Kashmir Quake stories
Death Toll in Pakistan Quake Up to 54,000, Â Pakistan quake relief helicopter crashes,
Child rescue a gleam of joy in Kashmir quake misery
The death toll from the Kashmir earthquake is now estimated at more than 54,000, and could approach twice that, with so many buried under buildings and landslides. Approximately 2 million people are homeless, and some of them are likely to die in the cold and wet. Tents and medicines are still needed, but not water. About a fifth of populated areas have not yet been reached because of landslides. A transport helicopter crashed in bad weather, killing 6 soldiers, and flights were suspended until the weather improved. A young girl was rescued.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita stories
Farrakhan Blasts Federal Katrina Response
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan said Sunday that the federal government should be charged with "criminal neglect of the people of New Orleans," and "For five days, the government did not act. Lives were lost." He was addressing the Millions More Movement, which marked the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March.
Most Katrina Evacuees Out of Shelters
Around 95 percent of some 270,000 Hurricane Katrina evacuees had been moved on to longer-term temporary accommodation by Sunday's deadline, with 14,468 people remaining in shelters as of Saturday afternoon. Many of those remaining were thought to be victims of Hurricane Rita rather than Hurricane Katrina.
Lack of Interoperability Hampers Agencies
"Interoperability", the ability of emergency responders from different departments to talk to each other by radio, was a problem at the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, and was again a problem during Hurricane Katrina. It is a problem that could take a lot of time and money to solve.
Other stories
Malawi Drought Highlights Food Shortage, Some Facts About Hunger-Ravaged Malawi
The president of Malawi declared the entire nation a disaster area because of food shortages Saturday. He has appealed for international aid. 5 million out of a population of 12 million will need food aid before the next harvest in March.
Sun shines in US Northeast but flood alert remains, Â Romney Lifts State of Emergency in Mass.,
N.J. Cops Find Alligator in Flooded Yard
Conditions improved across the northeastern United States on Sunday, but those living near rivers were still at risk. More than 1,000 people had had to evacuate, but many returned home. Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney lifted the state of emergency. A 3-foot long alligator was found in a backyard on Saturday.
Cayman Islands Braces for Tropical Storm
Residents of the Cayman Islands prepared for Tropical Storm Wilma, which could head for the Gulf Of Mexico later in the week.
Romania culls fowl as Europe braces for bird flu, Â Romania Takes Steps to Prevent Bird Flu,
Turkish vet says chicken tests do not show bird flu
With the deadly form of avian flu confirmed at Ceamurlia de Jos in Romania, authorities have been slaughtering poultry and sending in doctors to test people. No more birds have tested positive so far. Turkey's outbreak has also not spread. Early tests on a batch of 1,000 chickens that died have not shown bird flu. Nevertheless, Europe is bracing itself for a pandemic.
Earthquake Shakes Tall Buildings in Tokyo, Moderate quake jolts Tokyo, no tsunami warning
A magnitude-5.1 earthquake shook eastern Japan on Sunday. Tall buildings in Tokyo swayed and the bullet train service was briefly suspended, but there were no reports of problems. A nuclear power plant was unaffected.
Bigfoot Conference in Texas Draws Hundreds
A conference dedicated to Bigfoot, or the Sasquatch, opened in Texas Saturday. Believers say that the legendary creature will be discovered. Sightings have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
Carolina Bays Show Biological Diversity
Carolina Bays on the Southeast shore show a great deal of biodiversity, including plants, amphibians and animals including bears, deer and the occasional bobcat. Carolina Bays are mysterious shallow depressions along the coastal plains named for their bay trees.
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