Category: Alerts

A massive earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale, shook the southern coast of Papua New Ginea’s New Britain Island. Due to the intensity of the quake, a tsunami alert has been issued for the neighbouring coastlines. According to media reports, United States Geological Survey states that the earthquake has occurred for about 144 km East of Kimbe, with a depth of over 35 km. More details are awaited.

A low danger avalanche warning has been issued by the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), across various hilly regions in Jammu and Kashmir. All tourist in the valley is advised to take safety measures, considering the weather condition. According to an official statement from Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment, the following regions are under threat- Baramulla, Gulmarg, Furkian-Z Gali, Kupwara, Chowkibal-Tangdhar, Kulgam, Badgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Gurez in Kashmir, besides Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, an alert is also spread for Kargil, as well as nearby areas at Leh Ladakh regions namely Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, ... Read more

Photo Courtesy: AFP France will be hit by by severe travel disruption as hundreds of trains and planes are set to be cancelled in France and scores of schools closed as unions go on strike. Public service workers, air traffic controllers and rail staff in France are on a major strike. Public service workers in France have long been angry over pay – which is currently frozen – that has not kept up with inflation and are upset at changes to their sick pay. Unions accuse President Emmanuel Macron of wanting to take a sledgehammer to the public sector. Hundreds ... Read more

Various Airline authorities have cancelled more than 700 flights schedules from Boston as part of an upcoming strong winter storm. “American Airlines as a precaution had cancelled the entire Boston schedules of about 89 departures and arrivals,” said American Airlines spokesperson Ross Feinstein. Tuesday schedules for the Delta and JetBlue service had started refunding tickets to travellers affected by the storm. Also the short-term availability of employees, due to severe weather had further worsened the waiting passengers.  

The UAE’s consulates in Boston and New York have issued an advisory on the UAE Embassy twitter page saying Emirati residents need to be cautious and contact the embassy for emergencies. The winter storm in the United States is poised to re-intensify, prompting weather warnings to residents. The notification read that Emirati residents in Boston need to take precautions. The winter storm, set to descend on Monday 11pm up until Tuesday 8pm, is moving in. Blizzard warnings have been issued along the coast of Massachusetts too. For UAE residents living or visiting Boston, the emergency contact is +97180044444.

The State Disaster Management Authority of Kerala has directed the government to enforce a fishing ban after the India Meteorology Department warned of rain, squally winds and rough sea conditions and extended its advisory for fishermen. The Chief Minister’s office has directed District Collectors to disseminate the weather warning to fishermen. The Departments of Revenue and Fisheries and the Coastal police have also been advised to remain vigilant. The low-pressure area over South of Sri Lanka coast and adjoining areas is likely to move in a west-northwest direction. This system will then intensify into a well-marked low during the next 48 ... Read more

Atleast 12 people are reported to be killed in the forest fire at Kurangini hills at Kolukkumalai in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. 25 have been rescued so far. Earlier it was reported that 27 people including 25 women are feared to have been trapped in the severe forest fire atop the Kolukkumalai Hills in Tamil Nadu. But, at present as per the reports many are feared to have been trapped in the fire. Of the nine dead, four are women, four men and a child. Six of them are from Chennai and three from Erode, confirmed the Theni Collector. ... Read more

Atleast 27 people including 25 women are feared to have been trapped in the severe forest fire atop the Kolukkumalai Hills in Tamil Nadu. “Two groups have gone for trek inKolukumalai. One group of 13 people from Tirupur & Erode and another group of 24 from Chennai, organised by Chennai Trekking Club. Eight men 26 ladies 3 children were included in the trek. The group reached Kolukkumalai Saturday morning and camped in an estate. The team was caught in the forest fire while returning from the trek, informed the Theni District Collector. “The group scattered seeing the fire and are trapped ... Read more

The city of Sioux Falls in South Dakot is under a snow alert, which officially began at 5:30 a.m. today.   as Monday’s snow storm is cleared from the roads, and vehicles that are on the road at the wrong time could be ticketed or towed. Starting at 8 p.m. tonight, all east/west streets in Zone 2 will be plowed, and vehicles will need to remain off the roads until 5 a.m., or until the streets are clear, read the travel advisory. Streets in Zone 3 will be plowed once emergency snow routes are cleared whereas streets in North/south Zone 2 will be plowed ... Read more

A day after violent clashes between the Muslims and Buddhists in the popular destination of Kandy, the Sri Lankan government has declared a state of emergency in the region. “The curfew was imposed to control the situation in the area and Police officers are placed on heightened alert in Kandy to ensure the “situation does not spiral into inter-communal conflagration”, the government said in a statement.   Religious and ethnic violence can be at its heights in Sri Lanka, where Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and Buddhists Sinhalese make up nearly 75 per cent. THe emergency was ... Read more

The MET Eireann  has sent out Orange Alert and said the snow-melt will continue to lead to an accumulation of surface water bringing the risk of flooding in the region. “Mist and fog will gradually lift this morning leaving a cold day with mostly cloudy skies and a few patches of rain or drizzle. However, some bright or sunny spells will develop later in the afternoon. Snow-melt will continue to lead to an accumulation of surface water bringing the risk of flooding. Maximum temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees in light or moderate, variable winds,” it said in the website. ... Read more

The travellers are in fury as Aer Lingus and Ryanair cancelled around 100 flights from Dublin Airport owing to the continued weather havoc in the region. Other airlines, including BA, KLM and Air France, have also cancelled flights, with almost 120 services cancelled in Dublin throughout the day. Dublin airport remains open and operational, but passengers can expect delays. “We are doing everything we can to re-accommodate affected customers and minimise disruption to their travel plans and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by these disruptions which are entirely outside of our control,” says Ryanair.

Multiple road accidents occurred on Dubai’s major highways creating heavy traffic jams. Motorists are advised to drive safely and take alternative routes wherever possible. At least two accidents were reported on the Sharjah highway; one accident on E11 near Al Majlis Street and the other before the Dubai Trade centre intersection. Delays are also reported on E44 Al Awir road from Al Warqa to Ras Al Khor, Al Khail Road and on Sheikh Zayed Road near Al Barsha. Drivers can also expect delays along the E66 and E311 intersection near Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City.

An earthquake ranging over 3.7 magnitude was measured in the Richter scale at Churachandpur region in Manipur. The event happened around 7.01 am with no reported causalities. On January 2016, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake at Manipur killing 11 people, along with injuring 200 people, that comprises citizens from the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. Manipur has a population of over 250,000 people, with rich culture and heritage.

As the powerful NorthEaster brings in heavy rains and gusty winds, the authorities have issued a snow alert in New York City. Drivers are urged to use extra caution while out in the storm. The city dwellers are worried about the rising water levels and possible flooding.  The officials are also urging residents to prepare for high gusting winds. The city is expecting 2 to 3 inches of rain, with widespread street and highway flooding likely. Major delays and cancellations are likely at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports. Similarly NYC Ferry service disruptions are also expected. Also, Amtrak service to Boston ... Read more