Showing posts with label disaster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disaster. Show all posts
Coal mine blast in China points to the cost of development for 1.3 billion people
Out of the 528 people working in XinXing coal mine, 420 survived the predawn blast on Saturday, Novermber 21, 2009. A total 104 died after gas levels suddenly went up and triggered a huge explosion. At least 4 were still unaccounted for and about 40 were brought to nearby hospital for treatment of burns and injuries.
According the survivors, some of their friends were not able to escape in spite of the warning they relayed on the impending explosion. Soon after the fatal blast, fearful mine workers in an adjacent site of the accident were hesitant to come down the shaft, but they had no choice for they need to work. Otherwise, they will be jobless and have no means of livelihood.
The blast is the worst in 2 years as China tries to generate its energy source for fuel for its 1.3 billion people. Coal is the source of ¾ of China’s electricity. The communist country, accelerating to grow and attain development, wants to achieve 8% economic growth for this year. This is part of their desire to boost their economy and have prominence among the world's influential nations.
In 2007, shafts at two neighboring mines suffered flooding which killed 181 miners in eastern Shandong province. A massive landslide caused by heavy mining led to deaths of 277 people in mud in Shanxi province.
Residents were awakened by the latest blast in the early morning in Hegang province, an old city with snow which often is dark-gray resulting from coal contamination---a big issue in environmental pollution. Despite closure of about 1,000 dangerous mines last year, accidents and deaths of miners still happen. (Photo Credit: Niklausberger) =0=
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Fire guts slum community and kills 16 in Bacolod
Sixteen (16) people died in a fast-burning fire that gutted a two apartment building and about 60 dwellings in a slum community in Bacolod, a city in dentral Philippines. The conflagration started about midnight on Monday,, November 2, 2009 rousing victims from their sleep. It is believed that a candle used in the All Saint’s day celebration was the cause of the fire. Those who died were severely burned, making recognition difficult.
In the meantime----“At least four other fires occurred in Mandaluyong City, Quezon City, Surigao del Sur and Cavite from Sunday until early Monday, with at least another person hurt in the Surigao del Sur incident.”---Manila Bulletin (11/02/09, Recuenco, A; Luci, C; Dominguez, M; Giron, A.)
Of the 16 who perished in Bacolod, 4 were children. The tragedy displaced about 3,000 residents who sought shelter in a nearby elementary school. (Photo Credit: Desmonkey) =0=
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Typhoon Santi left with at least 12 people dead in Bicol
Although the destruction and casualties of Typhoon Santi (Code Name; Mirinae) was minimized because of some disaster preparedness waged by the public, significant displacement, deaths and damage were still experienced by people on the way of the wicked weather.
The fast-moving typhoon that brought strong winds and heavy rains on its path left the country yesterday with 12 reported deaths in Bicol. Four people were suffered injuries and another four were missing.
“Raffy Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director, identified the casualties mostly from Camarines Norte as Sarah Mae Vargas, Jose Edoña, Flora Estacion, Rodrigo Rodriguez, Maria Ferrer, Rogelio Rasco, Analiza de la Cruz, Louie Alano of Bagamanoc, Catanduanes and four others (two from Jose Panganiban town and one each from Daet and Paracale." ----Philstar (11/02/09, Flores, H; Mananghaya, J.)
As the storm hit land, many travelers were stranded in bus stations and seaports. According to reports, 1,507 homes were completely damaged in Basud, Paracale, San Lorenzo, Talisay, Vinzons and Labo in Camarines Norte. Six thousand four hundred forty one (6,441) were partially damaged in same area. Eighty eight (88) houses were totally destroyed in the town of Siruma, among the 528 which were partially destroyed in various towns in Camarines Sur.
There were flooding in certain areas in Manila and Southern Luzon. About 19,000 individuals went to evacuation centers to seek safety. According to the NDCC, The weather disturbance affected an estimated 2,853 families or 13,456 individuals in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa Region and Metro Manila. (Photo Credit: Bullit Marquez/ AP) =0=
RELATED POST: "Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding" Posted by mesiamd at 10/31/2009; "Typhoon Santi heads for Central Luzon" Posted by mesiamd at 10/30/2009
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Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding
The fourth cyclone to pass the Philippines this year, Typhoon Santi (code name: Mirinae) quickly pummeled Manila, the Northern part of the Philippines and Bicol Region with strong winds and heavy rains last Friday, October 30, 2009.
