Volume 10, Issue 3
Summer 1997
Around The World
Federal Agents Investigate New Atlanta Bombing
February 21 A gay night club in Atlanta was the fourth victim to a serial bomber in the region. About 150 people were at the scene when the explosion took place. Five people were injured in the incident. Authorities find similarities between this incident and the Centinnel Olympic Park bomb and the two explosions at an abortion clinic in January. The nightclub bomb was an explosive device filled with nails and shrapnel, as was the Olympic Park bomb. A second explosive device was found outside the establishment and detonated by police. Sketches of possible suspects were released in early June. Atlanta area organizations are on the alert to identify the two suspects.
Floods in the Ohio Valley
March 4 Widespread flooding resulted from several days of rain in the Ohio Valley region. Tens of thousands of people in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana were forced to evacuate their homes before the rising waters. In Cincinnati, OH the Ohio River crested at 64 feet on Wednesday, March 5. It has been stated that this was the worst flooding in the region in over 30 years.
Tragedy Near Mecca
April 16 Over 200 Muslim worshippers were killed in a freak fire incident at a housing compound near Mecca. Over one thousand people were injured as 70,000 tents burned. More than 2 million participants had gathered for a centuries old pilgrimage to Mecca. The blaze began in an area of the housing compound where many tents were clustered together. High winds contributed to the fire raging out of control. In the panic, people were trampled to death. Helicopters were called in to extinguish the flames. Many Saudi officials have been trying to accommodate and prepare for the growing number of participants in these events. USA Today reports that $18.6 billion has been spent in the past decade renovating the area surrounding Mecca.
Flooding Hits Grand Forks, ND
April 22 The Red River crested in Grand Forks; the highest level of the river was estimated at 54.1 feet. More than 45,000 of the citys residents were forced to evacuate their homes. It is estimated over $500 million dollars in flood damage occurred in this area alone. Grand Forks operates as the center of commerce and trade for a 400 square mile area. Although no lives were lost in this town, the financial losses will be felt for many years. One of the greatest tragedies of this disaster was the inadequate insurance established by the businesses and individuals. Of the 50,000 residents in the city, only a few hundred had proper flood coverage.
Quake Shakes Up Caribbean
April 23 Two people were injured on the island of Tobango after an earthquake and aftershock struck the area. Although the airport reported damage, it remained opened.
Texas & Louisiana Hit with Thunderstorms
April 24 Severe damage resulted from thunderstorms and high winds striking the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley. Winds reached hurricane force, gusting to 100 m.p.h., knocking over trees and power lines. Several buildings were likewise damaged by lightning.
Explosion in Arkansas
May 8 An explosion at a Helena, Arkansas chemical-packaging plant caused the deaths of three firefighters. Flames reached as high as 150 feet. A nearby medical center was forced to evacuate patients and employees to a local community college. Residents in the city were told to remain indoors with their doors and windows shut. Even the Mississippi River was temporarily closed because of the burning pesticides. Among the chemicals involved in the plant were: azinphosmethyl, methyomyl, and thiophante. Exposure to the poisons could cause shortness of breath and paralysis.
Iran Hit by New Quake
May 11 At least 2,000 were killed in an 7.1 earthquake which struck Iran early May. The worst fatalities were among school children; one village named Ardakul reported 110 school girls perished in the aftershocks. Most damages occurred 70 miles west of the Afghan border in northeastern Iran. Tents were constructed for the 40,000 left homeless. Various countries, including the United States, contributed aid to the country, including trained search dogs and relief supplies.
Fire Causes Deaths at Residential Home
May 13 A Pennsylvania home for the elderly and mentally disabled people was engulfed by fire. Nine residents died in the disaster. Two hundred firefighters responded to the incident trying to rescue the bedridden residents. The home held a total of 21 residents, ranging in age from 40s to late 90s. Officials were investigating the fire, although there was no suspicion of arson. It was reported that last year the home met all safety requirements.
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