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Asia Tightens Airport Screening as Nipah Virus Concerns Rise

  Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, amid reports of a Nipah outbreak. Airports across Asia are stepping up health surveillance as several countries respond to renewed concerns over the Nipah virus following confirmed cases in India. The virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential for human‑to‑human transmission, has prompted authorities to reintroduce precautionary screening measures to limit cross‑border spread. Health officials in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented temperature checks, health declarations, and targeted monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions. While the number of confirmed cases remains limited, the severity of the virus has led governments to act swiftly. Nipah virus infections are rare but dangerous, with symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to severe respir...
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Toronto’s Union Station Transforms into an ‘Indoor Waterfall’ Amid Severe Flooding

 

Toronto, Canada, experienced a deluge of heavy rainfall that turned streets into rivers and left hundreds of thousands without power. The downtown region and parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were severely impacted by the storm. Among the striking visuals captured during this natural disaster was an unexpected sight at Union Station—an “indoor waterfall.”

The Scene at Union Station: Union Station, a bustling transportation hub, became an unlikely spectacle as water cascaded down its marble stairs. Videos and photos circulated on social media, showing the station’s grand interior transformed into a temporary waterfall. The scene served as a stark reminder of the devastating floods that hit Toronto back in 2013, prompting questions about the city’s preparedness for extreme weather events.

City Preparedness and Concerns: Despite having 11 years to address infrastructure vulnerabilities, Toronto faced similar flooding in familiar spots. Residents wondered why the city hadn’t taken more proactive measures to prevent such incidents. A city-based lawyer expressed frustration on social media, emphasizing the need for better sewer systems and safety precautions.

Environmental Factors: Toronto’s unique geography plays a role in its vulnerability to floods. Surrounded by the Greenbelt—a system of woods and wetlands—the city relies on natural absorption to manage excess water. However, recent decisions to open up these areas for development have limited their capacity to absorb rainfall effectively.

Traffic Disruptions: The floods wreaked havoc on Toronto’s transportation network. Major highways, including the Don Valley Parkway, were submerged, causing significant traffic disruptions. Lakeshore areas were also severely affected.

Conclusion: As Toronto grapples with the aftermath of this severe storm, the “indoor waterfall” at Union Station serves as a powerful visual reminder of the urgent need for better preparedness and sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.


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