Month: Jan 2015

Photos: Explosion At Cuajimalpa Maternal Hospital

Rescue workers form a human chain, passing buckets of rubble, as they clear the wreckage of a children's hospital, caused by a gas tank truck explosion in Cuajimalpa on the outskirts of Mexico City, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. The powerful explosion shattered the hospital on the western edge of Mexico's capital, killing at least two and injuring dozens. (AP Photo)
Rescue workers form a human chain, passing buckets of rubble, as they clear the wreckage of a children’s hospital, caused by a gas tank truck explosion in Cuajimalpa on the outskirts of Mexico City, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. The powerful explosion shattered the hospital on the western edge of Mexico’s capital, killing at least two and injuring dozens. (AP Photo)

A gas tank trunk explosion in front of a hospital in Mexico City on Thursday morning shattered  the hospital, killing seven people, including four babies and injuring dozens.

More than 100 people were inside the Cuajimalpa Maternal Hospital when the blast occurred at about 7 a.m.

The explosion was caused by a truck which was supplying gas to the hospital when apparently a hose burst and the resulting leak caused an explosion.

In Photos: Icy Blast Hits UK

Weathe picture in Sheffield, South Yorkshire at the war memorial covered in snow outside the church on Hollinsend Road, Manor
Weathe picture in Sheffield, South Yorkshire at the war memorial covered in snow outside the church on Hollinsend Road, Manor

Heavy snow fell in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England causing major travel disruption.

Schools were closed in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cumbria, Lancashire and Tameside, Greater Manchester.

Main roads in Durham, Yorkshire and north Wales were blocked, while more than a dozen rail services between Manchester and York were cancelled.

MH370 An Accident – Media Statement By Malaysia Airlines

Thursday, January 29, 08:00 PM GMT +0800 Media Statement

MEDIA STATEMENT by Malaysia Airlines

Released at 8.05p.m./29 January 2015

Malaysia Airlines and the world are in mourning after the declaration of the accident to flight MH370 today. It has been more than 10 agonising months since the ill-fated flight went missing.

Following the announcement today, Malaysia Airlines’ representatives will be contacting the appointed next-of-kin to proceed with the compensation process. The airline remains steadfast to ensure that fair and reasonable compensation is paid to the families of all MH370 passengers in accordance with the applicable laws.

Malaysia Airlines will deploy further resources at its Family Support Centre (FSC) which had been set up in Kuala Lumpur. In order to facilitate and expedite the compensation process, besides proactively providing updates to family members around the world, the airline has installed additional phone lines. The FSC will be the main point of contact for NOK in Malaysia and other parts of the world, along with our various regional offices, apart from China.

Operations at the Family Communications and Support Centre (FCSC) in Beijing continue. For the convenience of family members, the Centre will be supported by additional Mandarin-speaking personnel.

Malaysia Airlines’ personnel from the Human Resources department remain the main point of contact for the NOK of the airline’s cabin and technical crew lost in the tragedy.

As has been the case since the beginning of the crisis, Malaysia Airlines continues to provide assistance to the families of the passengers and crew. We understand this is an especially distressing time for all of them.

The management and staff of Malaysia Airlines wish to thank the public for their outpouring of support throughout this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the 239 passengers and crew on board flight MH370.

Malaysia Declares MH370 An Accident – Full statement of DCA DG

ANNOUNCEMENT ON MH370

BY

DIRECTOR GENERAL

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION MALAYSIA

INTRODUCTION

  1. My name is Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia and I am here today in my capacity as the Chairman of the MH370 High Level Technical Task Force (HLTTF).

  2. As you are aware, the HLTTF was formed to coordinate technical matters relating to MH370.

  3. On 8 March 2014 at 0122 Malaysia Local Time (1722 UTC 7 March 2014), a Malaysian Airlines aircraft, a Boeing 777-2H6ER, registration 9M-MRO and call-sign MH370, lost contact with Air Traffic Control after waypoint IGARI during a transition of airspace between Malaysia and Vietnam whilst en-route to Beijing.

