<p>Three people were killed in a massive fire that broke out inside a Perth hotel. The authorities called emergency services which included 60 firefighters, 21 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks to the New County Hotel on County Place at around 05:10 am (local time).</p>

<p>Two people residing in neighbouring flats along with hotel guests were evacuated and the area was cordoned off by the police who appealed&nbsp;the people to avoid the area. Around eleven people were provided medical help at the scene of the incident by the Scottish Ambulance Service.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This shocking video shows flames shooting from the window of the New County Hotel in Perth.<br />
<br />
Three people died in the fire, which broke out at around 5am this morning.<br />
<br />
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.<br />
<br />
Here's what we know so far: <a href="https://t.co/69BHAxj1iN">https://t.co/69BHAxj1iN</a> <a href="https://t.co/07WpEi2PTb">pic.twitter.com/07WpEi2PTb</a></p>
— The Courier (@thecourieruk) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecourieruk/status/1609942840083103746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The authorities were able to extinguish the fire at around 6:30 am (local time) after which&nbsp;they discovered the bodies in a subsequent search.</p>

<p>Speaking about the incident, the residents of the city expressed their shock at the tragedy. "We were wakened at 05:00 when the alarms went off and the lights were flashing in my room," said one of the residents.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodia-casino-fire-caused-by-electrical-short-circuit-say-authorities-death-toll-at-26-548260">Cambodia casino fire caused by electrical short circuit, say authorities; death toll at 26</a></p>

<p>"Obviously as we were watching it unfold, police incident units were arriving. The fire brigade and 21 ambulances were outside. It was pretty horrendous to watch. It was frightening. When I saw the private ambulance I knew it only meant one thing. Then I realised it was major," the resident added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The death of a dog in the blaze was also confirmed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Senior fire officer of the area Jason Sharp said that firefighters did their best to save many casualties from the hotel before sending them into the care of paramedics.</p>

<p>Police Scotland said that a joint investigation was being conducted by their officers along with the fire service. Chief Supt Phil Davison said, "Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone."</p>

<p>Local MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney appreciated the work of emergency services.</p>

<p>"The news of the major fire at the New County Hotel in Perth and the loss of life that has been associated with that has been an absolutely tragic start to 2023 in the city of Perth. I extend my deepest sympathies to everybody who has been involved in this tragedy and affected by this tragedy," he said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH| WION Dispatch: Armed men open fire in Kabul building housing Chinese nationals</strong></p>

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<p>"There has been a huge effort by the emergency services to try to avoid the loss of life and address the very serious fire that has emerged, and a whole host of support work has been put in place to assist those who have been affected, and I'm grateful to everybody for their efforts in these very sad circumstances," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perth and Kinross Council's deputy leader and Councillor Eric Drysdale said, "The loss of three people in a dreadful fire is truly shocking and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased."</p>

<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Three people were killed in a massive fire that broke out inside a Perth hotel. The authorities called emergency services which included 60 firefighters, 21 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks to the New County Hotel on County Place at around 05:10 am (local time).

Three people were killed in a massive fire that broke out inside a Perth hotel. The authorities called emergency services which included 60 firefighters, 21 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks to the New County Hotel on County Place at around 05:10 am (local time). Two people residing in neighbouring flats along with hotel guests were evacuated and the area was cordoned off by the police who appealed the people to avoid the area. Around eleven people were provided medical help at the scene of the incident by the Scottish Ambulance Service. This shocking video shows flames shooting from the window of the New County Hotel in Perth. Three people died in the fire, which broke out at around 5am this morning. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Here's what we know so far: https://t.co/69BHAxj1iN pic.twitter.com/07WpEi2PTb — The Courier (@thecourieruk) January 2, 2023 × The authorities were able to extinguish the fire at around 6:30 am (local time) after which they discovered the bodies in a subsequent search. Speaking about the incident, the residents of the city expressed their shock at the tragedy. "We were wakened at 05:00 when the alarms went off and the lights were flashing in my room," said one of the residents. ALSO READ| Cambodia casino fire caused by electrical short circuit, say authorities; death toll at 26 "Obviously as we were watching it unfold, police incident units were arriving. The fire brigade and 21 ambulances were outside. It was pretty horrendous to watch. It was frightening. When I saw the private ambulance I knew it only meant one thing. Then I realised it was major," the resident added. The death of a dog in the blaze was also confirmed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Senior fire officer of the area Jason Sharp said that firefighters did their best to save many casualties from the hotel before sending them into the care of paramedics. Police Scotland said that a joint investigation was being conducted by their officers along with the fire service. Chief Supt Phil Davison said, "Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone." Local MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney appreciated the work of emergency services. "The news of the major fire at the New County Hotel in Perth and the loss of life that has been associated with that has been an absolutely tragic start to 2023 in the city of Perth. I extend my deepest sympathies to everybody who has been involved in this tragedy and affected by this tragedy," he said. WATCH| WION Dispatch: Armed men open fire in Kabul building housing Chinese nationals "There has been a huge effort by the emergency services to try to avoid the loss of life and address the very serious fire that has emerged, and a whole host of support work has been put in place to assist those who have been affected, and I'm grateful to everybody for their efforts in these very sad circumstances," he added. Perth and Kinross Council's deputy leader and Councillor Eric Drysdale said, "The loss of three people in a dreadful fire is truly shocking and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased." (With inputs from agencies)

Massive fire breaks out at Perth hotel, leaving three dead

<p>Tensions increased between France and Italy on Wednesday&nbsp;over the fate of an NGO ship carrying 234 migrants who had been rescued in the Mediterranean, with Paris describing the Italian government's reluctance to allow the ship to dock as "unacceptable."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the most recent instance of a dispute in Europe in recent years about where to land migrants who had been rescued while trying to cross into the continent from North Africa. Italy has grown increasingly upset at having to take in the majority of those saved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dispute is focused on the Ocean Viking, a charity ship that left Sicilian waters for France after trying in vain to land in Italy since late October.</p>

<p>The ship, which is operated by the European humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranee and is flying the Norwegian flag, has asked France to accept it and is headed toward Corsica by Thursday.</p>

<p>"It's a total blockage on the part of the Italians," SOS Med director Sophie Beau told AFP, saying it had lodged 43 official requests with no response.</p>

<p>Along the northern coast of Sicily, the ship is headed for Sardinia and, maybe, France, where the charity has also requested port access.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It "still had no official response" from French officials as of Wednesday morning, according to Beau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even yet, Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister of Italy, stated in an interview that France had offered Marseille as a port of safety, as did the late-Tuesday statement from the office of Giorgia Meloni, the country's new far-right premier.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-use-first-green-bonds-to-finance-climate-projects-532662">India to use first green bonds to finance climate projects</a></p>

<p>Paris, however, has not confirmed this, and on Wednesday, government spokesman Olivier Veran stated that the Ocean Viking was still in Italian territorial seas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He deemed "unacceptable" the "current attitude of the Italian government, notably its declarations and refusal to accept the ship."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ocean Viking is the final of four NGO ships that have rescued more than 1,000 migrants who were stranded at sea in dilapidated boats during the past two weeks, the most recent of tens of thousands of people who have sailed for Europe in recent years.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Tensions increased between France and Italy on Wednesday over the fate of an NGO ship carrying 234 migrants who had been rescued in the Mediterranean, with Paris describing the Italian government's reluctance to allow the ship to dock as "unacceptable.

Tensions increased between France and Italy on Wednesday over the fate of an NGO ship carrying 234 migrants who had been rescued in the Mediterranean, with Paris describing the Italian government's reluctance to allow the ship to dock as "unacceptable." It was the most recent instance of a dispute in Europe in recent years about where to land migrants who had been rescued while trying to cross into the continent from North Africa. Italy has grown increasingly upset at having to take in the majority of those saved. The dispute is focused on the Ocean Viking, a charity ship that left Sicilian waters for France after trying in vain to land in Italy since late October. The ship, which is operated by the European humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranee and is flying the Norwegian flag, has asked France to accept it and is headed toward Corsica by Thursday. "It's a total blockage on the part of the Italians," SOS Med director Sophie Beau told AFP, saying it had lodged 43 official requests with no response. Along the northern coast of Sicily, the ship is headed for Sardinia and, maybe, France, where the charity has also requested port access. It "still had no official response" from French officials as of Wednesday morning, according to Beau. Even yet, Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister of Italy, stated in an interview that France had offered Marseille as a port of safety, as did the late-Tuesday statement from the office of Giorgia Meloni, the country's new far-right premier. Also Read: India to use first green bonds to finance climate projects Paris, however, has not confirmed this, and on Wednesday, government spokesman Olivier Veran stated that the Ocean Viking was still in Italian territorial seas. He deemed "unacceptable" the "current attitude of the Italian government, notably its declarations and refusal to accept the ship." The Ocean Viking is the final of four NGO ships that have rescued more than 1,000 migrants who were stranded at sea in dilapidated boats during the past two weeks, the most recent of tens of thousands of people who have sailed for Europe in recent years. (with inputs from agencies)

Tensions mount between France and Italy over migrant rescue ship

Two pink dolphins were rescued from still water ponds as they were cut off from the Bolivian Amazon's Rio Grande after they swam inland and the main channel dropped.

WION Climate Tracker: Pink dolphins rescued in Bolivia

Dramatic CCTV video captured the moment a commuter fell onto the tracks in front of an arriving train at an Argentinian station.

Watch: Man rescued after falling into the path of train in Argentina

As India celebrates 75 years of independence, take a look at times when India rescued its expats during crises.

India@75: The great Indian rescue: Times when India rescued expats

French authorities are mulling a rescue plan for the White Beluga whale that swam way up the Seine, as they raced to save the malnourished cetacean that is refusing food.

France mulls rescue plan for White Beluga whale as it refuses food

<p>There are numerous instances of people putting their lives in danger for their pets. &nbsp;Like these youngsters,&nbsp;who risked their lives for their pet dog;&nbsp;their devotion knows no bounds. In a terrifying video that has gone viral online, three courageous&nbsp;young boys successfully repelled a huge python to save their pet. The lads heroically fought the reptile off and managed to save their pet, however, the exact location of the incident remains unknown.</p>

<p>The caption of the post reads, "This video of three young boys fighting off a snake to save their pet dog is a symbol of pure love &amp; bravery."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">3 boy's in China save<br />
a dog from a snake 🐍<br />
(via SKY News) <a href="https://t.co/vsTVJitIPr">pic.twitter.com/vsTVJitIPr</a></p>
— Amazing Nature🌱 (@SimplyNature8) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimplyNature8/status/1147238806418055169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video which is now viral was posted on Instagram. In the brief video, three young boys are seen fighting against a large python that had wrapped itself around their pet dog's torso. To get the snake to leave, they used sticks. Instantaneously, one of the youngsters grabbed the snake by the head and began removing it from the dog. The other two boys also assisted him. They fought to remove the dog from the snake's hold for a time before succeeding.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-rare-pictures-of-record-summer-melting-in-svalbard-norways-ice-covered-archipelago-504528">NASA shares rare pictures of record summer melting in Svalbard, Norway’s ice-covered archipelago</a></p>

<p>The video appears to show the dog escaping unscathed. After being posted online, the video garnered over 2 lakh views. Internet users shared their admiration for the boys' bravery in the comments section.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


There are numerous instances of people putting their lives in danger for their pets. Like these youngsters, who risked their lives for their pet dog; their devotion knows no bounds.

There are numerous instances of people putting their lives in danger for their pets. Like these youngsters, who risked their lives for their pet dog; their devotion knows no bounds. In a terrifying video that has gone viral online, three courageous young boys successfully repelled a huge python to save their pet. The lads heroically fought the reptile off and managed to save their pet, however, the exact location of the incident remains unknown. The caption of the post reads, "This video of three young boys fighting off a snake to save their pet dog is a symbol of pure love & bravery." 3 boy's in China save a dog from a snake 🐍 (via SKY News) pic.twitter.com/vsTVJitIPr — Amazing Nature🌱 (@SimplyNature8) July 5, 2019 × The video which is now viral was posted on Instagram. In the brief video, three young boys are seen fighting against a large python that had wrapped itself around their pet dog's torso. To get the snake to leave, they used sticks. Instantaneously, one of the youngsters grabbed the snake by the head and began removing it from the dog. The other two boys also assisted him. They fought to remove the dog from the snake's hold for a time before succeeding. Also Read: NASA shares rare pictures of record summer melting in Svalbard, Norway’s ice-covered archipelago The video appears to show the dog escaping unscathed. After being posted online, the video garnered over 2 lakh views. Internet users shared their admiration for the boys' bravery in the comments section. (with inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Viral video: Three courageous boys fend off giant python to rescue their pet dog

In Thailand, a baby elephant was rescued from a manhole. His mother was sedated to allow the operation to save her baby in the Khao Yai National Park in Central Thailand.

WION Climate Tracker: Baby Elephant's dramatic rescue from manhole in Thailand

An elephant and her calf were rescued from a manhole in Thailand in a dramatic operation. The calf had fallen into the manhole, and the mother had refused to leave her baby's side, she had to be tranquilised. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Thailand: Elephant and her calf rescued in a dramatic operation

Around 250 elephants are expected to be shifted to Kasungu National Park in Malawi by the end of July. Elephants will travel 350 km across Malawi.

WION Climate Tracker: A new home awaits endangered elephants

More than 27 people are missing after the ship broke into two during a typhoon Chaba in the South China Sea. Search operations are underway for missing crew members.

Typhoon Chaba wrecks vessel in South China sea

<p>Basque city in Spain is drafting legislation to charge those needing rescue for costs incurred in cases of negligence or recklessness, as the rescue cost in April racked up to an estimated €6,000 (£5,200), as reported by The Guardian.</p>

<p>“I would love to never charge a single euro, pound or dollar,” says Martín Ibabe, the city councillor responsible for citizen safety, as reported by The Guardian. “The objective here is to prevent these types of incidents from happening. The confrontational nature of this law is aimed at making people think twice.”</p>

<p>The city has also been beset by what Ibabe calls “clear acts of irresponsibility”, including a tourist left stranded by tides after he dozed off on a stone jetty and a drunken woman who scrambled down the rocks in an area known for its ferocious waves.</p>

<p>The city began drafting the bill two years ago. Recently there has been a rise in cases of reckless swimming, and people ignore signs stating the beach is closed.</p>

<p>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/illegal-afghan-migrants-deported-to-afghanistan-by-turkey-491967">&nbsp;Illegal Afghan migrants deported to Afghanistan by Turkey</a></p>

<p>Every rescue has a personal risk for first responders and uses valuable resources, leaving the city more vulnerable if there is another emergency at the same time. A steady increase in rescues in recent years has left locals paying the costs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some critics say that people might feel hesitant before calling for help.</p>

<p>Ibabe brushes off the worries, saying that the city would exercise caution in applying the law. “If there is the slightest doubt that it might have been an accident, we won’t charge people,” he adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Basque city in Spain is drafting legislation to charge those needing rescue for costs incurred in cases of negligence or recklessness, as the rescue cost in April racked up to an estimated €6,000 (£5,200), as reported by The Guardian.

Basque city in Spain is drafting legislation to charge those needing rescue for costs incurred in cases of negligence or recklessness, as the rescue cost in April racked up to an estimated €6,000 (£5,200), as reported by The Guardian. “I would love to never charge a single euro, pound or dollar,” says Martín Ibabe, the city councillor responsible for citizen safety, as reported by The Guardian. “The objective here is to prevent these types of incidents from happening. The confrontational nature of this law is aimed at making people think twice.” The city has also been beset by what Ibabe calls “clear acts of irresponsibility”, including a tourist left stranded by tides after he dozed off on a stone jetty and a drunken woman who scrambled down the rocks in an area known for its ferocious waves. The city began drafting the bill two years ago. Recently there has been a rise in cases of reckless swimming, and people ignore signs stating the beach is closed. Also Read: Illegal Afghan migrants deported to Afghanistan by Turkey Every rescue has a personal risk for first responders and uses valuable resources, leaving the city more vulnerable if there is another emergency at the same time. A steady increase in rescues in recent years has left locals paying the costs. Some critics say that people might feel hesitant before calling for help. Ibabe brushes off the worries, saying that the city would exercise caution in applying the law. “If there is the slightest doubt that it might have been an accident, we won’t charge people,” he adds. (with inputs from agencies) 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.

Need rescue on the sea? This Spanish city will charge you for it

Around 50 people were stranded after a mid-air collision that killed two people on a ropeway carrying pilgrims in Indian city of Deoghar.

Watch: People trapped on ropeway after collision rescued by authorities in Indian city

<p>New Zealand’s emergency services released a video of a dramatic rescue operation showing a man clinging on to a wreckage of a sunken ship before jumping into the arms of a rescue swimmer off the country’s northern coast.</p>

<p>At least four of the 10 people on board the chartered boat died after it capsized due to a storm off North Cape on Sunday.</p>

<p>While five people were rescued from the sea on Monday, the rescue teams have been looking for one missing person. The first rescue helicopters reached only at around midnight due to thunderstorms.</p>

<p>The video was shot from the Northland Rescue Helicopter at about 12.30 am Monday after the boat's rescue beacon was activated more than four hours earlier off the remote North Cape, reported the AP news agency.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Search and rescue coordinator Nick Burt says teams are doing everything they can to find the final missing person after a deadly boat capsize off North Cape <a href="https://t.co/K6umyww6sF">https://t.co/K6umyww6sF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Newshub?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Newshub</a> <a href="https://t.co/8JJrwyGgiI">pic.twitter.com/8JJrwyGgiI</a></p>
— AM (@AMShowNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMShowNZ/status/1505992875515031556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Clearances are good. At your discretion, if you want to tack right to the target. At 40 feet, 35, 30,” one of the rescuers can be heard saying, as another reaches the sea.</p>

<p>Helicopter pilot Lance Donnelly told The Associated Press that he wore night vision goggles as they flew to the scene with a team that included another pilot, a winch operator and a rescue swimmer.</p>

<p>He reportedly termed it “the most dramatic rescue” he’s undertaken in 30 years of flying.</p>

<p>They weren’t able to land somebody on the wreckage but instead put a tethered swimmer into the sea nearby.</p>

<p>Nick Burt, Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson, told New Zealand’s AM network on Monday night that teams are doing everything they can to find the final missing person.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New Zealand’s emergency services released a video of a dramatic rescue operation showing a man clinging on to a wreckage of a sunken ship before jumping into the arms of a rescue swimmer off the country’s northern coast.

New Zealand’s emergency services released a video of a dramatic rescue operation showing a man clinging on to a wreckage of a sunken ship before jumping into the arms of a rescue swimmer off the country’s northern coast. At least four of the 10 people on board the chartered boat died after it capsized due to a storm off North Cape on Sunday. While five people were rescued from the sea on Monday, the rescue teams have been looking for one missing person. The first rescue helicopters reached only at around midnight due to thunderstorms. The video was shot from the Northland Rescue Helicopter at about 12.30 am Monday after the boat's rescue beacon was activated more than four hours earlier off the remote North Cape, reported the AP news agency. Search and rescue coordinator Nick Burt says teams are doing everything they can to find the final missing person after a deadly boat capsize off North Cape https://t.co/K6umyww6sF #Newshub pic.twitter.com/8JJrwyGgiI — AM (@AMShowNZ) March 21, 2022 × “Clearances are good. At your discretion, if you want to tack right to the target. At 40 feet, 35, 30,” one of the rescuers can be heard saying, as another reaches the sea. Helicopter pilot Lance Donnelly told The Associated Press that he wore night vision goggles as they flew to the scene with a team that included another pilot, a winch operator and a rescue swimmer. He reportedly termed it “the most dramatic rescue” he’s undertaken in 30 years of flying. They weren’t able to land somebody on the wreckage but instead put a tethered swimmer into the sea nearby. Nick Burt, Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson, told New Zealand’s AM network on Monday night that teams are doing everything they can to find the final missing person. (With inputs from agencies)

Dramatic video shows rescue from New Zealand boat sinking that killed four

<p>Can a game help save someone’s life? Well, truly it can. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>An elderly woman was rescued in the US after a 20-hour home invasion hostage ordeal due to the wildly popular online puzzle ‘Wordle’. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 80-year-old woman was locked in the basement of her home in Illinois after a naked and knife-wielding intruder woke her up in the middle of the night. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-when-a-training-session-turns-into-a-life-saving-mission-firefighters-rescue-teens-from-a-icy-death-452329" hreflang="en">Watch: When a training session turns into a life-saving mission. Firefighters rescue teens from a icy death</a></strong></p>

<p>The shivering man got into her bed and threatened to “cut her” if she screamed before backing down from his threats. He also asked her to help warm him up in the bath. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Denyse Holt, who is a retired teacher, was locked in the basement by the man without food or medication. She had started to fear for her life. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The viral word game 'Wordle' seems to have turned into a potential life saver when the woman’s elder daughter got irked that her mother didn't text her score in the game as she used to do everyday. The daughter started trying to reach her and also took neighbour's help after failing to connect with her over landline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inflation-in-us-worsens-becomes-highest-in-40-years-452274" hreflang="en">Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years</a></strong></p>

<p>“I didn’t send my older daughter a Wordle in the morning. And that was disconcerting to her,” Holt told Chicago’s WBBM. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The neighbour found no answer at the door when Holt’s car was still in the drive way. So, the police were called. And when they went around, they heard her shouting “I’m here! I’m here! I’m here in the basement!” and freed her. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 32-year-old man was also arrested from a bedroom upstairs. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Can a game help save someone’s life? Well, truly it can. An elderly woman was rescued in the US after a 20-hour home invasion hostage ordeal due to the wildly popular online puzzle ‘Wordle’.

Can a game help save someone’s life? Well, truly it can. An elderly woman was rescued in the US after a 20-hour home invasion hostage ordeal due to the wildly popular online puzzle ‘Wordle’. The 80-year-old woman was locked in the basement of her home in Illinois after a naked and knife-wielding intruder woke her up in the middle of the night. Also Read | Watch: When a training session turns into a life-saving mission. Firefighters rescue teens from a icy death The shivering man got into her bed and threatened to “cut her” if she screamed before backing down from his threats. He also asked her to help warm him up in the bath. Denyse Holt, who is a retired teacher, was locked in the basement by the man without food or medication. She had started to fear for her life. The viral word game 'Wordle' seems to have turned into a potential life saver when the woman’s elder daughter got irked that her mother didn't text her score in the game as she used to do everyday. The daughter started trying to reach her and also took neighbour's help after failing to connect with her over landline. Also Read: Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years “I didn’t send my older daughter a Wordle in the morning. And that was disconcerting to her,” Holt told Chicago’s WBBM. The neighbour found no answer at the door when Holt’s car was still in the drive way. So, the police were called. And when they went around, they heard her shouting “I’m here! I’m here! I’m here in the basement!” and freed her. The 32-year-old man was also arrested from a bedroom upstairs. (With inputs from agencies)

Believe it or not? ‘Wordle’ game helps rescue 80-year-old woman in US

<p>Two Indian Army teams with&nbsp;mountaineering experts have been mobilised in Palakkad in the southern Indian state of Kerala to attempt a complex rescue operation at a steep hillside crevice. Babu, a young trekker has been stuck in the narrow crevice for over 30 hours, at the Koormbachi hillock. He slipped while descending and his friends couldn’t help him to safety.</p>

<p>The trekker has been braving bad weather without food and water for 30 hours now.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Efforts on by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Defence forces to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RESCUE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RESCUE</a> trekker who has been stuck at a hillside crevice in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/malampuzha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#malampuzha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/palakkad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#palakkad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> for over 30hrs<a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> helo conducted recce, but terrain &amp; winds proved challenging &amp; had to abort<br />
<br />
Next attempt Wednesday morning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Help?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Help</a> <a href="https://t.co/yJDzAGA8bb">pic.twitter.com/yJDzAGA8bb</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1491057725781864448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Monday, Babu and three of his friends went on a trek near the Malampuzha area in Palakkad and scaled the Kurumbachi hillock. His friends alerted authorities. Fire brigade and Police were unable to rescue him. Videos from the spot show the trapped youngster signalling for help and asking for food and water. Efforts from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were not enough to rescue him.</p>

<p>On Tuesday afternoon, a Coast Guard helicopter flew over the hill and conducted an aerial recce. Another rescue mission is planned for Wednesday morning.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Might look like a small hillock on drone shots... But it is quite a huge place.. indeed a challenge for rescue ops..<br />
<br />
Hoping for the best <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> teams from TN &amp; KA, <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> chopper and drones from <a href="https://twitter.com/GAPL_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GAPL_Official</a> mobilized to aid rescue<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/palakkad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#palakkad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RESCUE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RESCUE</a> <a href="https://t.co/qa77m4XjbF">https://t.co/qa77m4XjbF</a> <a href="https://t.co/XvDwpNGHQP">pic.twitter.com/XvDwpNGHQP</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1491104804667805697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Of the two army teams, the team from Wellington, Tamil Nadu arrived by late Tuesday. The team from Bengaluru is expected to reach by Wednesday morning. Garuda Aerospace, a private drone company based in Chennai has also mobilized two of their customized drones that will help carry payload (food and water) to the individual and also aid in carrying a rope or harness that would eventually help in his rescue.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai-based drone-as-a-service company <a href="https://twitter.com/GAPL_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GAPL_Official</a><br />
has mobilized 2 pilots and 2 special drones from Chennai by road..<br />
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Payload-carrying Drone meant to help deliver food &amp; water and also help provide a rope or harness to aid rescue<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RESCUE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RESCUE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Help?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Help</a> <a href="https://t.co/b1uNONN40C">https://t.co/b1uNONN40C</a> <a href="https://t.co/oJGgdsERB6">pic.twitter.com/oJGgdsERB6</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1491108942248034305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Two Indian Army teams with mountaineering experts have been mobilised in Palakkad in the southern Indian state of Kerala to attempt a complex rescue operation at a steep hillside crevice.

Two Indian Army teams with mountaineering experts have been mobilised in Palakkad in the southern Indian state of Kerala to attempt a complex rescue operation at a steep hillside crevice. Babu, a young trekker has been stuck in the narrow crevice for over 30 hours, at the Koormbachi hillock. He slipped while descending and his friends couldn’t help him to safety. The trekker has been braving bad weather without food and water for 30 hours now. Efforts on by #Indian Defence forces to #RESCUE trekker who has been stuck at a hillside crevice in #malampuzha #palakkad #kerala for over 30hrs@IndiaCoastGuard helo conducted recce, but terrain & winds proved challenging & had to abort Next attempt Wednesday morning #Help pic.twitter.com/yJDzAGA8bb — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 8, 2022 × On Monday, Babu and three of his friends went on a trek near the Malampuzha area in Palakkad and scaled the Kurumbachi hillock. His friends alerted authorities. Fire brigade and Police were unable to rescue him. Videos from the spot show the trapped youngster signalling for help and asking for food and water. Efforts from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were not enough to rescue him. On Tuesday afternoon, a Coast Guard helicopter flew over the hill and conducted an aerial recce. Another rescue mission is planned for Wednesday morning. Might look like a small hillock on drone shots... But it is quite a huge place.. indeed a challenge for rescue ops.. Hoping for the best @adgpi teams from TN & KA, @IndiaCoastGuard chopper and drones from @GAPL_Official mobilized to aid rescue#Kerala #palakkad #RESCUE https://t.co/qa77m4XjbF pic.twitter.com/XvDwpNGHQP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 8, 2022 × Of the two army teams, the team from Wellington, Tamil Nadu arrived by late Tuesday. The team from Bengaluru is expected to reach by Wednesday morning. Garuda Aerospace, a private drone company based in Chennai has also mobilized two of their customized drones that will help carry payload (food and water) to the individual and also aid in carrying a rope or harness that would eventually help in his rescue. Chennai-based drone-as-a-service company @GAPL_Official has mobilized 2 pilots and 2 special drones from Chennai by road.. Payload-carrying Drone meant to help deliver food & water and also help provide a rope or harness to aid rescue#Kerala #RESCUE #India #IndianArmy #Help https://t.co/b1uNONN40C pic.twitter.com/oJGgdsERB6 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 8, 2022 ×

India: Army teams mobilised to rescue trekker stuck in crevice for 30 hours

Pics: Rescue workers in Morocco move closer to save child trapped in well

Man who took four people hostage at a Texas synagogue has died. The captives who were held inside a Synagogue were rescued unharmed.

Texas synagogue standoff ends with all of the hostages rescued unharmed

<p>The story of a wild elephant which has been doing rounds on the internet has left netizens in complete awe. Sheldrick wildlife trust took to their official Instagram handle and posted a video of an elephant family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It explains the story of a mama elephant, Icholta, who stayed in the rescue centre as a kid. She&nbsp;has now returned to her home to show her new baby to the caretakers.</p>

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<p>Icholta was rescued from a waterhole when she was just weeks old. She then spent her infancy at the nursery until she learned how to live as a wild elephant.</p>

<p>The caption read, "She became a mother to Inca in 2016, and barely a day into 2022, she returned “home” to introduce us to her latest addition, baby Izzy! In this video, you can see the pride beaming from Icholta’s face as she looks upon her son and daughter — and we feel equally proud to watch this family flourish."</p>

<p>The wholesome video has left the netizens stunned as they give their blessings to the elephant family.</p>

<p>"I marvel at the way formerly rescued moms return to share their new babies with their former caregivers! I love elephants so much and wish we humans would learn from them how to love and protect each other," wrote an Instagram user.&nbsp;</p>


The story of a wild elephant which has been doing rounds on the internet has left netizens in complete awe. Sheldrick wildlife trust took to their official Instagram handle and posted a video of an elephant family.

The story of a wild elephant which has been doing rounds on the internet has left netizens in complete awe. Sheldrick wildlife trust took to their official Instagram handle and posted a video of an elephant family. It explains the story of a mama elephant, Icholta, who stayed in the rescue centre as a kid. She has now returned to her home to show her new baby to the caretakers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (@sheldricktrust) × Icholta was rescued from a waterhole when she was just weeks old. She then spent her infancy at the nursery until she learned how to live as a wild elephant. The caption read, "She became a mother to Inca in 2016, and barely a day into 2022, she returned “home” to introduce us to her latest addition, baby Izzy! In this video, you can see the pride beaming from Icholta’s face as she looks upon her son and daughter — and we feel equally proud to watch this family flourish." The wholesome video has left the netizens stunned as they give their blessings to the elephant family. "I marvel at the way formerly rescued moms return to share their new babies with their former caregivers! I love elephants so much and wish we humans would learn from them how to love and protect each other," wrote an Instagram user.

Watch: Wild elephant returns to her rescue centre to show her new born calf

Indonesia's navy has rescued more than 100 Rohingya asylum seekers who have been adrift on a sinking boat off the country's western coast, bringing them to a temporary place.

Indonesia yields after international calls as it rescues over 100 Rohingya refugees

Rescue brigades in Bolivia have used boats to save livestock and animals amid floods following heavy rainfall, which has already claimed the lives of 15 people.

Rescue brigades in Bolivia save livestock & animals from flash floods caused by torrential rains

In Pics | Stormy weather hampers rescue operation in Indonesia after deadly eruption

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<p>Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted again, spewing more ash and hampering rescue operations in the region. The first eruption took place on December 4, pushing local communities into darkness and forcing thousands to flee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports by Indonesia's national disaster, nearly 27 people are still missing.</p>

<p>President Joko Widodo ordered a rapid emergency response to find victims, said state secretary Pratikno. Both villagers and rescuers worked through the night to find people and dead bodies. However, the rescue efforts were hampered after the latest eruption.</p>

<p>Rescuers moved to evacuate local residents after lava reached nearby villages and destroyed a bridge in Lumajang regency in&nbsp;East Java.</p>

<p>"A number of areas went dark after being covered by&nbsp;volcanic ash," agency spokesman Abdul Muhari said.</p>

<p>Rescue worker Rizal Purnama said, "There was a small fresh eruption and it could endanger the evacuation teams."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-stormy-weather-hampers-rescue-operation-in-indonesia-after-deadly-eruption-434463"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;In Pics | Stormy weather hampers rescue operation in Indonesia after deadly eruption</strong></a></p>

<p>She further highlighted how their task was made difficult. "It's very difficult... with simple tools. It is very likely bodies that have not been found are buried under the hot mudflow," she said.</p>

<p>Videos and images uploaded on social media show the devastation caused by the eruption.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO: Reported damage from eruption of Mount Semeru volcano in Indonesia <a href="https://t.co/vNm74uMWJX">pic.twitter.com/vNm74uMWJX</a></p>
— Breaking News Alerts 🚨 (@NBLNewsLIVE) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBLNewsLIVE/status/1467087330959761408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A volcano erupted in Indonesia and the footage is unreal<a href="https://t.co/6MvoeXarrH">pic.twitter.com/6MvoeXarrH</a></p>
— Marcel Dirsus (@marceldirsus) <a href="https://twitter.com/marceldirsus/status/1467085263801356292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bagana Lumajang is still at the location of the village jointly to look for victims who have not been evacuated due to the eruption of Mount <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Semeru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Semeru</a><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BanserTanggapBencana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BanserTanggapBencana</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prayforsemeru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#prayforsemeru</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prayforlumajang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#prayforlumajang</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indonesia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indonesia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indonesian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indonesian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indonesie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indonesie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/volcano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#volcano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/volcanoEruption?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#volcanoEruption</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/volcanoes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#volcanoes</a> <a href="https://t.co/aK4NvvXdQp">pic.twitter.com/aK4NvvXdQp</a></p>
— Journalist Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) <a href="https://twitter.com/sirajnoorani/status/1467306701892243461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Due to the bad air quality, locals have been advised not to travel within five kilometres of Semeru's crater as it affect vulnerable groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted again, spewing more ash and hampering rescue operations in the region. The first eruption took place on December 4, pushing local communities into darkness and forcing thousands to flee.

Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted again, spewing more ash and hampering rescue operations in the region. The first eruption took place on December 4, pushing local communities into darkness and forcing thousands to flee. According to reports by Indonesia's national disaster, nearly 27 people are still missing. President Joko Widodo ordered a rapid emergency response to find victims, said state secretary Pratikno. Both villagers and rescuers worked through the night to find people and dead bodies. However, the rescue efforts were hampered after the latest eruption. Rescuers moved to evacuate local residents after lava reached nearby villages and destroyed a bridge in Lumajang regency in East Java. "A number of areas went dark after being covered by volcanic ash," agency spokesman Abdul Muhari said. Rescue worker Rizal Purnama said, "There was a small fresh eruption and it could endanger the evacuation teams." Also read | In Pics | Stormy weather hampers rescue operation in Indonesia after deadly eruption She further highlighted how their task was made difficult. "It's very difficult... with simple tools. It is very likely bodies that have not been found are buried under the hot mudflow," she said. Videos and images uploaded on social media show the devastation caused by the eruption. VIDEO: Reported damage from eruption of Mount Semeru volcano in Indonesia pic.twitter.com/vNm74uMWJX — Breaking News Alerts 🚨 (@NBLNewsLIVE) December 4, 2021 × A volcano erupted in Indonesia and the footage is unrealpic.twitter.com/6MvoeXarrH — Marcel Dirsus (@marceldirsus) December 4, 2021 × Bagana Lumajang is still at the location of the village jointly to look for victims who have not been evacuated due to the eruption of Mount #Semeru #BanserTanggapBencana #prayforsemeru #prayforlumajang #Indonesia #indonesian #Indonesie #volcano #volcanoEruption #volcanoes pic.twitter.com/aK4NvvXdQp — Journalist Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) December 5, 2021 × Due to the bad air quality, locals have been advised not to travel within five kilometres of Semeru's crater as it affect vulnerable groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Rescue missions hampered as Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupts again

<p>In August 2018, Mark Lantis’ mother dropped him off at a trailhead at Yellowstone National Park to search for the buried treasure of an eccentric millionaire. But after going off trail and getting lost in the Wyoming backcountry, Lantis ended up in need of a helicopter airlift.</p>

<p>He ultimately did not find the treasure, but he was charged with reckless disorderly conduct. After a hearing before a magistrate judge in 2019, Lantis was convicted and sentenced to five years of unsupervised probation. He was also banned for five years from Yellowstone National Park and ordered to pay a $2,880 fine to cover the cost of the rescue.</p>

<p>Lantis, a former oil field worker in his 40s, appealed the verdict in U.S. District Court in Wyoming by arguing that the legal definition of recklessness did not apply to his case. When that court upheld the ruling, he appealed to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Last week, the appellate court also upheld his conviction, concluding that Lantis “consciously disregarded a known risk” when he decided to search for the treasure buried by the millionaire, Forrest Fenn.</p>

<p>“I’m going to keep fighting, I’ll tell you that,” Lantis said in an interview Thursday. Lantis, who is unemployed and has been represented by public defenders since the start of the case, said that he was aware that to keep fighting the charge might cost him legal fees, but that he hoped another public defender would be assigned to the case.</p>

<p>In his 2010 memoir, “The Thrill of the Chase,” Fenn, an adventure-loving art dealer and antique collector from New Mexico, said he had hidden a bronze chest filled with gold nuggets and jewels in the Rocky Mountains at 5,000 feet above sea level. He encouraged people to find it, and thousands tried. At least two people died in the process.</p>

<p>Treasure hunting poses a specific risk by causing people to become myopic and less aware, said Chris Boyer, executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue, a nonprofit organization.</p>

<p>“Whenever there’s a reward at the end of a journey like this, it certainly focuses people, right? And it doesn’t focus them the right way sometimes,” Boyer said. “They can conveniently ignore problems, thinking that the benefit outweighs what they’re doing.”</p>

<p>As stated in the decision from the appeals court, Lantis planned for a one-day excursion on the Mount Holmes Trail, a strenuous hike in Yellowstone National Park. He wore a T-shirt, jeans, a light windbreaker and tennis shoes. Lantis carried a small backpack, water, bear spray, a cellphone, a walkie-talkie and a hand-held GPS. He packed no food.</p>

<p>During his hike, Lantis noticed bear fur and droppings. When he got to the base of Mount Holmes, he decided to head back. He thought that going off trail would help avoid bears and be a faster route.</p>

<p>It wasn’t. Lantis ended up spending the night by the mountain. He maintains that he was “not lost” but that “it basically just took longer.”</p>

<p>At some point after leaving the trail, Lantis called his sister to say that he would not make it out of the park before nightfall. He spent the night “wet, cold, scared,” Lantis said in the appeal.</p>

<p>The next day, concerned about her son, Lantis’ mother contacted a Yellowstone park ranger. The ranger contacted Lantis and asked him to call 911 to get a better fix on his location and since Lantis’ cellphone battery was low. Lantis’ GPS system “wasn’t detailed” enough to help, he said.</p>

<p>Lantis was 8 miles from Mount Holmes in extremely rugged country seldom visited by park personnel and home to bears, mountain lions and wolves. The ranger was in contact with Lantis throughout the day, according to the appeal, and directed him where to walk so that he would eventually intersect with a marked trail. Court documents say the ranger was “encouraging him and trying to guide him out of the backcountry.”</p>

<p>By that evening, Lantis said in the interview, he needed help but only because the ranger sent him through rugged bear country. It was too late in the day for anyone to hike in and rescue Lantis before dark, so the ranger organized a helicopter rescue.</p>

<p>According to an appellate docket provided by Lantis’ lawyer, the ranger asked a private film crew in the area to rescue Lantis because helicopters normally used for rescue operations were unavailable to reach Lantis before dark. The park paid the company for the cost of the rescue.</p>

<p>Once Lantis reached safety, the ranger issued him a citation for disorderly conduct alleging that he “knowingly or recklessly created a risk of public alarm, nuisance, jeopardy.”</p>

<p>Charging for rescues is rare, although an increasing number of states have adopted laws or are exploring legislation that would allow them to reimburse the cost of rescues in cases of recklessness. In Lantis’ situation, the use of a helicopter made his rescue more expensive, said Boyer, who was not involved in the case.</p>

<p>The treasure hunt was less of an issue than Lantis’ apparent lack of preparedness, Boyer said.</p>

<p>“It’s OK to push your skill set or your knowledge set,” he said. “It’s not OK to push your luck.”</p>

<p>Boyer’s organization does not endorse charging for rescues because, he says, people should not have to weigh the potential cost if they need to call for help. Boyer worries that a fine as hefty as the one Lantis incurred will discourage people in similar situations from seeking rescue.</p>

<p>Fenn’s treasure was found by Jack Stuef, a 32-year-old medical student from Michigan, in June 2020.</p>

<p>Fenn died in September 2020 at age 90. His grandson revealed Stuef’s identity as the finder of the treasure three months after his grandfather’s death.</p>

<p>Fenn announced before his death that someone had found the bronze chest filled with gold and jewels. Writing on his website, he said that the treasure “was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago.” He did not provide the precise location.</p>


In August 2018, Mark Lantis’ mother dropped him off at a trailhead at Yellowstone National Park to search for the buried treasure of an eccentric millionaire. But after going off trail and getting lost in the Wyoming backcountry, Lantis ended up in need of a helicopter airlift.

In August 2018, Mark Lantis’ mother dropped him off at a trailhead at Yellowstone National Park to search for the buried treasure of an eccentric millionaire. But after going off trail and getting lost in the Wyoming backcountry, Lantis ended up in need of a helicopter airlift. He ultimately did not find the treasure, but he was charged with reckless disorderly conduct. After a hearing before a magistrate judge in 2019, Lantis was convicted and sentenced to five years of unsupervised probation. He was also banned for five years from Yellowstone National Park and ordered to pay a $2,880 fine to cover the cost of the rescue. Lantis, a former oil field worker in his 40s, appealed the verdict in U.S. District Court in Wyoming by arguing that the legal definition of recklessness did not apply to his case. When that court upheld the ruling, he appealed to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Last week, the appellate court also upheld his conviction, concluding that Lantis “consciously disregarded a known risk” when he decided to search for the treasure buried by the millionaire, Forrest Fenn. “I’m going to keep fighting, I’ll tell you that,” Lantis said in an interview Thursday. Lantis, who is unemployed and has been represented by public defenders since the start of the case, said that he was aware that to keep fighting the charge might cost him legal fees, but that he hoped another public defender would be assigned to the case. In his 2010 memoir, “The Thrill of the Chase,” Fenn, an adventure-loving art dealer and antique collector from New Mexico, said he had hidden a bronze chest filled with gold nuggets and jewels in the Rocky Mountains at 5,000 feet above sea level. He encouraged people to find it, and thousands tried. At least two people died in the process. Treasure hunting poses a specific risk by causing people to become myopic and less aware, said Chris Boyer, executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue, a nonprofit organization. “Whenever there’s a reward at the end of a journey like this, it certainly focuses people, right? And it doesn’t focus them the right way sometimes,” Boyer said. “They can conveniently ignore problems, thinking that the benefit outweighs what they’re doing.” As stated in the decision from the appeals court, Lantis planned for a one-day excursion on the Mount Holmes Trail, a strenuous hike in Yellowstone National Park. He wore a T-shirt, jeans, a light windbreaker and tennis shoes. Lantis carried a small backpack, water, bear spray, a cellphone, a walkie-talkie and a hand-held GPS. He packed no food. During his hike, Lantis noticed bear fur and droppings. When he got to the base of Mount Holmes, he decided to head back. He thought that going off trail would help avoid bears and be a faster route. It wasn’t. Lantis ended up spending the night by the mountain. He maintains that he was “not lost” but that “it basically just took longer.” At some point after leaving the trail, Lantis called his sister to say that he would not make it out of the park before nightfall. He spent the night “wet, cold, scared,” Lantis said in the appeal. The next day, concerned about her son, Lantis’ mother contacted a Yellowstone park ranger. The ranger contacted Lantis and asked him to call 911 to get a better fix on his location and since Lantis’ cellphone battery was low. Lantis’ GPS system “wasn’t detailed” enough to help, he said. Lantis was 8 miles from Mount Holmes in extremely rugged country seldom visited by park personnel and home to bears, mountain lions and wolves. The ranger was in contact with Lantis throughout the day, according to the appeal, and directed him where to walk so that he would eventually intersect with a marked trail. Court documents say the ranger was “encouraging him and trying to guide him out of the backcountry.” By that evening, Lantis said in the interview, he needed help but only because the ranger sent him through rugged bear country. It was too late in the day for anyone to hike in and rescue Lantis before dark, so the ranger organized a helicopter rescue. According to an appellate docket provided by Lantis’ lawyer, the ranger asked a private film crew in the area to rescue Lantis because helicopters normally used for rescue operations were unavailable to reach Lantis before dark. The park paid the company for the cost of the rescue. Once Lantis reached safety, the ranger issued him a citation for disorderly conduct alleging that he “knowingly or recklessly created a risk of public alarm, nuisance, jeopardy.” Charging for rescues is rare, although an increasing number of states have adopted laws or are exploring legislation that would allow them to reimburse the cost of rescues in cases of recklessness. In Lantis’ situation, the use of a helicopter made his rescue more expensive, said Boyer, who was not involved in the case. The treasure hunt was less of an issue than Lantis’ apparent lack of preparedness, Boyer said. “It’s OK to push your skill set or your knowledge set,” he said. “It’s not OK to push your luck.” Boyer’s organization does not endorse charging for rescues because, he says, people should not have to weigh the potential cost if they need to call for help. Boyer worries that a fine as hefty as the one Lantis incurred will discourage people in similar situations from seeking rescue. Fenn’s treasure was found by Jack Stuef, a 32-year-old medical student from Michigan, in June 2020. Fenn died in September 2020 at age 90. His grandson revealed Stuef’s identity as the finder of the treasure three months after his grandfather’s death. Fenn announced before his death that someone had found the bronze chest filled with gold and jewels. Writing on his website, he said that the treasure “was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago.” He did not provide the precise location.

Treasure hunter who got lost in Yellowstone must repay cost of rescue

<p>The National Emergency Operation Center confirmed on Wednesday that 48 people have died due to landslides and flooding in Nepal following heavy rain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the operation centre, 31 people have gone missing since the havoc began on Sunday.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced appropriate relief for the families of the deceased and those affected by the floods and landslides.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Prime Minister Deuba announced that assistance would be provided to the victims of floods and landslides in different parts of the country during a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/48-died-31-missing-in-nepals-flood-and-landslides-422329">48 died, 31 missing in Nepal's flood and landslides</a></strong></p>

<p>With 11 casualties, the district of Ilam in Eastern Nepal recorded the most casualties, followed by Doti with nine.</p>

<p>It is yet to be assessed in detail the extent of loss and damage, but it is reported to have affected over 12 districts.</p>

<p>For relief and rescue in the affected areas, the Ministry of Home Affairs has mobilized the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to meteorologists, the change in weather patterns in the Himalayan country is caused by the activation of two weather systems at once.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-in-indias-northern-states-claims-46-lives-alert-sounded-in-southern-kerala-state-422189">Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Home Ministry spokesperson, Phanindra Mani Pokharel, six persons each died in Humla, Dhankuta and Panchthar due to landslides.&nbsp;Four persons lost their lives in Baitadi, one each in Kalikot, Dadeldhura, Pyuthan and Udayapur and two in Sunsari, according to the Home Ministry official.</p>

<p>A total of 23 people have gone missing in Bajhang while one in Doti, two in Pyuthan and five in Ilam. Twenty-three people sustained injuries due to the natural disaster in different districts, according to the ministry.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Emergency Operation Center confirmed on Wednesday that 48 people have died due to landslides and flooding in Nepal following heavy rain. According to the operation centre, 31 people have gone missing since the havoc began on Sunday.

The National Emergency Operation Center confirmed on Wednesday that 48 people have died due to landslides and flooding in Nepal following heavy rain. According to the operation centre, 31 people have gone missing since the havoc began on Sunday. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced appropriate relief for the families of the deceased and those affected by the floods and landslides. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Deuba announced that assistance would be provided to the victims of floods and landslides in different parts of the country during a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Also read | 48 died, 31 missing in Nepal's flood and landslides With 11 casualties, the district of Ilam in Eastern Nepal recorded the most casualties, followed by Doti with nine. It is yet to be assessed in detail the extent of loss and damage, but it is reported to have affected over 12 districts. For relief and rescue in the affected areas, the Ministry of Home Affairs has mobilized the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force. According to meteorologists, the change in weather patterns in the Himalayan country is caused by the activation of two weather systems at once. Also read | Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state According to Home Ministry spokesperson, Phanindra Mani Pokharel, six persons each died in Humla, Dhankuta and Panchthar due to landslides. Four persons lost their lives in Baitadi, one each in Kalikot, Dadeldhura, Pyuthan and Udayapur and two in Sunsari, according to the Home Ministry official. A total of 23 people have gone missing in Bajhang while one in Doti, two in Pyuthan and five in Ilam. Twenty-three people sustained injuries due to the natural disaster in different districts, according to the ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal floods: Police, army called in for rescue effort; 48 dead

<p>India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.”</p>

<p>Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.</p>

<p>“Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Op Devi Shakti continues.<br />
<br />
78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe.<br />
<br />
Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirIndiain</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamMEA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamMEA</a> for their untiring efforts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeviShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeviShakti</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1430062198219366403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-is-world-silent-asks-afghanistans-first-female-sikh-mp-407905">‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP</a></p>

<p>So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport.</p>

<p>Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule.</p>

<p>On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India.</p>

<p>After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.</p>


India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan. “Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted. Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts. #DeviShakti — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2021 × India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city. Also read | ‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport. Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule. On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India. After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.

‘Operation Devi Shakti’: 78 more evacuees from Afghanistan land in India, 800 rescued so far

<p>The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to&nbsp;rescue&nbsp;over 150&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;unable to reach the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation.</p>

<p>The news came as American officials confirmed evacuation operations from Afghanistan stalled for about seven hours Friday, because the receiving base in Qatar was overflowing and could not take in evacuees.</p>

<p>That left thousands more Afghans already cleared to leave their country for the United States waiting at the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport.</p>

<p>"It was early this morning, and it lasted about six to seven hours," Major General Hank Taylor told reporters, adding the backlog was subsequently cleared.</p>

<p>The US State Department has been criticised for being overly bureaucratic and not having enough staff to process thousands of Afghans seeking to come to the United States.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-biden-says-cannot-guarantee-final-outcome-of-risky-kabul-evacuation-407326">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Biden says cannot guarantee 'final outcome' of risky Kabul evacuation</a></p>

<p>Evacuee accounts from Qatar describe sleeping on the floor in sweltering heat in a US aircraft hanger for three days or more, with limited facilities.</p>

<p>Taylor said US aircraft flew some 6,000 people, including a couple of hundred US citizens, out of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;in the 24 hours to early Friday, until the bottleneck halted flights.</p>

<p><strong>Close to the perimeter</strong></p>

<p>Flights from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;resumed late Friday after US operations in Qatar arranged for trips for many evacuees onward to the US military base in Ramstein, Germany.</p>

<p>US citizens and Afghans who worked for the US forces in Afghanistan continued to attempt to get to the airport in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;to leave the country.</p>

<p>There were numerous accounts of some struggling to reach and enter the airport, some impeded by Taliban fighters who now control&nbsp;Kabul.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden said Friday that US troops had to go beyond the perimeter of the airport to retrieve 169&nbsp;Americans, potentially risking a conflict with the Taliban.</p>

<p>Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby downplayed the incident.</p>

<p>"They were very close to the perimeter of the airport. Very close," he said, adding later that they had been airlifted from the Baron hotel, near the airport, by three US Chinook helicopters.</p>

<p>The helicopters had been deployed due to concerns for the&nbsp;Americans' safety in traversing a huge crowd that had gathered outside the airport's Abbey entry gate.</p>

<p>"There was a large crowd established outside the Abbey Gate, a crowd that not everybody had confidence in, in terms of their ability to walk through it, and so local commanders on the scene took the initiative and flew these helicopters out there to pick them up," Kirby said.</p>

<p>Taylor said the Taliban have mostly been cooperating with US officials to allow those with US passports or visas to get to the airport and that there was "constant communication" between the US commander on the ground and the Taliban.</p>

<p>"We're seeing that things that we are asking for," such as passage to the airport, "is happening and getting better," he said.</p>


The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to rescue over 150 Americans unable to reach the Kabul airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation.

The US military in Afghanistan sent helicopters to rescue over 150 Americans unable to reach the Kabul airport gates, an official said Friday, in the first evidence that US forces were willing and able to go beyond the US-secured compound to help people seeking evacuation. The news came as American officials confirmed evacuation operations from Afghanistan stalled for about seven hours Friday, because the receiving base in Qatar was overflowing and could not take in evacuees. That left thousands more Afghans already cleared to leave their country for the United States waiting at the Kabul airport. "It was early this morning, and it lasted about six to seven hours," Major General Hank Taylor told reporters, adding the backlog was subsequently cleared. The US State Department has been criticised for being overly bureaucratic and not having enough staff to process thousands of Afghans seeking to come to the United States. Also read | Afghanistan: Biden says cannot guarantee 'final outcome' of risky Kabul evacuation Evacuee accounts from Qatar describe sleeping on the floor in sweltering heat in a US aircraft hanger for three days or more, with limited facilities. Taylor said US aircraft flew some 6,000 people, including a couple of hundred US citizens, out of Kabul in the 24 hours to early Friday, until the bottleneck halted flights. Close to the perimeter Flights from Kabul resumed late Friday after US operations in Qatar arranged for trips for many evacuees onward to the US military base in Ramstein, Germany. US citizens and Afghans who worked for the US forces in Afghanistan continued to attempt to get to the airport in Kabul to leave the country. There were numerous accounts of some struggling to reach and enter the airport, some impeded by Taliban fighters who now control Kabul. President Joe Biden said Friday that US troops had to go beyond the perimeter of the airport to retrieve 169 Americans, potentially risking a conflict with the Taliban. Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby downplayed the incident. "They were very close to the perimeter of the airport. Very close," he said, adding later that they had been airlifted from the Baron hotel, near the airport, by three US Chinook helicopters. The helicopters had been deployed due to concerns for the Americans' safety in traversing a huge crowd that had gathered outside the airport's Abbey entry gate. "There was a large crowd established outside the Abbey Gate, a crowd that not everybody had confidence in, in terms of their ability to walk through it, and so local commanders on the scene took the initiative and flew these helicopters out there to pick them up," Kirby said. Taylor said the Taliban have mostly been cooperating with US officials to allow those with US passports or visas to get to the airport and that there was "constant communication" between the US commander on the ground and the Taliban. "We're seeing that things that we are asking for," such as passage to the airport, "is happening and getting better," he said.

US flies to rescue of Americans trying to escape Kabul

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{56c34b4e-537c-455b-8aac-c7a090e0f9e7}{164}" paraid="1689535874" >A day after the&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;7.2-magnitude&nbsp;earthquake ravaged Haiti, the&nbsp;death toll&nbsp;soared to&nbsp;1,297 on Sunday.&nbsp;The quake had razed&nbsp;thousands of structures in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{393baab7-f8aa-4e9b-8a38-65ee578b5847}{38}" paraid="1552762706" >The&nbsp;rescue efforts are now being undertaken by the personnel in the country.&nbsp;A&nbsp;tropical storm is also heading towards&nbsp;Haiti to make matters worse.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{393baab7-f8aa-4e9b-8a38-65ee578b5847}{101}" paraid="8811374" >At least 5,700 people have also got injured in the Caribbean nation.&nbsp;Thousands more have been&nbsp;displaced due to the destruction. Several homes have either been&nbsp;destroyed or damaged.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ff6694cf-d341-47ec-952b-78d4a6f40e24}{253}" paraid="623704013" >In numerous&nbsp;areas,&nbsp;survivors have been forced to live&nbsp;out in the open.&nbsp;On Sunday, people could also be seen&nbsp;lining up to buy whatever little was available at a local street market.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b57e7ce0-8a3e-4607-8220-cc32982d5050}{127}" paraid="1561065766" >The&nbsp;coming of Tropical Depression Grace, which may&nbsp;reach Haiti on Monday night, has left several residents worried.&nbsp;The&nbsp;tropical storm was although demoted&nbsp;to a depression on&nbsp;Sunday by&nbsp;the US National Hurricane Centre.&nbsp;It may&nbsp;bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{181b4c8f-88cc-4af4-aed2-801ccc880eb1}{243}" paraid="455637676" >The&nbsp;earthquake struck at a crucial time when the&nbsp;country was&nbsp;already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and a wave of gang violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4594887c-58ba-4b34-8fc5-1d63b4be102c}{141}" paraid="603904479" >On Sunday,&nbsp;Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Haiti. He also prayed for the victims and wished encouragement for survivors. In order to&nbsp;help the people of Haiti&nbsp;in these difficult times,&nbsp;the pope called for the solidarity of the international community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{45516577-0870-4f73-832d-aed9976cdf11}{105}" paraid="1580636288" >US President Joe Biden&nbsp;authorised&nbsp;an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power to oversee the US effort to help Haiti.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8f531c82-efa3-4062-bfe5-56ec713b4316}{194}" paraid="940312250" ><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A day after the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti, the death toll soared to 1,297 on Sunday. The quake had razed thousands of structures in the country.

A day after the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti, the death toll soared to 1,297 on Sunday. The quake had razed thousands of structures in the country. The rescue efforts are now being undertaken by the personnel in the country. A tropical storm is also heading towards Haiti to make matters worse. At least 5,700 people have also got injured in the Caribbean nation. Thousands more have been displaced due to the destruction. Several homes have either been destroyed or damaged. In numerous areas, survivors have been forced to live out in the open. On Sunday, people could also be seen lining up to buy whatever little was available at a local street market. The coming of Tropical Depression Grace, which may reach Haiti on Monday night, has left several residents worried. The tropical storm was although demoted to a depression on Sunday by the US National Hurricane Centre. It may bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides. The earthquake struck at a crucial time when the country was already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and a wave of gang violence. On Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Haiti. He also prayed for the victims and wished encouragement for survivors. In order to help the people of Haiti in these difficult times, the pope called for the solidarity of the international community. US President Joe Biden authorised an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power to oversee the US effort to help Haiti. (With inputs from agencies)

Quake death toll surges to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue 

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{121546e7-2aec-47ca-8a05-e4016b543f65}{54}" paraid="2101756364" >If researchers are to be believed, an&nbsp;underwater 'superhighway' stretches around 700 km&nbsp;deep in the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;It is located between&nbsp;the marine reserves of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands and Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{15e3c378-ff1b-44fb-b03c-0d0c921a8887}{180}" paraid="1886070162" >According to a CNN Report,&nbsp;the&nbsp;'superhighway' is crucial for the sea life, such as&nbsp;sea turtles, whale sharks and hammerhead sharks. These&nbsp;aquatic animals&nbsp;move back and forth between the islands, looking for a place to nest or foraging for food.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{15e3c378-ff1b-44fb-b03c-0d0c921a8887}{194}" paraid="1510875537" >The route can be dangerous&nbsp;as the&nbsp;swimway&nbsp;is open to fishing vessels, unlike the marine reserves at each end.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c2b5e91a-6ed7-425f-bd8d-67d3761618d9}{4}" paraid="670276162" >As per the&nbsp;data,&nbsp;the&nbsp;population of&nbsp;the&nbsp;migratory species&nbsp;is&nbsp;declining. Most of these species is also&nbsp;endangered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ba8f2cb6-6007-4096-9df2-15c9d345b6d3}{237}" paraid="1512662132" >Alex Hearn, a biology professor and founding member of&nbsp;MigraMar, which is a coalition of scientists and environmental groups, said, “Protecting biodiversity hotspots around the islands is not enough.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5e110fff-a42d-4383-ba21-8d77b3249725}{207}" paraid="1093227426" >Hearn’s&nbsp;team&nbsp;is campaigning for the entire&nbsp;swimway&nbsp;to be protected. This&nbsp;swimway&nbsp;is&nbsp;an area, which&nbsp;stretches&nbsp;over 240,000 square&nbsp;kilometres&nbsp;of ocean.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d8ff9a82-3529-4979-a41b-ec5bd2d0d8d7}{205}" paraid="1347463593" >The&nbsp;team&nbsp;looks&nbsp;to get&nbsp;fishing restrictions&nbsp;extended&nbsp;beyond the current&nbsp;74-km radius around the Galapagos islands and&nbsp;22-km&nbsp;radius around Cocos Island. It will help in&nbsp;creating a narrow-protected channel between the two.&nbsp;</p>


If researchers are to be believed, an underwater 'superhighway' stretches around 700 km deep in the Pacific Ocean. It is located between the marine reserves of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands and Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica.

If researchers are to be believed, an underwater 'superhighway' stretches around 700 km deep in the Pacific Ocean. It is located between the marine reserves of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands and Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica. According to a CNN Report, the 'superhighway' is crucial for the sea life, such as sea turtles, whale sharks and hammerhead sharks. These aquatic animals move back and forth between the islands, looking for a place to nest or foraging for food. The route can be dangerous as the swimway is open to fishing vessels, unlike the marine reserves at each end. As per the data, the population of the migratory species is declining. Most of these species is also endangered. Alex Hearn, a biology professor and founding member of MigraMar, which is a coalition of scientists and environmental groups, said, “Protecting biodiversity hotspots around the islands is not enough.” Hearn’s team is campaigning for the entire swimway to be protected. This swimway is an area, which stretches over 240,000 square kilometres of ocean. The team looks to get fishing restrictions extended beyond the current 74-km radius around the Galapagos islands and 22-km radius around Cocos Island. It will help in creating a narrow-protected channel between the two.

Scientists come to the rescue of a 'superhighway' of sharks, turtles  

<p>The migrant rescue ship Ocean Viking has rescued 203 people, including 67 minors, in recent days, its owner SOS Mediterranee said Sunday.</p>

<p>The migrants came from Egypt, Gambia, Libya, South Sudan, Syria and Tunisia, the non-governmental organisation said in comments posted on Twitter.</p>

<p>They were rescued in four separate operations since Thursday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rest-of-collapsed-florida-apartment-demolished-ahead-of-tropical-storm-395845"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Rest of collapsed Florida apartment demolished ahead of tropical storm&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>In once rescue in the waters around Malta on Sunday, Ocean Viking picked up 71 migrants who were in an overloaded wooden boat that had embarked from Libya three days earlier, SOS Mediterranee said.</p>

<p>They had used up reserves of food and water and four people "had to be evacuated on stretchers", the group added.</p>

<p>Since the start of the year, 886 migrants have died in the Mediterranean while trying to reach Europe, according to figures compiled by the International Organisation for Migration.</p>

<p>SOS Mediterranee says it has rescued more than 30,000 people since February 2016.&nbsp;</p>


The migrant rescue ship Ocean Viking has rescued 203 people, including 67 minors, in recent days, its owner SOS Mediterranee said Sunday. The migrants came from Egypt, Gambia, Libya, South Sudan, Syria and Tunisia, the non-governmental organisation said in comments posted on Twitter.

The migrant rescue ship Ocean Viking has rescued 203 people, including 67 minors, in recent days, its owner SOS Mediterranee said Sunday. The migrants came from Egypt, Gambia, Libya, South Sudan, Syria and Tunisia, the non-governmental organisation said in comments posted on Twitter. They were rescued in four separate operations since Thursday. Also read | Rest of collapsed Florida apartment demolished ahead of tropical storm In once rescue in the waters around Malta on Sunday, Ocean Viking picked up 71 migrants who were in an overloaded wooden boat that had embarked from Libya three days earlier, SOS Mediterranee said. They had used up reserves of food and water and four people "had to be evacuated on stretchers", the group added. Since the start of the year, 886 migrants have died in the Mediterranean while trying to reach Europe, according to figures compiled by the International Organisation for Migration. SOS Mediterranee says it has rescued more than 30,000 people since February 2016.

Rescue ship picks up over 200 migrants in Mediterranean

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