Disaster News
Parcel bombs just minutes from explosion
French interior minister Brice Hortefeux has said one of the two parcel bombs discovered on Friday was just 17 minutes from exploding. Two packages were sent from Yemen, with one intercepted in Dubai before the other was discovered at East Midlands Airport in the United Kingdom.
Caribbean clean up begins following Hurricane Tomas
A state of emergency has been declared across the Caribbean island of St Lucia following the impact of Hurricane Tomas. As many as 14 people are feared dead following the hurricane, with a further seven declared missing. Jamaica also remains on high alert.
Aviation to be hit by 4-day French strike
Aviation passengers moving through French airspace are likely to experience severe disruption later this month with unions calling up to four days of strikes. As opinion hardens against government reforms, six trade unions have called on airline and airport workers to go on strike from Thursday, November 4th.
Charlie Sheen ‘fine’ after Plaza rampage
American actor Charlie Sheen has claimed he is “fine” following reports of a disturbance involving a prostitute at the Plaza Hotel. Branding reports of the incident “overblown”, Sheen has attempted to quell the furore.
Megi leaves 200,000 homeless in Philippines
Typhoon Megi is gathering strength as it moves toward China according to the latest forecasts, having left 200,000 people homeless in the Philippines. The governor of the hardest-hit province of Isabela, Faustino Dy said local residents in three coastal towns had suffered massive damage to their homes and were left with limited food supplies after huge waves washed away roads.
French authorities alleviate fuel shortages
French security forces have broken through blockades at three fuel deports in the west of the country as the attempt to alleviate a mounting energy crisis gathers pace. Protests are entering the seventh day across the country, with half the national rail network suspended and reports of delays at airports mounting.
France on high alert after al-Qaeda warning
French security forces are on high-alert this morning following information from Saudi Arabia suggesting al-Qaeda is preparing an imminent attack on the country. Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said information from Saudi intelligence agencies suggested Europe and “France in particular” were in danger.
Mega-typhoon Megi crashes into Philippines
A mega-typhoon brining 140mph winds has made landfall on the north-east coast of the Philippines, prompting thousands of local residents to flee their homes. Concerns are now centred on the local rice harvest, with global shortages exacerbating local losses.
Hurricane Paula disrupts Caribbean holidays
Cuba is bracing itself for the impact of Hurricane Paula as the weather system approaches from the north-west of the western tip of Caribbean island. Ahead of the storm almost a dozen cruise ships, - including six Carnival vessels - have been forced to alter their itineraries.
Strikes hit French travel connections
Another 24-hour nationwide strike has begun in France causing severe disruption to road, rail and air links across Europe. Ryanair has been forced to cancel 250 flights, while Air France has also seen staff join picket lines, causing disruption to short-haul services.
France retaliates following British travel warning
French visitors to the United Kingdom have been urged to employ “extreme vigilance” amid growing fears of a terrorist attack in the country. Offering new travel advice to its citizens, the French government warned an attack on British public transport was now “highly likely”.
Toxic sludge heads toward Danube River
Stretches of the Danube River in Hungary are in danger following an accident at a chemical waste plant in the town of Ajka. Four people have been killed in the disaster, with some 600,000-700,000 cubic metres of toxic red sludge released into the surrounding environment.