Mexico readying for "potentially catastrophic" hurricaneOctober 23, 2015 - 16:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The strongest hurricane recorded in the Western hemisphere is bearing down on Mexico's Pacific coast, threatening a "potentially catastrophic" landfall, BBC News reports. Mexican authorities have begun evacuating residents ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Patricia. The hurricane is comparable with Typhoon Haiyan, which killed 6,300 people in the Philippines in 2013, the World Meteorological Organization says. A state of emergency has been declared in three states in Patricia's path. The category five hurricane is expected to make landfall on Friday afternoon or evening, with winds of 200mph (325km/h). The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Patricia was "potentially catastrophic" and the strongest storm it had recorded in the eastern Pacific or the Atlantic. Some 400,000 people live in vulnerable areas, according to Mexico's National Disaster Fund. The hurricane, which will bring torrential rain, could trigger flash floods and mudslides, the U.S. center said. It also warned of potential flooding from the sea and destructive waves. The hurricane's winds are strong enough "to get a plane in the air and keep it flying", World Meteorological Organization spokeswoman Claire Nullis said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |