States allowed to use disaster funds for migrants’ shelter, food

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States allowed to use disaster funds for migrants’ shelter, food

The Centre on Thursday said it has permitted state governments to utilize the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for setting up a shelter for migrants and providing them food, water etc,

In a press briefing, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiling the second tranche of the economic stimulus, said the Centre, under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package (Self-reliant India package), has provided support for migrants and urban poor. “Central government also released Rs 11,002 crore of its contribution in advance to all state governments on April 3, to augment funds in their SDRF,” she said.

Giving details of the utilization of funds, the Centre, in a statement, said that hygienically prepared meals a day were provided three times a day to the residents of Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) during lockdown with effect from March 28.

It added that the disbursal of a revolving fund to SHGs was on-boarded on the PAISA portal in April 2020 on a pilot basis in Gujarat and it is under the process of being rolled out across all the states in May 2020. “7,200 new SHGs of urban poor have been formed during the period starting March 15,” said an official.

The Centre said to promote formalization of labour, it is emphasizing on appointment letters for all workers along with annual health check-up for employees. It also said it is promoting universalisation of the right of minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all workers including unorganised workers.

‘Mine’, says Kriti Kharbanda on seeing Pulkit Samrat’s new pic

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‘Mine’, says Kriti Kharbanda on seeing Pulkit Samrat’s new pic

Actor Pulkit Samrat’s new post on social media caught the eyes of many after his rumored girlfriend dropped a loved-up comment.

Pulkit took to Instagram, where he shared a photograph of himself posing with his adorable husky, Drogo.

The actor captioned the image: “Who’s cuter? @drogohusky #drogostagram #huskylife.”

Kriti took to the comment section and wrote: “Mine” along with some heart emojis.

On her part, the actress shared a photograph of a delicious-looking dish made by Pulkit, and she said that she feels blessed.

“#blessed @pulkitsamrat you’re the best!” she captioned the image.

On the work front, Kriti and Pulkit were co-stars in Anees Bazmee’s comedy caper “Pagalpanti”.

The duo will be seen together again in Bejoy Nambiar’s “Taish”. The film is slated to release next year.

Kohli encourages kids to play at home with #PlayAtHome campaign

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Kohli encourages kids to play at home with #PlayAtHome campaign

COVID-19 has been an abrupt public health crisis that has disrupted life across the globe. Offices are shut, factories are closed, streets are deserted and our way of life as we know it has come to a complete stop. While all of us are seeing massive changes in our lives, the kids are feeling a sudden change in their lives. The joy of going out to play with friends and euphoria of winning is dearly missed by them. These are truly uncertain and testing times for kids forcing them to spend time on TV screens or mobiles.

In its new campaign #PlayAtHome, Boost engages with kids encouraging them to play safely within the confines of their homes. The campaign sets out to inspire kids to play at home and improve their skills. The campaign also sees Boost brand ambassador and captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli amplify this message encouraging children to continue to #PlayAtHome through his social media accounts.

Commenting on the latest campaign, Vikram Bahl, Global Brand Vice President, Nutrition, HUL said, “COVID-19 has made everyone including children come to terms with the new normal of staying home to be safe. Through its #PlayAtHome campaign, Boost is looking to engage with children and urges them to use this opportunity to continue to play, train and hone their skills inside their homes. There are innovative ways to play, train & sweat it out safely at home. We trust that these will help prepare them for the game on the field.”

Commenting on the creative insight that went into developing this campaign, Joy Chauhan, Managing Partner & Sr. VP, Wunderman Thompson, Delhi said, “These are unusual times but they could also be a great life lesson for kids; especially if they can learn to turn adversity into something good. Boost has always inspired kids to play the bigger game. But today, it is inspiring them to continue doing it despite the odds being against them. They may not be able to go to the field, but they can keep training and playing at home. We hope Boost #playathome inspires and empowers them.”

M&M have restarted production at tractor plant in Zaheerabad

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M&M have restarted production at tractor plant in Zaheerabad

Mr. Hemant Sikka – President, Farm Equipment Sector, M&M Ltd.

