An armed man walked into an Amish school, sent the boys outside and tied up and shot the girls , killing three of them, authorities said. An armed man walked into an Amish school, sent the boys outside and tied up and shot the girls, killing three of them , authorities said. A man who laid siege to a one-room Amish schoolhouse , killing five girls , told his wife shortly before opening fire that he had molested two young girls who were his relatives decades ago and was tormented by "dreams of molesting again," authorities said Tuesday. Ed Rendell said Wednesday he will ask Amish elders if they want state police protection from a Kansas church group that plans to demonstrate at funerals of five girls fatally shot in an attack on their one-room schoolhouse. A procession of 34 buggies and carriages carried mourners to a hilltop cemetery Thursday as the Amish community buried the first of five girls killed by a gunman inside their tiny one-room schoolhouse. So those who knew Charlie Roberts were in a state of shock Monday when authorities named him as the suicidal gunman who shot a classroom full of girls, execution style , in a tiny Amish schoolhouse. So those who knew Charlie Roberts were in a state of shock Monday when authorities named him as the suicidal gunman who shot a classroom full of girls, execution-style , in a tiny Amish schoolhouse. Neighbors and family members saw no indication of problems that would lead 32-year-old Charles Carl Roberts IV to open fire Monday on a dozen young girls. On Monday morning , Charles Carl Roberts IV entered the West Nickel Mines Amish School in Lancaster County and shot 10 girls , killing five. Roberts stormed the school and shot 10 girls before turning the gun on himself. A gunman shot girls in the head "execution style" at an Amish school in Pennsylvania state on Monday, killing four and wounding at least six others , police and officials said. At least seven wounded children were taken to hospital from the school at Nickel Mines , about 35 miles (55 kilometers) west of Philadelphia. Three children were found dead at the scene and seven others were taken to hospitals , Miller said. At least seven others were wounded , some critically. "It seems as though he wanted to attack young, female victims. " Charles Carl Roberts IV may have planned to molest the girls at the Amish school , but police have no evidence that he actually did, State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said. Two relatives of the man who attacked Amish school girls said Monday they were not molested by him 20 years ago, as he had claimed in a phone call to his wife during the siege. Investigators said Roberts , who brought lubricating jelly and plastic restraints with him, may have been planning to sexually assault the Amish girls. Roberts killed himself in the one-room remote Amish schoolhouse before police could get to him , State Police Commissioner Jeffrey Miller told a press conference. The gunman, Charles Carl Roberts IV , 32, a truck driver from the town of Bart, apparently killed himself , state police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said. And Roberts had killed himself. The gunman , a local truck driver Charles Roberts, was apparently acting in "revenge " for an incident that happened to him 20 years ago. The suspect apparently called his wife from a cell phone shortly before the shooting began, saying he was "acting out in revenge for something that happened 20 years ago," Miller said. The suspect apparently called his wife from a cell phone shortly before the shooting began , saying he was "acting out in revenge for something that happened 20 years ago," Miller said. According to police there were 10-12 girls and 15 boys, all aged between six and 13 in the schoolhouse. According to police there were 10-12 girls and 15 boys, all aged between six and 13 in the schoolhouse. The school has about 25 to 30 students, ages six to 13 , Miller said. The suspect apparently called his wife from a cell phone shortly before the shooting began , saying he was "acting out in revenge for something that happened 20 years ago," Miller said. A man who laid siege to a one-room Amish schoolhouse , killing five girls, told his wife shortly before opening fire that he had molested two young girls who were his relatives decades ago and was tormented by "dreams of molesting again," authorities said Tuesday. Six people were dead after a gunman opened fire in a one-room Amish schoolhouse Monday in Pennsylvania's bucolic Lancaster County , the county coroner said. Lancaster County Coroner G. Gary Kirchner told The Associated Press early Monday afternoon that six people were killed. He was a soccer dad , and a quiet hard-working, church-going family man. He was a soccer dad , and a quiet hard-working, church-going family man who didn't flinch at changing diapers. Hackers briefly overwhelmed at least three of the 13 computers that help manage global computer traffic Tuesday in one of the most significant attacks against the Internet since 2002. The worst attack in years on the Internet's infrastructure , which slowed traffic but failed to bring down the Web, used infected computers around the world as "zombies ," security experts said Wednesday. Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at the London-based firm Sophos, said Tuesday's incident "seems to have been the most serious attack against these domain name servers" since late 2002. Plagues of viruses and other malicious programs have periodically swept through the Internet since 1988 , when there were only 60,000 computers online. These systems, called botnets, are being blamed for the huge spike in spam that bedeviled the Internet in recent months, as well as fraud and data theft. Cox News Service SAN FRANCISCO - Viruses, spam and other computer security problems are growing bigger every day , but the number of companies in the business of fighting them is getting smaller. But the system is under increasing strain because of the explosion of human and machine Internet users, and because of occasional assaults by automated software programs that threaten to overwhelm the ability to respond to routine requests. But the system is under increasing strain because of the explosion of human and machine Internet users, and because of occasional assaults by automated software programs that threaten to overwhelm the ability to respond to routine requests. But the system is under increasing strain because of the explosion of human and machine Internet users, and because of occasional assaults by automated software programs that threaten to overwhelm the ability to respond to routine requests. The motive for the attacks was unclear , said Duane Wessels, a researcher at the Cooperative Association for Internet Data Analysis at the San Diego Supercomputing Center. He said the motive of the attack was unclear. He said the motive of the attack was unclear. Among the targeted "root" servers that manage global Internet traffic were ones operated by the Defense Department and the Internet's primary oversight body. Among the targeted "root" servers that manage global Internet traffic were ones operated by the Defense Department and the Internet's primary oversight body. Cluley said three of the 13 domain name system (DNS) servers that control global Internet traffic were hit with a so-called "denial of service" attack, which means they were bombarded with information requests in an effort to bring them down. With growing sophistication, they are taking advantage of programs that secretly install themselves on thousands or even millions of personal computers , band these computers together into an unwitting army of zombies, and use the collective power of the dragooned network to commit Internet crimes. "And they're not just targeting thousands of users -- they're targeting hundreds of thousands or millions of users. " The Homeland Security Department confirmed it was monitoring what it called "anomalous" Internet traffic. The US Department of Homeland Security meanwhile confirmed that its cybersecurity arm had been monitoring "anomalous" activity on the Internet. These systems , called botnets , are being blamed for the huge spike in spam that bedeviled the Internet in recent months, as well as fraud and data theft. These systems, called botnets , are being blamed for the huge spike in spam that bedeviled the Internet in recent months, as well as fraud and data theft. Security researchers have been concerned about botnets for some time because they automate and amplify the effects of viruses and other malicious programs. Security researchers have been concerned about botnets for some time because they automate and amplify the effects of viruses and other malicious programs. VeriSign executives said their expansion project , to be announced Thursday , was crucial because of the increasing role that the Internet plays in basic functions of modern life. VeriSign executives said their expansion project , to be announced Thursday, was crucial because of the increasing role that the Internet plays in basic functions of modern life. Badillo and Vidal are both due to appear in court again at the separate trial of the Madrid train bombers which begins on Thursday. The National Court on Thursday begins the trial of 29 suspects in the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004 , which killed 191 people and injured more than 1,800. Of the 29 people who go on trial Thursday for the March 2004 Madrid train bombings , seven face some 40,000 years in jail if found guilty. The trial opens Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the Madrid train bomb attacks in March 2004, which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike Spain has ever known. But the man, Rabei Osman Sayed Ahmed -- expected to be the first of 29 defendants to take the stand when the bombing trial begins Thursday in Madrid -- also said in the recordings that the attack was carried out according to his plan. The trial opened Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks, which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike to hit Spain. The trial opened Thursday of 29 suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks, which killed 191 people in one of Europe's worst terror strikes. The trial opened Thursday of 29 suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks, which killed 191 people in one of Europe's worst terror strikes. A total of 191 people died in Spain's worst terror attack. The National Court on Thursday begins the trial of 29 suspects in the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004 , which killed 191 people and injured more than 1,800. The trial opens Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the Madrid train bomb attacks in March 2004 , which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike Spain has ever known. Family members of the victims of the attacks which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 others, making it the worst terror strike Spain has ever known, also gathered at the high court. The trial opened Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks , which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike to hit Spain. The trial opened Thursday of 29 suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks , which killed 191 people in one of Europe's worst terror strikes. The National Court on Thursday begins the trial of 29 suspects in the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004, which killed 191 people and injured more than 1,800. Three men are suspected to have organised the bombings of four commuter trains , which killed 191 people and injured 1,824. Ahmed, 35, is suspected of having helped organise the bombings of four commuter trains , which killed 191 people and injured 1,824. The trial opens Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the Madrid train bomb attacks in March 2004, which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike Spain has ever known. Family members of the victims of the attacks which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 others , making it the worst terror strike Spain has ever known, also gathered at the high court. The trial opened Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks, which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike to hit Spain. Zougam is accused of being one of the men who placed the bombs which exploded aboard four packed commuter trains on the morning of March 11, 2004. Three men are suspected to have organised the bombings of four commuter trains , which killed 191 people and injured 1,824. Three men are suspected to have organised the bombings of four commuter trains , which killed 191 people and injured 1,824. Ahmed, 35, is suspected of having helped organise the bombings of four commuter trains , which killed 191 people and injured 1,824. One of the four alleged masterminds of the coordinated bombings of four packed Madrid commuter trains on March 11, 2004, Rabei Ousmane Sayed Ahmed, alias "Mohammed the Egyptian," was expected to be the first called to testify. The blasts on four packed commuter trains were the biggest in the Western world since the September 11 , 2001 attacks in the United States. He faces 38,656 years in jail, although under Spanish law he could only serve a maximum 40 years. If found guilty he faces 38,656 years in jail, although under Spanish law he could only serve a maximum 40 years. He is one of seven men facing sentences of some 40,000 years each for the deaths and membership in a terrorist organisation, although under Spanish law the longest jail term anyone can actually serve is 40 years. If convicted, Ahmed, 35, faces prison time that could total nearly 40,000 years, but under Spanish law , he would not serve more than 40 years. He is one of seven defendants facing sentences of some 40,000 years each for the deaths and membership of a terrorist organisation, although under Spanish law the longest jail term anyone can actually serve is 40 years. He is one of seven defendants facing sentences of some 40,000 years each for the deaths and membership of a terrorist organisation, although under Spanish law the longest jail term anyone can actually serve is 40 years. Tight security was imposed Thursday for the start of the trial of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks. Dozens of police were deployed at the high-security court on the outskirts of Madrid , while a helicopter flew overhead. The trial, which is expected to hear evidence from more than 600 witnesses and last for some five months before an October verdict, opened amid tight security at a high court venue on the outskirts of Madrid. Squadrons of police were outside the court on Madrid's western outskirts , many of them armed, others with dogs, while a helicopter flew overhead. The trial , which opened amid tight security at a high court venue on the outskirts of Madrid , is expected to hear evidence from some 600 witnesses and around 100 experts, and to last some five months before an October verdict. The majority of the 29 people on trial for the blasts are Moroccan. The trial opens Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the Madrid train bomb attacks in March 2004, which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike Spain has ever known. Tight security was imposed Thursday for the start of the trial of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks. The trial opened Thursday of 29 mostly Moroccan suspects charged with involvement in the 2004 Madrid train bomb attacks, which killed 191 people and injured 1,824 in the worst terror strike to hit Spain. The attacks, which the prosecution alleges were the work of mainly Moroccan Islamic extremists inspired by Al-Qaeda and angered by Spanish military participation in Iraq, were the biggest in the Western world since the September 11 , 2001 attacks in the United States. The attacks, which the prosecution alleges were the work of mainly Moroccan Islamic extremists inspired by Al-Qaeda and angered by Spanish military participation in Iraq, were the biggest in the Western world since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. The prosecution alleges that the March 11 attacks, which left more than 1,800 injured, were the work of mainly Moroccan Islamic extremists inspired by Al- Qaeda and angered by Spanish military participation in Iraq. The prosecution alleges that the March 11 attacks, which left more than 1,800 injured, were the work of mainly Moroccan Islamic extremists inspired by Al- Qaeda and angered by Spanish military participation in Iraq. Badillo and Vidal are both due to appear in court again at the separate trial of the Madrid train bombers which begins on Thursday. Three of the four alleged masterminds of the bombings will be in the dock : Ousmane, Youssef Belhadj, alias "the Afghan" and Hassan el-Haski, alias "Abu Hamza." The three alleged bombers and the Spaniard who has been accused of supplying the explosives from a disused mine in exchange for drugs will also be in the dock. Three of the four will be in the dock : Ousmane, Youssef Belhadj, alias "the Afghan" and Hassan el-Haski, alias "Abu Hamza." The others accused will stand trial for lesser offences, including collaboration with a terrorist group and falsifying documents. The others accused will stand trial for lesser offences, including collaboration with a terrorist group and falsifying documents. The other accused will stand trial for lesser offences, including collaboration with a terrorist group. The other accused will stand trial for lesser offences, including collaboration with a terrorist group. An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, Menu Foods said in announcing the North American recall. An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure , and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, Menu Foods said in announcing the North American recall. He said that the company had received an undisclosed number of owner complaints that dogs and cats were vomiting and suffering kidney failure after eating its products. He said that the company had received an undisclosed number of owner complaints that dogs and cats were vomiting and suffering kidney failure after eating its products. He said that the company had received an undisclosed number of owner complaints that dogs and cats were vomiting and suffering kidney failure after eating its products. An unknown number of cats and dogs had suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, the company said. Menu Foods said it launched the North American recall as a precaution after receiving complaints about sick dogs and cats. Menu Foods said it launched the North American recall as a precaution after receiving complaints about sick dogs and cats. There were reports of an unknown number of cats and dogs suffering kidney failure and 10 pet deaths as Menu Foods of Toronto ordered a recall of 60 million containers of wet dog and cat food. He said that the company had received an undisclosed number of owner complaints that dogs and cats were vomiting and suffering kidney failure after eating its products. An unknown number of cats and dogs had suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, the company said. The reported deaths of cats and dogs have been from kidney disease , Tuite said. The reported deaths of cats and dogs have been from kidney disease , Tuite said. Menu Foods said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 46 brands and cat food sold under 37 brands and distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Menu Foods , the Ontario-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. Menu Foods, the Ontario-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. Menu Foods , the Ontario-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. Menu Foods, the Ontario-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. Menu Foods said it had recalled some food made for the Iams unit of Procter & Gamble. Menu Foods said it had recalled some food made for the Iams unit of Procter & Gamble. Menu Foods , one of North America's largest suppliers of pet food, is recalling dog food sold throughout North America under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba, a report by Canadian Press said. Of the 10 cats and dogs whose deaths have been linked to pet food that was recalled over the weekend , seven died last month in a taste test conducted by the manufacturer, the Food and Drug Administration said Monday. Of the 10 cats and dogs whose deaths have been linked to pet food that was recalled over the weekend , seven died last month in a taste test conducted by the manufacturer, the Food and Drug Administration said Monday. A major manufacturer of dog and cat food sold under Wal-Mart, Safeway, Kroger and other store brands recalled 60 million containers of wet pet food Friday after reports of kidney failure and deaths. A major manufacturer of pet foods sold throughout North America under dozens of store names is recalling millions of containers of its products while working to determine what caused kidney failure and some deaths of cats and dogs. Menu Foods said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 46 brands and cat food sold under 37 brands and distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Pet owners were worried Saturday that the pet food in their cupboard may be deadly after millions of containers of dog and cat food sold at major retailers across North America were recalled. There were reports of an unknown number of cats and dogs suffering kidney failure and 10 pet deaths as Menu Foods of Toronto ordered a recall of 60 million containers of wet dog and cat food. Pet owners were worried that the pet food in their cupboards could be deadly after millions of containers of dog and cat food sold at major retailers across North America were recalled. More than 60 million cans of dog and cat food sold under dozens of brand names were recalled Saturday after being linked to the deaths of 10 animals. More than 60 million cans of dog and cat food sold under dozens of brand names were recalled on Saturday after being linked to the deaths of 10 animals. foil pouch cat and dog wet food products made by Menu Foods but sold under the Iams and Eukanuba brands. It is also a contract manufacturer for the top branded pet food companies, including Procter & Gamble Co. P&G announced Friday the recall of specific canned and foil pouch cat and dog wet food products made by Menu Foods but sold under the Iams and Eukanuba brands. Meanwhile, two other companies -- Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. -- announced Saturday night that as a precaution they were voluntary recalling some products made by Menu Foods. The food was manufactured by Menu Foods, of Streetsville , Ontario, which makes wet food sold as store brands for companies like Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway. Two other pet food companies -- Nestle Purina PetCare and Hills Pet Nutrition, the unit of Colgate-Palmolive that makes the Science Diet brand -- recalled some of their products that were made by Menu Foods. The food was manufactured by Menu Foods, of Streetsville , Ontario, which makes wet food sold as store brands for companies like Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway. Two other pet food companies -- Nestle Purina PetCare and Hills Pet Nutrition, the unit of Colgate-Palmolive that makes the Science Diet brand -- recalled some of their products that were made by Menu Foods. A major manufacturer of pet foods sold throughout North America under dozens of store names is recalling millions of containers of its products while working to determine what caused kidney failure and some deaths of cats and dogs. Menu Foods said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 46 brands and cat food sold under 37 brands and distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Menu Foods, the Ontario-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. Menu Foods, the Ontario-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. More than 60 million cans of dog and cat food sold under dozens of brand names were recalled on Saturday after being linked to the deaths of 10 animals. Menu Foods, one of North America's largest suppliers of pet food, is recalling dog food sold throughout North America under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba , a report by Canadian Press said. However, the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier , since dropped for another source, spokeswoman Sarah Tuite said. However, the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier , since dropped for another source, spokeswoman Sarah Tuite said. The company has not pinpointed a specific reason why the food may be contaminated but said the complaints popped up at the time it began using a new ingredient from a supplier. Company spokesperson Sarah Tuite has said the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier , which has since been dropped for another source. Menu Foods and Sundlof said the timing of the illnesses coincided with a point at which the company started using a new wheat gluten supplier. Menu Foods and Sundlof said the timing of the illnesses coincided with a point at which the company started using a new wheat gluten supplier. An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure, and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food , Menu Foods said in announcing the North American recall. An unknown number of cats and dogs had suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food , the company said. An unknown number of cats and dogs had suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food , the company said. Of the 10 cats and dogs whose deaths have been linked to pet food that was recalled over the weekend, seven died last month in a taste test conducted by the manufacturer, the Food and Drug Administration said Monday. Of the 10 cats and dogs whose deaths have been linked to pet food that was recalled over the weekend, seven died last month in a taste test conducted by the manufacturer, the Food and Drug Administration said Monday. Menu Foods said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold under 46 brands and cat food sold under 37 brands and distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Pet owners were worried Saturday that the pet food in their cupboard may be deadly after millions of containers of dog and cat food sold at major retailers across North America were recalled. The food was distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico by major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway. Pet owners were worried that the pet food in their cupboards could be deadly after millions of containers of dog and cat food sold at major retailers across North America were recalled. The food was distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico by major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway. The pet food was sold by stores operated by the Kroger Company, Safeway Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and PetSmart Inc. , among others, Henderson said. A major manufacturer of dog and cat food sold under Wal-Mart, Safeway, Kroger and other store brands recalled 60 million containers of wet pet food Friday after reports of kidney failure and deaths. The pet food was sold by stores operated by the Kroger Co., Safeway Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and PetSmart Inc. , among others, Henderson said. The pet foods were sold by major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway. The food was manufactured by Menu Foods, of Streetsville , Ontario, which makes wet food sold as store brands for companies like Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway. The recall covers the company's "cuts and gravy" style food, which consists of chunks of meat in gravy , sold in cans and small foil pouches between Dec. 3 and March 6 throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The recall covers the company's "cuts and gravy" style food, which consists of chunks of meat in gravy , sold in cans and small foil pouches between Dec. 3 and March 6. The affected food was sold between Dec. 3 and March 6 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Menu Foods is recalling only certain gravy-style pet food in cans and pouches it made from Dec. 3 to March 6. Menu Foods is recalling only certain gravy-style pet food in cans and pouches it made from Dec. 3 to March 6. A Boeing 737-400 plane with 102 people onboard crashed into a mountain in the West Sulawesi province Monday, killing at least 90 people. A Boeing 737-400 plane with 102 people onboard crashed into a mountain in the West Sulawesi province Monday , killing at least 90 people. The Indonesian rescue team Tuesday arrived at the mountainous area in West Sulawesi province where a passenger plane with 102 people onboard crashed Monday , finding at least 90 bodies at the scene. It was the worst air disaster since Sept. 5, 2005, when a Mandala Airline's Boeing 737-200 crashed shortly after taking off from the North Sumatra's airport, killing 103 people onboard and 47 others on the ground. The Indonesian rescue team Tuesday arrived at the mountainous area in West Sulawesi province where a passenger plane with 102 people onboard crashed Monday, finding at least 90 bodies at the scene. An Indonesian lawmaker Tuesday criticised what he said was the slow deployment of search and rescue teams to a mountainous area of Sulawesi island where a plane carrying 102 people crashed. The Boeing 737-400 plane which carrying 96 passengers including four infants and 6 crew members lost contact with Makassar airport at 3:07 p.m. (0807 GMT) Monday on its way from Surabaya to Manado. A Boeing 737-400 plane with 102 people on board crashed into a mountain in Indonesia's West Sulawesi province on Monday, killing at least 90 people. A Boeing 737-400 plane with 102 people on board crashed into a mountain in Indonesia's West Sulawesi province on Monday , killing at least 90 people. Up to 12 people were thought to have survived, with rescue teams racing to the crash site near Polewali in West Sulawesi , some 180 kilometres north of the South Sulawesi provincial capital Makassar. Three Americans were among the 102 passengers and crew on board an Adam Air plane which crashed into a remote mountainous