Lava buries families as Volcano of Fire erupts in Guatemala

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Video:People flee as huge volcanic ash cloud loomsAt least 38 people have died after Guatemala's "Volcano of Fire" erupted, spewing lava into a village and sending smoke and ash billowing into the sky.

"It's a river of lava that overflowed its banks and affected the El Rodeo village. There are injured, burned and dead people," said Sergio Cabanas, head of Guatemala's disaster agency Conred.

He said four people had died when lava set a house on fire and two children were killed while standing on a bridge watching the eruption.

The agency says two million people have been affected.

Image:Vehicles displaced after the eruption

Nearly 300 are believed to have been injured.

Around 3,200 people have been evacuated from nearby communities according to authorities.

Image:A rescue worker carries a child through the darkness to safety

Volcan de Fuego - which means "Volcano of Fire" in English - is 25 miles (40km) southwest of the capital, Guatemala City.

It began exploding shortly before noon local time (7pm UK time) on Sunday.
Eddy Sanchez, director of the country's seismology and volcanology institute, said the lava flows reached temperatures of about 700C (1,300F).

"We have seven confirmed dead, four adults and three kids, who were already taken to the morgue," said Mario Cruz, spokesman for the volunteer firefighter corps.

"Unfortunately El Rodeo was buried and we haven't been able to reach the La Libertad village because of the lava and maybe there are people that died there too," said Mr Cabanas.

Image:The eruption was 25 miles from the capital

The eruption sent ash billowing over the surrounding areas.

A red alert has been set up in the areas most affected by the eruption, and an orange alert throughout the country.
President Jimmy Morales said he had convened his ministers and was considering declaring a state of emergency in the departments of Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepequez.

Image:A rescue worker holds a little girl covered with ash following the eruption

Hundreds of rescue workers, including firefighters, police, soldiers and Red Cross personnel have been dispatched to support emergency operations.

A woman covered in ash said lava had poured through fields and she feared more people had died.

"Not everyone escaped, I think they were buried," Consuelo Hernandez told local news outlet Diario de Centroamerica.
Lava streamed down the streets of a village as emergency crews searched homes looking for trapped residents, another local news source reported.

The eruption forced the capital's international airport to shut down its only runway, as ash and smoke filled the sky and blanketed cars, roads and houses.

Mr de Leon said a change in wind was to blame for the volcanic ash falling on parts of the city.

Image:Ash blanketed roads, cars and streets

A British backpacker, who was trekking close to the volcano just the day before, told the Press Association he felt "fortunate".

Richard Fitz-Hugh, 24, said: "We knew it was active, it's all part of the experience, you go up and see the lava, that's the point of climbing Acatenango.

"I don't know anyone who has been physically harmed (on Acatenango), but obviously it wouldn't be completely safe being up high today - I'm sort of fortunate that I did it before."

Image:Fuego volcano glows red after erupting violently

Volcan de Fuego, which is 3,763m (12,346ft) high, is also close to the popular tourist destination Antigua, known for its coffee plantations. It is the second time it has erupted this year.

Guatemala, which has a population of about 15 million people, has two other active volcanoes - Santiaguito in the west, and Pacaya, just 12.4 miles (20km) south of the capital.

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Jordan's PM resigns after days of protests

CGTN

Jordan’s Prime Minister Hani Mulki resigned on Monday after mass protests and dozens of arrests in the country.

Hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets of the capital Amman on Sunday, extending days of protests that have shaken Jordan.

Public anger has grown over government policies since a steep general sales tax hike earlier this year and the abolition of bread subsidies, both measures driven by the International Monetary Fund.

Witnesses said demonstrators who converged near the cabinet office chanted slogans calling for the sacking of Prime Minister Hani Mulki and saying they would disband only if the government rescinded a tax bill it sent to parliament last month which critics say worsens living standards.

“We are here until we bring the downfall of the bill ... This government is shameful,” demonstrators chanted as police prevented them from approaching the heavily guarded government offices.

Mulki refused on Saturday to scrap the tax reform bill backed by the International Monetary Fund that has provoked the largest protests in over five years against steep price rises, saying it was up to parliament to decide its fate.

Jordanian youth burn tires and close a highway that links Amman with northern Jordan with rocks as they protest against an income tax law in Mastaba village, Jordan, June 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

In 2012 Jordan was rocked by several days of civil unrest also against the backdrop of tough IMF-imposed austerity measures that included lifting of fuel subsidies.

