Mexico readying for "potentially catastrophic" hurricaneOctober 23, 2015 - 16:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The strongest hurricane recorded in the Western hemisphere is bearing down on Mexico's Pacific coast, threatening a "potentially catastrophic" landfall, BBC News reports. Mexican authorities have begun evacuating residents ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Patricia. The hurricane is comparable with Typhoon Haiyan, which killed 6,300 people in the Philippines in 2013, the World Meteorological Organization says. A state of emergency has been declared in three states in Patricia's path. The category five hurricane is expected to make landfall on Friday afternoon or evening, with winds of 200mph (325km/h). The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Patricia was "potentially catastrophic" and the strongest storm it had recorded in the eastern Pacific or the Atlantic. Some 400,000 people live in vulnerable areas, according to Mexico's National Disaster Fund. The hurricane, which will bring torrential rain, could trigger flash floods and mudslides, the U.S. center said. It also warned of potential flooding from the sea and destructive waves. The hurricane's winds are strong enough "to get a plane in the air and keep it flying", World Meteorological Organization spokeswoman Claire Nullis said. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. Armenian government besieged by protesters Protesters led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan poured into Yerevan’s Republic Square to try to surround the seat of Armenia’s government. Armenia, Russia agree on repairing railway destroyed in floods Yerevan and Moscow have agreed to repair a flood-stricken railway in northern Armenia. |