The sinking of the Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA 3 off Kerala's coast has prompted a statewide emergency due to potential oil and hazardous material spills, threatening marine ecosystems and public safety.
A Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, on Sunday, raising serious environmental concerns. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with water to release highly flammable acetylene gas. Additionally, the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks.
All 24 crew members were safely rescued. However, some containers have begun washing ashore in districts like Kollam and Alappuzha, prompting authorities to issue warnings to the public to avoid contact with any debris.
The Indian Coast Guard has deployed ships and aircraft equipped with pollution control equipment to manage the potential oil spill. Despite these efforts, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board has acknowledged the absence of a comprehensive oil spill contingency plan, highlighting a significant gap in preparedness.
Residents and fishermen are advised to stay clear of the affected areas and report any sightings of drifting containers or oil slicks to the authorities. The situation is being closely monitored as cleanup and containment operations continue.
The pneultimate day of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku will see Azerbaijan's Pavilion highlight post-construction efforts in Garabagh ...
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, showing close politica...
Britain has struck a major trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expected to be worth around £3.7 billion ($4.96 billion) ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington was prepared to launch further attacks on Tehran if Iran rejected a peac...
The World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) in Baku has placed a strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation between the pub...
The pneultimate day of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku will see Azerbaijan's Pavilion highlight post-construction efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as host events on the future of Baku and architectural education.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, showing close political alignment even though key economic deals were not finalised.
Britain has struck a major trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expected to be worth around £3.7 billion ($4.96 billion) a year in the long run.
The World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) in Baku has placed a strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, with discussions focused on sustainable urban development, investment opportunities and innovation in city planning.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume daily passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route from 26 May, 2026, marking a major step in restoring regional rail connectivity after services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Day four of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku brings a packed agenda on sustainable cities and the global housing crisis, with sessions on green housing, smart cities, public spaces and urban rights taking place on Wednesday (20 May) at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, showing close political alignment even though key economic deals were not finalised.
Britain has struck a major trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expected to be worth around £3.7 billion ($4.96 billion) a year in the long run.
FormeFormer Cuban President Raúl Castro has been indicted in the United States, according to a senior Trump administration official. The move marks a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Cuba’s communist leadership.
The red carpet had barely been rolled up after Donald Trump’s departure before Beijing was laying it out again. Vladimir Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday for talks with Xi Jinping, just days after Trump’s own high-profile visit.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed Türkiye-EU relations and rising Middle East tensions during a phone call on Tuesday.
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