Locals flee as massive landslide crashes into popular temple in India
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Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Devastating floods leave hundreds dead, stranded in just 24 hours — here's what we know
Devastating floods leave hundreds dead, stranded in just 24 hours — here's what we know At least 243 people died over the span of 24 hours in India and Pakistan as torrential downpours caused widespread flash flooding and landslides, according to the Associated Press. "The death toll may rise, as we are still looking for dozens of missing people," an official told the AP. With more heavy rain in the forecast, the situation could become even more dire. What's happening? The rainfall struck mountainous areas of Northern Pakistan and India's Himalayan region, hitting difficult-to-reach, remote villages. Also affected were roughly 4,000 pilgrims who were making the annual trek to a Hindu shrine located at 9,500 feet of elevation, per the AP. The community kitchen that had been set up to feed the pilgrims was swept away in the floodwaters with 200 people inside along with numerous cars and motorbikes, according to the AP. Despite official warnings about the risk of heavy rains and flooding, thousands of tourists had flocked to resorts in the popular region, known for its picturesque scenery. Emergency personnel were in the process of evacuating thousands of tourists trapped by the floods and landslides. A rescue helicopter on a relief mission was carrying five people, including two pilots, when it crashed in the area because of the harsh weather conditions, per the AP. The torrential rains were caused by cloudbursts, which are defined as sudden, extremely aggressive rainfall events that result in more than 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) of rainfall per hour, according to Himalayan Geographic. Cloudbursts form when monsoon clouds hit cold air. Because of the mountainous nature of the Himalayas, cloudbursts are more likely to form, and, when they do, they are more likely to be trapped over a relatively small geographic area. "Unlike cyclones, forecasting a cloudburst is very difficult due to the dynamics of rapidly developing clouds over a very small area," Himalayan Geographic said. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. All these factors made for a deadly combination, though there have been other similar tragedies this summer. Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said that 556 rain-related deaths have occurred since June 26, per the AP. What does flooding in India and Pakistan mean for the rest of the world? Experts analyzing recent extreme rainfall events in the region have concluded that rising global temperatures have contributed significantly to the severity of the storms. A study released in early August found that "the 30-day maximum rainfall over the study region is now 22% more intense than it would have been in a climate that had not been warmed … due to the burning of fossil fuels, and, to a small extent, deforestation." This trend has not been limited to the Himalayas. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit that air temperatures increase, the air can absorb 4% more water, according to Climate Central. When this water eventually falls back to Earth as precipitation, the result is more precipitation per hour. One study looking at U.S. cities found that 88% of the 144 cities examined have experienced increased rainfall per hour since 1970. Of those cities that experience more severe storms, rainfall per hour increased by 15%. As the devastating flooding in India and Pakistan as well as recent floods in Texas and New York have demonstrated, this more intense rainfall can easily overwhelm local flood-mitigation measures. Whether natural or human-made, these flood-mitigation systems have a limited capacity for absorbing and carrying excess water. When that capacity is exceeded, the results can be devastating, and not only for the regions that are directly impacted. Flash floods and landslides take lives, destroy homes and businesses, and devastate crops and livestock, resulting in higher food prices and insurance premiums well beyond the floodwaters' reach. What's being done about flooding around the world? In order to avoid the worst impacts of rising global temperatures, the world needs to transition away from burning dirtier, nonrenewable fuels such as coal and natural gas and toward cleaner, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. To help spur this transition forward, you can use your voice, take local action, and support political candidates who share your policy priorities. You can also contact your elected representatives to demand action. Taking things a step further, installing solar panels on your home and driving an electric vehicle are great ways to reduce heat-trapping pollution while also saving money on electricity and gas. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Jetstar passenger's warning after 'confusing' Bali flight ordeal: 'Don't wait'
A Jetstar passenger has hit out at the budget airline after an apparent airline tactic of overbooking flights left her potentially facing a long wait for another plane. Young Aussie Sky Kennedy told Yahoo News she was getting ready to fly home after a two-week solo adventure around Bali when, at the check-in desk, she was told she may be refused boarding because she hadn't pre-booked a seat. "When I got to the desk, the lady mentioned that the plane was full and because I hadn't selected a seat, that I didn't actually have one secured on that flight," Sky recalled for Yahoo News. Sky said she was "confused" because she'd booked the flight months ago. "She explained that even though I bought the ticket, because I hadn't selected a seat, it wasn't guaranteed," she said. Seat selection on Jetstar flights – do you have to buy a seat? Basic seat selection on Jetstar flights costs around $8, while seats closer to the front and on exit rows can go for up to $32. For Sky, she usually doesn't select a seat because she's "happy to sit anywhere". "If I had known that choosing a seat meant my booking wasn't secured, I would have, of course, selected one," she said. "But when you book online, it doesn't say that and even gives you the option to skip seat selection. If it's essential to secure your ticket, in my opinion, it should be included in the price or mentioned at the time of booking." Yahoo contacted Jetstar to find out if what Sky was told in Bali is airline policy. Jetstar advised that customers aren't required to pre-purchase seats to guarantee travel. If a flight is overbooked, Jetstar can choose passengers to change to another flight. It will provide affected passengers with compensation, reimbursement and assistance to secure another flight, the airline's policy says. Sky said once on board, the people next to her said they had booked the seat for their friend who was suddenly hospitalised with Covid. 😱 Jetstar passenger's incredible spot from window of Bali flight ✈️ Calls for Jetstar to change policy to resolve 'ridiculous' problem 🧳 Jetstar carry-on policy questioned after 'ridiculous' passenger request Sky, who shared her story online, said she learned that airlines are known to overbook flights, expecting that some passengers won't show up. On its website, Jetstar says flights may be overbooked "on rare occasions". Following her experience, Sky has warned Aussies to leave nothing to chance and simply pay the $8 fee. "Pay the extra however much it is for your seat and check in as soon as you can, don't wait until you get to the airport," she warned. Yahoo understands that Jetstar has apologised to Sky for the distress the incident caused her. On occasion, passengers aren't able to be accommodated due to a change in aircraft, weight restrictions, or, in rare circumstances, when a flight is overbooked. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Condé Nast Traveler
2 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
What It's Like to Fly 13 Hours in Cathay Pacific's New Business Class
In 1983, Cathay Pacific was among the first commercial airlines to introduce a business class cabin, coddling 35 passengers onboard Boeing 747s fitted with widened seats sporting up-to-the-minute leg rests, plus the now obligatory cascades of Champagne. Forty-two years later, the Hong Kong flagship carrier may have just perfected the concept with the introduction of its luxury hotel-level Aria Suites, which come with privacy doors, fully flat beds, cutting-edge tech, Michelin-star meals, and the ambience of a design hotel. It's a new look which has bagged the airline a slew of awards since its recent launch, including a win in the Passenger Comfort category at the Crystal Cabin Awards and a bump from fifth to third place in the 2025 SkyTrax World Airline Awards. To get the lowdown I took to the skies flying from my home in Hong Kong to London Heathrow. The new Aria Suites have chic design details akin to a boutique hotel. Courtesy Cathay Pacific Pre-boarding The ease of traveling with Cathay Pacific is apparent before you reach the airport. The app is a dream—clear, intuitive, and without glitches. Passengers can pick their seats weeks in advance and check in online 48 hours before departure, as opposed to the usual 24 hours. Thanks to an in-town, self-service, check-in desk travelers are able to drop their luggage at Hong Kong Station in the heart of Central anytime between 24 hours to 90 minutes before their scheduled time of take-off—a boon if you have to leave your hotel at midday. From here, it's a breezy 24 minutes on the spotlessly clean, Wi-Fi-enabled Airport Express train and a business class fast-track through HKG's e-channels and CT scanners, which negate the need to remove liquids and laptops. I'm greeted by staff, immaculately attired in red jackets with standing collars, at the lounge within an hour of leaving home. Airport lounge My flight coincided with the reopening of Cathay Pacific's flagship airport lounge, The Bridge. Positioned at the end of the main walkway, it unfolds across two enormous wings: one specializing in Chinese food, the other with a Western menu. British designer Ilse Crawford is behind the design, a soft blur of warm woods, muted browns, mossy velvets, cognac-colored sofas, and tweed swivel chairs. Transit passengers are made comfortable with showers and quiet zones, and the food and drink on offer is always worth checking in early for. I skip my usual wontons at The Noodle Bar to try some new dishes at The Nook: perfectly crisp scallion pancakes, volcanic-spicy lamb bao (buns), and sweet barbecue pork rice rolls. It's all as delicious as anything you would find at Hong Kong's top restaurants. Elsewhere, there are two bountiful hot and cold buffets (both with plenty of vegetarian options), help-yourself ice buckets of wine and Champagne, and a long bar for all your coffee and cocktail needs.
