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Metro
10 minutes ago
- Metro
How 8.8-magnitude earthquake and tsunamis are causing major flight disruption
Multiple travel alerts have been issued to British citizens after Russia's Far East was rattled by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake, resulting in tsunami waves as high as 13 feet. Travellers in a dozen countries – the US, Canada, Philippines, Taiwan, China, Tonga, Togo, New Zealand, Ecuador, Solomon Islands, Peru, Samoa, Japan, Kiribati, Costa Rica, French Polynesia and Chile – have been urged to follow 'local advice' as evacuations are ongoing. Follow the latest updates on the earthquake on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula with Metro's live blog In Japan alone, nearly two million people have been rushed to safety from coastal areas in the north, with the meteorological agency confirming that sections of the east coast of Hokkaido and main island Honshu had seen waves of up to one metre in height. Part of Shinkansen bullet train service has also been temporarily axed dueto the warnings. The UK Foreign Office said: 'An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.7 has struck the eastern coast of Russia in the Kamchatka Peninsula region. A tsunami threat message has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. 'If you are in the affected areas potentially affected by the earthquake or tsunami you should follow the advice of the local authorities.' But the FCDO has stopped short of actually warning against travel to any of the affected regions following the earthquake – apart from Russia, but the country has been on Britain's 'no-go' list since the early days of the war in Ukraine. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The advice was released in the early hours of the mornings, and so far the government has not updated it. So no areas in Japan, the US or Hawaii, for example, were deemed 'unsafe' because of the tsunami – but people have still been urged not to travel. In the hours after the earthquake – and the multiple tremors that followed – hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal areas, with some of them trying to make a run for airports. While some tsunami warnings have been downgraded and alerts dropped, as many as hundreds of flights have been cancelled. Guangzhou Baiyun, Shanghai Pudong and Shenzhen Bao'an International Airports in China, Sendai Airport in Japan,Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Indonesia and the Las Vegas Airport in the US have all been graded five – the maximum in FlightRadar's disruption index, indicating major problems. Pictures showed dozens of travellers waiting for updates after their flights were cancelled. All flights out of Maui Airport were also stopped for the night, with more than 200 people left sheltering at the departure lounge. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video So far, the impact of the tsunami has not been as destructive as expected. Chip McCreery, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Director, stressed the 'worst part of it' is over. Yet, South American nations like Chile and Colombia are bracing for the threat. Chile has upgraded its tsunami warning to the highest level, covering most of its lengthy Pacific coast. The country's national emergency service said it was evacuating hundreds of people and school was cancelled along much of the coast. Similarly, Colombia has issued tsunami alerts and warnings for the areas of Choco and Narino, and for Cauca and Valle del Cauca respectively. More Trending The country's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said: 'Preemptive evacuation of beaches and low-tide areas on the coasts of Narino and Choco is recommended. 'Go to high ground and away from the coast.' Meanwhile, the Washington branch of the US National Weather Service said coastal areas west of Seattle were still seeing severe waves. It asked people not to travel to the shores to watch the waves, and instead 'keep away.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Boeing 787 Dreamliner narrowly avoided crash after engine failure MORE: The chilling prediction of a huge Kamchatka peninsula earthquake made just days ago MORE: Map shows where tsunami warnings are in place after 8.8-magnitude earthquake
Metro
10 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Planning a bridal bash? Here's how to create the perfect hen do gift bags
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more From making all the reservations, to helping the bride curate her hen party wardrobe, bridesmaids have a lot to do in the run up to the all-important hen weekend. So, let us help you take the stress out of one specific dreaded task — pulling together the hen do gift bags. While it's certainly not essential, giving out gift bags is a lovely way to kick off the celebrations. Plus, it's also a great opportunity to lay the weekend's theme on thick right from the start — whether you've kept it classic with pale blues and bows, or you've gone all-out with a Last Rodeo or What The Shell aesthetic. In terms of gift bag fillers, useful beauty accessories, pampering products, and recovery remedies are guaranteed to come in useful throughout the weekend. And instead of stocking up on heaps of 'bride tribe' tat — or shelling out for custom matching hen merch — pick accessories that subtly tie in with the