Unions representing tens of thousands of employees in both the public and private sector have also called for a general strike on Wednesday after their demands for the bill to be scrapped were rejected by the government.

Public anger over IMF-driven government policies has grown since a steep general sales tax hike earlier this year and the abolition of bread subsidies, a staple item for the poor.

A member of the Jordanian security forces receives treatment after being injured during a protest in the capital Amman, June 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

The tax hikes are aimed at bringing down public debt to 77 percent of GDP in 2021.

The government says it needs more funds for public services and argues that tax reforms reduce social disparities by placing a heavier burden on high earners and leaving lower-paid state workers relatively unscathed.

Jordan’s economy, which has been hit by regional turmoil, has struggled to grow in the last few years under chronic deficits as private foreign capital and aid flows have slipped.

 Anti-riot police take places in a downtown street in Amman after the Friday prayers as protests hit Jordan refusing an income tax law on June 1, 2018 in Amman, Jordan. /VCG Photo

Critics say the measures will hurt the poor and protesters have slammed politicians for squandering public funds and corruption.

“Our demands are legitimate. No, no to corruption,” chanted the demonstrators urging King Abdullah, who is seen as a unifying force, to intervene and crack down on official graft.

Source(s): Reuters 

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UN report provides alternatives to plastic

 

Alok Gupta

Replacing plastic straws with ones made from bamboo pulp and making toothbrushes from wood are some of the alternatives to single-use plastics detailed in a report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ahead of the World Environment Day on Tuesday. 

The UNEP said that natural fibers, biomass-based compostable synthetic biopolymers and reusable durable non-plastic materials can potentially reduce plastic waste littering seas and overflowing landfills. The 127-page report assesses biodegradable materials and innovation that are replacing plastic with biodegradable daily life products.    

The report elaborates on 25 innovations providing conventional alternatives to plastics using disposable materials like paper, cotton, and wood. Innovators have also used technology to make products from algae, fungi and pineapple leaves to replace plastics. 

Some of the innovations mentioned in the report include replacing disposable plastic plates with plates made from leaves of sal trees, using 16 million tons of orange peel for animal feed and cosmetics, and compostable coffee cups. 

Just 14 percent recycled

“Making the switch from disposable plastic to sustainable alternatives is an investment in the long-term future of our environment,” Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment said. “The world needs to embrace solutions other than single-use, throwaway plastic.”

Globally, around 300 million tons of plastic are manufactured annually, but only less than 14 percent of the total amount gets recycled. The UN estimated 8,300 million tons of virgin plastics had been produced to date of which 6,300 tons of plastic waste had been generated as of 2015. 

Barely nine percent of this plastic waste has been recycled. Nearly 12 percent has been incinerated, and 79 percent is piling up in landfills or littering the natural environment. Massive plastic waste including micro-plastic is taking a toll on oceans and marine life. 

Globally, over 150 million tons of plastic waste pollutes oceans every year. As a result, one million birds and over 100,000 sea mammals die after consuming or getting tangled in the plastic litter. 

A gory incident revealing the impact of marine litter was reported from Thailand last week. Rescuers tried in vain to save an ailing pilot whale which was choking after swallowing more than 80 plastic bags. Around eight kg of plastics was recovered after the autopsy.  

Peter Kershaw, the lead author of the report, pointed out packaging and other single-use items form a large proportion of the plastic litter leaking to the ocean. 

“The report is intended to encourage society to question our current use of plastics and consider the adoption of alternative approaches, especially for those items which can be characterized as designed for single use, such as packaging,” he said. 

The UNEP last year “declared war on plastics” and announced “Beat Plastic Pollution” as the theme for this year’s Environment Day. “Science can help business develop green and innovative solutions,” said Jian Liu, chief scientist at UN Environment.

 “There are major business and job opportunities in the development of new alternative materials that can replace single-use plastics.”

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House of Reps calls for Urgent Recovery of N9bn balance from Capital Oil.

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has directed the full recovery of N9bn into the treasury of the federal government from Capital Oil and Gas Limited.

The fund is supposed to be the balance of the N11b billion worth of petroleum products, which reportedly went missing from Capital Oil and Gas back in 2017.

The products were alleged to have been stored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the company's tanks under its various throughput arrangements with tank farm owners.

The committee, which is chaired by Akinlaja Joseph, a member from Ondo state, had investigated the alleged disappearance after it became public knowledge that the NNPC was unable to recover all the products upon demand for them.

It also came to light that a reconciliation of figures between the NNPC and Capital Oil and Gas left a balance of N9bn outstanding against the latter.

