள் வாழும் குடியேற்றப் பகுதிகளை பாதுகாக்கும் பணி முக்கியமாக மேற்கொள்ளப்படுகிறது.

எரிமலைக் குழம்புகள் மக்கள் செறிந்து வாழும் தெற்குப் பகுதி நோக்கிச் செல்வதாக, விருங்காவின் தலைமைக் காவலர் இனசெண்ட் உம்புரனும்வே தெரிவித்தார்.

"அதிகாலை 0345 மணிக்கு பலத்த இடியோசை கேட்டது. போர் மீண்டும் வெடித்து விட்டதோ என்று பயந்தேன். பின்னர் மலை எரிந்து, குழம்புகள் சீறிப் பாய்ந்தாதைக் கண்டேன்", என்றார் இனசெண்ட்.

நியாமுலாகிரா மலை 3,058 மீட்டர் உயரமானது. இது ஆப்பிரிக்காவில் உள்ள மலைகளில் இன்னமும் உயிருடன் இருக்கும் எரிமலைகளில் ஒன்று.

1882 ஆம் ஆண்டில் இருந்து 35 எரிமலைக் குமுறல்கள் பதிவாகியுள்ளன. 1979 ஆம் ஆண்டில் இருந்து விருங்கா தேசியப் பூங்கா உலக பாரம்பரியக் களமாக யுனெஸ்கோ அங்கீகரித்துளது.

கோமா நகரில் 200,000 பேர் வசிக்கிறார்கள். அத்துடன் இடம்பெயர்ந்த பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கானோர் வசித்து வருகின்றனர்.

ஞாயிறு, சனவரி 3, 2010


Volcano erupts in southern Chile

The Calbuco volcano in Southern Chile erupted twice on Wednesday. It was the first major eruption of the volcano in over fifty years.

The Chilean National Geology and Mining Service said the second eruption was more powerful than the first. By reports, the first eruption caused some regional panic. Emergency officials had very little time to alert local residents because of its abruptness.

The Chilean interior ministry said over 4,000 people were evacuated. The volcanic ash rose upward over six miles and has caused flight cancellations. According to Chilean health ministry sanitary planning division head Bernardo Martorell, the ash could cause water pollution and eye and skin infections. As of yesterday, Associated Press said no-one was reported injured as a result of the eruption. But on Thursday a ministry official said they fear another eruption may occur.

This was not the only volcanic eruption in the region in recent years. Another volcano in Southern Chile erupted in back in 2011. Due to that violent eruption, hundreds of flights were cancelled and over 3,000 people evacuated.

The 6,500 foot volcano is reportedly among the three most hazardous in Chile.


Volcà entra en erupció al sud de Xile

El volcà Calbuco, al sud de Xile, va entrar en erupció dues vegades el dimecres. Va ser la primera gran erupció del volcà en més de cinquanta anys.

El Servei Nacional de Geologia i Mineria de Xile va dir que la segona erupció va ser més poderosa que la primera. Segons els informes, la primera erupció va causar cert pànic regional. Funcionaris d'emergència van tenir molt poc temps per alertar els residents locals per la seva brusquedat.

El Ministeri de l'Interior de Xile va dir que més de 4000 persones van ser evacuades. La cendra volcànica es va elevar a l'alça de més de sis milles i ha causat la cancel·lació de vols. D'acord amb el cap de la divisió de planificació sanitària del Ministeri de Salut de Xile, Bernardo Martorell, la cendra podria causar la contaminació de l'aigua i infeccions dels ulls i de la pell. A partir del dia 24, Associated Press, ha dit que no s'han reportat ferits com a conseqüència de l'erupció. Però dijous un funcionari del ministeri va dir que temen que es pot produir una altra erupció.

Aquesta no va ser l'única erupció volcànica a la regió en els últims anys. Un altre volcà al sud de Xile va entrar en erupció el 2011. La erupció va ser tan violenta que centenars de vols van ser cancel·lats i més de 3000 persones van ser evacuades.

Aquest volcà es troba entre els tres més perillosos de Xile.


Vulcão Calbuco entra em erupção no Chile depois de 43 anos

O Vulcão Calbuco no sul do Chile entrou em erupção duas vezes na quarta-feira. Foi a primeira grande erupção do vulcão desde 1962.

O Serviço Nacional de Geologia e Minério chileno disse que a segunda erupção foi mais poderosa do que o primeiro. A primeira erupção ocorreu na quarta-feira e causou pânico generalizado na região. Funcionários de emergência teve muito pouco tempo para alertar os moradores locais por causa de sua rudeza.

Mais de 4.000 pessoas foram evacuadas. A cinza vulcânica subiu mais de 6 milhas (12 km) para o céu e causou muitos atrasos e cancelamentos de vôos. De acordo com o médico Bernardo Martorell, a cinza era perigoso, devido ao seu potencial de causar a poluição da água e dos olhos e infecções de pele. Até o momento, ninguém foi ferido como resultado da erupção. Mas as autoridades temem que uma erupção pode ocorrer.

Esta não foi a única erupção vulcânica na região nos últimos anos. Outro vulcão no sul do Chile entrou em erupção em volta em 2011. Foi uma violenta erupção causando centenas de cancelamentos de voos e à evacuação de mais de 3.000 pessoas.

O vulcão de 6.500 metros é um dos três principais vulcões mais perigosos no Chile.


Volunteers collaborate in reconstruction of Lolol, Chile

Today, the day of the National Monuments of Chile, a group of volunteers from Santiago travelled to Lolol, a town located in O'Higgins Region. Lolol, named National Monument of Chile in October 2003, was severely damaged after the major February earthquake; the Church of the town, widely known as one of the oldest in Chile, is currently being restored.

"Their attitude is a clear sample of the conscience and love of the Chileans with their legacy, patrimony, especially after the earthquake," said the Executive Clerk of the National Monuments Council of Chile, Óscar Acuña, who appreciated their collaboration.

Previously, 35 students of Tourism in the Technical Formation Center of the Los Leones Institute, were working in Lolol, between April 30 and May 1, helping to clean up the damage caused by the earthquake.

The famous musical group, Bafona, also visited Lolol, and a few other towns that were damaged by the earthquake.


Voluntarios participan en reconstrucción de Lolol, Chile

En el día del Monumento Nacional de Chile, un grupo de voluntarios de Santiago viajaron a Lolol, un pueblo ubicado en la Región de O'Higgins. Lolol fue designado Monumento Nacional de Chile en octubre de 2003, y en el sismo de febrero recién pasado, fue gravemente dañado: la iglesia del pueblo, bien conocida como una de las más antiguas de Chile, está siendo restaurada.

“Esta actitud es una clara muestra de la consciencia y gusto de los chilenos por su legado, patrimonio, especialmente después del terremoto”, sostuvo el jefe de Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales de Chile, Óscar Acuña, quien apreció la colaboración.

Previamente, 35 estudiantes de Turismo del Centro de Formación Técnica “Los Leones” habían estado trabajando en Lolol, entre el 30 de abril y el 1 de mayo, ayudando a despejar los daños provocados por el terremoto.

El grupo musical Bafona también concurrió a Lolol,y otras ciudades destruidas por el sismo.


Voracious fire generates panic in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Firemen were working to control a large fire in a party supply warehouse in the populous neighborhood of Once in the Argentine capital.

The fire began in the fourth floor at approximately 15:15 hours and rapidly spread to the rest of the building, located on 2257 Lavalle street between Pasteur and Uriburu streets. The building houses a wholesale company called "Ciudad Cotillón" (Party City), which sells highly flammable elements like foam, carnival outfits, and products made with polystyrene.

According to the firemen of the Federal Police, there exists a "real danger" of precipice of the damaged building, for which the Guard of Aid and SAME ambulances remain in the area.

Nearby buildings were evacuated and the traffic was closed in the Larrea and Lavalle streets, from Tucumán up to Uriburu, producing chaos in the traffic.

The fire's toxic smoke and smell expanded towards the northern zone of the city. More than 50 people were injured after inhaling the smoke. A cameraman of the Telefé suffered poisoning and was taken to the Ramos Mejía hospital.

One of the firemen who was attacking the fire fell to the street below and suffered multiple injuries. He was moved with urgency to an hospital.

The hospitals of the city were declared to be in a state of red alert, to be able to attend to those affected by the inhalation of toxic gases.


Voraz incendio genera pánico en Argentina

18 de febrero de 2008Buenos Aires, Argentina — Doce dotaciones de bomberos se encontraron trabajando para controlar un incendio de grandes dimensiones que afectó a un depósito de artículos de cotillón en el populoso barrio de Once, de la capital argentina.

El incendio, que se inició en un cuarto piso, se desató aproximadamente a las 15:15 horas y rápidamente se extendió a la totalidad del edificio ubicado sobre la calle Lavalle al 2257, entre Pasteur y Uriburu. En el lugar funcionaba la empresa mayorista "Ciudad Cotillón" y se guardan elementos altamente inflamables como aerosoles de espuma, disfraces de carnaval y productos fabricados con telgopor.

Según los bomberos de la Policía Federal Argentina, existe un "peligro real" de derrumbe de una medianera del edificio siniestrado, por lo que permanecía en el lugar personal de la Guardia de Auxilio de la ciudad de Buenos Aires y ambulancias del SAME.

Los edificios cercanos fueron desalojados y el tránsito fue cerrado en las calles Larrea y Lavalle, desde Tucumán hasta Uriburu, produciendo caos en la circulación de los vehículos.

En horas de la noche se declara Alerta Roja a la población en el perímetro de la zona del incendio, por este incendio se provocaría un Efecto Domino y se investigará si es parte de un depósito ilegal. El Gobierno de la Ciudad desmiente que la estructura "no se derrumbará" cuando con el paso del tiempo el calor dilate las paredes y la estructura tenga grandes probabilidades de caer.

El humo tóxico del fuego y el olor podrían expandirse hacia la zona norte. La cantidad de heridos por inhalación del humo ascendería a 50 personas, entre las cuales se encuentran dos niños: uno de tres años que fue dado de alta anoche y una bebe de 15 meses que permanece internada que sufrió vómitos a causa de la intoxicación por humo. Un camarógrafo del canal Telefé sufrió un cuadro de intoxicación y fue trasladado al hospital Ramos Mejía.

Uno de los bomberos que combatía el fuego cayó al vacío resultando con politraumatismos varios, por lo que fue trasladado de urgencia a un nosocomio. Los hospitales de la ciudad fueron declarados en estado de alerta roja, para poder atender a los afectados por la inhalación de gases tóxicos.


Washington Metro collision kills nine, injures many

At least nine people have been reported killed in a serious collision incident between two metro trains in Washington, D.C., United States.

The collision which occurred on the Red Line between Fort Totten and Takoma Park stations of the city's Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority during the early evening (1700 local time) is also reported to have injured a number of other passengers. The fatalities include the operator of one of the trains. At 7:58 pm local time, two more fatalities were confirmed, resulting in a total of six deaths.

In a statement to media, Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty was quoted as saying  "With the four confirmed fatalities, it is my preliminary understanding that this would be then the deadliest accident in the history of our Metro train transit system," at a news conference following the incident.

The Metro's general Manager John Catoe was also quoted as saying "We are extremely saddened that there are fatalities as a result of this accident, which has touched our Metro family. We hope to have more details about the casualties later today. Our safety officials are investigating, and will continue to investigate until we determine why this happened and what must be done to ensure it never happens again,"

The cause of the collision incident is still unclear, although it has been suggested by some sources that a derailment or head on collision may have led to the incident.


Accidente de trenes en Washington deja nueve muertos

23 de junio de 2009Washington, Estados Unidos —

La cantidad de muertes asciende a nueve tras un choque entre dos trenes de la línea Roja del Metro de esa ciudad ocurrido a las 17.10 ( horas locales) del día lunes, por encima del nivel subterráneo al Noreste de Washignton, entre las estaciones de Fort Totten y Takoma. Funcionarios de la ciudad y de tránsito dicen que uno de los trenes estaba detenido cuando fue chocado por detrás por un segundo tren que se desplazaba en la misma dirección.

El impacto fue tan fuerte, que el primer vagón del segundo tren quedó encima del último vagón del primer tren. La mujer operadora del segundo tren está entre los muertos. Las autoridades dicen que por lo menos otras 70 pasajeros resultaron heridos, incluyendo por lo menos seis en estado grave.

El alcalde de la ciudad, Adrian Fenty, calificó el accidente como el peor en los 33 años de historia del sistema de trenes subterráneos de la capital estadounidense.

El presidente Barack Obama y su esposa, Michelle, dieron a conocer una declaración el lunes por noche en la que expresan sus condolencias a los familiares de las víctimas. Obama elogió a cientos de policías, bomberos y equipos médicos de emergencia que respondieron inmediatamente al accidente para salvar vidas. Ellos se vieron forzados a cortar metal retorcido de los vagones para llegar a los pasajeros atrapados en los escombros.

La Junta Nacional de Seguridad en el Transporte y equipos de agentes del FBI llegaron al lugar en busca de pistas para determinar la causa del accidente.
Se están buscando dispositivos en ambos trenes que mantienen los datos de velocidad y otros detalles.


États-Unis : 9 morts dans un accident de métro à Washington

Les équipes de secours et les enquêteurs examinent les épaves des deux trains impliqués dans un grave accident, hier, en fin de journée, sur le réseau du métro de Washington, D.C. Selon les autorités, un train a percuté un autre à l’arrêt, à l'entrée d'une station. L’accident a fait au moins 9 morts et plus de 70 blessés. La conductrice du train en mouvement figure parmi les morts. Au moins six passagers blessés sont dans un état critique.

Le président américain, Barack Obama, et son épouse, Michelle, ont, dans une déclaration publiée hier soir, adressé leurs condoléances aux familles des victimes. Les opérations de secours se poursuivront durant toute la journée, a déclaré le maire de Washington, Adrian Fenty, ajoutant que c’était l’accident le plus grave de l’histoire du métro de Washington.

Les enregistreurs de donnés installés dans chacun des wagons du train qui a été percuté seront analysés une fois les opérations terminées, a indiqué Debbie Hersman, porte-parole de la Commission nationale de la sécurité des transports.

Selon Hersman, le train ayant heurté l’autre était composé de wagons d’un modèle plus ancien, dont la Commission avait recommandé le remplacement.

L’impact du choc était tel que le train en mouvement s’est fendu et atterri sur l’autre train. Une grue a été apportée pour dégager les épaves des deux trains.


Katastrofa metra w Waszyngtonie

Wczoraj w stolicy USA doszło do katastrofy metra, w której zginęło 9 osób.

Katastrofa miała miejsce ok. godziny 17 czasu lokalnego (ok. 23.00 czasu środkowoeuropejskiego) na odcinku między stacjami Takoma i Fort Totten, w północno-wschodniej części miasta. Na miejscu wydarzenia trwa akcja ratunkowa. Pociąg wypadł z szyn i wjechał na dach drugiego składu stojącego przed peronem.

Liczba ofiar może wzrosnąć, ponieważ część z ok. 100 rannych jest w stanie krytycznym.

Była to najpoważniejsza kolizja w 33-letniej historii waszyngtońskiego metra. Dotychczas tylko raz zdarzył się śmiertelny wypadek tego metra styczniu 1982, kiedy zginęły 3 osoby.


Dois trens se chocam em Washington

Dois trens (metrôs) se chocaram em Washington, capital dos Estados Unidos nesta segunda-feira (22). Com a colisão, as composições ficaram uma em cima da outra.

Segundo as autoridades locais, pelo menos 76 pessoas ficaram feridas e já foram confirmadas mais de 8 mortes.


Water main bursts in White Plains, New York, US

On Monday, a water main broke in the US city of White Plains, New York, cutting off the water supply to most of the city. The burst pipe caused a huge crater to form in a major intersection in the heart of the city, flooding the streets. Emergency crews were on the scene to repair the pipes in order to restore water service. Almost all customers had water restored by the evening.

The water pipe burst under the road surface at the intersection of Martine Avenue and S. Lexington Avenue in the afternoon. By 5:00 pm EDT (2100 UTC) the city issued an advisory of water outages and stated the Department of Public Works (DPW) had located the problem. Wikinews was on the scene around 6:20 pm and could observe a large crater in the street caused by the amount of water from the burst pipe. Crews from DPW as well as some the fire department were there. Water was no longer rushing uncontrolled into the street.

Shortly thereafter, at 6:30 pm, the city issued a follow-up statement announcing the break had been contained by DPW. Residents were advised to expect the water to perhaps be "discolored" when it initially returned. The city estimated by 9 pm, there would be enough pressure returned to the water system for all to have water. Indeed, News 12 reported, only buildings adjacent to the break were without water service.

White Plains is the county seat for Westchester County, New York, which is also home to the cities New Rochelle and Yonkers which formed the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York. Westchester lies directly to the north of New York City.


美國紐約白原鎮水管爆裂

週一，美國紐約白原市一根水管破裂，切斷了該市大部分地區的供水。爆裂的管道導致城市中心的一個主要路口形成一個巨大的坑，淹沒了街道。搶修人員在現場搶修管道，以恢復供水服務。


Weakening Dean makes landfall on Mexican coast

After gaining strength in the western Caribbean last night, Hurricane Dean made landfall as a Category 5 storm on Mexico's Yucatán coast at about 4:30 a.m. this morning (EDT).

The storm struck just north of Chetumal, the capital of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. However, hurricane-force winds were felt over 60 miles (~100 km) away from the center of the storm, and tropical storm conditions impacted areas 175 miles (280 km) away.

The Mexican government ordered the deployment of over 4,000 troops, and declared a state of emergency in the state of Campeche. Some areas braced for up to 20 inches (510 mm) of rain.

Dean made landfall as a category 5 storm, before being downgraded hours later to a category 3 storm. Later Tuesday afternoon, Dean was downgraded to a category 2 storm. Currently, the storm maintains category 1 status, with top sustained winds at 85 mph (137 km/h).

The hurricane moved towards modern oil installations of the Yucatan Peninsula, prompting evacuations of offshore oil rigs that produce most of Mexico's oil and gas.

Forecasters warn the storm could pick up strength as it crosses the Bay of Campeche and turn into an even more destructive hurricane before making a second landfall on Wednesday.

A hurricane warning remains in effect along the Gulf Coast of Mexico from south of Progreso to Tampico.

Forecasters do not believe it presents a threat to the United States.

Dean is being blamed for 13 deaths already.


Un debilitado Huracán Dean hace tierra con México

Después de ganar fuerzas en el Caribe, el Huracán Dean hizo tierra en la Península de Yucatán, México a aproximadamente las 3:30 (08:30 GMT, 4:30 a.m. EDT) de esta mañana, según informaron las autoridades meteorológicas y el gobierno de Quintana Roo, el estado mexicano por el cual arremetió Dean.

Luego de arremeter como huracán de Categoría 5 (con vientos mayores a 250 km/h) en la escala Saffir-Simpson, Dean se debilitó a un huracán de Categoría 2 (con vientos entre 154–177 km/h) y actualmente se mantiene en Categoría 1 (con vientos de entre 119–153 km/h).

No se han reportado heridos ni muertos luego de las intensas lluvias y vientos de Dean, que antes de llegar a México ya había cobrado once vidas.

"Hasta ahora no se han reportado pérdidas humanas", declaró el presidente mexicano, Felipe Calderón desde la cumbre norteamericana en Quebec, Canadá.

El Servicio Meteorológico de México (SMN) pronostica que Dean tardará 12 horas en pasar por la península de Yucatán

Calderón además anuncio que México "va a dejar de producir más o menos 2,600,000 barriles diarios de petróleo hasta el próximo viernes", y que se centraría en el huracán entre tanto.

