Devastating floods in Libya wipe out entire neighborhoods
Thousands are missing, and over 5,300 are dead after two dams collapsed in Libya, according to NBC News.
About 10,000 people are feared dead as a result of flood waters that swept through coastal cities and neighborhoods. The dams collapsed due to intense rain from the Mediterranean storm Daniel.
“Hospitals are filled with bodies. And there are areas we have yet to reach,” said Othman Abduljaleel, Libya’s eastern government health minister.
Aid groups warn the death toll will increase in the coming days.
The Libyan Presidential Council declared disaster zones in the most affected areas of Derna, Shahat and Dar al Bayda.
Escaped Pennsylvania convict now in custody
After two weeks on the run, police captured convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante on Wednesday, CNN reported. Police used a helicopter and spotted a heat signal near the search area.
The escaped prisoner stole a rifle from a homeowner’s garage on Monday night, which increased the danger in the manhunt, said Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens.
More than 20 tactical officers surrounded Cavalcante while he was sleeping and released a police dog to ensure his capture, ending the two-week-long search.
“Today, Danelo Cavalcante will be placed back behind bars for the rest of his life,” Katie Muth, a Pennsylvania senator, wrote in a Facebook post.
Hiker dies attempting to trek from south rim to north rim of Grand Canyon
There was a “hiker in distress” emergency call on Saturday in the Grand Canyon, according to ABC News.
Ranjith Varma, a 55-year-old hiker from Virginia, became unresponsive as the trek became more intense.
Fellow hikers attempted CPR on Varma until park rangers arrived in a rescue helicopter, according to the National Park Service. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Earthquake in Morocco leaves homes destroyed as residents undertake volunteer efforts
Local residents and volunteers spearheaded rescue efforts after a 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco last week, The New York Times reported.
“The situation is really bad. Everyone we’ve seen here is a fellow citizen, not the government,” said Yousef Errouggeh, a 29-year-old volunteer.
Earthquake victims joyfully welcomed rescuers, according to The Times.
“I went expecting misery. But I found Moroccan solidarity,” said Yves Le Gall, a volunteer, after spending five hours bringing food to mountain villages.
Devastation in the North African country lingers days after its worst earthquake in 100 years. As of Tuesday, the interior ministry reported 2,900 people died and more than 5,500 were injured.