However, Capital Oil and Gas, in a testimony by its managing director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ifeanyi Ubah, denied any fraudulent intention. Rather, the firm stated that the NNPC actually owed it over N16bn from other transactions.

However, in its report to the House, the committee recommended the recovery of the outstanding N9 billion from the firm.

It noted that its investigation confirmed that the amount was outstanding and should be fully recovered.

On Capital Oil and Gas' claim of being owed N16bn from other transactions, the committee asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate it.

The report stated: “Ensure the full recovery of the Federal Government’s money i.e. N9bn balance from Capital Oil and Gas Limited. The claims of N16bn the NNPC allegedly owes Capital Oil and Gas should be investigated by the EFCC.

“If found to be true, they (Capital Oil) should be paid or it should be net-off against the N9bn owed the Federal Government by Capital Oil and Gas.”

The panel further ordered that Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, the former managing director, NNPC retails, who was sacked while she began an internal investigation into the matter, should be reinstated.

It also recommended that one Adio N. Yinusa, who was indicted for gross inefficiency, but was not punished, should be investigated.

Investigations on Sunday, June 3, revealed that the House had planned to consider the report of the committee, but later deferred it till Tuesday, June 5, and Wednesday, June 6.

A senior official said: “The report will be listed this week for consideration by members in Committee of the Whole”

The report of the panel partly read: “That NNPC Retails should embark on a comprehensive review of all throughput agreements with depots, especially Article 11.1, to remove the lapses usually exploited by depot owners who sell NNPC products without authorisation.

“The report of the review should be submitted to the committee within two months from the day this report is adopted. That NNPC Retails Limited and the PPMC should conduct a quarterly training of all NNPC Retail staff representing it in private depots to improve their knowledge of contract terms.

“That NNPC Retails should set up an online real-time solution that will require depot owners who buy bulk products to inform NNPC Retails in real-time and the information made available to all stakeholders. The online software should also reflect load-out products from all the depots where the NNPC subsidiaries have throughput agreements.”

Earlier, Ifeanyi Ubah had accused the NNPC of owing his company N16 billion.

Ubah while explaining the role of his company in an alleged disappearance of 82 million metric litres of petrol belonging to NNPC at the lower house said the corporation owed Capital Oil N16 billion.

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Another Nigerian jailbreak as many prisoners escape, one official killed

The Nigerian Prison Service has on Monday, June 4, confirmed a jailbreak at the Minna prison. The incident was said to have occurred on the night of Sunday, June 3.

This was disclosed in a statement by DSP Rabiu M Shuaibu, PRO of the Nigerian Prison Service, Niger command.

Shuaibu also disclosed that one of the prison's official was killed in an incident which was perpetuated by armed criminals who attacked the prison and gain access after exchange of fire with prison armed men.

"On Sunday, 3rd June, 2018 at about 8pm, there was a jailbreak at Minna Medium Security Prison located at Tunga area of Minna Metropolis.

"The unfortunate incident was perpetuated by armed criminals who attacked the prison and gain access after exchange of fire with prison armed men.

"This led to death of a prison officer and an Okada rider who conveyes a prison officer on night duty.

"So far, through combined effort of all security agencies in the state, 7 prisoners who attempted to escape have been recaptured and returned to the prison.

"The prison authority in Minna is profiling the number of fleeing inmates to ascertain the escaped prisoners.

"However, normalcy has returned and security agencies are working together to ensure that fleeing inmates are recaptured.

"The general public is hereby assured of its safety; and advised to go on with its normal business.

"At this juncture, we will like to urge all law abiding citizens to support the security agencies in maintaining law and order as security is a collective responsibility. We also advise that citizens should endeavor to report to security agencies any suspicious person or group of persons," the statement read.

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Why we invited Saraki over Offa bank robberies - Police

The police have revealed circumstances that led to the invitation of Senate President Bukola Saraki over April 5 multiple bank robbery in Offa Kwara state.

Police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood who announced the arrest of Mr Yusuf Abdulwahab, the chief of staff to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Alabi Olalekan, his personal assistant, political said the bandits arrested made confessions during interrogations, indicting the senate president in the process.

“The Senate president, Sen Bukola Saraki is being invited by the Nigeria Police Force to report to the Force Intelligence Response Team office at Guzape, Abuja to answer to the allegations levelled against him from the confessions of the five (5) gang leaders, namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other Seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa bank robbery and the gruesome killing of 33 innocent persons which include some pregnant women and nine police personnel,”Moshood said.