La energía del estado fue cortada para prevenir accidentes, y otras zonas están siendo evacuadas por el ejército.

Dean arrancó árboles de raíz en algunas ciudades. "Sólo registran cuantiosos chubascos", dijo Calderón y añadió que "están reestableciéndose las actividades ordinarias en esas ciudades".


Whale kills trainer at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida

Dawn Brancheau, a whale trainer, died in an accident at the SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, at around 14:00 local time. The incident involved an 18-year-old killer whale, Tillikum, also called Tilly. The Orange County Sheriff's Office report that trainer Brancheau has 16 years of experience. Brancheau was reported dead after being recovered from the pool.

Witness to the incident Victoria Biniak told WKMG-TV, "He was thrashing her around pretty good. It was violent. [The whale] ...took off really fast in the tank, and then he came back, shot up in the air, grabbed the trainer by the waist and started thrashing around, and one of her shoes flew off."

In response to this accident, SeaWorld San Diego canceled its Shamu show, a show involving the whales at the San Diego location. "We're terribly saddened by the loss of the member of our SeaWorld family, it doesn't matter what park," David Koontz, a spokesperson for SeaWorld San Diego said.


Une dresseuse tuée par une orque en Floride

Dawn Brancheau, dresseuse d'orques, a été tuée mercredi dans un accident au SeaWorld d'Orlando, en Floride, vers 14 h, heure locale. L'orque, nommée Tillikum, ou Tilly, est âgée de 18 ans ; la dresseuse, déclarée morte après avoir été sortie du bassin, avait 16 ans d'expérience.

Alors que Mme Brancheau la caressait, Tillikum a sauté et a emporté la dresseuse dans l'eau. L'orque était déjà à l'origine de la mort de deux autres dresseurs ; cependant, la direction du parc a annoncé qu'ils allaient « continuer à travailler avec l'orque », tout en revoyant les consignes de sécurité.

« Rien ne s'est passé comme il faut », a déclaré un témoin. « La dresseuse avait dit que l'orque n'était pas de bonne humeur pour le spectacle ». « Le parc ne sera plus jamais pareil », a ajouté un autre témoin.

Le SeaWorld de San Diego a décidé d'annuler son « Shamu Show », un spectacle d'orques. « Nous sommes terriblement attristés par la perte d'un des membres de SeaWorld », a annoncé un porte-parole du SeaWorld de San Diego.


Wikinews interviews Diego Grez, Chilean earthquake survivor

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile on Saturday, causing significant damage throughout parts of the country. Diego Grez (a Wikinews correspondent by the pen name MisterWiki) was in Pichilemu at the time of the quake. Four days after the quake, Peter Coti, also a Wikinews contributor, was able to chat with Mr. Grez about what happened Saturday morning.

((Peter Coti)) What is the status of power, gas and water?

((Diego Grez)) The electricity was restored last night, after more than 3 days without radio, cellphone or TV, in a few words, without communication. There was never any problem with the gas or water here in Pichilemu, but there are a near town called Bucalemu that has been 4 days without any of those.

((PC)) How is the government responding in your area?

((DG)) It has been slow. Mainly, I was surprised because the mayor of the city was not here during the quake. He was far away and he have got here in Sunday. We didn't receive food until yesterday. The people was very scared and the government hasn't been seen after the quake. I went quickly to the nearest hill, to be safe of a possible tsunami without help of anyone.

((PC)) What is going on right now?

((DG)) We are on the hill right now, far away from my house. I'm very worried about my house.

((PC)) Is the infrastructure stable?

((DG)) Yes. Fortunately, the most of the Pichilemu houses are secure including mine.

((PC)) Are there a lot of people on the hill with you?

((DG)) Yes. But every day that passes there are less.

((PC)) Can you summarize what happened to you during the quake?

((DG)) I was sleeping. My Dad came down from the second floor and said to my Mom that it was a shake. I have to say that my Dad was very scared. My mom went out with my dad. The shake didn't stopped and then they called me and my sister. The house moved from side to side. I really thought it was going to fall. It was 3 or 4 minutes long. After it, when we wanted to go back for cellphone, a radio and clothes (we all were in pajamas), then some aftershocks took place. We then ran the car and changed. Outside there were many other people running to the nearest hill, called Cerro (Hill) La Cruz. The La Cruz Hill was flooded with cars and people crying. It was really a sad situation. In addition of that, people was looting cars. And the people was urinating and excreting anywhere. The hill became very dirty. We stayed on the hill until the day before yesterday. We went to our house. And there didn't happened anything. Just a glass was broken. A strong aftershock happened and we ran away again. Now there's no problem to be there. I can happily say that we had no further problems.

((PC))  Is the local hospital operational?

((DG)) The ill people were taken to a high school, because of the risk of a new tsunami, but they were taken back soon.

((PC)) Thank you for your time and I wish you and your country good luck in the recovery process.

((DG)) Thank you.


Interview de Diego Grez, survivant du tremblement de terre au Chili

La semaine dernière, un séisme de magnitude 8,8 sur l'échelle du moment a causé d'importants dégâts au Chili. Diego Grez, correspondant de Wikinews sur place, se trouvait à Pichilemu au moment du tremblement de terre. Quatre jours après la catastrophe, nous l'avons rencontré pour savoir quelle était la situation sur place.


Wikinews interviews Juana Bustamante, Chilean earthquake survivor from Paniahue

Paniahue, Santa Cruz, Chile – Wikinews' Diego Grez interviewed Juana Bustamante, a Chilean earthquake survivor from Santa Cruz, who lost her home. Juana told us her story of what she faced when the earthquake took place. The building where she was living fell down while she was on the second floor. Its first floor practically disappeared.

((Diego Grez)) Where are you living right now?

((Juana Bustamante)) We are living in tents that the military gave to us. There are 22 families here [over the court], and over there by the plum trees there are another 22, in addition to the ones that are living in the school, and some that live [over there] on the other side.

((DG)) In total, how many families do you think there are [who have lost their home]?

((JB)) There are apparently around 365 families. All of us are homeless.

((DG)) What is going to happen to the apartments?

((JB)) I'm not sure. It's such a shame. Imagine the pain of seeing your home completely destroyed and having to live in the court. It's terrible.

((DG)) Has the Mayor, Mr. Héctor Valenzuela helped you?

((JB)) No, he hasn't helped us. He knows that tons of mice are coming out from sewers over there. A few days ago, someone told him that mice were coming out of the sewers. He laughed and said: "I'll see later what I can do." Can you see how the water has expanded throughout the entire street? Valenzuela said that the departments have to be demolished before they can give us provisory homes (mediaguas).

