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06/09/2005
Hurricane Katrina – nearly one hundred Britons still missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that 96 Britons are still unaccounted for following Hurricane Katrina.
The number has dropped from an initial report listing around 150 people as some of those missing were were eventually traced, following last week’s hurricane, which devastated parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that many of those who remain unaccounted for may be safe, but he stressed that the Foreign Office was doing everything it could to assist the family and friends of those still missing.
On Monday, Prime Minister Tony Blair was forced to apologise after he was criticised for the slow response of UK officials in helping British survivors of the disaster. He said: “I’m really sorry if there have been difficulties, but I can assure you some of these staff have been working round the clock.”
In New Orleans, engineers from the US Army have begun to pump floodwaters out of the city. One of the biggest gaps in the flood control system a broken canal levee at 17th Street, has now been plugged. However, it is expected that it will take up to three months to pump all the floodwater out as around 80% of New Orleans is flooded.
The city’s deputy police chief, Warren Riley, said the city had been “completely destroyed”. He said: “There are no jobs. There are no homes to go to, no hotel to go to, there is absolutely nothing here.”
As most are now rescued from the worst affected areas of the city, the attention is turning to the grim task of recovering the bodies of those killed.
The official death toll in Louisiana is 59, however, it is feared that thousands of people could have died in New Orleans alone.
Relatives of Britons who were in the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina last week, are advised to contact the UK helpline on: 0207 008 0000 or the British consulate in Houston on: 001 713 659 6270.
(KMcA/SP)
The number has dropped from an initial report listing around 150 people as some of those missing were were eventually traced, following last week’s hurricane, which devastated parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that many of those who remain unaccounted for may be safe, but he stressed that the Foreign Office was doing everything it could to assist the family and friends of those still missing.
On Monday, Prime Minister Tony Blair was forced to apologise after he was criticised for the slow response of UK officials in helping British survivors of the disaster. He said: “I’m really sorry if there have been difficulties, but I can assure you some of these staff have been working round the clock.”
In New Orleans, engineers from the US Army have begun to pump floodwaters out of the city. One of the biggest gaps in the flood control system a broken canal levee at 17th Street, has now been plugged. However, it is expected that it will take up to three months to pump all the floodwater out as around 80% of New Orleans is flooded.
The city’s deputy police chief, Warren Riley, said the city had been “completely destroyed”. He said: “There are no jobs. There are no homes to go to, no hotel to go to, there is absolutely nothing here.”
As most are now rescued from the worst affected areas of the city, the attention is turning to the grim task of recovering the bodies of those killed.
The official death toll in Louisiana is 59, however, it is feared that thousands of people could have died in New Orleans alone.
Relatives of Britons who were in the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina last week, are advised to contact the UK helpline on: 0207 008 0000 or the British consulate in Houston on: 001 713 659 6270.
(KMcA/SP)
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FOC Advises Britons Trapped By Irene
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22 September 2005
Mass evacuation in progress as Hurricane nears US
A mass evacuation is underway along parts of the Gulf coast of the US as Hurricane Rita is upgraded to a Category Five storm. Wind speeds of up to 175mph are forecast to hit the Texan coast as meteorologists track the course of the slowly advancing storm, one of the most intense ever to threaten the US.
Mass evacuation in progress as Hurricane nears US
A mass evacuation is underway along parts of the Gulf coast of the US as Hurricane Rita is upgraded to a Category Five storm. Wind speeds of up to 175mph are forecast to hit the Texan coast as meteorologists track the course of the slowly advancing storm, one of the most intense ever to threaten the US.
01 September 2008
Briton To 'Weather' Hurricane Gustav, Despite Warnings
As thousands flee New Orleans, amid the rumbles of Hurricane Gustav nearing the Gulf Coast, one British pub owner has remained resolute, and pledged to stay in the city.
Briton To 'Weather' Hurricane Gustav, Despite Warnings
As thousands flee New Orleans, amid the rumbles of Hurricane Gustav nearing the Gulf Coast, one British pub owner has remained resolute, and pledged to stay in the city.
02 September 2005
Explosions rock New Orleans
A series of unexplained blasts rocked the New Orleans riverfront on Friday. It is unclear what caused the blasts, which occurred around 04:30 local time on Friday morning, although some reports have indicated that a chemical factory may have been involved and fires are raging at the scene.
Explosions rock New Orleans
A series of unexplained blasts rocked the New Orleans riverfront on Friday. It is unclear what caused the blasts, which occurred around 04:30 local time on Friday morning, although some reports have indicated that a chemical factory may have been involved and fires are raging at the scene.
01 September 2005
New Orleans relief work could take years
Hurricane Katrina may have passed, but for many in New Orleans, the situation is far from over. US authorities are struggling to rescue people trapped on rooftops and it is feared that hundreds may have lost their lives in the catastrophe.
New Orleans relief work could take years
Hurricane Katrina may have passed, but for many in New Orleans, the situation is far from over. US authorities are struggling to rescue people trapped on rooftops and it is feared that hundreds may have lost their lives in the catastrophe.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