  4. There were 227 passengers, 2 flight crew and 10 cabin crew on board.

SEARCH EFFORTS

  1. The Search and Rescue mission involved 160 assets inclusive of 65 aircraft and 95 vessels as well as experts from 25 countries. This unprecedented exercise involved aircraft and vessels from the following countries:
  • Australia (4 Aircraft, 2 vessels)

  • Cambodia (4 Aircraft)

  • China (13 Aircraft, 19 vessels)

  • India (4 vessels)

  • Indonesia (11 vessels)- Japan (4 Aircraft)

  • New Zealand (1 Aircraft)

  • Singapore (3 Aircraft, 2 vessels)

  • South Korea (2 Aircraft)

  • Thailand (1 Aircraft, 1 vessels)

  • United Arab Emirates (2 Aircraft)

  • United States of America (5 Aircraft, 4 vessels)

  • Vietnam (2 Aircraft, 2 vessels)

    1. Other countries unable to send physical assets also provided invaluable support in other ways. Many individuals also stepped up to provide assistance in whatever way they could.

    2. Malaysia is greatly indebted to all the countries and individuals for all the assistance and support received. We offer our heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of response in a dark hour in the history of the aviation industry.

    3. The search and rescue phase was carried out from March 8, 2014 to April 28, 2014 where the search area covered the South China Sea, the Straits of Malacca, the Andaman Sea and the southern Indian Ocean.

    4. Following the announcement by the Australian Government on April 28, 2014, the search and rescue phase transitioned to a search and recovery phase.

    5. On April 28, 2014, the search coordinated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) moved to an underwater phase led by the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). Malaysia and China sent their respective experts and assets to assist JACC and ATSB in this phase.

    6. This phase of the search included the use of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and bathymetry survey capabilities. The Bathymetry Survey has completed covering an area of around 208,000 square kilometres.

    7. The bathymetric survey provided us with critical information on the topography of the sea floor. This information is now assisting in the current ongoing phase which is the underwater search.

    8. The underwater search is still ongoing at this time and the exercise is currently being performed by four vessels, namely the Go Phoenix, Fugro Discovery, Fugro Equator and Fugro Supporter. To date, the search has covered over 18,600 square kilometres (as of Jan 28, 2015).

    THE DECLARATION

    1. The Governments of Malaysia, China and Australia have spared no expense and resources in the search for MH370. This has been done with the paramount aim to find the aircraft and to seek answers. It has been done in hope of bringing some solace to the families of the passengers and crew on board MH370, which we respectfully refer to as the “next-of-kin”. We have endeavoured and pursued every credible lead and reviewed all available data. Despite all these efforts over the last 327 days (as of Jan 28, 2015), the search unfortunately has yet to yield the location of the missing aircraft.

  • Chapter 1 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (commonly referred to as the “Chicago Convention”) and entitled “Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation” states that the definition of the term “accident” includes “the aircraft is missing”. It also states that “an aircraft is

    • considered to be missing when the official search has been terminated and the wreckage has not been located”. Annex 12 to the Chicago Convention entitled “International Standards and Recommended Practices” for search and rescue, further states that the term “search” refers to an operation to locate persons in distress.

    1. According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Annex 12 (para 5.5.1) states that search and rescue operations shall continue, when practicable, until all survivors are delivered to a place of safety or until all reasonable hope of rescuing survivors has passed. Further, a note

    supporting para 5.5.2 states that “Contracting States may require input from other appropriate State authorities in the decision-making process leading to termination of SAR (search and rescue) operations”.

    1. It was in compliance with these ICAO Standards in Annexes 12 and 13 that on 28 April 2014, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) advised that the search was transitioning from a search and rescue operation to a search and recovery phase.

  • Available data suggests that after the transponder ceased transmitting, there was no normal radio or aircraft system (ACARS) communications transmitted or received from the aircraft. Hence, we relied on the only available data, which was the Satellite Communication (SATCOM)/Inmarsat data as well as Aircraft Performance Data.

  • An analysis of the radar data and subsequent satellite communication (SATCOM) system signaling messages placed the aircraft in the Australian search and rescue zone on an arc in the southern Indian Ocean. This arc was considered to be the location close to where the aircraft’s fuel would have been exhausted.

  • Based on the analysis of all available evidence and the supporting factual information that I have mentioned, this data supports the conclusion that MH370 ended its flight in the southern Indian Ocean.

  • Based on the same data, we have concluded that the aircraft exhausted its fuel over a defined area of the southern Indian Ocean, and that the aircraft is located on the sea floor close to that defined area. This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is also an area with adverse sea conditions with known depths of more than 6,000 metres.

  • After 327 days (as of Jan 28, 2015) and based on all available data as well as circumstances mentioned earlier, survivability in the defined area is highly unlikely.

  • It is therefore, with the heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that, on behalf of the Government of Malaysia, we officially declare Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 an accident in accordance with the Standards of Annexes 12 and 13 to the Chicago Convention and that all 239 of the passengers and crew onboard MH370 are presumed to have lost their lives.

    • NEXT OF KIN

    1. The Government of Malaysia acknowledges that this declaration of the MH370 accident will be very difficult for the families and loved ones of the 227 passengers and 12 crew on board to consider, much less accept. Thirteen nations have also lost sons and daughters to this tragedy. It is nonetheless important that families try to resume normal lives, or as normal a life as may be possible after this sudden loss. Without in any way intending to diminish the feelings of the families, it is hoped that this declaration will enable the families to obtain the assistance they need, in particular through the compensation process.

  • The Government of Malaysia also assures the families of the passengers and crew that the search for MH370 remains a priority. The Government of Malaysia, is committed to continue all reasonable efforts to bring closure to this unfortunate tragedy, with the continuing cooperation and assistance of the Governments of China and Australia.

  • The Government of Malaysia assures that Malaysia Airlines will undertake their responsibilities in relation to the legitimate rights and interests of the next-of-kin as provided under the relevant international instruments and relevant domestic laws, with due consideration to international practice.

    • This includes the fulfilment of the compensation process, whether it is pursued through consultation or through litigation. We further understand that Malaysia Airlines is ready to proceed immediately with the compensation process, with due regard for the readiness of the next-of-kin to take this step.

    1. In keeping with our commitments to keep the next-of-kin apprised of the latest developments and pertinent verified information, a special section has been established on the MH370 official website, http://www.mh370.gov.my, solely for the next-of-kin. It includes information on the search and investigation efforts, the compensation process, responses to NOK’s inquiries as well as other forms of assistance that are available to the nextof-kin.

    It is hoped that this dedicated portal will provide a continuing support system for the next-of-kin.

    INVESTIGATION

    1. The “Malaysian ICAO Annex 13 Safety Investigation Team for MH370”, comprising accredited representatives from seven countries is currently conducting its safety investigation. Similarly, the criminal investigation led by the Royal Malaysia Police is also ongoing.

    29.Both investigations are limited by the lack of physical evidence at this time, particularly the flight recorders. Therefore at this juncture there is no evidence to substantiate any speculations as to the cause of the accident. An interim statement detailing the progress of the safety investigation is expected to be released on or around the one year anniversary of the accident.

    CLOSING

    1. We once again express our deepest sympathy to all those who have been affected by this terrible accident. It has been a frustrating time for all who have tried their best in the search for MH370. We have never wavered in our commitment to continue our efforts to find MH370 and bring closure for everyone, most of all for the families of the passengers and crew of MH370.

    31.This declaration is by no means the end. We will forge ahead with the cooperation and assistance of the Governments of China and Australia.

    MH370, its passengers and its crew will always be remembered and honoured.

    Dato’ Azharuddin Abdul Rahman

    Directo-General Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia

    Photos: Marshfield, Massachusetts Struck By 2015 Blizzard

    Waves crash against an ocean front house after causing a break in the sea wall during a winter blizzard in Marshfield, Massachusetts January 27, 2015. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
    Waves crash against an ocean front house after causing a break in the sea wall during a winter blizzard in Marshfield, Massachusetts January 27, 2015. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

    Storm surge from a winder blizzard broke through a sea wall at high tide in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

    DCA Press Conference On MH370 Cancelled (Jan. 29, 2015)

    Please click here for the, “Full statement of DCA DG”.

    A press conference that was to be carried “live” over some radio and TV stations on the latest updates of the MH370 tragedy has been cancelled.

    The press conference was scheduled to take place at 3.30pm at the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) headquarters in Putrajaya but it was cancelled at about 4:10pm.

    It was reported that DCA did not provide any reason of the cancellation at the time it was cancelled.

    Utusan Online earlier reported that Datuk Azharuddin will be reading the press statement but will not be answering any question.

    Photos: Blizzard Struck Massachusetts And New England (2015)

    Water floods a street on the coast in Scituate, Mass., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. A storm packing blizzard conditions spun up the East Coast early Tuesday, pounding parts of coastal New Jersey northward through Maine with high winds and heavy snow. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
    Water floods a street on the coast in Scituate, Mass., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. A storm packing blizzard conditions spun up the East Coast early Tuesday, pounding parts of coastal New Jersey northward through Maine with high winds and heavy snow. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

    A powerful blizzard struck Boston and surrounding New England on Tuesday, bringing as much as three feet of snow and causing coastal flooding.

    High tides breached a seawall in Marshfield, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Boston, damaging 11 homes.

    Snow was forecast to keep falling into early Wednesday in eastern New England, possibly setting a record snowfall in Boston.

    The heaviest snowfall was recorded outside Boston, with 36 inches (91.4 cm) in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, and 35 inches (88.9 cm) reported in Auburn, according to the National Weather Service.

    Five Little Kittens – A Poem By Ahmad Ali Karim

    Five little kittens,
    Sitting on the floor,
    One chased away,
    And there left four.

    Four little kittens,
    Chasing a huge bee,
    One hit a tree,
    And there left three.

    Three little kittens,
    Playing with a shoe,
    One ran away,
    And there left two.

    Two little kittens,
    Playing in the sun,
    One fell asleep,
    And there left one.

    One little kitten,
    That becomes a knight,
    Fighting for it’s tribe,
    From morning till night!

    Apricot, the cat. My first drawing using the Wacom Intuos Creative Pen Tablet.
    Apricot, the cat. My first drawing using the Wacom Intuos Creative Pen Tablet.

    In Photos: Northeast Snowstorm Blasts New York 2015

    Times Square area in the snow. New York, NY. January 27, 2015. (Kelli Grant/Yahoo News)
    Times Square area in the snow. New York, NY. January 27, 2015. (Kelli Grant/Yahoo News)

    A snowstorm pounded the East Coast early Tuesday, bringing high winds and heavy snow to coastal areas of New Jersey northward through Maine.

    Some areas of Massachusetts received more than a foot of snow by early Tuesday, where Plymouth received almost 16 inches, Shrewsbury almost 15, and Sandwich had 13 inches of snow.

    More than 7,700 flights in and out of the Northeast were canceled on Monday and Tuesday.

    Drawing Using Wacom Intuos Creative Pen Tablet

    Apricot
    Apricot, The Cat. My first drawing using the Wacom Intuos Creative Pen Tablet.

    I drew the above picture using our Wacom Intuos Creative Pen Tablet.

    It’s easy to draw with the tablet because it is similar to drawing using a pencil.

    But the hard part is, the lines that I draw are not as straight and as smooth as and as the lines that I draw with a pencil because when I’m looking at the tablet, I can’t look at what I’m drawing,

    But after the undos and redos, I finished my drawing, and I think that the result is very nice 😉

    I really enjoy using the Wacom Intuos Creative Pen Tablet.

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