It was an emotional night for Angelina Jolie in Venice. Jolie's movie Maria dominated the second night of the 81st Venice Film Festival.&nbsp;

On Thursday (Aug 29), the biographical drama, which premiered at the Sala Grande Theater, received a roaring response from the audience. Pablo Larraín’s film&nbsp;got&nbsp;an eight-minute standing ovation from the crowd.&nbsp;

The clips circulating online show Jolie, who plays the late opera singer Maria Callas,&nbsp;visibly moved by the outstanding response from the audience. In one viral video, the actress can be seen in tears as she responds to a loud round of audience applause on the movie.

The Academy Award-winning actress was seen wiping her tears as she hugged director Larraín and her fellow castmates.

The 49-year-old star attended the event with director Larrain and cast members Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher.

Sharing a clip from the premiere, Variety's&nbsp;Ramin Setoodeh&nbsp;wrote, “Angelina Jolie’s 8-minute standing ovation at #Venezia81 for ‘Maria’ is the most rapturous applause I’ve seen at the festival since Brendan Fraser launched his Oscar campaign for The Whale here two years ago."

Watch The Viral Video Here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Angelina Jolie: 10 minutos de ovación en el Festival Internacional de Cine de Venecia por su papel en la película "María" 📽️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AngelinaJolie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AngelinaJolie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VenedikFilmFestivali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VenedikFilmFestivali</a> 
 
<a href="https://t.co/uhJEMm6EwZ">pic.twitter.com/uhJEMm6EwZ</a>
— Aike (@aike80) <a href="https://twitter.com/aike80/status/1829383770345972220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Like always, the actress looked stunning in an elegant beige gown. She walked the carpet wearing a pleated custom strapless Tamara Ralph gown with a dramatic fur stole. She kept her hair open and added drama to her look with red lipstick.&nbsp;

More About Maria

Angelina's biographical drama has garnered rave response from the audience. Based on a real-life story, Maria tells the tragic story of the great opera singer and her challenging final days in Paris. Written&nbsp;by Steven Knight, the movie stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Valeria Golino.&nbsp;

According to a press release, the movie tells the "tumultuous, beautiful and tragic story of the life of the world's greatest opera singer, relived and reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris."&nbsp;

It was an emotional night for Angelina Jolie in Venice. Jolie's movie Maria dominated the second night of the 81st Venice Film Festival. On Thursday (Aug 29), the biographical drama, which premiered at the Sala Grande Theater, received a roaring response from the audience.

It was an emotional night for Angelina Jolie in Venice. Jolie's movie Maria dominated the second night of the 81st Venice Film Festival. On Thursday (Aug 29), the biographical drama, which premiered at the Sala Grande Theater, received a roaring response from the audience. Pablo Larraín’s film got an eight-minute standing ovation from the crowd. The clips circulating online show Jolie, who plays the late opera singer Maria Callas, visibly moved by the outstanding response from the audience. In one viral video, the actress can be seen in tears as she responds to a loud round of audience applause on the movie. The Academy Award-winning actress was seen wiping her tears as she hugged director Larraín and her fellow castmates. The 49-year-old star attended the event with director Larrain and cast members Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher. Sharing a clip from the premiere, Variety's Ramin Setoodeh wrote, “Angelina Jolie’s 8-minute standing ovation at #Venezia81 for ‘Maria’ is the most rapturous applause I’ve seen at the festival since Brendan Fraser launched his Oscar campaign for The Whale here two years ago." Watch The Viral Video Here: Angelina Jolie: 10 minutos de ovación en el Festival Internacional de Cine de Venecia por su papel en la película "María" 📽️#AngelinaJolie #VenedikFilmFestivali pic.twitter.com/uhJEMm6EwZ — Aike (@aike80) August 30, 2024 × Like always, the actress looked stunning in an elegant beige gown. She walked the carpet wearing a pleated custom strapless Tamara Ralph gown with a dramatic fur stole. She kept her hair open and added drama to her look with red lipstick. More About Maria Angelina's biographical drama has garnered rave response from the audience. Based on a real-life story, Maria tells the tragic story of the great opera singer and her challenging final days in Paris. Written by Steven Knight, the movie stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Valeria Golino. According to a press release, the movie tells the "tumultuous, beautiful and tragic story of the life of the world's greatest opera singer, relived and reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris."

Angelina Jolie gets emotional as her film Maria gets 8-minute standing ovation at Venice

Storm Maria hit the Northern region of Japan on Monday. It has now turned into a tropical depression. The slow-moving storm dumped intense rains in some areas, disturbing transportation and forcing residents to take shelter.

Tropical Storm Maria hits Japan with record rain, transport disrupted

The Google Doodle for today honours Dr. Mária Telkes, one of the early solar energy pioneers, for her life and groundbreaking achievements. She was accurate when she said that the sun's power may alter people's lives. On this day in 1952, Dr. Telkes became the first recipient of The Society of Women Engineers Achievement Award.&nbsp;Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1900, Dr. Telkes studied physical chemistry at the Eötvös Loránd University. After her B.A. in 1920, she earned her PhD. She relocated to the US the next year and took a job as a biophysicist and attained US citizenship in 1937.

<img alt="Doodle " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6da3ccda-4d78-4910-b51d-bf17ea42ff89" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-12T105634.867.png" /> 
Saved lives during World War 2&nbsp;

As a member of the Solar Energy Committee at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Telkes continued her work there. She was asked by the American government to assist in creating a solar distiller that turned seawater into fresh water during World War II. Soldiers stationed in the Pacific theatre employed this life-saving device.&nbsp;

Telkes was removed from the solar energy team&nbsp;

Dr. Telkes returned to MIT as an associate research professor following the war. The goal at hand for her and her MIT coworkers was to build livable solar-heated dwellings. She unfortunately suggested and created a bad design, was kicked off the committee, but she persevered. Together with architect Eleanor Raymond, she built the Dover Sun House in 1948 with private finance from benefactors. The solar-heated house was a success, and the women were highlighted in the media, which helped spread awareness of solar energy. Success and inventiveness characterised Dr. Telkes' outstanding career.&nbsp;

Invented solar oven&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Telkes developed a solar oven design that is still in use today after receiving a contract from the Ford Foundation. Her solar oven proved to be quite safe and even children could use it easily. Then she designed a new over for the farmers, so that the farmers could easily dry their crops. Her solar oven is still very popular. At famous universities like NYU, Princeton University, and the University of Delaware, she also contributed to the study of solar energy. Dr. Telkes served as a consultant for several energy firms and had more than 20 patents.

"Telkes’ inspiring career was filled with success and innovation. She was commissioned by the Ford Foundation and created a solar oven design that’s still used today. She also helped research solar energy at prestigious institutions such as NYU, Princeton University, and the University of Delaware. Telkes earned more than 20 patents and worked as a consultant for many energy companies. It’s no wonder she’s remembered as The Sun Queen," Google wrote while honoring her.

The Google Doodle for today honours Dr. Mária Telkes, one of the early solar energy pioneers, for her life and groundbreaking achievements. She was accurate when she said that the sun's power may alter people's lives.

The Google Doodle for today honours Dr. Mária Telkes, one of the early solar energy pioneers, for her life and groundbreaking achievements. She was accurate when she said that the sun's power may alter people's lives. On this day in 1952, Dr. Telkes became the first recipient of The Society of Women Engineers Achievement Award. Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1900, Dr. Telkes studied physical chemistry at the Eötvös Loránd University. After her B.A. in 1920, she earned her PhD. She relocated to the US the next year and took a job as a biophysicist and attained US citizenship in 1937. Saved lives during World War 2 As a member of the Solar Energy Committee at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Telkes continued her work there. She was asked by the American government to assist in creating a solar distiller that turned seawater into fresh water during World War II. Soldiers stationed in the Pacific theatre employed this life-saving device. Telkes was removed from the solar energy team Dr. Telkes returned to MIT as an associate research professor following the war. The goal at hand for her and her MIT coworkers was to build livable solar-heated dwellings. She unfortunately suggested and created a bad design, was kicked off the committee, but she persevered. Together with architect Eleanor Raymond, she built the Dover Sun House in 1948 with private finance from benefactors. The solar-heated house was a success, and the women were highlighted in the media, which helped spread awareness of solar energy. Success and inventiveness characterised Dr. Telkes' outstanding career. Invented solar oven Telkes developed a solar oven design that is still in use today after receiving a contract from the Ford Foundation. Her solar oven proved to be quite safe and even children could use it easily. Then she designed a new over for the farmers, so that the farmers could easily dry their crops. Her solar oven is still very popular. At famous universities like NYU, Princeton University, and the University of Delaware, she also contributed to the study of solar energy. Dr. Telkes served as a consultant for several energy firms and had more than 20 patents. "Telkes’ inspiring career was filled with success and innovation. She was commissioned by the Ford Foundation and created a solar oven design that’s still used today. She also helped research solar energy at prestigious institutions such as NYU, Princeton University, and the University of Delaware. Telkes earned more than 20 patents and worked as a consultant for many energy companies. It’s no wonder she’s remembered as The Sun Queen," Google wrote while honoring her.

Google Doodle celebrates 'The Sun Queen' Dr Mária Telkes, Here's how she saved lives during World War 2

By J Brian Houston and Jennifer M First

 
When major disasters hit, the first priority is to keep people safe. This process can involve dramatic evacuations, rescues and searches.

However, after the initial emergency passes, a much longer process of recovering and rebuilding begins. For individuals, families and communities, this can last months or even years. This work often begins at the same time as the national media starts packing up and public attention shifts to the next major news story.

At the University of Missouri’s Disaster and Community Crisis Center, we study disaster recovery, rebuilding and resilience. Much of our research shows that natural disasters can have a meaningful impact on survivors’ mental and behavioural health. These issues typically emerge as people try to recover and move forward after the devastation.

Health and disasters 
 
Immediately after a natural disaster, it’s normal to experience fear, anxiety, sadness or shock. However, if these symptoms continue for weeks to months following the event, they may indicate a more serious psychological issue.

The disaster mental health problem most commonly studied by psychologists and psychiatrists is post-traumatic stress disorder, which can occur after frightening events that threaten one’s own life and the lives for family and friends.

Following a disaster, people might lose their jobs or be displaced from their homes. This can contribute to depression, particularly as survivors attempt to cope with loss related to the disaster. It’s not easy to lose sentimental possessions or face economic uncertainties. People facing these challenges can feel hopeless or in despair.

Substance use can increase following disasters, but usually only for individuals who already used tobacco, alcohol or drugs before the disaster. In a study of Hurricane Katrina survivors who had been displaced to Houston, Texas, approximately one-third reported increasing their tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use after the storm.

There’s also evidence that domestic violence increases in communities experiencing a disaster. After Hurricane Katrina, another study found that, among women in Mississippi who were displaced from their homes, domestic violence rates increased dramatically. Perpetrators may feel a loss of control following the disaster and turn to abusive behaviour to try to gain that control back in their personal relationships.

Disaster recovery 
 
While many disaster survivors show resilience, studies have shown mental and behavioural health issues cropping up weeks, months and even years after a disaster.

Rebuilding can be a long process, with a series of ups and downs. Survivors may bounce back after a few months, or they may experience ongoing stressors, such as financial issues or problems finding permanent housing. Disaster anniversaries or other reminders – like a heavy rainstorm months after a hurricane – may also trigger reactions.

In addition, early disaster recovery efforts often focus on physical reconstruction. Psychological recovery may end up on the back burner.

Individuals and organizations working to help disaster survivors need to remember that disasters can affect many aspects of survivors’ lives. As a result, several different community systems need to be working together as part of recovery efforts.

Researchers sometimes call the multi-agency disaster response and recovery network that is needed to help individuals cope with a disaster a &nbsp;“system of care.” A disaster system of care will include disaster groups like FEMA and Red Cross. It should also involve agencies representing public health, mental health, schools, local government, social services, local businesses and workforce development, faith-based organizations and local media.

For example, combating domestic violence after a disaster will require collaboration among disaster organizations, domestic violence groups, law enforcement, local media and more. Resources intended to help women and families experiencing domestic violence – such as legal aid or transportation assistance – should be included in disaster response programs.

Communities should also help disaster survivors get reconnected: to their friends and family, to new people in the community and to the place they may be temporarily staying while displaced. Social capital and support may be the most important resources for individuals coping with disasters. Community events, such as neighbourhood dinners, might help foster connections. Social media platforms can help bring together neighbours who are displaced and waiting to return home.

Finally, a variety of mental health interventions – such as psychological first aid, crisis counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy – can help those who have experienced a disaster. These programs can be delivered through many community systems, including mental health agencies, schools and more.

If you’re in the US and seeking help, a free Disaster Distress Helpline is available for disaster survivors.

(J Brian Houston is Associate Professor of Communication and Public Health, University of Missouri-Columbia; Jennifer M First&nbsp;Disaster Mental Health Program Manager, Disaster and Community Crisis Center, University of Missouri-Columbia)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-mental-health-impact-of-disasters-like-michael-irma-or-maria-83764">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By J Brian Houston and Jennifer M First When major disasters hit, the first priority is to keep people safe. This process can involve dramatic evacuations, rescues and searches.

By J Brian Houston and Jennifer M First When major disasters hit, the first priority is to keep people safe. This process can involve dramatic evacuations, rescues and searches. However, after the initial emergency passes, a much longer process of recovering and rebuilding begins. For individuals, families and communities, this can last months or even years. This work often begins at the same time as the national media starts packing up and public attention shifts to the next major news story. At the University of Missouri’s Disaster and Community Crisis Center, we study disaster recovery, rebuilding and resilience. Much of our research shows that natural disasters can have a meaningful impact on survivors’ mental and behavioural health. These issues typically emerge as people try to recover and move forward after the devastation. Health and disasters Immediately after a natural disaster, it’s normal to experience fear, anxiety, sadness or shock. However, if these symptoms continue for weeks to months following the event, they may indicate a more serious psychological issue. The disaster mental health problem most commonly studied by psychologists and psychiatrists is post-traumatic stress disorder, which can occur after frightening events that threaten one’s own life and the lives for family and friends. Following a disaster, people might lose their jobs or be displaced from their homes. This can contribute to depression, particularly as survivors attempt to cope with loss related to the disaster. It’s not easy to lose sentimental possessions or face economic uncertainties. People facing these challenges can feel hopeless or in despair. Substance use can increase following disasters, but usually only for individuals who already used tobacco, alcohol or drugs before the disaster. In a study of Hurricane Katrina survivors who had been displaced to Houston, Texas, approximately one-third reported increasing their tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use after the storm. There’s also evidence that domestic violence increases in communities experiencing a disaster. After Hurricane Katrina, another study found that, among women in Mississippi who were displaced from their homes, domestic violence rates increased dramatically. Perpetrators may feel a loss of control following the disaster and turn to abusive behaviour to try to gain that control back in their personal relationships. Disaster recovery While many disaster survivors show resilience, studies have shown mental and behavioural health issues cropping up weeks, months and even years after a disaster. Rebuilding can be a long process, with a series of ups and downs. Survivors may bounce back after a few months, or they may experience ongoing stressors, such as financial issues or problems finding permanent housing. Disaster anniversaries or other reminders – like a heavy rainstorm months after a hurricane – may also trigger reactions. In addition, early disaster recovery efforts often focus on physical reconstruction. Psychological recovery may end up on the back burner. Individuals and organizations working to help disaster survivors need to remember that disasters can affect many aspects of survivors’ lives. As a result, several different community systems need to be working together as part of recovery efforts. Researchers sometimes call the multi-agency disaster response and recovery network that is needed to help individuals cope with a disaster a “system of care.” A disaster system of care will include disaster groups like FEMA and Red Cross. It should also involve agencies representing public health, mental health, schools, local government, social services, local businesses and workforce development, faith-based organizations and local media. For example, combating domestic violence after a disaster will require collaboration among disaster organizations, domestic violence groups, law enforcement, local media and more. Resources intended to help women and families experiencing domestic violence – such as legal aid or transportation assistance – should be included in disaster response programs. Communities should also help disaster survivors get reconnected: to their friends and family, to new people in the community and to the place they may be temporarily staying while displaced. Social capital and support may be the most important resources for individuals coping with disasters. Community events, such as neighbourhood dinners, might help foster connections. Social media platforms can help bring together neighbours who are displaced and waiting to return home. Finally, a variety of mental health interventions – such as psychological first aid, crisis counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy – can help those who have experienced a disaster. These programs can be delivered through many community systems, including mental health agencies, schools and more. If you’re in the US and seeking help, a free Disaster Distress Helpline is available for disaster survivors. (J Brian Houston is Associate Professor of Communication and Public Health, University of Missouri-Columbia; Jennifer M First Disaster Mental Health Program Manager, Disaster and Community Crisis Center, University of Missouri-Columbia) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The mental health impact of disasters like Hurricane Michael or Irma

River flooding&nbsp;continued to&nbsp;cause&nbsp;damage&nbsp;as of Sunday in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-maria-lashes-dominican-republic-after-direct-hit-on-puerto-rico-20479">Dominican&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;days after Hurricane Maria</a> lashed the eastern and northeastern coast of the country.

Thousands of people were still out of their homes, almost 1 million had no water, and 57 communities were experiencing communication outage, a report from the Emergency Operations Center (COE) said on Sunday.

The most recent river to overflow was Yuna, the largest in&nbsp;Dominican&nbsp;territory, isolating 15 communities from the provinces of Duarte and Sanchez Ramirez in the northeast, and paralyzing a stretch of road that connects the tourist city Samana in the northeast with the capital of Santo Domingo, according to Agencia EFE sources.

A total of 15,076 people had to stay in homes of relatives or friends, and another 941 were in official shelters after the disaster destroyed 188 homes, affected 861 and flooded 4,588.

Because&nbsp;of the hurricane, 942,185 people had no drinking water, while thousands&nbsp;continued to live in the dark due to power cut.

The&nbsp;Dominican&nbsp;Air Force&nbsp;continued its rescue operations in flooded areas.

Hurricane Maria landed in Dominica on Sept. 18 at a speed of 260 kilometres per hour, killing at least 15 people and leaving at least another 20 missing.

Although Maria has moved away toward North Carolina of the United States, the&nbsp;Dominican national l Office of Meteorology&nbsp;continued to maintain flood warnings for 12 provinces as rains would&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to pour in some areas of the country.

Thousands of people were still out of their homes, almost 1 million had no water, and 57 communities were experiencing communication outage, a report from the Emergency Operations Center (COE) said on Sunday.

River flooding continued to cause damage as of Sunday in the Dominican Republic days after Hurricane Maria lashed the eastern and northeastern coast of the country. Thousands of people were still out of their homes, almost 1 million had no water, and 57 communities were experiencing communication outage, a report from the Emergency Operations Center (COE) said on Sunday. The most recent river to overflow was Yuna, the largest in Dominican territory, isolating 15 communities from the provinces of Duarte and Sanchez Ramirez in the northeast, and paralyzing a stretch of road that connects the tourist city Samana in the northeast with the capital of Santo Domingo, according to Agencia EFE sources. A total of 15,076 people had to stay in homes of relatives or friends, and another 941 were in official shelters after the disaster destroyed 188 homes, affected 861 and flooded 4,588. Because of the hurricane, 942,185 people had no drinking water, while thousands continued to live in the dark due to power cut. The Dominican Air Force continued its rescue operations in flooded areas. Hurricane Maria landed in Dominica on Sept. 18 at a speed of 260 kilometres per hour, killing at least 15 people and leaving at least another 20 missing. Although Maria has moved away toward North Carolina of the United States, the Dominican national l Office of Meteorology continued to maintain flood warnings for 12 provinces as rains would continue to pour in some areas of the country.

Hurricane-triggered floods continue to cause damage in the Dominican Republic

Hurricane Maria thrashed parts of the Dominican Republic with heavy rain and high winds as it passed near its east and north coasts on Thursday after making a direct hit on Puerto Rico that caused severe flooding and cut power to the entire island.

Maria has killed at least 10 people as it raged through the Caribbean, the second major hurricane to do so this month, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said it was headed toward the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas, bringing dangerous storm surges and torrential rain.

It ripped roofs off almost all structures on the island country of Dominica, where seven people were confirmed dead. The toll is expected to climb when searches resume at daybreak.

Maria was ranked a Category 4 storm, near the top end of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds of up to 155 miles per hour (250 km per hour), when it hit Puerto Rico on Wednesday as the strongest storm to hit the U.S. territory in nearly 90 years.

It ripped apart homes, snapped power lines and turned roadways into torrents laden with debris as it cut a diagonal swath across the island.

The entire island of 3.4 million people was under a flash flood warning early on Thursday as the storm was forecast to dump 20 to 30 inches (50 to 76 cm) of rain on much of Puerto Rico through Friday, according to the NHC.

The island&#39;s governor, Ricardo Rossello, said the only fatality immediately reported was a man struck by a piece of lumber hurled by high winds.

&quot;It&#39;s nothing short of a major disaster,&quot; Rossello said in a CNN interview, adding it may take months for the island&#39;s electricity to be completely restored. Earlier he imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew for the island.

The streets of Puerto Rico&#39;s historic Old Town in the capital, San Juan, were strewn with broken balconies, air conditioning units, shattered lamp posts, fallen power lines and dead birds. Few trees escaped unscathed.

The island&#39;s recovery could be complicated by its financial woes as it faces the largest municipal debt crisis in U.S. history. Both its government and the public utility have filed for bankruptcy protection amid disputes with creditors.

Maria weakened as it went over land in Puerto Rico and picked up strength early on Thursday as it passed over warm Caribbean waters.

It was a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) about 70 miles (110 kms) north of Punta Cana, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, at 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT), the NHC said.

Punta Cana, a popular tourist area, was hit with wind gusts of 58 mph (93 kph) and Maria was forecast to bring storm surges, when hurricanes push ocean water dangerously over normal levels, of up to 6 feet (1.83 m) in the Dominican Republic, it said.

Maria was expected to pick up strength as it churns toward the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas. Storm surges on the islands could be as high as 12 feet (3.66 m), it said.

Maria would then move north in the Atlantic Ocean over the weekend and there was no indication as to whether it would hit the continental United States.

It was classified a Category 5 storm when it struck Dominica on Monday night with devastating force.

Based on an aerial survey, about 95 percent of roofs in Dominica, one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean with a population of about 73,000, were damaged or destroyed by Maria, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. It added damage to the island could be in the billions of dollars.

Hartley Henry, principal adviser to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, said on Wednesday: &quot;The country is in a daze.&quot;

Passing early Wednesday just west of St. Croix, home to about 55,000 people, Maria damaged an estimated 65 percent to 70 percent of the island&#39;s buildings, said Holland Redfield, who served six terms in the U.S. Virgin Islands Senate.

President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered federal aid to supplement recovery efforts, the White House said.

The U.S. and British Virgin Islands were also hit this month by Hurricane Irma, which ranked as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record. It left a trail of destruction in several Caribbean islands and Florida this month, killing at least 84 people.

Photos posted on Facebook from St. Croix by Virgin Islands&#39; local public television station, WTJX-TV, showed fallen utility and telephone poles, tangled wires, uprooted trees and storm shutters ripped from buildings.

In the French territory of Guadeloupe, many roads were blocked and 40 percent of the population was without power, France&#39;s overseas territories ministry said.

Maria has killed at least 10 people as it raged through the Caribbean, the second major hurricane to do so this month.

Hurricane Maria thrashed parts of the Dominican Republic with heavy rain and high winds as it passed near its east and north coasts on Thursday after making a direct hit on Puerto Rico that caused severe flooding and cut power to the entire island. Maria has killed at least 10 people as it raged through the Caribbean, the second major hurricane to do so this month, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said it was headed toward the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas, bringing dangerous storm surges and torrential rain. It ripped roofs off almost all structures on the island country of Dominica, where seven people were confirmed dead. The toll is expected to climb when searches resume at daybreak. Maria was ranked a Category 4 storm, near the top end of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds of up to 155 miles per hour (250 km per hour), when it hit Puerto Rico on Wednesday as the strongest storm to hit the U.S. territory in nearly 90 years. It ripped apart homes, snapped power lines and turned roadways into torrents laden with debris as it cut a diagonal swath across the island. The entire island of 3.4 million people was under a flash flood warning early on Thursday as the storm was forecast to dump 20 to 30 inches (50 to 76 cm) of rain on much of Puerto Rico through Friday, according to the NHC. The island's governor, Ricardo Rossello, said the only fatality immediately reported was a man struck by a piece of lumber hurled by high winds. "It's nothing short of a major disaster," Rossello said in a CNN interview, adding it may take months for the island's electricity to be completely restored. Earlier he imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew for the island. The streets of Puerto Rico's historic Old Town in the capital, San Juan, were strewn with broken balconies, air conditioning units, shattered lamp posts, fallen power lines and dead birds. Few trees escaped unscathed. The island's recovery could be complicated by its financial woes as it faces the largest municipal debt crisis in U.S. history. Both its government and the public utility have filed for bankruptcy protection amid disputes with creditors. Maria weakened as it went over land in Puerto Rico and picked up strength early on Thursday as it passed over warm Caribbean waters. It was a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) about 70 miles (110 kms) north of Punta Cana, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, at 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT), the NHC said. Punta Cana, a popular tourist area, was hit with wind gusts of 58 mph (93 kph) and Maria was forecast to bring storm surges, when hurricanes push ocean water dangerously over normal levels, of up to 6 feet (1.83 m) in the Dominican Republic, it said. Maria was expected to pick up strength as it churns toward the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas. Storm surges on the islands could be as high as 12 feet (3.66 m), it said. Maria would then move north in the Atlantic Ocean over the weekend and there was no indication as to whether it would hit the continental United States. It was classified a Category 5 storm when it struck Dominica on Monday night with devastating force. Based on an aerial survey, about 95 percent of roofs in Dominica, one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean with a population of about 73,000, were damaged or destroyed by Maria, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. It added damage to the island could be in the billions of dollars. Hartley Henry, principal adviser to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, said on Wednesday: "The country is in a daze." Passing early Wednesday just west of St. Croix, home to about 55,000 people, Maria damaged an estimated 65 percent to 70 percent of the island's buildings, said Holland Redfield, who served six terms in the U.S. Virgin Islands Senate. President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered federal aid to supplement recovery efforts, the White House said. The U.S. and British Virgin Islands were also hit this month by Hurricane Irma, which ranked as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record. It left a trail of destruction in several Caribbean islands and Florida this month, killing at least 84 people. Photos posted on Facebook from St. Croix by Virgin Islands' local public television station, WTJX-TV, showed fallen utility and telephone poles, tangled wires, uprooted trees and storm shutters ripped from buildings. In the French territory of Guadeloupe, many roads were blocked and 40 percent of the population was without power, France's overseas territories ministry said.

Hurricane Maria lashes Dominican Republic after Puerto Rico

maria

Maria, News on Maria, stories on Maria, articles on Maria, Maria stories at Wion, Maria news, Maria latest news