(Source: Reuters Alertnet) MANILA, Dec 21 - Rescuers used bare hands and shovels in the Philippines on Sunday to search for missing friends and relatives after landslides, flash floods and a tornado killed scores of people at the weekend.

 

With hopes fading for 114 people believed missing, the government said the United States was sending all-weather helicopters to help the rescue efforts hampered by rains and strong winds. link

(Source: Yahoo) Last year's deadly summer in Europe probably was the hottest on the continent in at least five centuries, according to researchers who analyzed old records, soil cores and other evidence. More than 19,000 people died. link

(Source: Apr 20, 2004, abc7chicago.com) Tornado in north central Illinois

 

At least 4 dead, others missing in tornadoesAt least 4 dead, others missing in tornadoes. A severe storm spawning tornadoes cut a swath through north central Illinois on Tuesday, tearing the roof off an elementary school, collapsing buildings and killing at least four people, authorities said. Four others were reported missing. link

On Transport Blog I came across this picture. Amazing what the earthquake did to the railway lines.
. That must have taken a bit of straightening out. Meanwhile, I guess you had to go very slowly.

More pictures from this earthquake can be found here.