<p>Coastal Karnataka's Mangalore city was ravaged by torrential rains on Tuesday resulting in floods in many areas. According to reports, coastal areas of Karnataka were hit by cyclone Mekunu on Tuesday triggering heavy rains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parts of Mangaluru city and Udupi witnessed flooding while other coastal areas saw uprooted trees. Schools and colleges were shut in many flood-hit areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening expressed his concern for "those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka". PM Modi tweeted out directing the authorities to "ensure all assistance in the affected areas".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I pray for the safety and wellbeing of all those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka. Have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible assistance in the affected areas.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1001483026247761920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per reports by Skymet weather, cyclone Mekunu was likely to hit Kerala this week. The private weather forecaster has predicted, "moderate to heavy rains with one or very heavy spells likely over Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Karnataka" today.</p>

<p>The formation of well-marked low pressure over the south-east Arabian Sea, off the coast of Karnataka and north Kerala, is believed to have triggered heavy spells of rainfall in Kerala and Karnataka.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aftermath of heavy rain that had hit the low-lying areas in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Visuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangalore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangalore</a> <a href="https://t.co/wfMlmXadH0">pic.twitter.com/wfMlmXadH0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001727129527115776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has started with rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Mangaluru's District Commissioner has called for an inspection of all drains in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media brims with pictures and videos of rain-hit coastal Karnataka where peoples' lives have gone out of gear.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CM of Karnataka will only take any action after instructions of 10JP<br />
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Meanwhile, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangaluru</a> drowns bcoz of heavy rains. People of Karnataka are in big trouble but no help from Govt so far... <a href="https://t.co/CA7Q8uTYtv">pic.twitter.com/CA7Q8uTYtv</a></p>
— Shashank Patel (@shashank1P) <a href="https://twitter.com/shashank1P/status/1001658073910468609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Visuals show water entering into houses, shops in flood-hit regions, vehicles submerged in flood water and locals trying to get to safe areas.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence and other teams with sufficient rescue equipment rushed to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangaluru</a> to provide rescue services in the affected areas due to the torrential rains. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also reached the city. <a href="https://t.co/SouRdhWtuN">pic.twitter.com/SouRdhWtuN</a></p>
— Mangalore City (@MangaloreCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/MangaloreCity/status/1001657574616371200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A video posted on Twitter shows a large snake spotted in one of the flooded alleys in coastal Karnataka. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My thoughts are with all those affected by the incessant rain in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangaluru</a> region. I pray for your safety and well being. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneMekunu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneMekunu</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1iW6tG5AH">pic.twitter.com/y1iW6tG5AH</a></p>
— Bhanu Bharatiya?? (@BhanuBhaskar5) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhanuBhaskar5/status/1001649958213349376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karnataka may not see any respite from heavy rains even today.&nbsp;</p>


The formation of well-marked low pressure over the south-east Arabian Sea, off the coast of Karnataka and north Kerala, is believed to have triggered heavy spells of rainfall in Kerala and Karnataka

Coastal Karnataka's Mangalore city was ravaged by torrential rains on Tuesday resulting in floods in many areas. According to reports, coastal areas of Karnataka were hit by cyclone Mekunu on Tuesday triggering heavy rains. Parts of Mangaluru city and Udupi witnessed flooding while other coastal areas saw uprooted trees. Schools and colleges were shut in many flood-hit areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening expressed his concern for "those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka". PM Modi tweeted out directing the authorities to "ensure all assistance in the affected areas". I pray for the safety and wellbeing of all those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka. Have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible assistance in the affected areas. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 29, 2018 × As per reports by Skymet weather, cyclone Mekunu was likely to hit Kerala this week. The private weather forecaster has predicted, "moderate to heavy rains with one or very heavy spells likely over Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Karnataka" today. The formation of well-marked low pressure over the south-east Arabian Sea, off the coast of Karnataka and north Kerala, is believed to have triggered heavy spells of rainfall in Kerala and Karnataka. Aftermath of heavy rain that had hit the low-lying areas in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Visuals from #Mangalore pic.twitter.com/wfMlmXadH0 — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 × Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has started with rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Mangaluru's District Commissioner has called for an inspection of all drains in the city. Social media brims with pictures and videos of rain-hit coastal Karnataka where peoples' lives have gone out of gear. CM of Karnataka will only take any action after instructions of 10JP Meanwhile, #Mangaluru drowns bcoz of heavy rains. People of Karnataka are in big trouble but no help from Govt so far... pic.twitter.com/CA7Q8uTYtv — Shashank Patel (@shashank1P) May 30, 2018 × Visuals show water entering into houses, shops in flood-hit regions, vehicles submerged in flood water and locals trying to get to safe areas. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence and other teams with sufficient rescue equipment rushed to #Mangaluru to provide rescue services in the affected areas due to the torrential rains. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also reached the city. pic.twitter.com/SouRdhWtuN — Mangalore City (@MangaloreCity) May 30, 2018 × A video posted on Twitter shows a large snake spotted in one of the flooded alleys in coastal Karnataka. My thoughts are with all those affected by the incessant rain in #Mangaluru region. I pray for your safety and well being. #CycloneMekunu pic.twitter.com/y1iW6tG5AH — Bhanu Bharatiya?? (@BhanuBhaskar5) May 30, 2018 × Karnataka may not see any respite from heavy rains even today.

Watch: Torrential rain hits Mangaluru, cause floods; schools shut

<p>Shikhar Dhawan extended his excellent Champions Trophy form to the start of the West Indies tour but heavy rain was threatening to ruin the opening one-day international of a five-match series at the Queen&rsquo;s Park Oval in Trinidad on Friday.</p>

<p>Dhawan stroked an assured 87 and featured in an opening stand of 132 with Ajinkya Rahane (62) as the tourists reached 199 for three off 39.2 batting first when torrential midday showers curtailed their innings.</p>

<p>Such was the intensity of the rainfall that a complete abandonment looked likely. However conditions have since improved, and although India&rsquo;s innings has been declared closed, it remains to be seen if time will allow for a minimum of 20 overs to be faced by the West Indies in reply to constitute a match.</p>

<p>Should only 20 overs be possible, the home side will be required to reach a target of 169.</p>

<p>After West Indies captain Jason Holder chose to field on winning the toss on a bright warm morning, India&rsquo;s openers laid the foundation for a formidable total.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They dominated a bowling attack that lacked for genuine potency in the absence of injured fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who has been ruled out of consideration for the first two games after breaking down during the series against Afghanistan two weeks earlier.</p>

<p>Rahane made the most of his opportunity with the experienced Rohit Sharma rested from this campaign following the Champions Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was first to the half-century but was also the first wicket to fall, deceived by a slower delivery from fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and offering a simple catch to Holder at mid-on.</p>

<p>Dhawan was then joined by captain Virat Kohil and looked certain to complete an 11th ODI hundred only to fall leg-before to Devendra Bishoo 13 runs short of the landmark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Bishoo, who was not considered for any of the three ODIs against the Afghans, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of one for 39 from his allotment of ten overs.</p>

<p>As the skies clouded over India lost another wicket in attempting to accelerate with Yuvraj Singh becoming Joseph&rsquo;s second wicket. Kohli and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni were playing with greater urgency when the showers first arrived with India at 189 for three off 38 overs.</p>

<p>They resumed after half an hour but managed just another eight deliveries before the players were again chased off the field by a downpour that has now left the match in jeopardy.</p>

<p>Apart from the recall of Rahane, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is making his ODI debut in this match for India.</p>

<p>(AFP)</p>


Should only 20 overs be possible, the home side will be required to reach a target of 169

Shikhar Dhawan extended his excellent Champions Trophy form to the start of the West Indies tour but heavy rain was threatening to ruin the opening one-day international of a five-match series at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Friday. Dhawan stroked an assured 87 and featured in an opening stand of 132 with Ajinkya Rahane (62) as the tourists reached 199 for three off 39.2 batting first when torrential midday showers curtailed their innings. Such was the intensity of the rainfall that a complete abandonment looked likely. However conditions have since improved, and although India’s innings has been declared closed, it remains to be seen if time will allow for a minimum of 20 overs to be faced by the West Indies in reply to constitute a match. Should only 20 overs be possible, the home side will be required to reach a target of 169. After West Indies captain Jason Holder chose to field on winning the toss on a bright warm morning, India’s openers laid the foundation for a formidable total. They dominated a bowling attack that lacked for genuine potency in the absence of injured fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who has been ruled out of consideration for the first two games after breaking down during the series against Afghanistan two weeks earlier. Rahane made the most of his opportunity with the experienced Rohit Sharma rested from this campaign following the Champions Trophy. He was first to the half-century but was also the first wicket to fall, deceived by a slower delivery from fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and offering a simple catch to Holder at mid-on. Dhawan was then joined by captain Virat Kohil and looked certain to complete an 11th ODI hundred only to fall leg-before to Devendra Bishoo 13 runs short of the landmark. Leg-spinner Bishoo, who was not considered for any of the three ODIs against the Afghans, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of one for 39 from his allotment of ten overs. As the skies clouded over India lost another wicket in attempting to accelerate with Yuvraj Singh becoming Joseph’s second wicket. Kohli and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni were playing with greater urgency when the showers first arrived with India at 189 for three off 38 overs. They resumed after half an hour but managed just another eight deliveries before the players were again chased off the field by a downpour that has now left the match in jeopardy. Apart from the recall of Rahane, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is making his ODI debut in this match for India. (AFP)

India vs West Indies ODI cut short due to torrential rain

US President Barack Obama issued a disaster declaration yesterday for flood-ravaged Louisiana, where at least five people have died and emergency crews have rescued more than 7,000 people stranded by historic flooding.<br />
<br />
Governor John Bel Edwards said residents had been pulled from swamped cars, flooded homes and threatened hospitals across the southern part of the state. The already soaked region is expected to get more rain from a storm system stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Ohio Valley.<br />
<br />
While the brunt of the storm that brought torrential rains was moving west toward Texas, Louisiana residents should remain cautious, the governor said at a news conference.<br />
<br />
&quot;Even with the sunshine out today intermittently, the waters are going to continue to rise in many areas, so this is no time to let the guard down,&quot; Edwards said, calling the flooding unprecedented.<br />
<br />
Obama issued the disaster declaration after speaking with Edwards, the White House said in a statement.<br />
<br />
The initial declaration makes federal aid available in the parishes of East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa. Edwards said in a statement that other parishes could be added to the list.<br />
<br />
Emergency officials still were working on strategies to rescue an undetermined number of people trapped by the waters.<br />
<br />
&quot;We&#39;re very much still in the search and rescue mode,&quot; said James Waskcom, director of the state&#39;s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.<br />
<br />
In Livingston Parish, phone service was spotty due to the high waters and most shelters were full. A Greyhound bus traveling from Memphis, Tennessee, to Baton Rouge was diverted to a shelter because of flooded roadways.<br />
<br />
About 5,000 people had been forced to sleep in shelters overnight around the state, said Marketa Walters, head of Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.<br />
<br />
Louisiana state police colonel Michael Edmonson said helicopters were transporting food and water to those still trapped by floods. Helicopters also were transporting some seriously ill people to areas outside the high waters.<br />
<br />
Some 1,700 members of the Louisiana National Guard have been deployed for rescue efforts.<br />
<br />
Even as the state grappled with high waters, the National Weather Service forecast heavy rain from the Gulf Coast as far north as the Ohio Valley through Monday, with a threat of flash flooding.<br />
<br />
A flash flood watch was in place until Monday morning for Houston, where rains killed at least eight in late April.<br />
<br />
At least five people had died in Louisiana from the high water. Ronda Durbin, a spokeswoman for Tangipahoa Parish, said by telephone that searchers yesterday recovered the body of a man reported swept away on Friday.<br />
<br />
The body of a woman also was recovered from a submerged vehicle in the parish, she said.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, the body of a woman was recovered from the Tickfaw River, in St. Helena Parish northeast of Baton Rouge, after a car in which she was riding was swept away.<br />
<br />
A 54-year-old man in Greensburg in the northern part of the state died when his vehicle was swept off the road, state police said.<br />
<br />
The body of a 68-year-old man was recovered on Friday near Baker after he drowned, said William &quot;Beau&quot; Clark, the coroner in East Baton Rouge Parish.<br />
<br />
Another person is also believed missing in St. Helena Parish, Edwards said.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Emergency officials working on strategies to rescue many more trapped in the southeastern US state

US President Barack Obama issued a disaster declaration yesterday for flood-ravaged Louisiana, where at least five people have died and emergency crews have rescued more than 7,000 people stranded by historic flooding. Governor John Bel Edwards said residents had been pulled from swamped cars, flooded homes and threatened hospitals across the southern part of the state. The already soaked region is expected to get more rain from a storm system stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Ohio Valley. While the brunt of the storm that brought torrential rains was moving west toward Texas, Louisiana residents should remain cautious, the governor said at a news conference. "Even with the sunshine out today intermittently, the waters are going to continue to rise in many areas, so this is no time to let the guard down," Edwards said, calling the flooding unprecedented. Obama issued the disaster declaration after speaking with Edwards, the White House said in a statement. The initial declaration makes federal aid available in the parishes of East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa. Edwards said in a statement that other parishes could be added to the list. Emergency officials still were working on strategies to rescue an undetermined number of people trapped by the waters. "We're very much still in the search and rescue mode," said James Waskcom, director of the state's office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. In Livingston Parish, phone service was spotty due to the high waters and most shelters were full. A Greyhound bus traveling from Memphis, Tennessee, to Baton Rouge was diverted to a shelter because of flooded roadways. About 5,000 people had been forced to sleep in shelters overnight around the state, said Marketa Walters, head of Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Louisiana state police colonel Michael Edmonson said helicopters were transporting food and water to those still trapped by floods. Helicopters also were transporting some seriously ill people to areas outside the high waters. Some 1,700 members of the Louisiana National Guard have been deployed for rescue efforts. Even as the state grappled with high waters, the National Weather Service forecast heavy rain from the Gulf Coast as far north as the Ohio Valley through Monday, with a threat of flash flooding. A flash flood watch was in place until Monday morning for Houston, where rains killed at least eight in late April. At least five people had died in Louisiana from the high water. Ronda Durbin, a spokeswoman for Tangipahoa Parish, said by telephone that searchers yesterday recovered the body of a man reported swept away on Friday. The body of a woman also was recovered from a submerged vehicle in the parish, she said. On Saturday, the body of a woman was recovered from the Tickfaw River, in St. Helena Parish northeast of Baton Rouge, after a car in which she was riding was swept away. A 54-year-old man in Greensburg in the northern part of the state died when his vehicle was swept off the road, state police said. The body of a 68-year-old man was recovered on Friday near Baker after he drowned, said William "Beau" Clark, the coroner in East Baton Rouge Parish. Another person is also believed missing in St. Helena Parish, Edwards said. (Reuters)

Louisiana floods kill 5, President Obama declares disaster

Flash floods triggered by torrential rain have killed at least 22 people in India and forced more than 170,000 from their homes, officials said on Monday, as forecasters predicted more downpours in coming days.<br />
<br />
India&#39;s monsoon rains, though vital for agriculture, regularly bring death and destruction. The rain was 35 per cent above average in the week that ended on July 6, the weather office said.<br />
<br />
Twenty people were killed in the central state of Madhya Pradesh where 70,000 people were left homeless as water rose to dangerous levels along parts of the Narmada river.<br />
<br />
Firemen waded through waist-high water to rescue women and children in flooded villages while rescue teams used inflatable boats to reach people stranded in urban areas.<br />
<br />
&quot;Thousands of people will be evacuated today. We are working on a war footing mode to set up relief camps,&quot; additional home secretary Basant Singh said in Bhopal, the state capital.<br />
<br />
&quot;The health department is distributing medicines to prevent outbreak of water-borne diseases.&quot;<br />
<br />
Stormy weather also ravaged parts of the remote northeast.<br />
<br />
Heavy rain pounded the tea-growing, oil-rich eastern state of Assam killing at least two people. About 100,000 people were forced to take shelter on higher ground, officials there said.<br />
<br />
The rain has also swelled the Brahmaputra river, which flows into Bangladesh, to dangerous levels.<br />
<br />
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal ordered officials to distribute food, clothing and medicines to people who could not return to their homes.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Rescue teams used inflatable boats to reach people stranded in urban areas while firemen saved women and children through waist-high water

Flash floods triggered by torrential rain have killed at least 22 people in India and forced more than 170,000 from their homes, officials said on Monday, as forecasters predicted more downpours in coming days. India's monsoon rains, though vital for agriculture, regularly bring death and destruction. The rain was 35 per cent above average in the week that ended on July 6, the weather office said. Twenty people were killed in the central state of Madhya Pradesh where 70,000 people were left homeless as water rose to dangerous levels along parts of the Narmada river. Firemen waded through waist-high water to rescue women and children in flooded villages while rescue teams used inflatable boats to reach people stranded in urban areas. "Thousands of people will be evacuated today. We are working on a war footing mode to set up relief camps," additional home secretary Basant Singh said in Bhopal, the state capital. "The health department is distributing medicines to prevent outbreak of water-borne diseases." Stormy weather also ravaged parts of the remote northeast. Heavy rain pounded the tea-growing, oil-rich eastern state of Assam killing at least two people. About 100,000 people were forced to take shelter on higher ground, officials there said. The rain has also swelled the Brahmaputra river, which flows into Bangladesh, to dangerous levels. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal ordered officials to distribute food, clothing and medicines to people who could not return to their homes. (Reuters)

Floods kill 22 people in India, 170,000 homeless

<p>Giant waves, cyclone-strength winds and torrential rain swept three people to their deaths on&nbsp;Australia&#39;s east coast on Monday after the&nbsp;storm&nbsp;forced hundreds to flee their homes.</p>

<p>Waves up to five metres (17.5 feet) were pounding much of the east coast, including Sydney, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of further danger as the&nbsp;storm&nbsp;moves south.</p>

<p>Two bodies were found in cars washed away in flood waters while a man was swept off the rocks south of Sydney&#39;s surfing beach of Bondi, police said.</p>

<p>The New South Wales state emergency services said they had received more than 9,250 calls and had conducted 280 flood rescues.</p>

<p>Insurers received more than 11,150 claims with estimated insured losses of A$38 million, the Insurance Council of&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;said. It expects the number of claims to rise further over the coming days.</p>

<p>Stocks in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;biggest insurers, including QBE Insurance &lt;QBE.AX&gt;, Insurance&nbsp;AustraliaGroup &lt;IAG.AX&gt; and Suncorp &lt;SUN.AX&gt;, skidded in a stronger wider market.</p>

<p>But CLSA analyst Jan Van Der Schalk did not see a major earnings impact on insurers who said they were still assessing the impact of the catastrophe.[S9N0ZH019]</p>

<p>Australian websites including Channel Nine &lt;NEC.AX&gt;, Foxtel Play &lt;TLS.AX&gt; &lt;NWSA.O&gt; and Domino&#39;s Pizza &lt;DMP.AX&gt; went down on Sunday when Amazon Web Service&#39;s &lt;AMZN.O&gt; Sydney zone experienced a two-hour power outage, ITnews website said.</p>

<p>An Amazon spokesman declined to comment but Amazon Web Services&rsquo; status page on Monday showed several connectivity issues in Sydney had been resolved.</p>

<p>Automated teller machines and point-of-sale banking services were also hit.</p>

<p>A spokeswoman for the Port Authority of New South Wales state said Newcastle, the world&#39;s largest exit point for sea-borne thermal coal and used by global miners Glencore &lt;GLEN.L&gt;, Rio Tinto &lt;RIO.AX&gt; &lt;RIO.L&gt; and Anglo American &lt;AAL.L&gt;, was placed on restricted ship movements over the weekend but did not sustain any damage.</p>

<p>&quot;While some sites had minor production interruptions, none of these has impacted our contractual obligations or production forecasts,&quot; Glencore said.</p>

<p>Port Kembla, the largest vehicle import hub in&nbsp;Australia, remained closed as the&nbsp;storm&nbsp;moved south.</p>


Three people died as the giant waves and torrential rain hit the east coast of Australia on Monday. The storm has forced hundreds of people to leave their homes.

Giant waves, cyclone-strength winds and torrential rain swept three people to their deaths on Australia's east coast on Monday after the storm forced hundreds to flee their homes. Waves up to five metres (17.5 feet) were pounding much of the east coast, including Sydney, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of further danger as the storm moves south. Two bodies were found in cars washed away in flood waters while a man was swept off the rocks south of Sydney's surfing beach of Bondi, police said. The New South Wales state emergency services said they had received more than 9,250 calls and had conducted 280 flood rescues. Insurers received more than 11,150 claims with estimated insured losses of A$38 million, the Insurance Council of Australia said. It expects the number of claims to rise further over the coming days. Stocks in Australia biggest insurers, including QBE Insurance <QBE.AX>, Insurance AustraliaGroup <IAG.AX> and Suncorp <SUN.AX>, skidded in a stronger wider market. But CLSA analyst Jan Van Der Schalk did not see a major earnings impact on insurers who said they were still assessing the impact of the catastrophe.[S9N0ZH019] Australian websites including Channel Nine <NEC.AX>, Foxtel Play <TLS.AX> <NWSA.O> and Domino's Pizza <DMP.AX> went down on Sunday when Amazon Web Service's <AMZN.O> Sydney zone experienced a two-hour power outage, ITnews website said. An Amazon spokesman declined to comment but Amazon Web Services’ status page on Monday showed several connectivity issues in Sydney had been resolved. Automated teller machines and point-of-sale banking services were also hit. A spokeswoman for the Port Authority of New South Wales state said Newcastle, the world's largest exit point for sea-borne thermal coal and used by global miners Glencore <GLEN.L>, Rio Tinto <RIO.AX> <RIO.L> and Anglo American <AAL.L>, was placed on restricted ship movements over the weekend but did not sustain any damage. "While some sites had minor production interruptions, none of these has impacted our contractual obligations or production forecasts," Glencore said. Port Kembla, the largest vehicle import hub in Australia, remained closed as the storm moved south.

Australia storm sweeps three to their death as it hits east coast

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