The tropical disturbance came at the time when Filipinos were preparing for the traditional All Saint’s Day celebration on November 1, 2009, stranding many travelers on their way home to the provinces.
As a result of better disaster preparation, many mishaps were avoided in vulnerable communities in Manila, Bicol and Central Luzon. The early evacuation of about 115,000 people avoided injuries and casualties that could have been caused by the wicked storm that earlier brought signal number 3 in many places.
“Santi, which weakened into a storm as it heads toward the South China Sea, caused “minimal casualties,” the National Disaster Coordinating Council said Saturday afternoon, killing at least one person.
At 2 p.m., the storm was seen 170 kilometers southwest of Manila, packing maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph, the state weather bureau Pagasa said."---Inquirer (10/31/09, Evangelista, K)
Flooding up to waist deep in certain areas were observed in Laguna, a province hard hit by Tyhpoon Ondoy. Some residents had to go to rooftops to avoid the rising water. In lesser extent, this happened again when Santi passed by.
Electrical power interruptions were reported in various places in Bicol Region. Many passengers on their way home for the weekend All Saint’s celebration were stranded in bus terminals and sea ports.
Certain dams and waterways were opened to prevent the repeat flooding which occurred in Nuevea Ecija, Pangasinan, Aurora, etc. All international and local flights from and to Manila were temporarily cancelled said airport manager Alfredo Cusi.
The government, the military, and its disaster agencies are on the process of helping affected families. They are on the field to assess the exact damage of the wicked weather disturbance. (Photo Credit: Ray Bruna/ Reuters) =0=
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Earthquake damage and death toll in Samoa and Indonesia rise
More than 150 died in the powerful earthquake that rocked the South Pacific islands of Samoa. The 8.3 intensity tremblor generated a tsunami that leveled villages in the islands.
Meanwhile, the succeeding 7.6 earthquake that followed in Indonesia on Wednesday, Septtember 30, 2009 brought death and destruction to villages of Sumatra. Indonesian officials placed the death toll so far to have reached 777.
"The president ordered the military to deploy emergency response teams from Jakarta, West Sumatra and North Sumatra provinces. He said the military will provide earth-moving equipment to clear the rubble." ---AP (10/01/09, Kotarumalos, A)
The huge quake which originated from the outer coast occurred 150 miles south of Pandang, a city of about 1 million people. The scary tremblor destroyed more than a thousand buildings including worships houses, shopping malls, and homes. Most of the collapsed buildings were located in the commercial district.
The shaking was felt as far as Malaysia and Singapore. Thousands were feared to have been trapped in flattened buildings as screams were heard from the rubble. Trying to reach survivors, rescuers had been appealing for help to take care of the victims. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Muhammed Fitrah/ Singalang Newspaper) =0=
RELATED BLOG: 8.3 quake hits Samoa Posted by mesiamd at 9/30/2009
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"How to help victims of tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana)"
NEW YORK – The Philippine Consulate General New York wishes to inform the public that, in accordance with the directive issued by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, all agencies of the Philippine Government have been mobilized to provide aid and assistance to the victims of Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) which in six hours brought almost as much rainfall as is expected in a month to Southern Luzon. A State of Calamity has been declared in the capitol, Manila, and in 25 other provinces.
The Office of the President has put up Oplan Sagip Bayan, mobilizing government agencies through the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), civic groups, media agencies and other organizations, to provide immediate emergency assistance to affected communities at the local, regional and international levels.
