<p>Provincial officials have ordered&nbsp;the evacuation of approximately 30,000 individuals in western Canada's British Columbia, amidst escalating wildfires, media reports said. Bowinn Ma, British Columbia's minister of emergency management and climate readiness, spoke about the dynamic nature of the wildfire crisis. "The situation is highly dynamic and the numbers are changing all the time, but as of now we are currently hovering at about 30,000 people on evacuation order and an additional 36,000 people on evacuation alert," Ma said.</p>

<h2><strong>Kelowna engulfed in smoke</strong></h2>

<p>The situation has become particularly dire for the city of Kelowna, which is now facing the immediate threat of a raging wildfire. With a population of 150,000, Kelowna is grappling with dense smoke. With this, it joins the list of Canadian population centres hit by this summer's extensive wildfires. The nationwide outbreak of wildfires has already scorched millions of acres of land.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-dominican-republic-explosion-rises-to-32-officials-blame-plastics-company-627107">Death toll in Dominican Republic explosion rises to 32; officials blame plastics company</a></p>

<p>"We cannot stress strongly enough how critical it is to follow evacuation orders when they are issued," Ma reportedly said at a news conference and added,&nbsp;"They are a matter of life and death not only for the people in those properties, but also for the first responders who will often go back to try to implore people to leave."</p>

<h2><strong>Differing evacuation figures&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While Premier David Eby reported slightly different figures, with 35,000 people ordered to evacuate and 30,000 more preparing to leave if necessary, both Eby and Ma endorsed an emergency order.</p>

<p>This order also includes a halt on non-essential visits to affected areas, encompassing Kelowna, Kamloops, Oliver, Penticton, Vernon, and Osoyoos, which is near the US border. This move is aimed to prevent disruptions to the ongoing firefighting efforts.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-should-i-participate-trump-chooses-tucker-carlson-over-republican-presidential-debate-report-627094">'Why should I participate': Trump chooses Tucker Carlson over Republican primary debate, says report</a></p>

<p>Authorities have also urged thrill-seekers to avoid the affected regions. Their presence could hinder the firefighting and response operations.&nbsp;"Please just stay out of these areas if you don't have to be there," Eby said.</p>

<h2><strong>Largest evacuation in northwest territories&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The evacuation in British Columbia comes on the heels of the unprecedented evacuation of Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Canada’s British Columbia under state of emergency as Kelowna wildfire rages</strong></p>

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<p>The city was cleared due to wildfires advancing toward it. While winds exacerbated the situation, bringing flames closer to Yellowknife, a recent spell of rain provided temporary relief. Additionally, government weather forecasts have projected a substantial drop in temperatures. As wildfires continue to pose a substantial threat, the authorities are ensuring the safety of the people while also battling the blazes.</p>

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Provincial officials have ordered the evacuation of approximately 30,000 individuals in western Canada's British Columbia, amidst escalating wildfires, media reports said.

Provincial officials have ordered the evacuation of approximately 30,000 individuals in western Canada's British Columbia, amidst escalating wildfires, media reports said. Bowinn Ma, British Columbia's minister of emergency management and climate readiness, spoke about the dynamic nature of the wildfire crisis. "The situation is highly dynamic and the numbers are changing all the time, but as of now we are currently hovering at about 30,000 people on evacuation order and an additional 36,000 people on evacuation alert," Ma said. Kelowna engulfed in smoke The situation has become particularly dire for the city of Kelowna, which is now facing the immediate threat of a raging wildfire. With a population of 150,000, Kelowna is grappling with dense smoke. With this, it joins the list of Canadian population centres hit by this summer's extensive wildfires. The nationwide outbreak of wildfires has already scorched millions of acres of land. Also Read | Death toll in Dominican Republic explosion rises to 32; officials blame plastics company "We cannot stress strongly enough how critical it is to follow evacuation orders when they are issued," Ma reportedly said at a news conference and added, "They are a matter of life and death not only for the people in those properties, but also for the first responders who will often go back to try to implore people to leave." Differing evacuation figures While Premier David Eby reported slightly different figures, with 35,000 people ordered to evacuate and 30,000 more preparing to leave if necessary, both Eby and Ma endorsed an emergency order. This order also includes a halt on non-essential visits to affected areas, encompassing Kelowna, Kamloops, Oliver, Penticton, Vernon, and Osoyoos, which is near the US border. This move is aimed to prevent disruptions to the ongoing firefighting efforts. Also Read | 'Why should I participate': Trump chooses Tucker Carlson over Republican primary debate, says report Authorities have also urged thrill-seekers to avoid the affected regions. Their presence could hinder the firefighting and response operations. "Please just stay out of these areas if you don't have to be there," Eby said. Largest evacuation in northwest territories The evacuation in British Columbia comes on the heels of the unprecedented evacuation of Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories. Watch | Canada’s British Columbia under state of emergency as Kelowna wildfire rages × The city was cleared due to wildfires advancing toward it. While winds exacerbated the situation, bringing flames closer to Yellowknife, a recent spell of rain provided temporary relief. Additionally, government weather forecasts have projected a substantial drop in temperatures. As wildfires continue to pose a substantial threat, the authorities are ensuring the safety of the people while also battling the blazes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Canada wildfires: About 30,000 in British Columbia under evacuation order, 36,000 on alert