The police in the statement appeared to have dropped hints on what they wanted to ask Saraki about, as they claimed that the five men, who were the leaders of the bandits `’admitted, confessed and volunteered statements that they were political thugs of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed”.

The other hints dropped were the recovery of one Toyota Prado Jeep with Reg. No. 19KWGH belonging to the Personal Assistant, Political to the Governor of Kwara State and a Sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony”.

According to the police: “The five gang leaders further confessed during investigation that they are political thugs under the name Youth Liberation Movement a.k.a “Good Boys” admitted and confessed to have been sponsored with firearms, money and operational vehicles by the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed.”

Police explained why the chief of staff and the personal assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed were also arrested:

“A Lexus jeep GX-300 (ash Colour) with a sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, state of harmony” used by the gang leader Ayoade Akinnibosun, during the bank robbery and the killing of the 33 innocent persons was taken to government house, Ilorin on 16th May, 2018 where the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, state of harmony” was removed before another plate number (Reg. No. Kwara, KMA 143 RM) registered in the name of Ayoade AKinnibosun the Overall commander of the Offa bank robbery was then attached to the vehicle to cover up the identity of the said vehicle.

“The exhibit vehicle was subsequently recovered from the premises of the ministry of environmental and forestry in Ilorin, Kwara state. While the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, state of harmony” removed from the vehicle was recovered from one Adeola Omiyale who drove the said Lexus Jeep to government House, Ilorin immediately after the bank robbery.

“The personal assistant (political) to the executive governor of Kwara state, Mr. Alabi Olalekan, who is privy to information that the Police is looking for the Lexus Jeep as an exhibit used in the Offa Bank Robbery… directed one Adeola Omiyale to relocate the Lexus Jeep to Government House, Ilorin. The PA (Political) is currently in Police custody and has made useful statement assisting the Police in further investigation into the case.

“A revolver pistol and pump action gun were recovered by the Police Investigation Team from the personal assistant (political) to the executive governor of Kwara state, Mr Alabi Olalekan’s farm where he directed his brother to hide them after his arrest by the police.

“In order to conceal evidence, the chief of staff to the executive governor of Kwara state, Mr Yusuf Abdulwahab who has been arrested and taken into police custody, arranged the removal of the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, state of harmony” from the exhibit vehicle.

The police gave an assurance that they will continue to ensure that the rule of law prevails in every case under investigation and every offender is brought to justice.

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Breaking: I will honour police invitation - Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki has declared his willingness to honour police invitation over allegation that suspects arrested for the Offa robbery attack in Kwara state indicted him.

The police had on Sunday, June 3, while parading the suspects responsible for the robbery in Offa disclosed that the Senate president must come for questioning over the incident.

 Saraki in a statement denied the allegation, urging the entire public to disregard the claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means.

"The attention of the Senate president, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been drawn to a story circulating online and apparently derived from a press conference addressed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moshood Jimoh, linking him (Saraki) to the Offa robbery.

"Dr Saraki will want the entire public to disregard this claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means.

“Let it be known that there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people.

“When the Offa robbery incident happened, I was the first top public official to pay a visit to the place and right there in the palace of the traditional ruler, I put a call through to this same Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the IGP, requesting him to make certain specific security arrangements as demanded by the people.

“Members of the public will remember that on May 16, 2018, I alerted the Senate about the information passed on to me by my state governor, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, over a plot by the inspector general of police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, to frame me up by getting some suspected cultists arrested in Ilorin to implicate me. It is believed that the timely leakage of the plot in that case aborted the use of the suspected cultists to implicate me. Now, it is the Offa bank robbery suspects that are about to be used.

“This plot is concocted to embarrass me and, in the mind of the IGP, it is his own response after his refusal to honour the invitation by the national assembly, headed me, for him to come and offer explanations on the rampant killings and violence across the country.

“Like the earlier one, this frame-up will also fail as I hereby state categorically that I have no link with any band of criminals.

“As a person who has utmost respect for the rule of law and all constitutional institutions, when the invitation from the police is formally extended to me, I will be ready to honour it without any delay.

“It is however sad that this abuse of the criminal investigation process aimed at intimidating and over-overawing the legislature, thereby obstructing it from doing its work, is a big threat to our democracy," the Senate president stated.

Meanwhile.Senate president Bukola Saraki was invited by the police over the deadly robbery that took place at Offa in Kwara state.

The police have released the full list of suspects arrested in connection with April 5 multiple bank robbery in Offa Kwara state, during which 33 persons, including nine policemen, were killed.

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