“We have restarted production at our tractor plant in Zaheerabad post receiving necessary approvals. The highest levels of safety protocols, as well as social distancing, is being ensured at the plant especially on the shop floor. With dealerships gradually opening up, bounty harvest and forecast of a normal monsoon, I’m positive that the tractor industry will perform well and ensure rural growth and prosperity during the year”.

M&M have restarted production at tractor plant in Zaheerabad

Sonam Kapoor wishes to Rana Daggubati

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Sonam Kapoor wishes to Rana Daggubati

Ever since Baahubali actor Rana Daggubati announced his relationship with entrepreneur Miheeka Bajaj, friends and industry well-wishers have been pouring in unlimited congratulatory messages on social media. One of the best wishes arrived from Miheeka Bajaj’s close friend, actress Sonam Kapoor.

Sonam took to Instagram and shared the adorable picture of the soon-to-be-married couple along with a sweet note.

“Congratulations my darling baby, Miheeka. I love you, doll. You deserve the best. Rana Daggubati better make you happy. Love you both! Welcome to the fam, Rana!” Sonam wrote. Sonam’s sister Rhea Kapoor is also a good friend of Miheeka.

On the film front, Sonam was lastly seen in ‘The Zoya Factor’ over a year ago. After this, the sultry actress is not seen in any of the movies.

Salman Khan has a big heart

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Salman Khan has a big heart

Not many know that Star actress Katrina Kaif is doing some good social work for the needy. Her make-up brand Kay Beauty has joined to help the daily wage workers in rural areas of Maharashtra.

In a recent interview, the actress revealed her basic inspiration in doing social works. Katrina said that she has been inspired by her friend, Salman Khan who has a big heart in doing the charity. The actress also revealed that doing social work is in her mind since from the starting of the brand.

Also, she said that she is quite bored and depressed at home and desperately wants to get back to routine as soon as possible.On the work front, Katrina will be featured in an action film, Sooryavanshi under Rohit Shetty’s direction.

Lockdown Effect on People Mental Health

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Lockdown Effect on People Mental Health

Lockdown, it appears, is clearly taking its toll on the mental health of the people, especially the youth. Mental health related issues are getting increasingly reported. At least three cases have been reported in which people ended their lives unable to bear with the long self-isolation and quarantine.

On Tuesday, a 20 year-old woman, who could not go to her native village to see her newborn niece became frustrated and jumped from an apartment in Raidurgam. The woman was upset at not being able to go to her native village despite many attempts. In another incident in Pahadishariff of the Old City, a 15 year old boy was very unhappy with the containment. When he tried to go out, he was stopped and chided. Upset, he killed self by hanging. On April 17, a youth ended life after his father asked him to stay home. In Bhopal, a 75-year-old Covid suspect identified as Ahuja, ended his life out of fear.

Psychiatrists stay that it is important to ensure that such frustrated people are engaged in conversation. Talking to them and trying to empathise them would wean them away from suicidal thoughts. They say that isolation should not mean loneliness. This is a perfect recipe for disaster, they said.

Coronavirus Active cases in Andhra Pradesh

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Coronavirus Active cases in Andhra Pradesh

In what it could be a shocker 36 fresh cases of novel coronavirus were reported in Andhra Pradesh which takes the toll of the positive cases in the state to 2100. The official data states that there are 860 active cases in the state with 1192 people managed to recover from the virus.

The recovered cases are more in number than the active cases in Andhra Pradesh which is a positive sign. The state Health Department issued a health bulletin in this regard.

As per the information provided by the Health bulletin, 9256 samples were tested in the state in the past 24 hours and 36 tested positive for the fatal virus.

Nellore reported 15 positive cases followed by Chittoor(9), Guntur(5), Kadapa(2), Krishna(2), Srikakulam(2), and West Godavari(1). Guntur, Kurnool, Krishna, and Nellore are the worst-affected districts in the state.

Mahesh Babu always loves to stand by his directors

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Mahesh Babu always loves to stand by his directors

One of that humble superstar who always loves to stand by his directors is none other than Mahesh Babu. Whenever he gets an opportunity to priase his directors, he stands there to deliver some appealing lines. But then, this admiration is not just limited to public stands.

Apparently Mahesh shares a good bonding with some of his recent films’ directors. And if those directors need any help, the hero will move heaven and earth to deliver it. In recent times, the actor is, however, promising those directors that he will do even cameos in case if they need. Earlier director Koratala Siva revealed how Mahesh gave him a promise that he will be doing that guest role in Acharya if Ram Charan’s dates turn tough.

We hear that he has given a similar word to Anil Ravipudi as well. Apparently the director is readying F3, which will have Venkatesh and Varun Tej in the leads, along with Tamanna and Mehreen. Though the director stated that he hasn’t approached any third hero, who will be there in the film, Mahesh is said to have expressed his willingness to do a guest role in the movie. Though he will not be doing that third lead role, he wants to sizzle in a couple of scenes and a song or two.

We have to see if Anil Ravipudi will avail this promise by giving an awesome treat to audiences through F3. But then, we must say that Mahesh is teasing all of his directors with his promise.

The internet is flooded with the wedding pictures of Nikhil

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The internet is flooded with the wedding pictures of Nikhil

Finally young hero Nikhil Siddhartha has tied knot after his wedding got postponed twice. The internet is flooded with the wedding pictures of Nikhil and Dr. Pallavi Varma. Tollywood celebs are sending out their best wishes to the newlywed couple and in no time, Nikhil is replying to them.

There are also memes on Nikhil wedding but the hero took them on lighter note and in fact he too shared a meme sort of thing. As we know, to keep Corona virus away, we need to have sanitizers while government has made masks mandatory. Also for the weddings, the government and police are giving strict guidelines to follow them.

The post of Nikhil also contains the same. The picture has “Masks here, sanitizers there… love everywhere,” banner put in place at the wedding ceremony. Though it’s a pun intended, the situation currently syncs perfectly.

Shikhar Dhawan revealed his favourite captain

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Shikhar Dhawan revealed his favourite captain

Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan on Wednesday picked MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as his favourite captain and batting partner respectively. Dhawan revealed this during a rapid-fire round with former Indian bowler Irfan Pathan on an Instagram Live video session. “(Best batting partner will be) Rohit Sharma… I have only played under Virat and Dhoni, so, as of now, Dhoni bhai,” Shikhar Dhawan said in the video. However, the left-handed batsman termed skipper Virat Kohli as the “best current Indian batsman”.

Dhawan also praised Sharma for his phenomenal performance in the last year’s ICC World Cup saying that “Rohit did brilliantly in the World Cup as he scored five centuries.”

When Pathan asked Dhawan to name the toughest bowler he has ever faced, the latter named Australian pacer Mitchell Starc.

Dhawan also expressed his views on the Indian Premier League (IPL) saying that the league should take place as people are currently surrounded by just the coronavirus news and fear regarding the virus.

“Of course, IPL should take place because people will get positivity from it. Currently, there is only coronavirus news and fear because of it,” Dhawan said.

The 2020 edition of the league was slated to commence on March 29, however, it has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis in the country.

2 millions coronavirus tests today

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2 millions coronavirus tests today

Exuding confidence that India will achieve the testing capacity of 1 lakh COVID-19 tests per day before May 31, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that the country will reach the mark of 2 million (i.e. 20 lakhs) coronavirus tests today.

“Yesterday we have tested over 90,000 COVID-19 samples. We are continuously increasing our testing capacity. Though we had earlier said that we will increase our testing capacity to 1 lakhs tests per day before May 31, but we will achieve it before the due date. Today, we will reach 2 million tests countrywide,” said Mr Vardhan here at National Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC).

Union Health Minister Mr Vardhan visited NCDC to inaugurate the COVID-19 realtime automated testing machine. NCDC is India’s premier institute for research in epidemiology and communicable disease control.

“Across the country, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and NCDC have developed over 500 labs for testing COVID-19 samples. I came here to inaugurate Rosch company’s Cobas 6800 machine. It is fully automated and can conduct 800 tests in a day, even if it is not operated in the night. I am dedicating this machine to the nation,” he said.

“In this series, two machines were installed earlier-one in ICMR, Bhuwanesar and one in National Institute of Virology, Pune. The latest is installed here in NCDC. We have ordered more machines and we will deploy these machines in various parts of the country,” he added.

As per the latest update by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), there are 49,219 active cases in the country while 26,235 patients have been cured and discharged, one migrated, and 2,549 deaths so far.