Filipinos in the tri-state area and beyond have also expressed a desire to help. The Philippine Consulate General New York advices the community that they may course their donations in the Northeast region of the US to“Project Handang Tumulong”. Please make checks payable to “Handang Tumulong Fund” (with “Typhoon Ondoy” on the memo line), and send to:
PO Box No. 1362 Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 , c/o Filipino American Association of Fair Lawn, Inc. (with 501-c3 status; Tax ID No. 22-33-53102,) c/o Mr. Steve Parrado; or the Philippine Consulate General New York , 556 Fifth Avenue , New York, NY 10036 - c/o Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong
Those who wish to send their donations directly to the Philippines may do so through the following channels:
National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)
NDCC Donated Funds
Current Account (Philippine peso) #0-00149-435-3
Swift Code: DBPHPHMM Account #36002016
Development Bank of the Philippines
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Branch
Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Philippines
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Contact Persons: Imee Rose Castillo / Rey Martija
(632-9312101 local 506-507 or 63-9517119)
US Dollar
Philippine Peso
DSWD Foreign Donationa
Account No. 3124-0055-81
ZIP Address: TLBPPHMMXXX
LBP Batasan Branch
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
DSWD Donation
Account No. 3122-1011-84
LBP Batasan Branch
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Account/s
US Dollar
Philippine Peso
Metrobank
Port Area Branch, Anda Circle , Port Area, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Acct. No. 151-2-151-00218-2
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM
Bank of the Philippine Islands
United Nations Branch, Ermita, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Acct. No.: 8114-0030-94
Type of Acct: Savings
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Metrobank
Port Area Branch, Anda Circle , Port Area, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Act. No. 151-3-041-63122-8 MBTC
Type of Acct: Savings
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Port Area Branch, Port Area, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Acct. No.: 4991-0010-99
Type of Acct: Current
Other queries and donations may be referred to the following agencies:
NDCC (Relief Goods / Rehabilitation Equipment)
Maj. General Glenn J. Rabonza
NDCC Administrator
Attn: Engr. Florentino Sison
Deputy Chief, Operation Division
Tel: (632) 9125979 / 9122665; Fax: (632) 9111873 / 9125668 / 9120984
Donation Drop Off Points
Pasay Area
National Resource Operation Center
Chapel Road, Pasay City
Attn: Mrs, Francia Fabian
(632) 8528081 / 63918-9302356
Quezon City Area
Disaster Resource Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
DSWD Central Office
Attn: Rey Martiga or Imee Rose Castillo
632-951-7119 / 9517435
Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera at 63918-934-5625
Manila Area
DSWD_NCR
San Rafael corner Legarda St .
Quiapo, Manila
Attn: Director Delia Bawan
635-734-8622 / 734-8642
Medicines and/or medical and humanitarian missions may contact:
DR. VIRGINIA ALA
Chief, Bureau of International Health Cooperation
Department of Health
Attention: Ms. Noni Balbino
Chief, Technical Division
Tel: (632) 781-2843, Fax: (632) 781-8843
NGOs in the Philippines accepting monetary donations
1. ABC-CBN Foundation
Account Name: ABC-CBN Foundation Incorporation
Bank: BANCO DE ORO
Peso Account Number: 55630060113
Branch: BDO Mother Ignacia, Quezon City
2. GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Bank: METROBANK
Peso Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar Account Number: 2-098-00244-2
Type of Account: Savings
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM
Updated information on relief and rehabilitation efforts in communities devastated by Typhoon Ondoy well as status reports on recovery operations for the victims are available on the website of the NDCC atwww.ndcc.gov.ph.
The Philippine Consulate General New York will be providing details on efforts of the Filipino community organizations in the Northeast USA as they become available. For more information on Project Handang Tumulong, please contact Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria Thomeczek at 212-764-1330 ext 306 or Cultural Officer Marievic Dimaculangan at 212-819-8655. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Rey Bruna/ Phil Airforce) =0=
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As the calamity fund dries up, human suffering continues in Manila's flood
Typhoon Ondoy and the Manila Flood
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.
Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.
The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)
"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)
The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=
RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009
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Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.
Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.
