Disasters

600K Lose Power in Icy Storm

Associated Press  |  Dec 10, 07 6:55 PM CST

(Newser) - An icy storm plunged more than 600,000 Midwesterners into freezing darkness today, crippling power and causing about 15 fatalities on slippery roads, the AP reports. Oklahoma fared worst, declaring a state of emergency as schools shut down and hospitals ran on backup generators. More is on the way, according to the National Weather Service—which posted ice and storm warnings for parts of several states tomorrow. More »

Korea Struggles to Clean Spill

New York Times  |  Dec 9, 07 5:00 PM CST

(Newser) - A crew of 7,000 struggled to contain the worst oil spill in South Korean history today, the New York Times reports. The government declared a state of disaster as volunteers hauled buckets of oil from a 12-mile shore, fighting headaches and nausea from the stench. The coast guard set up floating oil fences, but high waves washed over them. “I think we are finished,” one resident aid. More »

Mine Blast Kills 70+ in China

New York Times  |  Dec 6, 07 11:54 AM CST

(Newser) - A gas explosion in a Chinese coal mine killed at least 70 today and trapped 26 more, the New York Times reports, one of the year’s worst accidents in an industry that sees more than 4,000 die each year. Authorities believe miners triggered the explosion while illegally tapping an unauthorized seam. Police have arrested mine officials and frozen their bank accounts. More »

Floods Follow Storm in NW

Associated Press  |  Dec 5, 07 4:54 PM CST

(Newser) - The massive storm that pummeled the Pacific Northwest this week has left treacherous flood conditions throughout Washington and Oregon. At least seven were dead as helicopters rescued residents from their rooftops, the AP reports. The main regional interstate has been shut for days—effectively doubling the distance between Seattle and Portland—and the waters threatened to compromise other major roads. More »

Washington Declares Storm Emergency

Seattle Times  |  Dec 4, 07 4:45 AM CST

(Newser) - A state of emergency was declared yesterday for the western part of Washington, the area hardest hit by severe storms in the last few days. Massive flooding, heavy rains and high winds have killed at least two people, caused a three-day shutdown of an interstate and other major highways, and knocked out electricity to tens of thousands of residents. More »

30 Hurt in Amtrak Crash

Chicago Tribune  |  Nov 30, 07 7:26 PM CST

(Newser) - Five were critically injured when an Amtrak passenger train rammed a stopped freight train in Chicago today, the Chicago Tribune reports. Nine more were seriously hurt, including five Amtrak workers, and another 30 suffered minor injuries. Officials, who freed some workers from the locomotive with hydraulic cutting tools, expect the toll will rise to 50 by the end of the day. More »

Javanese Can't Stop the Mud

Economist  |  Nov 29, 07 9:31 PM CST

(Newser) - A toxic mud volcano has been flowing on the Indonesian island of Java for 18 months, and authorities are stuck. Since an energy company opened an underground fissure while drilling for natural gas, 11 villages have been swamped by the ooze. Plugging the hole with air-dropped concrete balls and hiring mystics to employ supernatural means are among the failed measures. More »

Indonesia Quakes Kill at Least 3

Bangkok Post (Thailand)  |  Nov 26, 07 8:44 AM CST

(Newser) - A series of powerful earthquakes struck in Indonesia early this morning, killing at least 3 and causing brief tsunami warnings. Some 70 others were injured, and several buildings destroyed, including a health clinic. The first quake hit off the coast of Sumbawa just after midnight, registering 6.7 on the Richter scale, and spawned aftershocks of 6.8 and 5.7 respectively, the Bangkok Post reports. More »

Last Survivors Land in Chile

BBC  |  Nov 25, 07 6:04 PM CST

(Newser) - A military plane flew the last 77 survivors of a sunken tour ship to Chile today, BBC reports. Some evacuees had already gone to the capital, Santagios, to return to their home countries. Others gave detailed, personal accounts of the shipwreck, revealing their fears of freezing to death and their emotional outbursts when the Explorer went under. More »

Malibu Blaze 'Looks Good'

Los Angeles Times  |  Nov 25, 07 3:40 PM CST

(Newser) - The wildfire that scorched 50 Malibu homes yesterday is now 40% contained and should be corralled by Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports. Dying Santa Ana winds and what one official called "unprecedented mobilization" helped firefighters control the blaze. Crews are busy stamping out hot spots today to make sure they don't reignite. More »

Malibu Blaze 25%