NewsTragedy and survival: A night of global disasters unfolds
Tragedy and survival: A night of global disasters unfolds
It happened while you were sleeping. Here's what global agencies reported overnight from Thursday to Friday.
- At least 13 people lost their lives in Florida due to Hurricane Milton, which caused tornadoes, flooding, and fallen trees. CNN reported the tragic effects of the disaster on Thursday, citing local authorities. President Joe Biden emphasized that the precautions taken saved many lives, but he warned that the death toll might still rise, as often the most tragic incidents occur after the storm passes. The heaviest losses were recorded in St. Lucie County, located on Florida's east coast, where at least six people died. Local services reported that nine tornadoes were observed there in just 90 minutes. Further casualties were noted in other regions of the state. Two people died in St. Petersburg near Tampa, although the causes of their deaths remain unknown. Four people died in Volusia County and one in Citrus County – including as a result of trees being knocked down by hurricane-force winds. The hurricane left approximately 3.4 million Florida residents without power, and some areas experienced severe flooding.
- In Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut that took place Thursday evening, at least 22 people were killed, and 117 were injured, announced the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Media highlight that the attacks targeted densely populated areas of the city that Israeli bombardments had not previously targeted. According to reports from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the dead include an eight-member family, including three children, who were attempting to flee from the south of the country. According to reports from the Associated Press (AP), two significant attacks occurred: one damaged the lower section of an eight-story residential building in the Ras al-Naba district. At the same time, another caused a complete collapse of a building in the Burj Abi Haydar area. Meanwhile, Reuters, referencing Lebanese security sources, suggested that one of the Israeli airstrikes may have targeted a senior Hezbollah figure, Wafik Safa, who survived. Additionally, Reuters noted that Israeli strikes hit previously untouched districts of Beirut.
- In the former Mollie Kathleen gold mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, currently a tourist attraction, a tragic elevator failure occurred. As a result of the accident, one person died, and 12 people were trapped underground, reported the AP on Thursday, citing local authorities and sources in Teller County. The accident happened about 150 metres below the surface, where, as highlighted by Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, there were mechanical problems with the elevator, posing a "serious threat." Mikesell emphasized ensuring safety before evacuating people, mentioning that they could use ropes for the rescue if necessary. However, he acknowledged that this method could also pose risks to rescuers. Currently, tourists are trapped approximately 300 metres underground and have water and blankets, allowing them to survive while waiting for help. Rescuers are assessing the elevator's damage before potentially restarting it. The race against time continues as safety specialists try to determine if the elevator mechanism could cause another tragedy. The sheriff noted that their priority is to restart the elevator safely. Among those trapped is an individual with mine rescue experience, which could play an important role in keeping order and calm during the situation. Authorities also mentioned that the full extent of the issue was not disclosed to the group over radio communication to help maintain their composure.
- Brazilian authorities seized 500 kilograms of cocaine at the port of Itaqui in São Luís, found on board the Polish ship "Jawor." According to local authorities, none of the Polish crew members were detained. This information was confirmed by the Polish Press Agency (PAP), citing sources in the Brazilian federal police. On Saturday, media reported on the alleged arrest of the crew of the bulk carrier "Jawor," which belongs to the Polish Shipping Company (PŻM). However, the head of the Brazilian federal police in São Luís, Rodrigo Rocha Leite, denied these reports in a conversation with PAP. "None of the Poles who are crew members of the 'Jawor' vessel have been imprisoned," Rocha Leite stated. According to Rocha Leite, the bulk carrier, which sails under the Bahamian flag, has an international crew comprising citizens from Poland, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria – totalling 20 people. This week, interviews with the sailors began. "All crew members are being questioned. The case is ongoing, and we still do not have an estimated date for completing all necessary hearings," the police chief pointed out, due to the seriousness and the necessary caution in its investigation.