The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)
"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)
The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=
RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009
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Fighting global warming and pollution
On my way home this Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from NYU Clinical Cancer Center, I wasn’t able to use my usual route to Queensboro bridge using First Avenue where the UN Headquarters building stands. Many police officers guarded each street corner preventing motorists like me to go close to the United Nations building which was having a general assembly. I almost crossed a red light when a police officer distracted me with the brisk order that I had to change course. In spite of the onset of fall, the weather was hot.
At Third Avenue, it took me almost an hour to reach the bridge to Astoria and I had time to listen to the radio inside my car, one among those that clogged the streets. What was discussed in the airwaves was the climate summit in UN where Pres. Barack Obama warned of worldwide catastrophes if nothing is done on global change. His tone was almost hyperbolic, but an NY tabloid printed alarming articles of the disasters that may befall the city if man-made global warming is not halted.
America is the biggest polluter of the environment. Obama is speaking for planet preservation, but the United States is not among the countries who signed the Kyoto Treaty on the environment. Among the fastest growing economies and significant polluters, China and India ignore their hydrogen fuel and methane gas emissions. Like the US, if they strictly comply with the standards by cutting their emissions, their industries will suffer.
The believers of global warming are as many as those who doubt its existence. The UN scientific panel studying environmental changes said in February 2007 that global warming is real and “unequivocal,” and for the last 50 years, human activity i.e. industrial use of fossil fuel and burning of forests, is likely to have contributed to the alteration the earth’s climate. The UN speakers ominously told the world that time is running out before global catastrophes occur.
“The latest report from the climate panel predicted that the global climate is likely to rise between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit if the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere reaches twice the level of 1750. By 2100, sea levels are likely to rise between 7 to 23 inches, it said, and the changes now underway will continue for centuries to come. “ ---New York Times (09/25/09, Science)
I’m reminded by hypocrisy when leaders who support measures to rescue the planet are among the biggest contributors of CO2 emissions and pollution. In New York, the streets are filled with gas guzzlers that give rides to the UN delegates. In their expensive limousines, diplomats and head of states display their disregard of global warming ---their limousines burn lots of hydrocarbons as they idle on the streets.
Former vice-president Al Gore, America’s leading advocate against global warming who was awarded an Oscar for a documentary “The Inconvenient Truth” had been repeatedly criticized for his jet travels that ruin the ozone layer. Senators and congressmen are similarly cited for their lifestyles that contribute to environmental damage. If these guys are serious about cleaning up the pollution and saving the earth, I guess the work on the environment must be done right at their home and backyard. (Photo Credit: freejay3) =0=
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Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP
Just as the overspending of Pres. Gloria Arroyo on non-essential trips abroad recedes from the headlines, the reports of suffering from typhoons, ship wrecks, floods, and other natural disasters escape the attention of public servants.
Known for natural calamities, the country needs adequate allotment for disaster preparedness. Money to be used in emergencies must be a priority. But in the Philippines, the national disaster fund is only P2 billion pesos--- a meager 10% of the expected annual expenses (P20 billion) for misfortunes. With severe lack of budget, the people can barely cope during storms, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and volcanic eruptions.
Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year.
This week, the sinking of three ships namely Super Ferry 9, MV Hera and MB Minham hasn’t elicited enough action except for grounding of the sea vessels and a knee-jerk reaction to quickly bury the dead, rescue survivors and bring them home. More is expected from government agencies to tackle the problems related to the disaster. The chance that anyting substatial to improve maritime travel and safety is slim.
The flaws in disaster planning are ignored by government officials who are now focused with the coming presidential election. Countless citizens are left on their own without help from social services when calamities strike. Perennial deficiencies and apathy still dominate the entire nation. (Photo Credit: Jeasm) =0=
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Strong quake kills at least 32 people in Indonesia
A quake of 7 in the Richter scale rocked the Indonesian island of Java causing deaths to at least 32 people and injuring undetermined number of people. Most deaths and injuries were caused by collapsed houses and fallen buildings destroyed by the strong tremblor which occurred at daytime 3 P.M (4 AM E.T.) on September 2, 2009.
