Asiantravel News Archives
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Weather and Calamity Watch
- Typhoon Kalmaegi Hits Three Countries
China, Philippines and Taiwan gets hit by Typhoon Kalmaegi or Helen. Helen started as a tropical depression on July 13 east of the Philippines and it intensified to a Tropical storm by the 15th and became a full blowing Typhoon by the 17th. It affected the northern part of Philippines killing at least 2 people and affecting more than 30, 000 lives. Thirteen lives were lost in Taiwan and eight people were reported missing. It affected Tainan, Nantou, and Taichung counties causing power shortage and vast damage to crops and livelihood. The storm affected the Gujian and Zhejiang Provinces of China but the damages were not so extreme as it had downgraded into a tropical storm as it entered China.
- Japan Rocked by 7.2 Earthquake
Northern Japan was badly shaken by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake last Saturday, June 14, 2008 at around 8:43 a.m. It was followed by more than 150 aftershocks. Rice fields, roads and homes were ruined leaving 6 people dead, 11 people missing, 29,000 household were without electricity, more than a hundred were injured.and several people stranded.
The quake center was about 8 kms underground of southern Iwate Prefecture but was felt in several cities, even as far as Tokyo.
- Strong Quake Rocks China
An earthquake measuring 7.9 in the Richer scale hit China last May 12, 2008. The epicenter was in Wenchuan County in the Sichuan province thus the name Wenchuan earthquake. The tremors were felt in the major cities of Beijing and Shanghai, which are more than 1500 kilometers and 1700 kilometers away respectively. More than 34,000 people were reported dead and hundreds of thousands injured and millions were left homeless.
Various organizations and individuals, both local and international, have lent a hand in the stricken community as China has formally requested for aide. Travel to the affected area is quite hard though because of the persistent heavy rains and landslides.
- Cyclone Nargis Hits Burma
A cyclone more devastating and deadly than the 2004 tsunami has ripped Burma/Myanmar last May 2, 2008. Hundreds of thousand deaths have been reported and innumerable people were left homeless and hungry. Although warning about the forthcoming storm was aired in national Burmese news, most of the citizens were caught unprepared by the intensity of the storm.
Various issues on the military government and the acceptance of aide from foreign countries have become controversial. Visas are not easily given for foreigners who want to enter the country.
- Snow Storms in China Continues
Much of the country is suffering from the effects of the snow storm hitting China. The central region especially areas in Guizhou, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces have lost their water supplies and electricity. Travel is difficult because of the snowbound highways and paralyzed rail service caused by the power shortages. Many travelers are stuck in the stations and more are expected to have unpleasant travel experience as the Spring Festival is coming soon and many locals would be going back to their provincial hometowns.
- January 2008
Source: International Herald Tribune:Asia-Pacific
- Indonesia's Capital Badly Shaken but not Down
Jakarta, Indonesia - An earthquake of 7.5 magnitude shook the city and alarmed the residents last Thursday, August 9,2007. Although the tremor was strong, no deaths nor damages were reported. There was also no threat of a tsunami developing from it.
- Shanghai spared from wrath of storm
- Shanghai had been preparing for the coming of the typhoon Wipha (Thai derived) evacuating about 300,000 residents. The storm hit the east coast of China on September 19, 2007, Wednesday. causing the cancellation if not postponement of the women's World Cup soccer tournament, a tourism festival and classes for schools of all level. Damage had been great, however on the southern part of the city, the Cangnan County where around 669 houses were destroyed and 2000 villages lost their power supply.
- Tremors rock Indonesia
- An earthquake struck somewhere in Southeast Asia last September 12, 2007, centering about 34 kms underground at about 130 kms southwest of Bengkulu, of coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. With a magnitude measuring at 8.4 in the Richer scale, the tremor killed about 23 people and also felt in the neighboring countries of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Several more earthquakes ensued but with lesser intensity of 5 through 6.
- Another 7.9 earthquake struck on September 13 and centered about 10 kms underground, some 185 kms (115 miles) southeast of Padang, Indonesia about 205 kms northwest of Bengkulu. Aftershocks continued until the 14th of September with up to 6.4 in magnitude. Tsunami warnings were given out although the biggest wave noted was a meter high.
Accidents and Incidents
- Bomb Blasts in Ahmedabad, India
About 17 bombs blasted in Ahmedabad, the capital of of of the Gujurat State of India last July 26, 2008. It killed 49 people and injured over one hundred and sixty. The previous day, a series of bombs also exploded in Bengaluru which killed two eople and injured 20 other.
- Japan Rocked by Another Strong Earthquake
Northern Japan, specifically the Iwate region, experienced a powerful earthquake with an intensity of 7.0 on the Ritcher scale last Saturday, July 19, 2008. There was no widespread damage but there were several building windows which were shattered and some people injured. Despite the precaution and preparation of the country for such phenomenon, fear cannot be completely eradicated considering the after effects. Warning of a possible tsunami was issued by some agencies but there was no occurrence of any.
- 2 Bomb Explosions in Sri Lanka Kills 23
Bombs exploded in Sri Lanka last Saturday, June 6,2008, killing 23 people and wounding 67 others. The first bomb was detonated on the roadside of Colombo, the capital city. It killed 21 passengers of the bus that was passing by. Hours later, another bomb exploded inside a bus in the hills of the central Kandy district and killed two people and causing injury to 20 others. Tamil Tiger rebels are blamed for the said terroristic attacks.
- Plane crashes in Phuket
- Phuket, Thailand - A budget airline from Bangkok, One-Two-Go,flight OG269, crashed last September 16, 2007 on the island after trying to land in heavy rains. Eighty-nine dead were counted, several hospitalized and reported missing from the accident. Majority were foreign tourists planning for a vacation on the island.
- Spill in South Korea Affects More
A collision between a South Korean barge and a Hong Kong tanker on Decemer 8, 2007 has resulted to a devastating loss of livelihood and ecological destruction as 10,500 tons of oil leaked into the sea. Most of the affected area are along the Taean county where tourism, seafood farms, and fishing industry is largely affected. Several whales and birds on migration to the place have been reported to have died from the slick.
- Plane from Beijing, China crash lands in Heathrow, London
A Boeing 777-236ER plane landed on the grass short of the runway of the London Heathrow Airport last January 17, 2008. The flight was from Beijing , China.
No fatalities were reported although some were brought to hospitals for treatment of some minor injuries. Part of the undercarriage including two wheels were torn off with the wings receiving some damages too. No fire was reported though.
-Source : BBC News
Games & Sports
- Olympic Torch Reaches World's Highest Summit
A conducive weather last May 8, 2008 favored the climbers carrying the Olympic flame to ascend to the peak of Mt. Everest. The torch relay lasted for about 6 hours with cheers of "Beijing welcomes you!" and "One World, One Dream" the official slogan of the Beijing Olympics filling the air. The climb to the peak was suppose to represent the desire for unity and harmony in the world. No other climbers were allowed to visit the peak on the said date. Security was strict as fears from previous protests in other countries have escalated the risk of injuries.
- 2008 Olympic Torch Relay to begin in South Korea
The next leg of the Torch Relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympics shall continue in South Korea. Many people are apprehensive as protesters have marred its passage through Paris and several other cities with violence and scuffles.
The route in Seoul covers 24-km (15-mile) from Olympic Park to City Hall. Several policemen have been dispatched to ensure safety during the run. There is no real assurance though what some anti-Chinese protesters can be up to. The US embassy in South Korea has issued a warning to its citizens not to travel during the time of the relay.
-April 27,2008
- SEA Games 2007 held in Thailand
The South East Asian Games had been formally opened last December 6th, in time with His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday. The venues of the various sports are being held in Nakhonratchsima, Chonburi, and Bangkok. The events are participated by 11 countries with Thailand having the most number of participants.
- Olympics in Beijing opened
- Beijing held the opening ceremony of their Olympics last August 8,2007 with brightly colored dances and fireworks. They have chosen the said date conforming to the belief of eight as a traditional Chinese lucky number. It will be a one year event- commencing the World's Olympics with its end on 2008.
- The celebration serves as a mark for a one year countdown to the major World event. China is not only preparing the venue for the World Olympics on 2008 but their players as well. Thus, the said activity serves as a reminder of the deadline.
- Singapore prepares for Formula One Grand Prix
- The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA, or the World Motor Sports Council) had formally announced last July 27,2007 that the 28th of September 2008 is the date of the first Singapore Grand Prix. With a little more than a year for the preparations, the committees of the Singapore GP will have their hands full in the construction and testing of the city street circuit.
- Although the building of infrastructures will be started by September yet, the over all plan has already been laid out and submitted to FIA for approval. A 5.02 km street circuit, majority of which are the present day road network, shall provide the challenges to the F1 drivers and give enthusiastic fans ample view of the thrilling action. A building, Paddock, which is on the way of being constructed, shall serve as location for control tower, garages for the teams, hospitality lounges, Press Room and other facilities.
Entertainment
- Stereophonics will Pull the Pins in Singapore
The famous Welsh band is set to perform in Fort Canning Park on 28 Apr 2008 Mon, 8:00PM. The band's albums have been making mega hits in the UK charts. Some of their famous songs are Dakota, Superman, Maybe Tomorrow, Have a Nice Day. Their newest album, Pull the Pin is sure to pull some big crowd, rain or shine. You may visit www.sistic.com for ticket reservation and purchase.
- Duran Duran Comes Back to Seoul
A lively and entertaining performance is promised to concert goers as the internationally acclaimed band, Duran Duran, returns to Seoul after 19 years. It is part of their world tour in promotion of their new album, “Red Carpet Massacre.” The concert will be held in Olympic Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park, line 5, on April 17th 2008. Tickets are now on sale from 60,000 won to 90,000 won. Those interested may check out www.ticket.interpark.com or call +82 2 1544 1555.
Other News
- Survivor Sequel Starts a New Series in China
- Sixteen people tries to outplay, outlive and outlast each other for the $ 1 million price of the 15th sequel of the Survivor series in China. Set in the ancient south central province of Jiang Xi, viewers of Survivor China gets a view of the scenic and historical spots of the country aside from getting involve in the challenges of the contenders. The show premiered Thursday, 20th of September, 2007.
- Organ-Transplant Racket in India Busted
A clinic in Gurgaon, India was raided by police last Thursday, January 24, 2008. Several men were taken into custody including the patients who were duped and forced to donate their kidneys. The main doctor responsible for all the illegal operations was not however included in the those that were arrested as he had escaped prior to the raid.
Most of the organs were coming from men hailing from poor areas and were ignorant of what they were going for. Some were duped and forced at gun point and not even paid. Most of those who receive the organs are coming from wealthy families or tourists coming in for medical attention.
Source: International Herald Tribune
- Stricter Screening for Foreigners entering Japan
- In order to counter act any terroristic moves in the country, Japan has adapted a new system in screening foreigners similar to that of the USA. Finger printing and taking of photographs shall be required of foreign nationals entering Japan. The new system also includes even foreigners who have been residing in Japan for several years, which is not done in the US though.
- Such move can mean longer waits in the airport and many residing foreigner are not pleased with the decision as they will be treated like new foreigners in the land where their visa have allowed them to live.
- Although no incident has happened in Japan due to foreigners' terrorizing acts, the nation is entertaining the possibility of it. Reason for such fear is Tokyo's support to America's stunts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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