Natural Disaster News
Christchurch earthquake latest update
The following is intended as an operational update for international travellers in New Zealand, intending international travellers to New Zealand and family and friends of international travellers.
Christchurch hit by strong earthquake aftershocks
The city of Christchurch, New Zealand, has been hit by a further set of powerful aftershocks following a 7.1 earthquake at the weekend that caused widespread damage. More than a dozen tremours struck overnight – two measuring a magnitude of 5.4 – which further weakened buildings damaged by Saturday’s earthquake.
New Zealand tourism “open for business” after massive earthquake
Tourism New Zealand has stressed that the country remains “open for business” despite a massive earthquake that struck the city Christchurch over the weekend. The 7.1 earthquake caused the ground to shift by up to 11 feet, and was larger than the one that killed 200,000 people in Haiti earlier this year.
Oil gushes unchecked after BP submarine accident
Oil spewed unhindered into the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday as BP had to detach its containment cap and make repairs after a remote-controlled submarine crashed into it.
Crews try to keep wildfire from Flagstaff
Massive clouds of smoke choked Flagstaff on Tuesday as firefighters battled to keep a nearly 19-square-mile wildfire from heading toward the mountain town of about 60,000 people.
Jackson resort wants avalanche devices
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort wants to install radio-activated devices to trigger controlled avalanches, saying it would be safer than sending workers to the site.
Abnormally dry to moderate drought covers West Mississippi; drought conditions to worsen
Well below normal yearly rainfall has resulted in expanding and worsening drought conditions across parts of the state.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 105
As of 13 June, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18172 deaths. WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and Member States and through monitoring of multiple sources of information.
Oil spill has brides canceling beach weddings
PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. — The bride wore white, her bridesmaids watermelon pink. The groom dressed in khaki pants and a casual white shirt. And all went barefoot despite the risk of stepping on tar balls.
Celia is upgraded to Category 2 hurricane in Eastern Pacific, still not a threat to land
MIAMI—Hurricane Celia grew stronger Monday evening in the East Pacific Ocean and was upgraded to a Category 2.
Indonesia quake toll jumps to 17
Jakarta - The death toll from last week’s powerful earthquakes that struck Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua has risen to 17, the National Disaster Management Agency said Monday.
Hundreds urged to evacuate ahead of AZ wildfire
A fast-spreading wildfire swept across 7-square miles of land on the outskirts of this forested mountain city, threatening homes and prompting calls for hundreds of evacuations.