In the mountainous city of Tasikmalaya,in West Java, panicked people ran into the streets as many damaged houses and buildings fell. Shaking buildings and interrupting power lines, the earthquake was felt in the capital city of Jakarta where people scampered into the streets and mass evacuation in the business district was undertaken.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was about 190 kilometers offshore southeast of Jakarta, about 50 km deep. No tsunami was reported. Reuters/ Pikiran Rakyat Daily) =0=
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9 dead in aircraft midair smash-up in Hudson
They were not as lucky as the 155 passengers of US Airways who survived a crash landing in January 25, 2009 in Hudson River soon after take-off from nearby La Guardia airport in Astoria, New York.
New York mayor Michael Bloomberg announced on Saturday, August 8, 2009 that 9 people perished in a midair collision of a helicopter operated by Liberty Helicopter Sightseeing Tours and a light plane, a single-engine Piper PA-32 Saratoga in New York City. The fatal incident over the Hudson river claimed the lives of five tourists from Bologna, Italy.
“Helicopter wreckage was found in about 30 feet of water, while the plane is believed to be near the midchannel point of the Hudson in deeper water. A scanning sonar is being used to pinpoint the plane and has identified a possible third debris."---CNN.com (08/08/09, Candiottti, S et al.)
So far, only three bodies, two adults and one child, have been recovered down the river. Some witnesses said the plane trailed the helicopter from behind before they collided with a loud bang, scattering debris in midair before the aircrafts fell near the Hoboken shore. Authorities are investigating the cause of the deadly crash. (Photo Credit: PMarella) =0=
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Flashfloods and landslides of Typhoon Kiko kill two Frenchmen and strand thousands
As a consequence of Typhoon Kiko, heavy rains and flashfloods occurred in various parts of the Philippines killing at least two Frenchmen and a Filipino guide who were swept by raging waters on their way to Mount Pinatubo on Thursday, August 6, 2009. Another Frenchman was reported missing.
In Baguio, three children died while two adults were hurt in landslides precipitated by rains and strong winds. A landslide between Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya stalled traffic in Putlan in Carrangla, Nueva Ecija. In Zambales, 365 families had to be evacuated when a dike broke. The flooding disrupted the lives of about 15,000 people in 8 villages. Assistance from the disaster response groups including that of the Philippine Air Force are underway. (Photo Credit: Junjun Tan) =0=
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Manila oil depot poses risk to Pandacan residents
For a long time the oil depot in Pandacan at the heart of Manila seemed safe. There were no complaints to the presence of the fuel facility right beside congested residential and commercial areas.
“The depot, a 36-hectare cluster of harbor tanks containing 330.5 million liters of gasoline, crude oil and other flammable substances, was built in Pandacan in the 1910s by the “Big 3" oil companies: Chevron (then Caltex), Pilipinas Shell, and Petron Corporation (then Esso). At present, the Pandacan oil depot supplies around 1,800 retail stations in Metro Manila and outlying provinces. The oil depot is also said to supply around half of the country’s total demand for fuel and other petrochemical products.”----GMANews Tv (07/04/09, Calonzo, T.)
Yet, the threats of an environmental accident, natural disaster, earthquake damage, sabotage, and terrorism have grown. It is easy to understand why people started questioning the oil depot's safety. The facility is considered a disaster waiting to happen and concerned citizens, church leaders, and community groups are apprehensive and up against it.
The order of the Supreme Court in 2001 to relocate the fuel site was in recognition of such threats. But through a city ordinance, Mayor Alfredo Lim was able to reverse the decision. Thinking that the oil facility was bringing jobs (10,000 workers) and revenue (P100 million in annual taxes) to the city, the mayor and his supporters, ignoring the danger, believed it was better to keep the depot for the “common good.”
It is hardly for the common good if people's lives are at risk and a fire caused by oil explosion may bring death and destruction to residents who live in the area.
In averting disaster, it is better to err on the side of prudence. As the saying goes, a pound of prevention is better than a ton of cure. (Photo Credit: Etang) =0=
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Albay braces for eruption evacuation of 75,000 residents
As the uneasiness of Mount Mayon in Albay, Bicol continues the Philippine Institute of Volcamology and Siesmology (Philvolcs) has raised the alert level from 1 to 2, indicating that an eruption is more likely. Alert no. 2 is one step before an evacuation order to avoid casualties can be put into effect.
