News
Storm Darragh Claims Two Lives, Leaves Thousands Without Power Across UK and Ireland
Storm Darragh unleashed devastation across the UK and Ireland on Saturday, bringing wind speeds of up to 149 km/h, claiming two lives, and leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without power. The storm prompted authorities to issue a rare emergency alert to millions of residents in affected areas.
The emergency alert, accompanied by a loud siren-like sound, was sent to about three million households in Wales and southwest England. The warning urged residents to stay indoors as Storm Darragh caused widespread disruption and damage.
Fatal Incidents Amid Severe Weather
In northwest England, a man in his 40s lost his life when a tree fell onto his van while he was driving on a highway near Preston, approximately 58 km north of Manchester. In another tragic incident, a driver was killed by a falling tree in Birmingham’s Erdington area.
The UK’s Met Office issued a red weather warning on Friday, highlighting the severity of the storm. By Saturday evening, the agency announced that Storm Darragh would move eastward by Sunday morning, but advised that strong winds would persist across much of the UK.
Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
The storm left thousands of homes in Northern Ireland, Wales, and western England without electricity. In Ireland, nearly 400,000 households, farms, and businesses experienced power outages.
Major highways and bridges across the UK were closed due to hazardous conditions, and multiple train services were suspended, leaving commuters stranded. Dublin Airport in Ireland also reported flight cancellations as the storm wreaked havoc.
Emergency Alert Measures
The emergency phone alert sent to affected areas was an unusual step by officials, reflecting the severity of the storm. The message, sent to all compatible mobile devices in the regions, emphasized the need to stay indoors to avoid potential harm from falling trees, debris, and structural damage caused by the high winds.
Looking Ahead
While the worst of Storm Darragh is expected to subside by Sunday morning, meteorologists warned of continued windy conditions. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution as recovery efforts begin in the wake of the storm.
The impact of Storm Darragh underscores the increasing challenges posed by severe weather, with its trail of destruction serving as a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-driven events.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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