((DG)) Thanks for your time and I hope you can get your home back soon.

((JB)) Thank you for this interview to let the world know what's happening to the common people, to the poor people. Thanks again.


El sismo de Chile, en primera persona

3 de abril de 2010Santa Cruz y Santiago, Chile —

A un mes del terremoto que azotó Chile en febrero pasado, Wikinoticias reúne los testimonios del wikiperiodista chileno Dennis Tobar desde Santiago y de Juana Bustamante, una vecina de Santa Cruz que perdió su casa, entrevistada por el wikirreportero Diego Grez.

"En los primeros instantes del sismo, la energía eléctríca de Santiago se cortó y la mayoría de los aparatos transmisores fueron arrancados desde los postes cayendo en la calle, mientras la intensidad aumentaba", relata el wikireportero, uno de los administradores de esta wiki, sobre aquel 27 de febrero.

"En medio del sismo, los gritos de ayuda aumentaban y las alarmas de los automóviles no dejaban de sonar hasta que tras varios segundos, en muchos casos interminables, el sismo sucumbía y dejaba a la luz que era bastante fuerte.", contó Tobar.

"El caos reinaba en la capital de Chile: incendios y una serie de vecinos asustados era la tónica en mi cuadra, mientras que las sirenas de bomberos apagaban los incendios provocados por las cañerías de gas. Era una escena que me acompañará un buen tiempo", comenta.

"Tras una réplica fuerte decidimos organizar rondas de patrullaje y así pasamos la primera noche en vela, sin conocer el estado de nuestros hogares". En un día, ya se habían producido más de un centenar de réplicas del sismo.

"Las primeras luces del día mostraron a un Santiago bajo las densas nubes de incendios químicos que estaban a unos cuantos kilómetros de la ciudad". Asimismo, agrega: "Nuestro edificio seguía en pie, mientras que dos edificios similares resultaron seriamente dañados, por lo cual bomberos declararon que era inhabitables".

Tobar quedó impactado con el estado luego del desastre: "Con el avanzar de las horas, las noticias que recibía por la radio hicieron que mi mundo comenzara a girar entorno al sismo: destrucción en el sur, sin luz, agua y las comunicaciones cortadas en todo el territorio nacional".

"Estamos viviendo en carpas que nos dieron los milicos (militares)", relata la mujer a Grez. El wikiperiodista la encontró en cercanías de los destruidos departamentos del barrio Paniahue.

"Hay 22 familias en la cancha techada, y donde hay unos ciruelos, hay 22 más. Hay unos que están viviendo en la escuela, y otros que viven allí (en una plaza cercana). Hay aparentemente como 365 familias. Todos nos quedamos sin casa."

Juana perdió su hogar cuando el edificio donde vivía se derrumbó mientras ella estaba en el segundo piso. El primer piso prácticamente desapareció. "No estoy segura sobre qué les va a pasar a los departamentos. La cosa más terrible es que aún no los demuelen. Imagine la pena que da ver tu casa, destruida y tener que vivir en una carpa en la cancha, es terrible."

La mujer denunció que el alcalde de Santa Cruz, Héctor Valenzuela, no los ayudó. "Un montón de ratones guarenes han salido de las alcantarillas. Hace unos días, alguien le dijo esto. El se rió y dijo: «Después veo si puedo ayudarles». Ustedes pueden ver como el agua se ha expandido por toda la calle. Valenzuela dijo que los departamentos tienen que ser demolidos antes de que nos puedan dar mediaguas (hogares transitorios)".

Al terminar la nota, Juana le agradeció la oportunidad de "darle a conocer al mundo qué es lo que pasa a la gente común, la gente pobre".


Interview de Juana Bustamante, survivante chilienne du séisme à Paniahue

Diego Grez, correspondant de Wikinews au Chili, a interviewé Juana Bustamante, survivante du séisme qui a détruit sa maison à Paniahue, dans la commune de Santa Cruz. Mme Bustamante lui a raconté son attitude lorsque la catastrophe s'est produite. Son domicile s'est effondré alors qu'elle se trouvait au deuxième étage. Le premier étage a presque entièrement disparu.


Wikinews interviews Peter Coti, eyewitness to north eastern US storm

Wikinews reporter Mike Morales interviews fellow Wikinews contributor Peter Coti, who is on the scene at a north eastern storm in the United States in New Jersey. Coti tells Wikinews what happened in the area of Ridgewood, New Jersey and provided pictures of the damage and area.

((Mike Morales)) Could you explain the circumstances of the incident?

((Peter Coti)) Well on the morning of Saturday it was a normal storm. Bit windier then a normal one though. Then at 4:30 EST (local time) power went out because of a downed tree. I went to church. When I got home it was like war of the worlds.

((MM)) How so?

((PC)) Wind gusts up to 90MPH [~145 km/h]. And trees falling all over. And White, Red and blue explosions of transformers. All around town.

((MM)) Do you know which areas are affected?

((PC)) All of ridgewoo NJ [sic, Ridgewood, New Jersey]. Actually according to many people Bergan County was affected; ALL of it and southern parts of New York.

((MM)) Besides trees, what other damage occurred?

((PC)) Well, signs are on 45 degree angles, but trees are blocking roads and there are powerlines in [half].

((MM)) Are there any damages to buildings?

((PC)) Not that I have seen. The major problem is the trees. They are blocking main roads.

((MM)) Do you know of any injuries to people?

((PC)) Yes, I know of at least 3 deaths and 5 injuries.

((MM)) Are there any details of these deaths and injuries?

((PC)) I know a tree fell on someone's car.

((MM)) How long until power is restored[?]

((PC)) They say in 2 days. I want to add the fact transformers lit the sky up for miles. Some for a few sec[onds], some for 30 [seconds]. Also power is back for businesses.

((MM)) How are emergency services responding?

((PC)) Well I have been told that every volunteer and cop is on duty. Also all police resources are being used from undercover cars to bikes. Anything with a siren really.

((MM)) How are the telephone services and other forms of communication working?

((PC)) There are no phone lines working. [Wireless phones] are the only way to communicate and... Mi-Fi. It's a portable router.


Temporal en el noreste de los Estados Unidos

Un reportero de Wikinoticias en inglés, Mike Morales, entrevistó a Peter Coti, testigo de una fuerte tormenta en Nueva Jersey y el norte de Estados Unidos. Coti también es colaborador de Wikinoticias y aportó imágenes de los daños del temporal.

Mike Morales ¿Puedes explicar las circunstancias del incidente?

Peter Coti En la mañana del sábado era una tormenta normal. Sin embargo, un poco más venteado. Entonces a las 4.30 EST (hora local) la electricidad se fue por causa de un árbol caído. Luego, fui a la iglesia. Cuando volví a casa, era como la Guerra de los Mundos. El viento era de algo así como 90 millas por hora (unos 145 kilómetros por hora). Y árboles cayendo por todas partes. Explosiones blancas, rojas y azules de transformadores. Todo alrededor del pueblo.

Morales ¿Hubo víctimas por la tormenta?

Coti Sí, yo se de al menos tres muertes y cinco heridos. Además, sé que un árbol cayó sobre el auto de alguien. Las señales de tránsito se encuentra en ángulos de 45 grados, pero los árboles están bloqueando los caminos y hay cables de corriente.

Morales ¿Sabes qué areas están afectadas?

Coti Todo Ridgewood (New Jersey, cerca de Nueva York). De acuerdo con mucha gente, el todo condado de Bergan fue afectado y partes del sur de Nueva York. No hay daños a edificios, no que yo haya visto. El mayor problema son los árboles, están bloqueando caminos principales.

Morales ¿En cuanto tiempo la energía eléctrica será restaurada?

Coti Ellos dicen que en dos días. Quiero añadir el hecho de que transformadores iluminaron los cielos en millas. Algunos por unos pocos segundos, algunos por 30 [segundos]. También, la energía [eléctrica] ya volvió a las empresas.

Morales ¿Cómo están respondiendo los servicios de emergencia?

Coti Bueno, me han dicho que cada voluntario y policía está en servicio. También, todos los recursos policiales están siendo usados desde automóviles clandestinos a bicicletas. Todo con una sirena, realmente. No hay líneas telefónicas funcionando. Los teléfonos móviles son la única forma de comunicar y un router portátil.


Interview de Peter Coti, témoin de la tempête au nord-est des États-Unis

Mike Morales, de Wikinews, a interviewé Peter Coti, correspondant à Ridgewood, aux États-Unis, à propos de la tempête qui a frappé le nord-est du pays.


Wildfires burn in southern California

Wildfires in Malibu, California, USA have forced the evacuation of the campus of Pepperdine University, as well as several celebrity homes, and more than 250,000 people in San Diego County; after more than 250,000 acres burned in Southern California. High winds and low humidity in the area have only helped to strengthen the fire.

Additionally, firefighters are currently having a difficult time getting in to Malibu, as the only road that leads in to the area is the Pacific Coast Highway, which often sees heavy traffic, although it has been closed between Kanan Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Currently, 700 firefighters are working on fighting the blaze. The fire has burned about 4400 acres so far and 15 homes have been lost, however there have been no reported injuries or deaths. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reports the blaze is 15% contained, with 100% containment predicted by Friday, October 26.

Other Los Angeles County wildfires are burning in Agua Dulce (~10,000 acres), Chatsworth, and Castaic.

San Diego, California, USA fires are burning at Witch Creek and at Potrero in San Diego County.  The Witch Creek fire, as of 5:50 AM PDT Monday, has burned 8000 acres, and has merged with another fire near the San Diego Wild Animal Park. The city of Ramona, California, USA is under mandatory evacuation and authorities have ordered evacuations in Rancho Bernardo, California, USA and Poway, California, USA as the fires surge west. So far, over 250,000 people have been evacuated in San Diego County.

Additional fires are now being reported in Fallbrook, California, USA and San Marcos, California, USA. The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services (OES) advised residents north of state Route 56, south of Del Dios Highway, west of Interstate 15 and east of Interstate 5 to evacuate, as of 8:32 AM PDT Monday. Since Del Dios Highway is a short north-south segment, it is not clear what OES' intended northern boundary was.  Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley is opening as an evacuation center.

As of 7:32 a.m. PDT Monday, authorities are reporting 18,000 acres burning in San Diego County, with 0% containment.

As of 10:16 a.m. PDT Monday, 250,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Rancho Santa Fe, California, USA was ordered emptied, while dozen of homes were on fire in Ranch Bernardo, California, USA.

As of 10:32 a.m. PDT Monday, the CHP advises that  Interstate 15 is still closed in both directions between state Route 78 and state Route 56

As of 1:45 p.m. PDT Monday, evacuations were ordered for Scripps Ranch, California, USA, specifically "Everything south of Scripps Poway Parkway, North of MCAS Miramar, East of Interstate 15, West of Highway 67."  This evacuation comes almost four years to the day after the Cedar Fire of 2003.

In Orange County, a 3800-acre fire is burning in Silverado Canyon.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency.


Fuertes incendios asedian el sur de California

22 de octubre de 2007Los Angeles, California —

Nuevos incendios estallaron este lunes en el sur de California, Estados Unidos, donde impera un estado de emergencia por los devoradores incendios. Los altos vientos y la poca humedad en el área sólo han provocado que los incendios aumentaran, los cuales ya han cobrado una víctima.

"Es un momento trágico para California. Los devastadores incendios mataron a una persona e hirieron a cuatro bomberos", declaró el gobernador Arnold Schwarzenegger, quien también agregó que los bomberos han hecho "un trabajo extraordinario".

"Urgimos a todas las personas a atender las evacuaciones ordenadas por el personal de emergencia", dijo el gobernador.

El fuego ha quemado más de 34.000 hectáreas.

Los bomberos han tenido problemas para llegar a Malibu, California – donde los incendios han forzado la evacuación de numerosas mansiones de celebridades – ya que la única vía que llega al área es la California State Route 1, que regularmente tiene tráfico pesado, aunque ha sido cortada entre Kanan Road y Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Los incendios han afectado otras localidades del Condado de Los Ángeles, donde las autoridades han ordenado la evacuación de 250.000 habitantes. Al este de San Diego se localiza uno de los mayores focos, cerca de la frontera con México, que dejó un muerto y 17 heridos, incluidos los cuatro bomberos, según reporta la Agence France-Presse.

Entre otras localidades afectadas se incluyen a Agua Dulce, Chatsworth y Castaic. Además, en otros lugares de California meridional, han habido incendios en Witch Creek y en Potrero en el Condado de San Diego. Según datos actuales, el incendio en Witch Creek ha quemado alrededor de 8.000 acres mientras que el de Potrero ha causado daños en 3.000 acres.

En Orange County el fuego ha consumido 3800 acres en la localidad de Silverado Canyon y en Irvine consumieron por lo menos unos 4000 acres, lo cual ha obligado a cerrar las rutas 133 y 261.

California sufre anualmente incendios debido a las condiciones climáticas mediterráneas y desérticas. En 2003, incendios en el estado acabaron con alrededor de 3.000 hogares y mataron 22 personas, incinerando cerca de 3.000 km2.