In danger of being overrun by lahar, volcanic debris, and pyroclastic flow are about 75,000 residents, mostly in localities Legazpi, Ligao, Tabaco, Camalig, Daraga, Sto Domingo, Malilipot and Guinobatan.
Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist said those who live in 6 km PDZ around the volcano and those within the 7-8 km extended danger zone in the southern sector are at greater risk for the pathway of lava is located in these areas.
Based from past eruptions, the barangays at risk in Legazpi City are Bonga, Buyuan, Mabinit and Matanag.---Bicol Mail (07/16/09, Marito, F.)
A meeting by the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) headed by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda was convened to tackle the contingency plans in case the condition of the restive volcano deteriorates. (Photo Credit: Shot-goon) =0=
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Iranian plane falls from the sky, 168 feared dead
From Tehran, Caspian Airways flight 7908 with 168 passengers aboard was en route to the Armenian city of Yerevan when it crashed in northwestern Iran. About 16 minutes after take-off, the commercial plane was on fire before it touched ground, according to witnesses. On the disaster site, a huge crater with burning jetliner debris was created. There were no signs of survivors.
"Its wheels were out and there was fire coming from the lower parts," Abul-Fazel Idaji told Fars. "Moments later the plane hit the ground and broke into pieces." Among those presumed dead were 10 members of the Iranian national youth judo squad traveling to Yerevan for a summer training camp."---Los Angeles Times (07/15/09. Daragahi, B.)
Because of sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran had been relying on Russian-made aircrafts which many of its citizens believed were prone to mechanical trouble. The Caspian Airways operated in Iran and neighboring countries like Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and Armenia. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/ Khalil Emami) =0=
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Mayon Volcano watched for possible eruption
There is palpable restiveness of Mayon Volcano these days. The Philippine Institute of Vocanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) reports frequent volcanic quakes intercepted by their instruments and crater glow has been observed in the mountain summit. Almost a hundred quakes have been detected from the volcano since June 29, 2009.
“The increasing crater glow of the volcano could have been triggered by the presence of magma in the conduit of Mt. Mayon due to degassing activity that feeds or infuses hot gas,” Resident Volcanologist Ed Laguerta, explained even as he admitted that it was quite difficult to monitor the abnormal condition of Mt. Mayon because of its distinct geophysical, geodetic and physical attributes compared to other volcanoes. ----Bicol Mail (07/09/09, Arguelles, MS)
As a result, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has laid out contingency plans to deal with an eruption and people in the vicinity of the volcano are kept on alert. They are asked to be prepared to avert disaster. People are warned to avoid the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone at the southeastern part of the volcano where real danger of sudden small explosions and rockfalls exist. (Photo Credit: Norkfam) =0=
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Tropical storm Feria brings flooding and deaths in RP
In the aftermath of the tropical storm “Feria,” comes the death of at least 8 persons, disappearance of 11 individuals and flooding in various parts of the country as reported by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). Majority of those who disappeared are fishermen who braved the turbulent seas in Eastern and Central Visayas.
“The weather disturbance affected 44,401 persons in Batangas, Cavite and Quezon, Romblon, Albay, Masbate, Antique, Cebu, Leyte, Biliran, Western and Eastern Samar."---Philstar (06/26/09, Managhaya, J.)
As a result of the inclement weather some schools were temporarily closed.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 8,978 stranded passengers were recorded at 11 p.m. of June 24, 2009. However, only 1,389 remained hampered to travel as Feria left and headed northwards to Taiwan.
The PCG disclosed most of the stranded travelers were from 13 ports, mainly in the Bicol and Southern Luzon provinces. Of the 1,389 passengers, 370 were at the Batangas port, 200 in Pilar, Sorsogon and 165 people in Tabaco, Albay.
