The tragic wildfires that have engulfed the island of Maui, Hawaii, have taken a devastating toll, with the death count reaching 55 as of the latest reports. The situation remains grim, as officials warn that the number of casualties is expected to rise further.

On Thursday, an additional 17 fatalities were confirmed, bringing the total to 53 victims. As the day progressed, two more individuals were discovered dead, according to Maui County authorities.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green conveyed the alarming news that approximately 1,000 individuals remain unaccounted for. He emphasized that these individuals are not presumed dead, but their safety is uncertain due to communication challenges. The catastrophe has left hundreds without power, internet, phones, or radio access.

Green highlighted the difficulties faced by rescue teams in reaching the unaccounted-for due to the lack of communication means, urging them to utilize satellite phones for connectivity.

The wildfires have relentlessly ravaged the town of Lahaina, resulting in the destruction of more than 1,700 structures and billions of dollars worth of property. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen painfully acknowledged the irreversible devastation, stating that the historic town has been entirely obliterated.

Regrettably, Lahaina’s once-vibrant landscape now stands burnt to the ground, with all remnants of its past wiped out by the flames. The scale of destruction has left the island grappling not only with the immediate loss of life and property but also with the daunting challenge of recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of this catastrophic event.

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Travel chaos looms over Manchester as union leaders forecast a series of strikes by both First Manchester and Stagecoach bus drivers.

The nine-day strike, scheduled for August and September, is a response to what Unite the Union deems “derisory” pay offers from the two companies.

Approximately 1,500 drivers are set to participate, creating significant disruption during a period that coincides with a Manchester United home game, a concert by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Pride weekend, and the reopening of schools.

The strikes are scheduled for August Bank Holiday weekend on the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th, followed by September 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. Stagecoach drivers have already commenced a separate four-day strike, beginning today on August 11th.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, criticized the pay discrepancy, highlighting that despite low wages, both First and Stagecoach continue to report soaring profits. Rising living costs combined with inadequate wages have led to staffing shortages, placing the burden on workers.

Colin Hayden, Unite’s regional officer, expressed concerns over the impending chaos the dispute could create on one side of Manchester. He emphasized the need for First Manchester and Stagecoach to present offers that align with workers’ expectations, considering their financial capabilities.

Lee Wasnidge, the managing director of Stagecoach Manchester, defended their offer, claiming it would position Stagecoach drivers as some of the best-paid in the region, coupled with favorable terms. He expressed disappointment over the rejection of their above-inflation deal.

Ian Humphreys, the managing director of First Manchester, appealed for a resolution, emphasizing the damage that sustained industrial action would inflict on customers who rely on buses for their daily commute.

The strikes underscore the growing tension between bus companies and workers demanding fair wages and improved working conditions. As these labor disputes unfold, their impact on daily life and transportation within Manchester is expected to be significant, prompting calls for constructive dialogue between the companies and the union.

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The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has reported promising signs of recovery in the tourism sector. In July, preliminary figures revealed a substantial increase of 31% month-on-month, totaling about 3.6 million visitor arrivals.

The average daily arrivals were noted at 116,000. Impressively, the cumulative count of visitor arrivals for the first seven months of this year reached nearly 16.5 million.

Dane Cheng, the Executive Director of the HKTB, expressed optimism about the gradual recovery of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Notably, the city has seen one of the fastest recoveries in Southeast Asia. Visitor arrivals from the Philippines and Thailand achieved over 90% of pre-pandemic levels last month, while the mainland China market displayed a recovery of around 70%. Remarkably, approximately half of all visitors are overnight travelers, indicating a slight increase compared to pre-pandemic figures.

Addressing the latest trends and developments, the HKTB conducted a trade update event on August 10, attended by more than 700 representatives from various sectors within the travel and tourism industry. This event provided insights into the current state of Hong Kong’s tourism landscape and introduced upcoming key initiatives by the HKTB for the months ahead. Attendees included local travel agents, hotels, airlines, attractions, retailers, food and beverage businesses, cruise lines, as well as convention and exhibition organizers.

The HKTB’s proactive approach in engaging stakeholders and industry professionals signifies a coordinated effort to boost the recovery of Hong Kong’s tourism sector. With improving visitor numbers and a focus on strategic initiatives, the city is well on its way to reclaiming its position as a prominent global travel destination.

