Hundreds Drown During Russian Heatwave

[khan]

Hundreds Drown During Russian Heatwave

5:08pm UK, Monday July 05, 2010

Sarah Gordon, Sky News Online

Hundreds of people have drowned in Russia trying to keep cool during a heatwave that has been sweeping across the country.

Residents of landlocked Moscow often cool off in fountains and rivers

As temperatures soared to record-breaking highs, hitting 37C in central regions, sweltering Russians have been throwing themselves into rivers and lakes to cope with the heat.

But many have ignored warning signs about hidden dangers at certain spots or drank alcohol before swimming, putting themselves in danger.

Russia's emergency ministry confirmed that almost 300 people have drowned during the heatwave, with at least 63 people dying in one day alone.

A ministry spokesman said: "Last week, 285 people died in Russia's waterways. The main reason for people drowning is swimming in places that are not equipped and the use of alcohol."

Russian weather forecasters said the country had not experienced such a prolonged heatwave since 1981.

Moscow's City Hall had to send out trucks to water the streets after reports that in some areas people's shoes were getting stuck in melting tarmac.

Drowning is a major problem in Russia, with more than 3,000 people dying while swimming last year alone.

It is thought most people ignore the potential dangers when searching for a swimming area.

:: Meanwhile, authorities on the Eastern Seaboard of the US have issued extreme heat alerts, with the mercury well over 30C in some areas.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Russian-Heatwave-Hundreds-Drown-While-Trying-To-Cool-Off-In-Rivers-And-Lakes/Article/201007115659798?lpos=World_News_First_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15659798_Russian_Heatwave%3A_Hundreds_Drown_While_Trying_To_Cool_Off_In_Rivers_And_Lakes

[khan]

Thanks Tamzin.

Tennis ball-sized hail

Hail storms pound parts of Colorado
Examiner.com
July 5, 2010
Two storms hammered the valley in the afternoon, catapulting tennis ball-sized hail on Bozeman, Four Corners and the Gallatin Gateway areas,

*VIDEO: http://www.videowired.com/watch/?id=2642777881

[KM]

The heat wave must be right around the world. Lots of people will be unprepared for it.

[Tamzin Kay]

Thankyou khan for being such a great messenger. Wish our news sources would connect the dots and see the big picture