<p>Air India's first repatriation flight took off from Kochi for Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon. The flight will be bringing back Indian nationals to the country soon.</p>

<p>Air India Express IX419 is being used for the biggest repatriation operation of the Indian government to bring back the&nbsp;Indian nationals stranded in the Gulf countries due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-samudra-setu-ins-jalashwa-set-to-evacuate-stranded-indians-from-maldives-297209"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Operation Samudra Setu: INS Jalashwa set to evacuate stranded Indians from Maldives</strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians.<br />
<br />
Location of pic: India's operation room, Dubai<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> <a href="https://t.co/jbaDRQ31de">https://t.co/jbaDRQ31de</a> <a href="https://t.co/ARJTc71i3u">pic.twitter.com/ARJTc71i3u</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1258342149373952001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first flight will land in Kerala&nbsp;around 9:40pm. The Kochi flight is bringing back 175 Indian nationals from Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;The second flight will also bring 175 stranded Indians from Dubai to Kozhikode, and will land around 10:30pm.</p>

<p>Air India will continue the rescue operation for Indians stranded in&nbsp;Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Philippines, UAE, Bangladesh, the US and the UK.</p>

<p>However, the focus remains on the Gulf countries, where around 3 lakh people are stranded, according to reports.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Repatriation of Indian nationals begins from UAE<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid</a> <a href="https://t.co/rrbouSfDfo">https://t.co/rrbouSfDfo</a> <a href="https://t.co/rKCuADft7E">pic.twitter.com/rKCuADft7E</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1258360615246200832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shramik-trains-over-163-run-so-far-more-than-160-lakh-migrants-ferried-297207"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried</strong></a></p>

<p>Around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights within the first week of the operation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">United Arab Emirates: 177 Indians, including 4 infants have boarded their flight from Abu Dhabi for Kochi, Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/8d5a4OrYO9">pic.twitter.com/8d5a4OrYO9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258382635497209859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Around 60 pilots and 120 cabin crew members are providing their services in the&nbsp;operation. All the staff members and the workers have been asked to practice precaution and wear PPE suits during the flight.</p>

<p>Before take-off, passengers will be provided with two face masks, one 100ml sanitiser bottle, a snack box and a bottle of water at their respective seats. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


Air India's first repatriation flight took off from Kochi for Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon. The flight will be bringing back Indian nationals to the country soon.

Air India's first repatriation flight took off from Kochi for Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon. The flight will be bringing back Indian nationals to the country soon. Air India Express IX419 is being used for the biggest repatriation operation of the Indian government to bring back the Indian nationals stranded in the Gulf countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Operation Samudra Setu: INS Jalashwa set to evacuate stranded Indians from Maldives 1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. Location of pic: India's operation room, Dubai#COVID https://t.co/jbaDRQ31de pic.twitter.com/ARJTc71i3u — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 7, 2020 × The first flight will land in Kerala around 9:40pm. The Kochi flight is bringing back 175 Indian nationals from Abu Dhabi. The second flight will also bring 175 stranded Indians from Dubai to Kozhikode, and will land around 10:30pm. Air India will continue the rescue operation for Indians stranded in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Philippines, UAE, Bangladesh, the US and the UK. However, the focus remains on the Gulf countries, where around 3 lakh people are stranded, according to reports. Repatriation of Indian nationals begins from UAE#Covid https://t.co/rrbouSfDfo pic.twitter.com/rKCuADft7E — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 7, 2020 × Also read: Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried Around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights within the first week of the operation. United Arab Emirates: 177 Indians, including 4 infants have boarded their flight from Abu Dhabi for Kochi, Kerala. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/8d5a4OrYO9 — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Around 60 pilots and 120 cabin crew members are providing their services in the operation. All the staff members and the workers have been asked to practice precaution and wear PPE suits during the flight. Before take-off, passengers will be provided with two face masks, one 100ml sanitiser bottle, a snack box and a bottle of water at their respective seats. (With inputs from ANI)

India's biggest repatriation operation begins; Air India flight to land in Kochi tonight

Explainer: Fighting forest fires