Kids with cancer not at greater COVID-19 risk

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Kids with cancer not at greater COVID-19 risk

Researchers have found that children with cancer are no more vulnerable than other children to COVID-19 infection or morbidity resulting from the disease.

For the study, the researchers from MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York performed COVID-19 testing on pediatric patients and their adult caregivers.

Of the 178 pediatric cancer patients tested, the rate of positivity for COVID-19 was 29.3 percent in children with symptoms, but only 2.5 percent in asymptomatic children.

Of all children with cancer infected with COVID-19, 95 percent had mild symptoms and did not require hospitalisation, said the study published in the journal JAMA Oncology.

“We are encouraged by these latest findings that kids with cancer are not more endangered by COVID-19 and their symptoms are mild like in healthy children,” said and corresponding author on the study Andrew Kung, Chair of MSK Kids.

“These findings allow us to continue lifesaving cancer-directed therapy with standard precautions and safeguards but without heightened concern about adverse effects from COVID-19 infection.”

Only half of the children with COVID-19 positive caregivers were themselves also COVID-19 positive, the results showed.

The researchers also found very significant sex skewing with the vast majority of COVID-19 infections occurring in males.

Together, these results suggest that children with cancer are not more susceptible than other children to infection or symptoms resulting from COVID-19, and that children are not an unrecognised reservoir of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.

Fortnite game to arrive on PS5 and Xbox Series X

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Fortnite game to arrive on PS5 and Xbox Series X

Epic Games has announced that its battle royale hit game Fortnite would be available on Microsofts Xbox Series X and Sonys PlayStation 5 consoles.

Next-gen consoles game will be able to run at higher framerates and resolutions. On PS4 Pro and Xbox Series X, Fortnite will run at 60 frames per second.

The news was revealed as part of the Unreal Engine 5 unveiling, which showcased footage running on PS5.

“We are excited to confirm that Fortnite will be headed to next-generation consoles at launch. This is the same Fortnite you know and love, ready to take full advantage of the newest consoles,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Epic announced last week that the title now has more than 350 million registered players.

“While we can’t share specifics at the moment, more powerful hardware will allow us to improve performance and visuals. At launch, the version of Fortnite we release on next-gen consoles will be built with Unreal Engine 4. We will migrate Fortnite to Unreal Engine 5 in mid-2021,” informed the company.

Last month, Epic Games released its Battle Royale game through the official Play Store on Android.

The game was available for Android 10 since mid-2019. However, Epic Games decided not to include the game in Google Play Store.

James McAvoy, Riz Ahmed in cast of ‘The Sandman’

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James McAvoy, Riz Ahmed in cast of ‘The Sandman’

Actor James McAvoy is part of star-studded cast of the first-ever audio adaptation of the graphic novel series, “The Sandman”, written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC.

The cast also includes Riz Ahmed, Justin Vivian Bond, Arthur Darvill, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, William Hope, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, and Michael Sheen.

It’s been adapted and directed by Dirk Maggs and narrated by Gaiman, who serves as creative director and executive producer.

The first installment of the multi-part original audio drama series is set for release on July 15, 2020 and adapts volumes 1-3 of the graphic novel series (Preludes & Noctures, The Doll’s House, and Dream Country).

The story begins with an occultist who attempts to capture the physical embodiment of Death in a bargain for eternal life.

Instead, he mistakenly traps Death’s younger brother Dream, one of the seven god-like siblings known as The Endless who oversee aspects of human existence, including Desire and Despair, Destiny, Destruction and Delirium.

“A truly exceptional cast of artistes will be bringing this cultural phenomenon to life. We are honoured to be working alongside Neil Gaiman and DC to create a truly immersive adaptation that we know fans and listeners will love,” said David Blum, Editor-in-Chief of Audible Originals.

Gaiman’s long-time audio collaborator, multi-award winner Dirk Maggs, shares executive producer credit and also serves as the project’s scriptwriter and director.

“The Sandman” will premiere on Audible.com/TheSandman on July 15, 2020 in English, and will subsequently be released in French, German, Italian, and Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish editions.