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A significant earthquake measuring magnitude 6.0 struck Japan’s Hokkaido region at 5:44 am (local time) on Friday, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The earthquake’s epicenter was pinpointed to the Hokkaido area.

The quake’s depth was recorded at 46 kilometers. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far, offering some relief in the wake of the seismic event.

Further details about the extent of any potential damage or effects are still awaited as authorities and experts continue to assess the situation. This seismic occurrence underscores Japan’s vulnerability to earthquakes due to its geographical location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” which is prone to seismic activity.

In a similar vein, the preceding day saw a magnitude 5.2 earthquake shake eastern Turkey, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The seismic event took place at a depth of 10.9 kilometers, with its epicenter located 10 kilometers south-southwest (SSW) of Turkey’s Malatya at 17:48 (UTC).

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On August 11, a powerful earthquake struck Turkey, causing significant injuries, fatalities, and extensive damage to buildings. With a magnitude of 5.7, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in Yesilyurt city of Malatya province.

The impact of the earthquake led to more than 23 reported injuries in Malatya and Adiyaman. Injuries were primarily due to falls and individuals attempting to escape buildings at risk of collapsing.

Swiftly responding to the disaster, rescue operations were promptly initiated to aid those affected. Emergency services mobilized to provide medical assistance and support to the injured. Efforts focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of the impacted individuals and accounting for everyone in the affected areas.

In the aftermath, as aftershocks continued, authorities issued a ‘Red Alert,’ urging residents to exercise caution and avoid damaged structures that might be prone to further collapses. The potential dangers posed by subsequent tremors heightened concerns about structural integrity.

The Turkish government took immediate action by deploying a range of resources for relief efforts. The Ministry of Health dispatched medical teams and supplies to attend to the injured, while dedicated search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate individuals trapped under debris.

International solidarity poured in for Turkey, with various countries and international organizations offering assistance. Aid teams, equipment, and essential supplies were dispatched to aid in search and rescue missions and provide vital assistance to affected communities.

In light of this tragic event, experts emphasise the importance of proactive measures to mitigate casualties and damage resulting from earthquakes. They recommend that those residing in seismically active regions take precautions by preparing emergency kits, securing heavy furniture, and adhering to safety protocols during such incidents. The disaster serves as a poignant reminder of the need for preparedness and solidarity in times of crisis.

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An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The tremor was recorded 112 kilometers southeast of Port Blair, occurring between Thursday and Friday night at 02:56:12 Indian Standard Time (IST). The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the earthquake’s depth as 10 kilometers.

The NCS shared the event on social media stating: “Earthquake of Magnitude: 4.3, Occurred on 11-08-2023, 02:56:12 IST, Lat: 10.66 & Long: 93.04, Depth: 10 km, Location: 112km SSE of Portblair, Andaman and Nicobar Island, India.”

This seismic activity follows a prior earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 that shook the Andaman and Nicobar Islands earlier in the week. The earlier quake hit the region at 12:53:24 IST, with the NCS noting a depth of 10 kilometers.

These successive tremors highlight the region’s susceptibility to seismic events, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness to mitigate potential impacts.

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A magnitude 4.3 earthquake rattled Central California in the United States, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred at 19:17:18 (UTC) on August 10, with its epicenter situated 6 kilometers northwest of Parkfield, California.

Notably, the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas Fault has experienced earthquakes of approximately magnitude 6 relatively frequently since the 1800s, with the last significant “Parkfield earthquake” recorded in 2004.

Despite the quake’s magnitude, there have been no reports of casualties or material damage so far.

Simultaneously, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck southern Turkey on the same day, causing structural damage to buildings and injuring 23 individuals. The epicenter was in the town of Yesilyurt in Malatya province. This area had previously experienced devastating earthquakes in February, resulting in significant loss of life.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca stated that injuries sustained in Malatya and Adiyaman were primarily due to falls and people attempting to escape collapsing buildings.

Moreover, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. The National Center for Seismology reported that the earthquake occurred at 02:56:12 Indian Standard Time (IST) on the night between Thursday and Friday. The tremors were felt at a depth of 10 kilometers and a location of 112 kilometers southeast of Portblair.

