state of emergency news stories on Newser

Thousands Flee Irene, Flights Canceled

Mary Papenfuss — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:53:53 CDT

Frightened North Carolinians fleeing Irene are jamming highways as the East Coast steels for what could be the biggest hurricane in decades. At least seven states have now declared a state of emergency, and hundreds of flights are being canceled. Gas stations are running out of fuel and ATMs have...

Big Syria Concession: Emergency Law Being Lifted

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:07:40 CDT

Syria's president said today the emergency laws that have been in effect for nearly 50 years will be lifted—a key demand by a monthlong protest movement that has posed the most serious challenge yet to the regime. The big question: Whether it will appease protesters or encourage them to...

More Storms on Way, Soaked Calif. Declares Emergency

Matt Cantor — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:43:05 CST

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in much of southern California amid “extraordinary and continuing rainfall,” CNN reports. Another in a series of storms is expected to bring more flooding and landslides; the declaration authorizes state agencies to help local ones in addressing the weather. Many areas...

Guinea Declares Emergency Amid Election Riots

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:43:44 CST

Guinea's military declared a state of emergency today, after violence followed a tense presidential election. The decree prohibits civilians from circulating on the streets, the head of the armed forces said in a televised decree. Only military and security forces will have unrestricted movement, he said, offering no further details....

Guatemala Mudslides Kill 28; 60-Plus Missing

Slurge — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 10:46:28 CDT

Mudslides buried at least two buses on a Guatemalan highway that leads toward Mexico yesterday, reports the AP, leaving 28 dead and at least 60 more missing. Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom closed the highway and declared a national emergency, saying, "There are several hillsides that are loose and could fall....

Hurricane Earl Downgraded to Category 1

Rob Quinn — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:33:01 CDT

Hurricane Earl has been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, but the New England coast can still expect some nasty weather. The storm lashed the North Carolina coast overnight, the AP reports, and forecasters predict it will stay away from New Jersey and other mid-Atlantic states today before coming very...

Jamaica Declares Emergency Over Drug Gang Violence

Mary Papenfuss — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:48:00 CDT

Jamaica has declared a state of emergency as gangs backing a reputed drug lord sought by the US blockaded a huge section of Kingston and attacked police stations. The violence erupted as US authorities moved to extradite drug boss Christopher "Dudus" Coke after his indictment for heading a criminal operation...

Water Main Break Leaves 2 Million Parched

M. Morris — Sun, 02 May 2010 14:00:00 CDT

Tap water in most of eastern Massachusetts is unsafe to drink following a water main break yesterday in a suburb west of Boston. Some 2 million residents must boil water for at least 1 minute before drinking it, making baby formula, or brushing their teeth, a situation one official described...

Thailand Riots Cast Pall on Summit

Emily Rauhala — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:00:00 CDT

Thailand's prime minister has canceled an appearance at the annual Southeast Asia summit as rioters threaten to topple his government. Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency yesterday hours after anti-government protesters stormed the country's parliament in Bangkok. The decree bans spreading information that threatens national security and allows authorities...