Big B recalls the time a Diwali bomb exploded in his hand

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Big B recalls the time a Diwali bomb exploded in his hand

Amitabh Bachchan has shared with fans on social media how a Diwali bomb had once exploded in his hand, following which the hand had to be restructured.

“Fingers … the most difficult element of the human body to restructure .. need movement continuously .. stop movement they become stiff .. I know .. blew my hand off with a Diwali bomb .. took me 2 months to move my thumb to my index finger !! .. and now how creative,” tweeted Big B.

He recalled how he had to shoot despite the circumstances, because he had a couple of big films on the floors — “Inquilaab” and “Sharaabi”. Both films released in 1984.

“The Diwali bomb that exploded in my hand and blew it up .. and how restructuring it was a cumbersome process .. work continued .. hand wrapped in a kerchief for style .. or in the pocket for attitude .. but work continued .. as must it should ..Inquilab the first one .. a Madras production .. and Sharaabi the other .. great behind the scenes, stories for both the films .. now not prudent to talk about them .. they are best unwritten and undisclosed,” wrote Big B in his blog.

Right now, on the work front, Amitabh Bachchan’s slice of life dramedy “Gulabo Sitabo” is releasing on Amazon Prime on June 12. Calling the digital release a “challenge”, the actor tweeted: “Joined Film Ind., in 1969 .. in 2020 .. its 51 years !! .. seen many changes and challenges .. NOW another CHALLENGE .. DIGITAL RELEASE of my film GULABO SITABO !! June 12 Amazon Prime 200+ country’s .. THAT IS AMAZING! Honoured to be a part of yet another change.”

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, “Gulabo Sitabo” also stars Ayushmann Khurrana.

Balbir Singh Sr suffers 2 more cardiac arrests, remains critical

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Balbir Singh Sr suffers 2 more cardiac arrests, remains critical

Hockey legend Balbir Singh Senior has suffered from two more cardiac arrests and continues to be on ventilator assistance at the Fortis Mohali where he was admitted last Friday with pneumonia.

His grandson Kabir said in a statement on Thursday that the triple Olympic gold medallist suffered two more cardiac arrests on Wednesday morning. He had suffered from a cardiac arrest on Tuesday.

“Nanaji suffered two more cardiac arrests yesterday morning. His condition has not deteriorated since then but continues to be very critical and on ventilator assistance. He is still in medical ICU. Doctors are continuously assessing his condition,” said Kabir.

“Further statements about his condition will be issued as and when information is available.”

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had also wished the legend a speedy recovery.

“Saddened to know that Balbir Singh Senior Ji had a heart attack today and is in ICU now in a critical state. Praying for your speedy recovery, sir,” Amarinder had tweeted on Tuesday.

In July 2019, Balbir was admitted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. He was admitted following breathing problems in the Respiratory ICU of the PGIMER.

Balbir was part of the Indian teams that won gold at the 1948 London Olympics, Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956. His record for most individual goals scored in an Olympic men’s hockey final remains unbeaten. Balbir had set this record when he scored five goals in India’s 6-1 win over Netherlands in the gold medal match of the 1952 Games.

Balbir was the head coach of the Indian team for the 1975 men’s World Cup, which India won and the 1971 men’s World Cup, where India earned a bronze medal.

He was also conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri in 1957.

125 export oriented leather units in UP to start work

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125 export oriented leather units in UP to start work

The District Industries Centre (DIC) has finally granted permission to around 101 export-oriented leather units to run their businesses in Kanpur.

The DIC had earlier granted permission to only 24-export oriented leather units to start the production.

The industries department had, so far, issued work orders to 125 units.

Sources said that tanneries, too, are likely to get permission to start production in the next phase.

Joint Commissioner Industries, Sarveshwar Shukla, said that permission had been granted to the export-oriented leather units and would soon issue work orders. The process for opening tanneries has begun, and permission would be granted to them after the industries department gets a report from the Pollution Control Board.

The tannery industry is passing through a difficult phase since Kumbh Mela was held in Prayagraj when the units were shut down. They are also suffering due to non-availability of raw materials and chemicals.

The Regional Pollution Control Board officer S. B. Franklin said, “The board has already started verification of tanneries and there are all possibilities that the units which are outside the hotspot area might get permission to operate, but for that they have to give an undertaking that they had contributed in raising the 20 mld sewage treatment plant.”