California: incendi provocano un morto e diversi feriti, molti gli sfollati

Ammonta ad un morto, alcuni feriti, dodicimila ettari di terreno e decine di case distrutte, oltre a trentaseimila sfollati il bilancio provvisorio degli undici incendi sviluppatisi nel sud della California. La vittima è delle contea di San Diego, e tra i feriti ci sono anche quattro vigili del fuoco. Gli incendi interessano le contee di Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara e Ventura, ed hanno costretto il governatore Arnold Schwarzenegger a proclamare lo stato di emergenza. Gli incendi interessano anche la zona residenziale di Malibu, sobborgo di Los Angeles abitato principalmente da star del cinema. Dal sobborgo losangelino sono state fatte evacuare circa 1 500 persone, tra questi il regista James Cameron e l'attrice Olivia Newton-John.


Incêndio ocorre no sul da Califórnia

Incêndios em Malibu, Califórnia, Estados Unidos, forçaram a evacuação de várias celebridades de suas casas, bem como o campus da Universidade Pepperdine. Ventos fortes e baixa umidade na área só têm ajudado a reforçar o fogo.

Além disso, os bombeiros, estão actualmente em um momento difícil para entrar em Malibu, como o único caminho que nos conduz para a área é a Pacific Coast Highway, que muitas vezes vê tráfego pesado, embora tenha sido fechado entre Kanan Road e Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Atualmente, 700 bombeiros estão trabalhando no combate ao incêndio. O fogo tem queimado mais de 1200 hectares até agora e 5 casas foram perdidas, e outras 9 danificadas, no entanto não houve relatados ferimentos ou mortes.


Wildfires rage north of Los Angeles

Two large wildfires burn uncontrolled north of Los Angeles, California. The blazes, known as the Marek fires, have burned over 3700 acres and caused the evacuation of more than 1200 people. Furthermore, at least 30 mobile homes were destroyed.

One confirmed fatality has been reported and described as an unidentified transient who had been using a cardboard shelter beneath a freeway overpass. However, the Associated Press reports a second related death from a traffic accident.

Authorities expect to order more evacuations before the fires can be brought under control.

Fires started Sunday due to Santa Ana wind conditions in the San Fernando Valley and Angeles National Forest on the northern outskirts of Los Angeles. Affected communities include Porter Ranch and the Lopez Canyon area.

Santa Ana winds as strong as 65 miles per hour fanned the flames, which jumped the eight-lane 210 Freeway. Both the 210 Freeway and 118 Freeway were closed during Monday morning rush hour. Firefighters have contained smaller blazes that occurred elsewhere in Southern California near the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Clarita and in neighbouring Ventura County.

Local resident Glenn Bell told Reuters about his last minute evacuation.  "The sparks were flying down on us," he said, recalling how a locked gate nearly trapped him and his family, "and as I'm busting the gate... I see the cypress trees that are right next to our house on fire."

Los Angeles County fire inspector Frank Garrido described the problem as "a blowtorch we can’t get in front of," according to The New York Times. "Wind is king here, it’s dictating everything we are doing," he continued.

Scott Stephens of the Center for Fire Research & Outreach at the University of California, Berkeley calls Southern California's Santa Ana winds "some of the strongest, most severe fire winds in the world."

Among the problems caused by Santa Ana winds, which blow from the nearby Mojave Desert toward the Pacific Ocean, is a tendency for hot embers to leapfrog and start new fires.  Santa Ana conditions tend to occur from autumn through spring and can reach peak speeds of 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour).


Požáry vyvolaly paniku u Los Angeles

Dva velké lesní požáry vypukly severně od kalifornského města Los Angeles. Spálily na 3700 akrů lesa a vyvolaly evakuaci více než 1200 lidí. Potvrzena byla jedna oběť neznámého bezdomovce žijícího v lepenkovém přístřešku. Agentura Associated Press uvedla, že další člověk zahynul při autonehodě za divoké evakuace.

Úřady předpokládají, že bude potřeba nařídit další evakuace, než se podaří dostat požár pod kontrolu.

Požáry vypukly severně od Los Angeles v údolí San Fernando a v Angeleském národním lese. K jejich rozšíření přispěl vítr o rychlosti přes 100 kilometrů za hodinu. Plameny přeskočily i přes osmiproudovou dálnici č. 210 vedoucí po severním okraji města, která musela být uzavřena.

Usedlík Glen Bell řekl agentuře Reuters, že se vinou zamčených domovních dveří málem nestihl evakuovat: „Padaly na nás jiskry. Když jsem rozbíjel dveře, viděl jsem, jak vzplál cypřiš hned u našeho domu.“

Požární inspektor okrsku Frank Garrido konstatoval, že hasiči zatím nemohou dostat plamen pod kontrolu. „Pánem je vítr, diktuje, co můžeme dělat.“

Na vině jsou větry vanoucí z blízké pouště Mojave směrem k Tichému oceánu. Vyskytují se pravidelně v období od podzimu do jara a jejich rychlost dosahuje až 113 km za hodinu.

Tato zpráva byla založena zčásti nebo zcela překladem zprávy Wildfires rage north of Los Angeles na anglických Wikizprávách.


Incendios en California queman cientos de hectáreas

13 de octubre de 2008Los Angeles, California —

Incendios forestales en el occidental estado norteamericano de California, típicos en esta época del año, han destruido dos casas y quemado hasta 300 hectáreas. Las autoridades informan que el incendio, al norte de la ciudad de Los Ángeles, forzó a la evacuación de unos 450 hogares.

De acuerdo con el más reciente informe, el incendio estaba contenido en aproximadamente un 20%, en los cañones Lopez y Kagel. Pero se pronostica que los poderosos vientos de Santa Ana se incrementen en las próximas horas, y las autoridades temen que pueda expandirse a otras áreas.

La sequía, baja humedad y fuertes vientos hacen que el Sur de California sea vulnerable a incendios forestales durante esta época del año.

El diario Los Angeles Times informa que unos 1.000 bomberos están batallando el siniestro.

En el Norte de California, un incendio en Napa Valley ha quemado unas 120 hectáreas, destruyendo una casa y amenazando varios de los muchos viñedos en el área.


Winter storm fells US President George Washington's tree at Mount Vernon estate, Virginia

Friday's major winter storm over the northeastern United States claimed a 227-year-old tree on the estate of the first US President George Washington, Mount Vernon, in Virginia.  As of yesterday, officials overseeing the Mount Vernon estate indicated the Canadian hemlock has been collected for preservation and special projects.

The hemlock, planted in 1791, was toppled by the gusts reportedly up to 70 mph (about 110 kph) on Friday.

