Kashmir quake stories
Pakistan's Quake Relief Flights Resume, Â Help Not Reaching Remote Areas of Pakistan,
Born in death zone, babies delivered during quake, Â Pakistan faces second wave of quake deaths
Helicopter relief flights to earthquake victims resumed Monday after th heavy rains eased. Pakistan was willing to accept an offer of helicopters from India, but without pilots. It has been dangerous on occasion to deliver relief because convoys have been met by people fighting each other for the food or have been blocked by landslides, or have rushed onto the field where helicopters are trying to land. About one fifth of victims had not yet been reached, and villagers have had to make long treks to get supplies.
A baby boy who was born just as the earthquake struck survived. A breech birth, the baby was born outside after his mother was rushed out of the building on a trolley. There were many emergency cases as the trauma affected the mothers, with a lot of still born babies.
Pakistan has raised the death toll to more than 54,000, of whom at least 40,000 were from the Pakistani portion of Kashmir. With many still untreated and winter closing in, a new wave of deaths is likely. More field hospitals are needed.
Bird flu stories
Greece says has detected one case of birdflu, Â Bird flu reaches EU as Greece finds virus
Greece announced on Monday that it had found a turkey from a small private poultry farm with bird flu on the eastern Aegean island of Chios. No bird transport will be allowed until after further tests.
Bird Flu Expected to Spread From Asia
The World Health Organization expects bird flu to continue its spread from Asia; it has already arrived in Europe. North Africa and other African countries are in the firing line.
Europe tests for bird flu, nations jittery
Europe is stepping up test for bird flu now that there have been confirmed cases in Turkey and Romania. The World Health Organization is concerned that Europe may divert funds away from Asia, the most likely epicentre of any human pandemic, where they are needed. Europe is concerned that there may be a panic.
UK scientists seek global fight against bird flu
Scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC), the British organization that discovered the flu virus in 1933, are headed for China, Vietnam and Hong Kong to discuss the fight against bird flu. The MRC is hosting a meeting on December 7, 8 in London of scientists, politicians and industrialists to discuss the issues.
No nation properly prepared for bird flu -U.S
U.S. Health Secretary Mike Leavitt said, "It would be my assessment that no nation is adequately prepared for a pandemic avian flu".
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita stories
La. Gov. Blanco appoints state recovery authority
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco announced the creation of the 24-member Louisiana Recovery Authority to oversee the process of recovery from Hurricane Katrina, calling for an end to the bickering of recent weeks.
Hurricane Bus Driver Faces Charges
The driver of the bus in which 23 elderly evacuees died when fleeing Hurricane Rita has been charged with criminal negligent homicide.
Casino Companies to Rebuild in the Gulf
With Gov. Haley Barbour planning to sign legislation allowing casinos to be built up to 800 feet inland in Mississippi, big gambling companies are considering building large entertainment complexes to rival Las Vegas, Atlantic City or even large reservation casinos.
There was no mention of any environmental impacts.
Delta Towns Cope With Katrina Evacuees
The already poor, hurricane-damaged Southern Delta region is struggling to cope with the influx of hurricane Katrina refugees, with no accommodation or work to offer them. FEMA and charity money won't last for long.
New Orleans 'mourners' bid adieu to Katrina, Â Tourists Return to Big Easy After Katrina
A mock funeral procession for Hurricane Katrina was held in New Orleans Sunday, like traditional Mardi Gras parades. Tourists have begun to trickle back, even while residents are returning to homes that will need to be bulldozed.
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