Javed Iqbal, Regional Chairman, Council for Leather Export, said that the leather units could not get payment from oversees traders because their orders had been locked in ports and their raw material was almost destroyed.

“We are suffering double losses. We had to shut production and now the lockdown. The permission to open the export-oriented units will give a new lease of life to the leather industry”, he said.

Asif Jamal, a leather industry owner, said that the government should give unconditional permission to the registered units and pass orders that small industries could run their units without giving any declaration.

General Secretary, Leather Industries Welfare Association, Asad Iraqi, said that permission to start slaughter houses should also be given to ensure easy the availability of raw material.

The representatives of the leather units had met Uttar Pradesh Industry Minister Satish Mahana several times to seek permission for starting the production.

LG Polymers begins shipment of styrene to South Korea

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LG Polymers begins shipment of styrene to South Korea

A week after gas leak from its plant near here left 12 people dead and landed over 400 in hospitals, LG Polymers India on Thursday said it has begun transportation the remaining Styrene Monomer to South Korea.

“We have begun the transportation of Styrene Monomer (SM) inventory within the plant as well as in styrene tanks at the port by vessels to South Korea to prevent and eliminate all risk factors,” the company said.

A team of technical experts from the company’s Seoul headquarters has also arrived at LG Polymers India plant. The team of production, environment, and safety experts are currently investigating the cause of the tragedy and already supporting responsible rehabilitation which is their main objective, the company statement said.

The team is working closely with related authorities to analyze the cause of the leak on May 7, prevent a recurrence, and support damage recovery in a prompt and expedient manner.

“While identifying the extent of the damage, LG Polymers India has identified comprehensive support measures to solve the situation quickly and responsibly. A special task force is currently supporting the bereaved families and survivors and visiting them at the hospitals and their homes.”

The company is providing food and medical services to the returning residents. Various support activities such as supply of medical and household goods and sanitation of homes will be continued.

The firm commissioned Suraksha Hospital to take care of all residents’ health checkups and future treatment. It also set up a helpline for the villagers.

“We will soon set up specialized institutions to conduct surveys on health and environmental impacts and disclose the results transparently,” it said

Stating that it will carry out mid- to long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that can contribute to the local community, the company assured that it will do its best to resolve the situation and prevent any such incident in future.

Season’s 1st typhoon makes landfall in Philippines

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Season’s 1st typhoon makes landfall in Philippines

The first typhoon of the season made landfall on Thursday on Philippines’ Samar island, as the country prepares for the start of the relaxation of COVID-19 confinement measures.

Typhoon Vongfong, locally named Ambo, intensified a few hours before making landfall in the town of San Policarpio, Eastern Samar province, Efe news quoted the national meteorology agency Pagasa as saying.

Around 400,000 people have been evacuated from their houses in low-lying and coastal areas in the provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar, as the storm carries winds of 150 kph, with gusts of up to 185 kph, and heavy rains.

“We have several facilities enabled for the isolation of COVID-19 patients, but fortunately we do not have cases here, so we will use them to shelter the evacuees due to the typhoon,” said Northern Samar’s chief disaster officer Josh Echano.

Local and provincial authorities in the area have warned of the need for aid and food supplies as closures since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a shortage of resources to feed the evacuees.

The typhoon was moving at a speed of about 15 kph in a northwesterly direction towards Manila where heavy rains occurred shortly after the typhoon arrived in the country, despite having made landfall about 800 km from the capital.

The typhoon is expected to flood the entire island of Samar – the third largest in the country after Luzon and Mindanao – where Pagasa has already raised the alert level to 3 in almost all of its territory, out of a total of 4.

In Manila and provinces in central and southern Luzon – those most affected by the coronavirus pandemic – alert level 1 has been activated ahead of the expected arrival of the typhoon on Friday.

According to Pagasa’s forecasts, from Manila Vongfong will head north and leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on May 18, heading towards Japan.

An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines each year.

The most destructive and deadly was in November 2013 when the super typhoon Haiyan hit the islands of Samar and Leyte, killing some 7,000 people and leaving 200,000 families homeless.

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