Earlier this week, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake had also impacted the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

These recent seismic events underscore the unpredictable nature of geological activity across the globe, reminding us of the importance of preparedness and swift response measures.

_{Inputs: ANI and Associated Press}

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Russia has recently proposed a reciprocal visa regime with India to facilitate hassle-free travel for tourists from both countries. Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov announced this bilateral agreement, allowing organised tourist groups to visit each other’s nations without the need for visas. Notably, this initiative aims to boost tourism ties between Russia and India, forging a closer connection between the two nations.

Starting from August 1, Russia began issuing electronic visas (e-visas) to Indian passport holders. This move streamlines travel approval processes for various purposes like business trips, family visits, and tourism. The e-visa system offers Indian travelers a quicker and more efficient way to obtain permission to enter Russia.

Minister Reshetnikov also addressed the challenges faced by Russia’s tourism sector, aiming to revive tourist arrivals to pre-pandemic levels. The ongoing Ukraine conflict has further impacted the industry, necessitating innovative strategies to revitalize tourism.

In a parallel development on August 1, Russia reinstated a visa-free travel agreement with China, initially established in 2000 and suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This renewed agreement caters to groups of a minimum of five people, sharing an itinerary and program. A similar arrangement has been reached between Russia and Iran.

Russia introduced a new scheme enabling citizens from 55 countries to acquire an electronic visa for a fee of approximately $52. The e-visa, valid for 60 days, permits a stay of up to 16 days within the country. This move aims to facilitate easier entry for tourists and business travelers alike, promoting greater international engagement.

These measures collectively underscore Russia’s commitment to reviving its tourism sector and strengthening international ties through simplified travel procedures and agreements with various countries, including India, China, and Iran.

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The Chandigarh-Manali national highway, a crucial route connecting Mandi and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, has been severely disrupted due to extensive landslides triggered by heavy overnight rainfall, as confirmed by local authorities. The impact of these landslides has led to significant damage to the highway near Pandoh in the Mandi district, rendering the road impassable. This unfortunate event has resulted in the stranding of numerous vehicles on both sides of the affected area.

In response to the situation, authorities have taken measures to halt vehicular traffic beyond Mandi in the direction of Kullu and vice versa, prioritizing the safety of travelers. Furthermore, the alternative road link connecting Mandi and Kullu through Kataula has also been hindered by a massive landslide near Kamad, compounding the transportation challenges in the region.

Given the circumstances, local district administrations in Mandi and Kullu have issued advisories, urging travelers to postpone their journeys along the Mandi-Kullu route until the highway can be fully restored. Efforts are underway to repair the highway, with expectations that restoration work will be completed later in the day.

The disruption is not limited to the Chandigarh-Manali highway alone; the Chandigarh-Shimla national highway has also experienced traffic disruptions due to landslides near Solan town. These adverse weather conditions can be attributed to an active western disturbance, leading to intense periods of precipitation in several districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur.

Officials from the meteorological office have emphasized the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall in the mentioned districts. Additionally, reports indicate that rivers such as the Satluj, Beas, and Yamuna, along with their tributaries, are flowing at elevated levels in Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur districts. These rivers eventually flow into the states of Punjab and Haryana, raising concerns about potential flooding and water-related issues in those areas.

In light of the ongoing situation, authorities are diligently working to address the challenges posed by the landslides and inclement weather, while urging residents and travelers to remain cautious and stay updated on the latest developments.

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The emirate’s deft handling of the pandemic and a series of reforms aimed at attracting visitors, helped Dubai maintain its edge as the region’s top tourism hub.

Dubai reported a record number of tourist arrivals in the first half of the year, topping levels last seen before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold and helping push hotel room rates to a fresh high.

The city reported 8.55 million international overnight visitors, up 20% from the first half of last year and more than the 8.36 million tourists who visited during the same period in 2019.

Average daily hotel rates came in at 534 dirhams ($145.40), up by a fifth from 2019 levels.

The emirate’s deft handling of the pandemic, coupled with a series of reforms aimed at attracting visitors, helped it maintain its edge as the region’s top tourism, business and trade hub.

At the start of the year, Dubai’s government reduced tax on alcohol, leaving the city better-positioned to cater to wider swathes of the market.

Tourists from Western Europe accounted for about a fifth of international visitors, with Russia, former Soviet states and Eastern Europe contributing 14%.

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