News
‘Potentially Catastrophic’ Hurricane Beryl Approaches Jamaica
Preparations are in full swing in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl approaches, threatening to bring severe weather conditions to the island. Authorities are taking precautionary measures, including stocking shelters, safeguarding homes, and pulling boats from the water.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that electricity and water services are likely to be shut off as a preventive measure to avoid fires and damage to equipment. He urged residents to stock up on candles or batteries and to be cautious when lighting fires, noting that it would be “very difficult” for firefighters to respond during the storm.
In Kingston, the capital city, long queues have formed at petrol stations as people fill containers with extra fuel in anticipation of the hurricane.
Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the US National Hurricane Center, has warned that Hurricane Beryl could have catastrophic consequences for Jamaica. “We could see the potential, obviously, of the core of a major hurricane moving across Jamaica with the potential for devastating to catastrophic wind damage,” he said.
Brennan also warned of “widespread damage” to homes, roofs, trees, power lines, and infrastructure, with a possible storm surge of five to eight feet above normal tide levels along the coast of Jamaica. Additionally, the capital Kingston and other areas on the island’s south coast could face “potentially devastating wave action on top of that storm surge,” creating a life-threatening situation.
As Hurricane Beryl advances, residents and authorities in Jamaica are bracing for its impact, making necessary preparations to mitigate the potential damage and ensure safety.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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