Mount Vernon was Washington's personal estate, where he conducted most of his two presidential terms between 1789–1797 because the initial White House was not completed yet. According to Mount Vernon officials, the hemlock is the best documented tree at the estate, sent by New York Governor George Clinton as a gift delivered in a whisky barrel. The New York governor is not related to the 42nd President Bill Clinton, however George Clinton would later become the United States's Vice President under the Thomas Jefferson and James Madison administrations between 1805–1812.

Other US historic trees recently fallen include the seventh President Andrew Jackson's southern magnolia at the White House and the Pioneer Cabin giant sequoia in California's Calaveras Big Trees State Park known for the car-sized tunnel cut into the trunk.


"George Washington-boom" in Mount Vernon geveld door storm

Een zware noordoosterstorm die afgelopen week over de oostkust van de Verenigde Staten trok, heeft in Mount Vernon (Virginia) een boom vernield waarvan wordt gezegd dat hij in 1791 werd geplant door de allereerste Amerikaanse president zelf, George Washington. De boom, een oostelijke hemlockspar, was een geschenk van de eerste gouverneur van New York, George Clinton.  Hij stond op het persoonlijke landgoed van president Washington, bij de ingang van een tuin. De boom had een naamplaatje met de inscriptie "circa 1791". Het landgoed ligt zo'n 30 kilometer ten zuiden van Washington D.C, langs de rivier de Potamoc.

Het overgebleven hout van de boom is bij elkaar gezameld en wordt mogelijk gebruikt voor een speciaal project.


Witnesses of fire in Vladivostok under investigation

Nearly 300 people turned out at a protest meeting held in Vladivostok, Russia on January 21st. Relatives and friends of the victims and survivors of the recent fire, as well as ordinary citizens were there and full of anger. They had come to protest against the authorities, whom they say mishandled the rescue operation in the terrible fire and have withheld the truth about the real number of dead.

The slogans at the protest read, "Who will tell us the truth?", "We want to know the truth!", "Our lives cost nothing!", "Authorities should respond!", and "Firemen are those who should be set on fire!"

The Chief of Vladivostok City Police Department colonel Nikolay Panchenko commented: "The meeting participants are sure, that the authorities hide a true number of the dead and refer to the web-site fire.zloe.net."

The web-site "Truth about the fire in Vladivostok" has been created to spread information about the fire.

Panchenko said "We verified the published messages, but none of them was confirmed. We have detected the two authors of the messages. One of them has already denied everything he wrote, another is still hiding out".

Today, a news agency in Vladivostok, which maintains another web-site where information about the fire is collected, reports they received an official order from the government services. Additional private information about people who post comments on news.vl.ru has been requested.

Some human rights experts warn that the witnesses may be persecuted in a situation where the authorities want to hide the truth, and thus to escape responsibility.


Во Владивостоке состоялся несанкционированный митинг протеста

Во Владивостоке состоялся массовый митинг протеста. Жители требовали от властей объективного расследования пожара, произошедшего 16 января, а также осуществления мероприятий гарантирующих невозможности повторения подобной трагедии.

На митинг собралось по различным подсчетам до 300 человек, хотя организаторы рассчитывали на несколько тысяч участников. Низкая по сравнению с ожидаемой явка объясняется тем, что агитация велась только через интернет, а также путём расклейки самодельных объявлений и отправки SMS-сообщений, без использования печатных и других СМИ. Ещё одной причиной такой явки является, то что изначально митинг планировался на 20 января, но в тот день были назначены похороны погибших, и дату митинга пришлось спешно переносить.

Как заявляют пришедшие на митинг, сам митинг был подготовлен достаточно слабо. Не былого явного лидера-руководителя митинга, отсутствовали рупор, мегафон или другие подобные средства. Однако это сослужило организаторам и участникам митинга хорошую службу: поскольку митинг не был санкционирован, органы правопорядка не были в состоянии выявить и задержать организаторов. Не смотря на это, некоторые участники заявляют, что после окончания митинга они были задержаны представителями правоохранительных органов для выяснения личности и отконвоированы в отделение милиции, где с них была затребована объяснительная об участии в митинге.

21 января 2006 года


World agricultural honeybee disappearance

At least 24 states across the United States are reporting that honeybees are disappearing and the reason is not known, but scientists have an idea of what might be causing the disappearance.

"Every day, you hear of another operator. It's just causing so much death so quickly that it's startling," said acting state apiarist, Dennis vanEngelsdorp who works for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

At least 30 to 60 percent of the bees on the west coast of the U.S. have died or disappeared. The east coast and the state of Texas have reported a nearly 70 percent loss of bees. A 20 percent drop in bee population is expected each winter and is considered normal.

"Anything above [a] 30 percent [loss] is concerning," added vanEngelsdorp.

"It’s as high as 100 percent in Texas and one guy in Virginia has 27 hives left out of 1,400 hives. It’s to the point now where we’re starting to contact some crisis management people," said David Hackenberg who is one of the largest beekeepers in Pennsylvania.

"I’ve never seen anything like it. My hives are just getting emptied. There’s nobody home," said beekeeper, David Bradshaw.

The bees are reportedly leaving their hives to search for flowers to pollinate, and then never return home. The queen bee, nurse bee and baby bees remain in the hives only to die. Some call it a "colony collapse disorder."

"We see dead bee hives with no dead bees and nothing will live in the hive. If I had to guess, 40 percent of the bees along the East Coast are dead since September of last year. In the West Coast, it’s 25 percent and almost everybody is on either coast," said a beekeeper in Columbus, Montana, Lance Sundberg who runs the Sunshine Apiary bee hives. Sundberg has said that his bee count went from 5,600 in June of 2006 to less than 3,800 in February of 2007. He says mites might have caused at least half of the loss with the other half unexplainable.

Scientists say that the cause of the deaths and disappearances could be natural causes. Some also say that some bees  became disoriented or could have been infected with mites, which could cause a lethal virus to overcome the bees. Other theories include the spread of a bee virus or a possible fungus which could cause them to die, poor nutrition and inbreeding. Scientists say that cell phone towers and crops that have been genetically engineered are not suspected of being a cause.

The disappearances could be more serious than they sound-without bees to pollinate crops, in a few years time there could be a dramatic drop in the harvests in the affected states.

Tracheal mites were the cause of a drop in bee population in 1985. After two years passed, the Varroa jacobson mite, which sucks the blood out of the bees, killed nearly 80% of bees in Montana.

Pesticides may also be to blame which could cause the bees to literally get lost on their journey back home.

"One-third of the food you eat is dependent upon honeybee pollination. If that one-third doesn’t happen, I don’t know what will occur at the grocery store," added Sundberg.

Montana is the U.S.'s 5th largest producer of honey and exports hundreds of thousands of bees to California to help with the pollination of almond plants.

Other countries reporting bee disappearances are: