US states declare emergency ahead of subtropical storm
Washington, May 28: The US states of Alabama, Florida and Mississippi have declared an emergency ahead of subtropical storm Alberto expected to make landfall on Monday, authorities said.
The storm continued churning north through the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday and is scheduled to make landfall on the Florida Panhandle early Monday morning, reports CNN.
Florida Governor Rick Scott issued the declaration for all 67 counties in his state.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant authorised the use of the National Guard, his office said in a statement.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for 40 counties.
Ivey activated the state's emergency operations centre while the Alabama National Guard activated its high water evacuation teams.
Alberto is expected to produce heavy rainfall and flooding over western Cuba, South Florida and the Florida Keys, the National Hurricane Centre said on Sunday.
"Heavy rains and gusty winds continue to spread northward over Florida," it tweeted.
"Hazardous storm surge is possible along portions of the central and eastern Gulf Coast beginning Sunday."
The first named storm of this season, Alberto is expected to strengthen as it moves up the Gulf this weekend, CNN quoted the Centre as saying, bringing heavy rains and possible floods to Florida and much of the Southeast in the coming days.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