The damage to farmlands was estimated to reach P300,000 and P2.8 million to infrastructure. Photo Credit: Philstar/ Jonjon Vicensio) =0=
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17 bodies recovered from Air France crash site
After days of fruitless search, rescuers of Air France flight no. 447 which crashed last week in the Atlantic ocean reported finding at least 17 bodies floating at sea. The remains were probably part of the 229 passengers and crew who died when the plane mysteriously fell from the sky. To bodies would be brought to the mainland in the coastal city of Recife for identification.
The disaster is the worst aviation accident since 2001, and unprecedented in Air France's 75-year history. ---www.channelnewsasia.com / AFP (06/08/09)
With no hope of finding survivors, Brazilian and French authorities continue to search an area of 1,1000 kilometers in the northeast coast of Brazil to recover remnants of the aircraft whose black box is yet to be recovered. They are still investigating to determine the cause of the fatal disaster. (Photo Credit: Reuters / Brazilian Airforce) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Air France crash mourners in Paris, France" Posted by mesiamd at 6/06/2009
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Death toll rises to 41 in a child day care fire in Mexico
The death toll in a fire that engulf a government subsidized child day care center in Mexico rose to 41 as many more children are treated in hospitals for burns sustained in a tragic conflagration.
“Mexico's government provides low-cost day care for almost 230,000 children of working parents at 1,562 centers across the country. Like the ABC day care, many of them are leased to private owners, a system Karam said has proved efficient for decades. After the fire, he said the government's safety standards would be re-evaluated.” AP (06/07/09, Rodriquez,O; Williams, J)
The fire occurred on Friday morning, June 5, 2009 in the northwest area of Sonora where 142 children ages 6 months to 5 years were staying. Spreading rapidly in the building firefighters, caretakers, parents, and neighbors battled the flames which engulfed children causing burns, smoke inhalation, and asphyxiation. A father crashed his pick-up track on the burning building to save a few trapped toddlers.
Mexican president Felipe Calderon who visited the hospitals ordered an investigation as grieving parents start to bury the dead. At least 20 victims are confined in critical condition in hospitals and about 80 children with little or no injuries were sent home. Because of the tragedy, Mexicans are asking if similar day care facilities in the country are safe to provide low-cost child care for working parents. (Photo Credit: Gypsygirl) =0=
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Crash site of Air France flight #447 confirmed; Filipino seaman among the missing
With no survivors so far reported, the tragedy could well be the worst aviation mishap of Air France through its years of operation. The crash site of the Air France jetliner was confirmed by fuel oil floating at sea, an aircraft passenger seat and pieces of metal debris seen in deep sea, a three-mile path of wreckage between the coasts of Brazil and Africa. Six hundred fifty (650) km northeast of Fernando do Noronha archipelago, the pieces of debris in the Atlantic Ocean were reported by the Brazilian Air Force.
The appearance of aircraft fragments is bolstered by a report that a pilot of TAM, a Brazilian airline saw glowing spots on the sea surface in what was thought to be site where the plane fell from the sky. Continued effort to find the plane’s black box to explain the circumstances of the crash is underway. In spite of the tragedy occurring during a supposed inclement weather, terrorism and sabotage have yet to be ruled out by investigators.
Among the 228 on board the airbus A330 are 12 crew members and Pinoy OFW Arden Jugueta counted among the missing with very little chance of surviving. On a connecting flight en route to Paris from Rio de Janeiro, Jugueta was on his way to Manila when the horrible mishap occurred. This was relayed by the French Foreign Ministry (FFM) to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA.)
In accordance to the rules of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA,) the family of Jugueta is entitled an accident insurance benefit of P200,000 plus a burial compensation of P20,000 once the seaman’s death is ascertained. OWWA promises to bring back the victim’s body to the Philippines if found.--- AP (06/03/09 Pia Lee-Brago)
As the personal heart-rending details of the disaster are disclosed, the magnitude of human suffering becomes more obvious. People learn that the missing passengers are human beings with jobs, children and social roles to play in society. Their families and friends are from more than 30 countries in disbelief, waiting for the news of the search teams---- rushed to rescue their loved ones from the coldness of the ocean. (Photo Credit: AFP/ Vanderlei Almeida) =0=
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