Updated
Winds reach 120 mph, destroying thousands of buildings
BBC May 4, 08 7:28 AM CDT
(Newser)
-
A tropical cyclone has wreaked havoc in Burma, killing at least 351 and destroying tens of thousands of buildings, the BBC reports. Cyclone Nargis brought 120 mph winds to the country, knocking down 75% of buildings in one town and cutting off power, water, and phone lines in the largest city, Rangoon. The storm is now headed toward Thailand, but seems to have quieted somewhat.
More »
After jumping lines, blaze is 35% contained
Associated Press May 3, 08 6:52 PM CDT
(Newser)
-
Firefighters nearly contained a New Mexico wildfire this week before it leaped containment lines and razed another 50 homes on Wednesday, the AP reports. Nine had already gone up in flames. Firefighters are working today to cut new lines around the blaze, which is 35% contained near Albuquerque. Officials say the 13,790-acre fire was man-made.
More »
Severe storms and hail also hit Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri
Associated Press May 2, 08 6:35 PM CDT
(Newser)
-
Severe storms spawned twisters in America's heartland today, knocking out power, toppling tractor-trailers, and killing seven people in Arkansas, the AP reports. Up to 25 tornadoes also hit Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, a state where hail smashed windshields and storms derailed railway cars. “It just seems like we’re getting pounded,” one official said.
More »
5.8 shaker causes no major damage
Associated Press Apr 28, 08 4:21 AM CDT
(Newser)
-
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake shook Mexico yesterday, but no major damage or injuries were reported, AP reports. The rumble, centered 96 miles north of Acapulco, rattled buildings in Mexico City and sent many scurrying into the streets. "It scared us. It was strong," remarked one resident who recalled the 1985 quake that killed thousands. “We’re just waiting for an earthquake that strong to hit again.”
More »
Two months of shakers could signal trouble
Associated Press Apr 27, 08 6:25 AM CDT
(Newser)
-
Scientists are warning Reno residents to prepare for a major quake following a series of smaller rumbles that have shaken the area for two months, AP reports. The strongest was Friday night’s magnitude 4.7 tremor, which cracked walls and rattled products off store shelves. Now, “a magnitude 6 quake wouldn't be a scientific surprise,” said a seismologist.
More »
No damage reported in 4.5-magnitude rattling
CNN Apr 21, 08 4:55 AM CDT
(Newser)
-
A magnitude 4.5 earthquake rattled southern Illinois early this morning in the strongest aftershock since the area was shaken by Friday’s 5.2 tremor, CNN reports. The rumble was centered in the same spot as last week's quake near the town of Mount Carmel, and began after midnight. No damage has been reported. Some 18 shakers followed Friday's quake, the strongest in the area in 40 years.
More »
Today's 5.2 temblor is 'not unusual' for region, expert says
ABC News Apr 18, 08 6:54 PM CDT
(Newser)
-
A geologist has sent a ripple of curiosity through the media by calling today's Illinois earthquake “not unusual," ABC News reports. The 5.2 temblor, which caused no injuries or major damage, is one of many the state has experienced since 1795. One rocked 500,000 square miles in 1909. "Is this an earthquake zone?" researcher Nano Seeber asked. "Yes."
More »
No major damage reported in 20-second tremor
Chicago Tribune Apr 18, 08 7:45 AM CDT
(Newser)
-
A moderate earthquake in southern Illinois was enough to wake far-off Chicago-area residents this morning, but no major damage was reported, the Chicago Tribune notes. The shake-up reached 5.2 on the Richter scale, shy of an area record of 5.4, but enough to move furniture. “For people in central Illinois, this is a big deal. It's not like California,” said a local man. Residents of Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Des Moines also felt the tremor.
More »
Blazes have killed 3 people
Associated Press Apr 16, 08 10:44 AM CDT
(Newser)
-
Firefighters hoped rain and snow would help them stop three Colorado wildfires blazing through thousands of acres of grass, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate and leaving three people dead, the AP reports. Authorities told all 1,200 residents of Ordway to leave yesterday, as wind gusted up to 50 mph, fanning flames that quickly spread across 11 square miles.
More »
Scientists warn state to plan for 7.5 mag temblor
Los Angeles Times Apr 14, 08 9:00 PM CDT
(Newser)
-
A major earthquake is almost inevitable in California in the next 30 years, a new study says. The likely target is Southern California, which has a 97% chance of a 6.7 magnitude quake and 37% chance of a 7.5. Because it has suffered more big quakes in the last century, Northern California has a slightly lower chance of a 6.7 temblor and only 15% chance of a 7.5.
More »
Agency that botched Katrina response is under close scrutiny
New York Times Feb 7, 08 5:32 PM CST
(Newser)
-
As the full extent of the damage from this week's deadly tornadoes comes clear, survivors and lawmakers are united in one sentiment: FEMA better come through this time. The agency that botched the Katrina recovery is under close scrutiny, the New York Times reports. “FEMA must not use bureaucratic excuses to avoid helping Arkansans,” said Sen. Mark Pryor. The death toll has risen to 57.
More »
Tennessee child orphaned, but uninjured by tornado
Washington Post Feb 7, 08 11:03 AM CST
(Newser)
-
Three and a half hours after a vicious tornado struck Castalian Springs, Tenn., on Tuesday night, rescue workers found what they first thought was a doll but which was in fact a baby—alive and without a scratch, the Washington Post reports. Kyson Stowell, 11 months, was shivering and dazed after the storm that orphaned him and destroyed his home.
More »
Nearly 400 injured in pair of incidents
Associated Press Feb 3, 08 1:56 PM CST
(Newser)
-
A pair of earthquakes shook Rwanda and the Congo today, killing 39 and injuring 380, the AP reports. Congo was hit first, with a 6.0 blast early this morning. Rwanda was shaken scant hours later, with a 5.0 shock. “I was at home when the earthquake hit, and the next thing I heard was the house falling down,” said one injured woman.
More »
Thousands stranded after storms batter coast
BBC Jan 8, 08 9:29 AM CST
(Newser)
-
Thousands on the east coast of Australia have been isolated by flooding from heavy rains, the BBC reports. Thunderstorms and overflowing rivers have battered the northeast parts of New South Wales, the country’s most populous state, and the southern parts of Queensland; both have been declared natural disaster zones. The government has begun relief operations, dropping food by helicopter.
More »
Officials concerned about post-aid economy, beefing up warning systems
Christian Science Monitor Dec 26, 07 11:55 AM CST
(Newser)
-
As candles are lit today in memory of the 230,000 victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Christian Science Monitor reports on the results of the $13.6 billion effort to help survivors. The aid has largely been used effectively, but now officials worry about the recovering economies after the rebuilding boom peaks and the aid dries up.
More »