region of Indonesia , an airline official said Tuesday. The plane crashed into pieces at a mountain in Polewali regency , some 1,500 km northeast of Jakarta. Three Americans were among passengers of Indonesia's Adam Air plane Boeing 737-400 that crushed at remote Rangoan village in Polewali district in West Sulawesi province on Monday, a U.S. official said. Navy rear commander Eddy Suyanto told el-Shinta radio station that the plane had crashed in a mountainous region in Polewali, west Sulawesi province. Air force rear commander Eddy Suyanto told-Shinta radio station that the plane -- operated by local carrier Adam Air -- had crashed in a mountainous region in Polewali, west Sulawesi province. An Adam Air Boeing 737-400 plane with 102 people on board crashed in a mountainous area near the town of Polewali late Monday on its way from Surabaya to Manado. A total of 90 passengers have been confirmed died during the accident and 12 others alive. A total of 90 passengers have been confirmed died during the accident and 12 others alive. Local mayor Ali Bahal told el-Shinta that at least 90 people on board were killed. Ninety people were killed , while the remaining 12 on board survived, officials said. Hartono , a spokesman for Adam Air, said 90 people were killed and there were 12 survivors. At least 90 people, including five TNI AL members , were killed in the crash. The Adam Air Boeing 737-400 crashed Monday after vanishing off air traffic control radar screens between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sulawesi. The Adam Air Boeing 737-400 crashed Monday after vanishing off air traffic control radar screens between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sulawesi. The Boeing 737-400 belonging to low-cost carrier Adam Air made a distress call Monday evening and disappeared from the radar screen minutes later. "The moment they lost communication, when the plane was lost from radar , the officers in charge should have immediately organised a search and rescue team to rescue the victims," Muqowam said, according to state Antara news agency. The Boeing 737-400 had sent distress signals an hour after taking off from Java island en route to Sulawesi, and then disappeared from radar screens. The Adam Air Boeing 737-400 crashed Monday afternoon, but search and rescue teams only discovered the wreckage early Tuesday. Rescue teams Tuesday found the smoldering wreckage of an Indonesian jetliner that went missing over Indonesia's Sulawesi island during a storm, officials said. Rescue teams Tuesday found the smoldering wreckage of an Indonesian jetliner that went missing over Indonesia's Sulawesi island during a storm. The wreckage of the ill-fated plane was found early Tuesday. An Indonesian passenger plane carrying 102 people disappeared in stormy weather on Monday , and rescue teams were sent to search an area where military aviation officials feared the Boeing 737-400 aircraft may have crashed. Rescue teams Tuesday found the smoldering wreckage of an Indonesian jetliner that went missing over Indonesia's Sulawesi island during a storm , officials said. Rescue teams Tuesday found the smoldering wreckage of an Indonesian jetliner that went missing over Indonesia's Sulawesi island during a storm. An Indonesian passenger plane carrying 102 people disappeared in stormy weather on Monday, and rescue teams were sent to search an area where military aviation officials feared the Boeing 737-400 aircraft may have crashed. An Indonesian passenger plane carrying 102 people disappeared in stormy weather on Monday, and rescue teams were sent to search an area where military aviation officials feared the Boeing 737-400 aircraft may have crashed. Rescuers reached the scene after walking overnight accompanied by local residents, search and rescue team member Suyatno was quoted by the national Antara news agency as saying. Up to 12 people were thought to have survived , with rescue teams racing to the crash site near Polewali in West Sulawesi, some 180 kilometres north of the South Sulawesi provincial capital Makassar. There was no word on the fate of the remaining 12 people on board the Boeing 737-400, which was on a domestic flight from Java island to Sulawesi when it disappeared late Monday. Ninety people were killed, while the remaining 12 on board survived , officials said. Earlier on Friday, a ferry carrying 628 people sank off the Java coast with some 400 passengers reported missing. Weeks of seasonal rains and high winds in Indonesia have caused several deadly floods, landslides and maritime accidents, including the sinking of a ferry in the Java Sea on Friday that has left dozens dead and some 400 still missing. Weeks of seasonal rains and high winds in Indonesia have caused several deadly floods, landslides and maritime accidents, including the sinking of a ferry in the Java Sea on Friday that has left dozens dead and some 400 still missing. The Adam Air Boeing 737-400 crashed Monday afternoon , but search and rescue teams only discovered the wreckage early Tuesday. The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has sent two Cassa planes to carry the bodies of five of its members who were killed in a plane crash in the Indonesian island of Sulawesi late Monday. The discussions are also expected to focus on ways the regional groups can better share information. The five-day meeting in the western Japanese city of Kobe will look at ways to share information among regions to monitor tuna numbers and control illegal fishing vessels, officials said. The five-day meeting in the western Japanese city of Kobe will look at ways to share information among regions to monitor tuna numbers and control illegal fishing vessels, officials said. The five-day meeting in the western Japanese city of Kobe will look at ways to share information among regions to monitor tuna numbers and control illegal fishing vessels, officials said. The five-day meeting in the western Japanese city of Kobe will look at ways to share information among regions to monitor tuna numbers and control illegal fishing vessels, officials said. Representatives, including the commercial fishing industry , government regulators and environmental groups , plan to discuss ways to strengthen information sharing and cooperation among regional organizations to better manage tuna stock and adopt an action plan, the Japanese Fisheries Agency said in a statement. Representatives from the commercial fishing industry, environmental groups and government regulators were set to discuss ways to strengthen information sharing and cooperation among regional organizations to track and manage tuna stocks , Japanese Fisheries Agency official Takaaki Sakamoto said in a telephone interview from Kobe. Representatives from the commercial fishing industry, environmental groups and government regulators are discussing ways to strengthen information sharing and cooperation among regional organizations to track and manage tuna stocks. The action plan is expected to address ways to share information among such regions to monitor tuna numbers and control illegal fishing vessels. The action plan is expected to address ways to share information among such regions to monitor tuna numbers and control illegal fishing vessels. Representatives from the commercial fishing industry, environmental groups and government regulators are discussing ways to strengthen information sharing and cooperation among regional organizations to track and manage tuna stocks. The plan calls for closer communication between the five global regulatory bodies , especially in sharing data on illegal fishing and tuna stock assessment , Kyodo said. The plan calls for closer communication between the five global regulatory bodies, especially in sharing data on illegal fishing and tuna stock assessment, Kyodo said. International fisheries officials are expected to push for a global tracking system that would certify the origin of every tuna headed to market at an unprecedented conference that convenes Monday to reverse a sharp decline in tuna catches. The draft also calls for a monitoring system that would track the tuna catch from the open sea to the fish market. The draft also calls for a monitoring system that would track the tuna catch from the open sea to the fish market. International fisheries officials are expected to push for a global tracking system that would certify the origin of every tuna headed to market at an unprecedented conference that convenes Monday to reverse a sharp decline in tuna catches. Participants also seek to create a framework requiring fishermen worldwide to produce certificates of origin for all species of tuna they catch, and call for a monitoring system that would track the tuna catch from the open sea to the fish market, according to media reports. Participants are seeking to create a framework requiring fishermen -- not just exporters -- worldwide to produce certificates of origin for tuna they catch, and call for a monitoring system that would track the tuna catch from the open sea to the fish market, Sakamoto said. The delegates also want to call for a monitoring system to track tuna from the open sea to the fish market. The delegates also want to call for a monitoring system to track tuna from the open sea to the fish market. The tuna talks will for the first time bring together the five so-called regional fishery management organizations, including the oversight bodies for tuna fishing in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The conference brings together the world's regional tuna management groups and runs through Friday in the western city of Kobe. The tuna talks will for the first time bring together the five so-called regional fishery management organizations, including the oversight bodies for tuna fishing in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The tuna talks will for the first time bring together the five regional fishery management organizations, including the oversight bodies for tuna fishing in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The conference, which brings together the world's regional tuna management groups , is seen as a key step in combating the downturn in one of the most valuable and endangered high-seas fisheries. The conference, which ends Friday in the western city of Kobe, is the first by the world's five regional tuna regulating bodies to form a global strategy. The conference, which ends Friday in the western city of Kobe, is the first by the world's five regional tuna regulating bodies to form a global strategy. The meeting is expected to adopt an action plan on Friday to cooperate on the conservation and management of tuna stocks , said Takaaki Sakamoto, a Japanese official attending the conference. The meeting is expected to adopt an action plan on Friday to cooperate on the conservation and management of tuna stocks, said Takaaki Sakamoto, a Japanese official attending the conference. The meeting is expected to adopt an action plan Friday to cooperate on the conservation and management of tuna stocks , said Takaaki Sakamoto, a Japanese official attending the conference. The meeting is expected to adopt an action plan Friday to cooperate on the conservation and management of tuna stocks, said Takaaki Sakamoto, a Japanese official attending the conference. The five bodies are expected to adopt an action plan to further harmonize their conservation and management measures for tuna stocks on the ending day , Kyodo News said. The five bodies are expected to adopt an action plan to further harmonize their conservation and management measures for tuna stocks on the ending day, Kyodo News said. Delegates are expected to adopt the plan on Friday when they wrap up the meeting. The statement would be sent to five international tuna conservation bodies, which would hold their first joint meeting in Kobe, Japan, Monday through Friday next week, the officials said. International tuna conservation bodies Monday opened their first joint meeting to look at ways to save the animals from overfishing , which environmentalists fear is driving them to extinction. The meeting brings together five tuna conservation bodies that cover different regions, including the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. Environmentalists called Monday for a radical overhaul of fishing practices to prevent a worldwide collapse in tuna stocks as international conservation bodies opened their first joint meeting on the species. The meeting brings together five tuna conservation bodies that cover different regions, including the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. The meeting was the first to bring together the world's five tuna conservation bodies that cover different regions, including the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. By 2004, the number of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna capable of spawning had plummeted to roughly 19 percent of its 1975 level in the western half of the ocean, according to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. By 2004 , the number of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna capable of spawning had plummeted to roughly 19 percent of its 1975 level in the western half of the ocean , according to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. By 2004, the number of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna capable of spawning had plummeted to roughly 19 percent of its 1975 level in the western half of the ocean, according to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. By 2004, the number of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna capable of spawning had plummeted to roughly 19 percent of its 1975 level in the western half of the ocean, according to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. By 2004, the number of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna capable of spawning had plummeted to roughly 19 percent of the 1975 level in the western half of the ocean, according to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. By 2004, for example, the number of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna capable of spawning had plummeted to roughly 19 percent of the 1975 level in the western half of the ocean, according to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. An international meeting aimed at saving global tuna populations from overfishing is set Friday to adopt a first-of-a-kind global action plan. An international meeting aimed at saving global tuna populations from overfishing is set Friday to adopt a first-of-a-kind global action plan. An international meeting aimed at saving global tuna populations from overfishing is set Friday to adopt a first-of-a-kind global action plan. International fisheries officials have agreed on an unprecedented action plan to reverse the decline in global tuna stocks, including a plan to track each fish from the ocean to the market, a news report said Thursday. International fisheries officials have agreed on an unprecedented action plan to reverse the decline in global tuna stocks , including a plan to track each fish from the ocean to the market, a news report said Thursday. Japan eats a quarter of the world's tuna, more than any other country, but faces pressure from environmentalists , who have blamed the global fad for Japanese food for bringing tuna numbers to the brink of extinction. Japan eats a quarter of the world's tuna, more than any other country, but faces pressure from environmentalists , who have blamed the global fad for Japanese food for bringing tuna numbers to the brink of extinction. Environmentalists called Monday for a radical overhaul of fishing practices to prevent a worldwide collapse in tuna stocks as international conservation bodies opened their first joint meeting on the species. Japan eats a quarter of the world's tuna, more than any other country, but faces pressure from environmentalists , who have blamed the global fad for Japanese food for bringing tuna numbers to the brink of eventual extinction. Japan , which initiated the conference, has faced pressure from environmentalists , who say a worldwide fad for Japanese food is bringing tuna numbers to the brink of eventual extinction. This week's meeting is being hosted by Japan, one of the world's biggest tuna consumers and a frequent target of conservationists who accuse its fleets of overfishing. International tuna conservation bodies Monday opened their first joint meeting to look at ways to save the animals from overfishing , which environmentalists fear is driving them to extinction. This week's meeting is being hosted by Japan, one of the world's biggest tuna consumers and a frequent target of conservationists who accuse its fleets of overfishing. This week's meeting is being hosted by Japan, one of the world's biggest tuna consumers and a frequent target of conservationists who accuse its fleets of overfishing. Overfishing and poaching are largely to blame for tumbling tuna stocks worldwide, conservationists say. Japan eats a quarter of the world's tuna, more than any other country, but faces pressure from environmentalists, who have blamed the global fad for Japanese food for bringing tuna numbers to the brink of extinction. Japan eats a quarter of the world's tuna, more than any other country, but faces pressure from environmentalists, who have blamed the global fad for Japanese food for bringing tuna numbers to the brink of extinction. Japan eats a quarter of the world's tuna, more than any other country, but faces pressure from environmentalists, who have blamed the global fad for Japanese food for bringing tuna numbers to the brink of eventual extinction. With soaring demand and prices to match, it's a small wonder that global tuna stocks are on the verge of collapse. Japan , which initiated the conference, has faced pressure from environmentalists, who say a worldwide fad for Japanese food is bringing tuna numbers to the brink of eventual extinction. Tainted food impacts at least 300 million Chinese people a year and could lead to a disease outbreak that exacts a huge social and economic toll, the Asian Development Bank warned Monday. Tainted food impacts at least 300 million Chinese people a year and could lead to a disease outbreak that exacts a huge social and economic toll, the Asian Development Bank warned Monday. The report said at least 300 million people in China were affected by diseases stemming from tainted food sources every year, but did not elaborate. The report said at least 300 million people in China were affected by diseases stemming from tainted food sources every year, but did not elaborate. Last year China experienced a string of food safety problems including steroid- tainted pork, parasite-infested snails, turbots that contain excessive amount of carcinogens, ducks and hens that were fed cancer-causing Sudan Red dye to make their egg yolks red. He blamed the segmented and lax government checking for a string of food safety problems last year including parasite- infested snails, turbots that contain excessive amount of carcinogens, ducks and hens that were fed cancer-causing Sudan Red dye to make their egg yolks red. Last year China experienced a string of food safety problems including steroid- tainted pork, parasite-infested snails, turbots that contain excessive amount of carcinogens , and ducks that were fed cancer-causing dye to make their egg yolks red. Also last year , carcinogenic residue was detected in turbot sold on markets in Beijing and Shanghai. China's Health Ministry made public Wednesday an interim regulation aimed at strengthening coordination of food safety inspection in the 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions on the Chinese mainland. China's Health Ministry made public Wednesday an interim regulation aimed at strengthening coordination of food safety inspection in the 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions on the Chinese mainland. China has unveiled a five-year plan for food and drug safety administration, aiming to improve monitoring and law enforcement systems and the order in food and drug production so as to reduce safety accidents in the sectors. Two months after four people sued the city for delays in warning people not to eat snails infested with parasites , Beijing has come up with a series of alerts and actions it will take in the event of an outbreak of illness caused by contaminated food. Last year China experienced a string of food safety problems including steroid- tainted pork, parasite-infested snails , turbots that contain excessive amount of carcinogens, ducks and hens that were fed cancer-causing Sudan Red dye to make their egg yolks red. Last year China experienced a string of food safety problems including steroid- tainted pork, parasite-infested snails, turbots that contain excessive amount of carcinogens, and ducks that were fed cancer-causing dye to make their egg yolks red. Advisor Ren Qixing appealed for the set-up of a unified " farmland to kitchen" food safety supervision mechanism in a bid to tackle the current segmented and lax government checking mainly blamed for the frequent food safety scares in the country. He blamed the segmented and lax government checking for a string of food safety problems last year including parasite- infested snails, turbots that contain excessive amount of carcinogens, ducks and hens that were fed cancer-causing Sudan Red dye to make their egg yolks red. He blamed the segmented and lax government checking for a string of food safety problems last year including parasite- infested snails , turbots that contain excessive amount of carcinogens, ducks and hens that were fed cancer-causing Sudan Red dye to make their egg yolks red. Food safety has become a major concern of Chinese people. Food and drug safety has become a major concern of Chinese people. Food safety has become one of the major concerns of Chinese citizens as a number of food contamination accidents have been exposed across the country in recent months. China will in the next five years enhance the safety assessment of food and drug and the monitoring of drugs and medical equipment , and better handle safety incidents in the field, the authorities said. China has unveiled a five-year plan for food and drug safety administration , aiming to improve monitoring and law enforcement systems and the order in food and drug production so as to reduce safety accidents in the sectors. Two months after four people sued the city for delays in warning people not to eat snails infested with parasites, Beijing has come up with a series of alerts and actions it will take in the event of an outbreak of illness caused by contaminated food. "If a large-scale epidemic linked to food explodes in China , the negative impact could be more serious, especially if one considers the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and the Guangzhou Asian Games," the report said. China's food and drug regulator , the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), kicked off the 2006 food safety evaluation campaign in 31 major cities on Friday. The country's food and drug regulator , the State Food and Drug Administration, is evaluating food safety measures in 31 major cities. China's Ministry of Health on Thursday urged local authorities to strengthen food safety measures during the Spring Festival holidays , which starts on Feb. 18. Local health authorities must launch inspections and supervision of restaurants and food markets, and identify and eliminate potential risks of food poisoning as soon as possible , said the ministry in a statement. "The cyclone has battered Bangladeshi coastal areas. A fierce cyclone packing extreme winds and torrential rain smashed into Bangladesh's southwestern coast Thursday , wiping out homes and trees in what officials described as the worst storm in years. "The cyclone has battered Bangladeshi coastal areas. A powerful cyclone with strong winds started pounding on Bangladesh's south and southwestern coast from Thursday evening. Tropical Cyclone Sidr , hovering over the Bay of Bengal, was moving towards Bangladesh's southern coastal districts , on the border with India, and likely to hit land later Thursday, said Bazlur Rashid of the Bangladesh weather department. Cyclone Sidr ripped through the coastal zones of Bangladesh , leaving a trail of devastation behind, southern residents said early Friday. Cyclone Sidr , described as the worst storm in years to hit low-lying and disaster-prone Bangladesh, crashed into the southwestern coast Thursday night before sweeping north over the capital Dhaka. The cyclone hit the southwestern coast of Bangladesh on Thursday before sweeping north to the capital Dhaka , destroying out homes and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee for their lives. Cyclone Sidr , described as the worst storm in years to hit low-lying and disaster-prone Bangladesh, crashed into the southwestern coast Thursday night before sweeping north over the capital Dhaka. The powerful cyclone 'Sidr' with all its fury and ferocity lashed south and southwestern regions of Bangladesh claiming huge lives. The powerful cyclone 'Sidr' with all its fury and ferocity lashed south and southwestern regions of Bangladesh claiming huge lives. Tropical Cyclone Sidr roared across the country's southwestern coast late Thursday with driving rain and high waves , leaving about 41 villagers dead from falling debris , local officials and the Meteorological Department said. A fierce cyclone packing extreme winds and torrential rain smashed into Bangladesh's southwestern coast Thursday, wiping out homes and trees in what officials described as the worst storm in years. Cyclone Sidr ripped through the coastal zones of Bangladesh, leaving a trail of devastation behind , southern residents said early Friday. The storm caused by cyclone downed thousands of trees and damaged many houses in the coastal area. The cyclone hit the southwestern coast of Bangladesh on Thursday before sweeping north to the capital Dhaka, destroying out homes and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee for their lives. A cyclone that slammed into Bangladesh's coast with 240 kph (140 mph) winds killed at least 41 people, leveled homes and forced the evacuation of 650,000 villagers before heading inland and losing power Friday, officials said. Hundreds of people died and tens of thousands were left homeless after a powerful cyclone smashed impoverished Bangladesh with huge waves, severe winds and torrential rains , officials said Friday. The cyclone hit the southwestern coast of Bangladesh on Thursday before sweeping north to the capital Dhaka, destroying out homes and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee for their lives. Hundreds of people died and tens of thousands were left homeless after a powerful cyclone smashed impoverished Bangladesh with huge waves , severe winds and torrential rains in Bangladesh, officials said Friday. A cyclone that slammed into Bangladesh's coast with 240 kph (140 mph) winds killed at least 41 people, leveled homes and forced the evacuation of 650,000 villagers before heading inland and losing power Friday , officials said. The United States expressed "its deepest sympathy " for the victims of the cyclone that struck Bangladesh as it took part in international efforts to provide emergency relief. "The United States government would like to express its deepest sympathy for the victims of the cyclone ," US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, reading a statement. The United States expressed "its deepest sympathy " for the victims of the cyclone that struck Bangladesh, offering to join international efforts to provide emergency relief. "The United States government would like to express its deepest sympathy for the victims of the cyclone . ..," US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. The eye of cyclone Sidr, visible in satellite images as a colossal swirling white mass racing north from the Bay of Bengal , hit land in an impoverished coastal area near Bangladesh's border with India. Cyclone Sidr, visible in satellite images as a huge swirling white mass over the Bay of Bengal , was also expected to unleash tidal surges of up to six metres (20 feet) in some areas. Wind speeds of 220-240 kilometres (140-155 miles) an hour were recorded as the storm -- visible from space as a huge swirling white mass that moved north from the Bay of Bengal -- left a trail of devastation in poor rural areas. Wind speeds of 220-240 kilometres (140-155 miles) an hour were recorded as the storm -- visible from space as a huge swirling white mass that moved north from the Bay of Bengal -- left a trail of devastation in poor rural areas. In 1970, some half a million people died when a cyclone hit Bangladesh , while an estimated 138,000 people died in a cyclonic tidal wave in 1991. In 1970, some half a million people died when a cyclone hit the impoverished country , while an estimated 138,000 people died as a result of a cyclonic tidal wave in 1991. The United States expressed "its deepest sympathy" for the victims of the cyclone that struck Bangladesh , offering to join international efforts to provide emergency relief. Hundreds of people died and tens of thousands were left homeless after a powerful cyclone smashed impoverished Bangladesh with huge waves, severe winds and torrential rains, officials said Friday. Germany has released 200,000 euros (293,000 dollars) in emergency relief aid to Bangladesh where a devastating cyclone has killed hundreds of people , the foreign ministry announced Friday. Hundreds of people died and tens of thousands were left homeless after a powerful cyclone smashed impoverished Bangladesh with huge waves, severe winds and torrential rains in Bangladesh, officials said Friday. Officials in both Bangladesh and across the border in India -- which is also expecting highly destructive winds and torrential rains -- have been racing to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from the coast over the past 48 hours. A powerful cyclone packing winds of up to 240 kilometres (155 miles) an hour has hit Bangladesh's southern coast, the director of the country's meteorological department told AFP Thursday. The area is close to Bangladesh's border with the Indian state of West Bengal , which is also expecting highly destructive winds and torrential rains. Thousands of people in the path of a cyclone were evacuated from coastal areas as forecasters warned the storm could hit land in Bangladesh or neighbouring India later Thursday. Tropical Cyclone Sidr , hovering over the Bay of Bengal, was moving towards Bangladesh's southern coastal districts, on the border with India, and likely to hit land later Thursday , said Bazlur Rashid of the Bangladesh weather department. Thousands of people in the path of a cyclone were evacuated from coastal areas as forecasters warned the storm could hit land in Bangladesh or neighbouring India later Thursday. Officials engaged in evacuation from remote offshore islands said winds with a speed of 100 to 130 kph started lashing their areas ahead of impending attack by the super severe Cyclone "SIDR ". Cyclone Sidr , described as the worst storm in years to hit low-lying and disaster-prone Bangladesh, crashed into the southwestern coast Thursday night before sweeping north over the capital Dhaka. Cyclone Sidr , described as the worst storm in years to hit low-lying and disaster-prone Bangladesh, crashed into the southwestern coast Thursday night before sweeping north over the capital Dhaka. The report said that loud explosion rocks the southern Israeli city Monday morning at 10:00 a.m.