theme, but will still get used long after the hen celebrations after over. Need a little more inspo? Don't worry — we've got you covered with this fail-safe guide to building sensational hen do gift bags, whatever your budget. A great accessory for getting ready, going out, and pretty much everything in-between, statement claw clips make gorgeous hen party gifts. With its dainty floral design, this pretty pale blue one would work well for a range of different themes — from Mamma Mia, to Last Toast On The Coast. BUY NOW FOR £3.60 (WAS £4) Another practical yet pretty accessory, this beaded strap looks super cute with its mix of pink beads and cowboy charms — and it'll also help minimise the risk of your hens losing track of their phones. This one would be ideal for a Last Rodeo theme, but there are also lots of other options to choose from. BUY NOW FOR £12 Finding a spare bit of mirror space to use when getting ready can be tricky during a hectic hen weekend — so compact mirrors make for a really thoughtful gift. With its pretty pearlescent sheen, and clever twist opening, this resin one really nails the brief. BUY NOW FOR £6 Designed to not leave behind any kind of dent or mark, these kinds of clips always come in handy when you need to move your hair out of your face to put your makeup on. This set includes eight clips in soft pastel hues — so split open the packs, and give the hens a couple each. BUY NOW FOR £5.99 These best-selling oils have a lovely non-sticky feel, and leave you with a really plump and glossy pout. They're also infused with really nourishing ingredients, and come in a range of tinted finishes that work to enhance your lips' natural colour. BUY NOW FOR £8 Taking your makeup off after a night out can be tricky if there are hens hogging the bathroom. A luxurious and skin-loving take on traditional makeup wipes, these dual-sided towelettes have a softer side for removing makeup, and a polishing side that helps refine and nourish the complexion. You get 20 in a pack — so just pop a couple in each gift bag. BUY NOW FOR £24.75 (WAS £33) Whether they're suffering through a hangover, or dealing with the dreaded post beach club afternoon slump in energy, these hydration sachets will certainly helpbring your hens back to life. They're packed with electrolytes and antioxidants, and have a lovely lemon flavour. BUY NOW FOR £21.99 The perfect antidote to puffiness and dark circles, under eye masks are a must-have for the morning after a big night out. These Grace & Stella ones come in big bulk packs of 24, 48, or 72 — and you've got the choice of three different colours, so they're easy to match to your theme. BUY NOW FOR £9.95 (WAS £17.50) Bring the barista experience to your Airbnb or hotel room with these ready-to-drink iced coffee cans — which each boast a delicious double shot of Grind's delicious House Blend. Half of the cans in this bundle are Iced Caramel Latte flavoured, and the other half are Iced Vanilla Oat Latte flavoured. BUY NOW FOR £28 You can't go wrong with a silly straw. These reusable plastic ones boast a playful swirl design, and are each adorned with a miniature silver disco ball at the top — making them a great option for a wide range of different themes. They come in silver or pink, and you get ten in a pack. BUY NOW FOR £7.99 While it's totally fine to just use standard paper gift bags, these pretty blue embroidered totes are an ideal alternative if you like the idea of everyone having some kind of matching accessory to use throughout the weekend. Personalised with each hen's name, they make really lovely keepsakes. BUY NOW FOR £10 Nothing beats a relaxing Sunday evening soak in the tub after getting home from a hectic weekend. Filled with Epsom salts, pink Himalayan salts, dried rose petals, and lavender, this cute little 'Team Bride' tube will seriously help soothe any dance-induced sore muscles. BUY NOW FOR £1.99 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Calling all brides-to-be! Here's how to curate the perfect hen-drobe and best outfits MORE: Everything you need to know about Korean skincare brand Anua – including our favourite buys MORE: Philip Kingsley launches the ultimate haircare travel kit that's on sale for £33
Metro
10 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Celebrate National Orgasm Day with the blush that put Nars on the map
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more In case you didn't know, 31 July marks National Orgasm Day. The official day to celebrate all things sexual pleasure and climaxing! Yes, dear reader, this day does come but once a year and who better to celebrate with than François Nars, the founder and creative director behind NARS and the creator of one of beauty industry's most iconic blushes? Since its launch in 1999, NARS Orgasm Powder Blush has become a cult classic. Universally flattering, instantly recognisable, and unapologetically cheeky, the peachy-pink hue with subtle golden shimmer has outlasted trends and stayed firmly planted in makeup bags around the world. To mark the day, Metro caught up with François Nars, who shared his top makeup tips, the story behind the iconic Orgasm blush, and how his mother's love of beauty helped shape his career. Nars is known for its iconic blushes. Why is blush so important to you? 'Blush is one of my favourite products. I think it is because my mother used to be so fond of it. She would never leave the house without it. If she ever didn't have blush on, she would pinch her cheeks. It always made her feel better and healthier.' What is your philosophy when applying blush to the skin? 'When it comes to blush, how and where you apply it is more important than what colour you use. Cheek colour shouldn't be limited to the apples (when you naturally blush, it's never just on the cheeks!). I always blend a bit into the hairline, along the jawbone, and on the tip of the nose to create a more natural-looking, all-over hint of colour.' When creating Orgasm, did you know it would be such a success? 'I never anticipated Orgasm becoming so successful. Looking back, I think the combination of the name and the shade made it so popular… Without such an audacious name, I don't know if it would have become so iconic. When I named it, I always felt like it was a good way to actually get an orgasm – just by buying a blush – so why not?' The iconic blush is a universally flattering peachy-pink shade with golden flecks of shimmer. It's formulated with a Pure Pigment Blend™ which mixes natural, mineral, pearly, and fine pigments to give cheeks a smooth, soft glow that helps hide imperfections. Super easy to build and blend, Orgasm is still a cult favourite. Buy Now FOR £34 How did you choose the name Orgasm for the blush? 'At the time, when I named blushes, I liked for the name to evoke an emotion or a feeling. When you blush naturally, it's a reaction to a feeling and so I wanted the shade names to be related to emotions. I had a whole bunch of names that were based on pleasure, passion, sensation. 'Orgasm' happened to be one of those names.' More Trending What is it about the Orgasm shade that everyone loves so much? 'Orgasm is a special shade because it suits all skin tones. The peach colour with subtle gold shimmer gives a very natural flush, and that balance is flattering for so many women.' It's not just the original Powder Blush available in the delectable hue, NARS offers a whole range of Orgasm-inspired products for makeup lovers to enjoy. Here's a look at some of the must-have items in our favourite, orgasmic shade. The Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm gives a sheer peachy-pink tint with the signature golden shimmer that makes the iconic blush so loved. Formulated with nourishing ingredients, this balm gives lips long-lasting moisture while adding a soft sheen. Buy Now for £27 A lightweight liquid blush that gives cheeks a natural peachy-pink tint with subtle golden shimmer. The formula blends easily but has a buildable finish to give you control over pigment. It's glow-giving without feeling heavy or sticky. Buy Now for £33 This bundle contains the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation and the iconic Orgasm Powder Blush. The best-selling foundation gives skin long-lasting coverage with a natural finish, while the blush adds a flattering peachy-pink flush. Together, they create a fresh, radiant look that lasts all day. Buy Now for £60 (worth £75) This multi-use stick can be applied to cheeks, lips, and eyes for a quick slick of colour anywhere you want. It gives buildable pigment and a seamless finish with a creamy, easy-to-blend formula. Buy Now for £33 Whether you're celebrating National Orgasm Day with a partner, alone or with some gorgeous new makeup, there's never been a better time to treat yourself to a little Orgasm. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: I tried Molly-Mae Hague's holiday makeup routine – and I'm never going back MORE: These setting sprays keep your makeup flawless – even when it's hot! MORE: I'm obsessed with glowy skin – and adding Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter into my makeup routine achieved that Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
an hour ago
- General
- Metro
Police surround United Airlines plane after it makes emergency landing at Heathrow
A passenger plane has been surrounded by police and fire crews after making an emergency landing at Heathrow after takeoff. United Airlines flight UA949 left Heathrow at 12.45pm before turning around and making an emergency landing. The crew declared an emergency on board the flight as it headed to San Francisco and made a U-turn. The reason for the return to London was a technical fault, AirLive reports. The Boeing 777-200ER had climbed 15,000 feet and was above Milton Keynes before turning around. Police vans and fire engines were scrambled to the runway and met the plane after arrival. Jerry Dyer from Big Jet TV, who was filming at Heathrow when the plane returned back to the airport, told Metro that there was no smoke when the plane landed 'safely.' Unverified claims emerged online saying that smoke was coming out of the plane. London Fire Brigade told Metro it did attend the incident, but no direct action was required. Jerry said the plane had used a general emergency code, which could be anything from 'minor technical issues to a problem with passengers like a health issue.' Jerry praised the emergency services, the plane crew and Heathrow for their response, saying the fire engines and ambulances were already on the tarmac as a precaution. It is common for planes to use the general emergency code and make a landing, but this does not necessarily suggest a major emergency. A spokesperson from Heathrow Airport told Metro that the plane 'landed safely and had no wider impact on operations.'
Metro
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Lidl is giving away free bakery items every day — including 'top tier' pastry
From the iconic cheese twist to all butter croissants and pizza slices galore, there's no temptation – or smell – quite like the Lidl bakery. This August, though, the budget supermarket is stepping up its sweet treat game, as pastry fans will be able to grab free bakery items every single day. Yes, you read that correctly. Starting on July 31, members will be able to take part in the Lidl Bakery Spin via the Lidl Plus app. All you need to do is buy an item in-store, and scan your app when paying. You'll then have one week to tap and spin the wheel to see which tasty freebie you've bagged, which is, arguably, a piece of cake. Better still, there are 21 freshly baked goods up for grabs, including the bestselling all butter croissant, which is so popular with bakery aficionados that it sells 218 each minute. Mozzarella & Pesto Pizza Vegetable Pizza Slice Apple Turnover Maple and Pecan Plait 5.5% Pecans Belgian Bun All Butter Pain au Chocolat All Butter Croissant Baked Cookies Assorted Demi Baguette Jam Filled Doughnut Filled Muffins Assorted Toffee Filled Yum Yum Chocolate Hazelnut Doughnut Almond Croissant Pink Iced Ring Doughnut Chocolate Iced Ring Doughnut Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant Pizza Margherita White Cheddar Chocolate Twist Cheese Twist Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia Roll. Lidl's famous bakery has long been hailed a culinary destination, with many praising its 'mouth-watering' sweet staples. Over on the r/AskUK Subreddit, @crazycatdiva said that the chocolate brownies are 'honestly the best I've ever had,' labelling them 'phenomenal.' @wildgoldchai added that the Portuguese pastéis de nata are 'like crack in pastry form' and at a 'fantastic price too,' while @julialoveslush said, 'I'm autistic and they're one of my 'safe' foods. I adore them.' Elsewhere, @Forstaken-Voice-6686 believes that both the 'brownies and pretzels are god tier,' while @ricketycricket09 favours the 'top tier' cheese twist. Last month, Lidl stepped up its bakery game considerably – and added a Birthday Cake Bun priced at just 79p. Featuring pale pink icing and rainbow sprinkles, there's a fruity pink swirl tucked inside. Following the launch, Metro decided to put the Birthday Cake Bun to the test and find out if it's worth buying, and it certainly went down a treat. James Besanvalle, Metro's assistant opinion editor, rated it a 4.5 out of 5, hailing it as 'fantastic'. More Trending He said: 'Lidl's new Birthday Cake Bun combines all the best elements of a doughnut (pink icing and sprinkles) with a scroll-like bun (jam-filled and soft in the middle). Sure, it's sweet – but who really wants a birthday cake that's not? Supremely satisfying.' Metro's specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, described it as a 'fun twist on a classic.' ''There's something so spectacularly nostalgic about the taste of an iced bun and it went down very nicely with a cup of tea,' she added. View More » 'My only real gripe is that Lidl has scrimped on the hundreds and thousands on top.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Costco shoppers devastated as 'ultimate' treat is axed from all food courts MORE: 6 money saving hacks that actually drain your bank account MORE: The high street cake shop that bucked trends to make £42,000,000 last year Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
