Disaster News
IATA expects ‘major slowdown’ in Japanese aviation
Officials as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have warned a “major slowdown” in aviation traffic to Japan could cause a disruption to the global economy. Japan’s domestic airline market - which presently generates $19 billion in revenue annually, carrying 83 million passengers per year – “is the most exposed” warned IATA, following a devastating earthquake on March 11th.
Aviation ready to act over deteriorating situation in Japan
Officials at the US Federal Aviation Administration have taken the lead in the global response to the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. All options were available, the government body said, including the rerouting of Japan-bound flights if the nuclear crisis there worsened further.
FCO warns over potential loss of 450 Brits in Japan
As many as 450 British citizens remain unaccounted for in Japan following an earthquake and subsequent Tsunami last Friday. The Foreign Office fears ten are dead, whereas there are serious concerns about 50 more British citizens in the country.
Japan Airlines offers free flights for tsunami relief workers
Japan Airlines is offering to fly rescue workers free of charge to help relief efforts following Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. The move came as a third explosion occurred at the Fukushima nuclear plant about 250km north-east of Tokyo on Tuesday, which caused radiation levels to rise in the surrounding area.
Japan dealt blow by second explosion at nuclear plant
Rescuers in Japan are struggling to contain the impact of a second explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant which has rocked the country in the aftermath of a tsunami on Friday. Meanwhile, caution is being urged on international travellers as the situation continues to develop.
Up to 215,000 Japanese in shelters following earthquake
Some 215,000 Japanese are in emergency shelters following a devastating earthquake and tsunami which hit the country yesterday. Hundreds are feared dead with thousands still missing as a huge relief operation swings into action.
Tsunami strikes Japan following massive earthquake
As many as 250 civilians are feared dead after an earthquake sent a tsunami crashing into the north of Japan earlier. Many more are missing, with extensive damage reported across the region. Pictures from local television stations show buildings toppling under pressure from a huge wave of water, with cars, boats, and even roads also swallowed up.
Christchurch tourism returning following earthquake
Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region of New Zealand are beginning to return to normal following a decision by the National Crisis Management Centre to lift restrictions on all but essential travel to the city. Tourists had been urged to leave following a devastating earthquake in late February, with more than 100 residents feared dead.
British nationals evacuated from Libya
The British Foreign Office has stated the vast majority of British nationals who want to leave Libya have now done so. Commercial flights are still in operation, with government charters and military evacuations also contributing.
Manx2 pulls out of Cork following crash
Airline Manx2.com has confirmed it will halt services from Belfast to Cork following an accident in February which killed six people. Citing an “operational review of the route” the carrier said the route would be suspended from March 13th.
Dozens killed as earthquake strikes New Zealand
As many as 63 people have been killed following an earthquake in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Prime minister John Key has told the county to expect the death toll to rise further, following the 6.3-magnitude quake last night.
Arson suspected following Philippines hotel blaze
Police investigating the death of 16 holidaymakers in a fire at a budget hotel in the northern Philippines have suggested arson could have been responsible. Acting city fire marshal superintendent Jesus Fernandez confirmed arson was one of the possible motives for the fire which engulfed the Bed & Breakfast Pension House on December 19th.