(0800 GMT) as a suicide bomber detonated explosive belt in a commercial center. The death toll rose to three that killed and five moderately injured Monday morning in a attack carried out by a suicide bomber at a commercial center in the southern Israeli city of Dimona, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on its website. The military wing of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement claimed responsibility on Monday for a suicide bombing which ripped through a shopping mall in southern Israel town of Dimona. Loud explosion rocked Dimona at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) as a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in the commercial center , according to local media reports. One Israeli woman was killed and at least eight others wounded on Monday in a suicide bombing which ripped through a commercial center in the southern Israeli town of Dimona , the first attack of the kind since January 2007. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Monday condemned a suicide bombing which rocked a shopping mall in southern Israel and killed an Israeli woman. A Palestinian suicide bomber denoted in a commercial center in southern Israeli city of Dimona on Monday , a year after last such kind of attack in January 2007, killing an Israeli woman and wounding at least eight others. According to media reports, loud explosion rocked the southern Israeli city Monday morning at 10:00 a.m.(0800 GMT) as the suicide bomber was detonating explosive belt in a commercial center. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt at a commercial center in Dimona on Monday morning , killing an Israeli woman and wounding at least eight others. France has condemned the suicide bombing that occurred Monday in Dimona, southern Israel, and called for the intensification of ongoing efforts to revive the peace process "despite the continuing violence." An Israeli civilian was killed while 11 others were injured Monday, when two suicide bombers suspected to be Palestinians blew themselves up in a shopping mall in Dimona. An Israeli civilian was killed while 11 others were injured Monday, when two suicide bombers suspected to be Palestinians blew themselves up in a shopping mall in Dimona. Two Palestinian suicide bombers attempted to carry out a twin bombing attack in a busy commercial center of southern Israeli town of Dimona. Medics said one suicide bomber was killed in the blast and a second was killed by police shortly after the explosion. Medics said one suicide bomber was killed in the blast and a second was killed by police shortly after the explosion. The second suicide bomber was shot dead by police officer before the explosive device on his body exploded. A second suicide bomber was reportedly killed by Israeli police officers before he blew himself up in the mall. A second suicide bombers was shot dead by Israeli police before he set off the explosive device. The Israeli police foiled a second bombing attack by shooting dead another suicide bomber before he could trigger his explosive belt, the reports said, adding that sappers were then dispatched to the scene of to have the device detonated in a controlled manner. The Israeli police foiled a second bombing attack by shooting dead another suicide bomber before he could trigger his explosive belt, the reports said, adding that sappers were then dispatched to the scene of to have the device detonated in a controlled manner. A second attacker with him failed to detonate his explosives belt and was shot dead by a police officer. The first bomber successfully detonated his explosive belt in the commercial center, killing an Israeli woman and wounding 10 others, while the second was shot dead by Israeli police before he could set off his explosive device. The military wing of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement claimed responsibility on Monday for a suicide bombing which ripped through a shopping mall in southern Israel town of Dimona. According to the spokesman, the first suicide attack on Israeli soil in more than a year was carried out in cooperation with the military wings of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Democratic Front the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). The "Army of Palestine" wing of Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack in Dimona along with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), according to local Channel 2 Television. A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement denied any involvement of Fatah's military wing al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in the explosion, but media reports quoted a spokesman for the military group as claiming its responsibility in the incident in collaboration with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). According to local Channel 2 Television, a Fatah source disclosed that the "Army of Palestine," wing of the movement's al- Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, carried out the attack, along with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). In Gaza , the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades , a militia loosely affiliated with the mainstream Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had been carried out in conjunction with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and a previously unknown group calling itself the National Resistance Companies. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade , which is allied to the Fatah movement, has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it had been carried out jointly with two other armed groups using two suicide bombers from Gaza. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade , which is allied to the Fatah movement, has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it had been carried out jointly with two other armed groups using two suicide bombers from Gaza. One Israeli woman was killed and at least 11 people wounded in the bombing , which triggered scenes of panic in the desert town of Dimona. Palestinian news agency of Maan reported that a spokesman for al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades of Fatah confirmed during a phone interview with Maan that his group was behind the blast , which killed at least four Israelis and wounded 16 others , six of them in critical condition. One Israeli woman was killed and at least eight others wounded on Monday in a suicide bombing which ripped through a commercial center in the southern Israeli town of Dimona, the first attack of the kind since January 2007. An Israeli woman was killed and 11 others were wounded in the suicide bombing at a shopping mall in southern Israel town of Dimona , the first of its kind on the Israeli soil in more than one year. A Palestinian suicide bomber denoted in a commercial center in southern Israeli city of Dimona on Monday, a year after last such kind of attack in January 2007, killing an Israeli woman and wounding at least eight others. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt at a commercial center in Dimona on Monday morning, killing an Israeli woman and wounding at least eight others. A Palestinian suicide bomber who may have sneaked into Israel from the Egyptian Sinai blew himself up at a shopping center in this southern desert town on Monday, killing an Israeli woman and wounding 11 other Israelis , emergency services officials said. One Israeli woman was killed and at least 11 people wounded in the bombing, which triggered scenes of panic in the desert town of Dimona. One Israeli woman was killed and at least eight others wounded on Monday in a suicide bombing which ripped through a commercial center in the southern Israeli town of Dimona, the first attack of the kind since January 2007. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Monday condemned a suicide bombing which rocked a shopping mall in southern Israel and killed an Israeli woman. An Israeli woman was killed and 11 others were wounded in the suicide bombing at a shopping mall in southern Israel town of Dimona, the first of its kind on the Israeli soil in more than one year. An Israeli civilian was killed while 11 others were injured Monday , when two suicide bombers suspected to be Palestinians blew themselves up in a shopping mall in Dimona. The first bomber successfully detonated his explosive belt in the commercial center, killing an Israeli woman and wounding 10 others , while the second was shot dead by Israeli police before he could set off his explosive device. Meanwhile, Israeli sources believed that the assailants have succeeded in infiltrating southern Israel from Sinai when Hamas militants blew up Gaza-Egypt border on Jan. 23 and allowed floods of Palestinians into Egypt's Sinai Peninsular. Israeli security forces had been on high alert after Palestinian militants blew open Gaza's border with Egypt on Jan. 23 , raising fears that militants might sneak into Israel from Egypt. Local media quoted a Palestinian militant as saying that the suicide bombers entered Israel via Egypt after Gaza militants blew holes in the Gaza-Egypt border wall on Jan. 23 to allow the Palestinians to cross the border freely. Israeli authorities had warned in recent days that Palestinian militants had taken advantage of the breach of the border , which occurred after Hamas blasted sections of a wall between Gaza and Egypt on Jan. 23. Two weeks ago , Hamas militants in Gaza blew holes in the border wall between Gaza and Egypt , allowing hundreds of thousands of Gazans flocked into Egypt. A spokesman for al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, armed wing of Palestinian Fatah movement, denied on Monday the reports that the two suicide bombers attacking Israel entered Israel via Egypt's Sinai Peninsula where the border fence with Gaza had been blew holes. Sappers were dispatched to the scene of the attack to detonate the device in a controlled manner. Sappers were dispatched to the scene to detonate the device in a controlled manner. Sappers were dispatched to the scene to detonate the device in a controlled manner. The Israeli police foiled a second bombing attack by shooting dead another suicide bomber before he could trigger his explosive belt, the reports said, adding that sappers were then dispatched to the scene of to have the device detonated in a controlled manner. Israeli authorities have voiced concern that militants could have entered the country through its porous 250-kilometre (150-mile) border with the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. Israeli authorities have voiced concern that militants could have entered the country through its porous 250-kilometre (150-mile) border with the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. Israeli security forces had been on high alert after Palestinian militants blew open Gaza's border with Egypt on Jan. 23, raising fears that militants might sneak into Israel from Egypt. Fearing the infiltration of Palestinian militants via Egypt , Israeli security forces has been on a high alert for the past days in efforts to locate anyone who might have assisted the terrorists. The blast , at a shopping mall near Israel's top-secret nuclear reactor, was the first suicide bombing on Israeli soil since the relaunch of peace talks at a US conference in November and the first since January last year. The last similar suicide attack happened in January 2007. The country's last suicide attack came in late January 2007 , when three Israelis were killed in the southern city of Eilat. On Jan. 29 , 2006, Islamic Jihad movement carried out the latest suicide bombing in Eilat town, leaving three Israelis dead. Israel has been away from suicide attacks for about one year since the last one struck southern Israeli town of Eilat, a Red Sea resort, on Jan. 29, 2007, which claimed three lives. The country's last suicide attack came in late January 2007, when three Israelis were killed in the southern city of Eilat. China has allocated 200 million yuan (29 million dollars) for disaster relief work after an earthquake rocked the country's southwest killing more than 8,700 people, state press reported Tuesday. "I wish to sincerely express our profound grieve and sympathy to the government and people of China on the lost of many lives and destruction to property caused by the recent earthquake in Sichuan Province ," AIPA Secretary-General Yusoff Bin Zain said in Jararta. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, rocked southwest China Monday afternoon, killing at least 10,000 people. "We are shocked at the news that the earthquake in Sichuan has caused great losses to China, killing and leaving missing thousands of people, directly impacting millions of residents," spokesman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung said, while answering questions on Vietnam's reaction to the earthquake's losses. Earlier on Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank- Walter Steinmeier offered their condolences to China over the heavy loss of life in the powerful earthquake that hit China's southwestern province of Sichuan. A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck Wenchuan county of Sichuan Province on Monday , leaving at least 12,000 people died and thousands more injured. The Belgian government pledged on Tuesday an initial relief fund of 250,000 euros to China after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern China on Monday. "I ask you to pass condolences to the friends and family of the perished and wishes for a speedy recovery to all those who suffered," Medvedev said in a telegram to Hu after the earthquake in Sichuan province. The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on Wednesday expressed its condolence and sympathy to China following the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province. "I wish to sincerely express our profound grieve and sympathy to the government and people of China on the lost of many lives and destruction to property caused by the recent earthquake in Sichuan Province," AIPA Secretary-General Yusoff Bin Zain said in Jararta. Vietnam has expressed deep sympathies to China at huge losses caused by an earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan province, Vietnam News Agency reported Tuesday. He also expressed condolences to the Communist Party, State and people of China and families of the earthquake's victims. Following the earthquake in China's Sichuan Province , Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht has sent a message of condolence to his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi expressing his sympathy with the victims of the disaster, the Belgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Following the earthquake in China's Sichuan Province, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht has sent a message of condolence to his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi expressing his sympathy with the victims of the disaster , the Belgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on Wednesday expressed its condolence and sympathy to China following the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nong Duc Manh, State President Nguyen Minh Triet, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong have sent condolence messages to their Chinese counterparts over big losses caused by the earthquake. "We are shocked at the news that the earthquake in Sichuan has caused great losses to China , killing and leaving missing thousands of people, directly impacting millions of residents," spokesman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung said, while answering questions on Vietnam's reaction to the earthquake's losses. Vietnam has expressed deep sympathies to China at huge losses caused by an earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan province , Vietnam News Agency reported Tuesday. Earlier on Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank- Walter Steinmeier offered their condolences to China over the heavy loss of life in the powerful earthquake that hit China's southwestern province of Sichuan. A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck Wenchuan county of Sichuan Province on Monday, leaving at least 12,000 people died and thousands more injured. A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck Wenchuan county of Sichuan Province on Monday, leaving at least 12,000 people died and thousands more injured. A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck Sichuan Province on Monday, leaving at least 12,000 people died and thousands more injured. A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck Sichuan Province on Monday, leaving at least 12,000 people died and thousands more injured. An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale hit Wenchuan County in the Sichuan Province on Monday, killing more than 12,000 people and injuring more than 26,000. China has allocated 200 million yuan (29 million dollars) for disaster relief work after an earthquake rocked the country's southwest killing more than 8,700 people , state press reported Tuesday. Xinhua said 8,533 people had died in Sichuan alone , citing the local government. Chinese authorities did not detect any warning signs ahead of Monday's earthquake that killed more than 8,600 people , state media reported. A total of 8,533 people have died in Sichuan , Xinhua reported in a separate dispatch. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan province shortly before 2:30 pm (0630 GMT) on Monday. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale , rocked southwest China Monday afternoon, killing at least 10,000 people. A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck Sichuan Province on Monday , leaving at least 12,000 people died and thousands more injured. Wenchuan County, which was the epicenter of the Monday quake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale , is located in the Aba Autonomous Prefecture of Tibetan and Qiang nationalities, Sichuan Province. The German government announced on Tuesday that it is to provide 500,000 euros (around 770,000 U.S. dollars) in aid for earthquake victims in Sichuan Province of China. The German government announced on Tuesday that it is to provide 500,000 euros (around 770,000 U.S. dollars) in aid for earthquake victims in Sichuan Province of China. Rain in the coming days in Sichuan is expected to hamper earthquake relief efforts, as well as increase risks of landslides , the China Meteorological Administration said Tuesday. "The rain will bring trouble to the earthquake relief work ," it said. The Belgian government pledged on Tuesday an initial relief fund of 250,000 euros to China after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern China on Monday. De Gucht has decided to provide an initial aid of 250,000 euros to China , it said. "We are shocked at the news that the earthquake in Sichuan has caused great losses to China, killing and leaving missing thousands of people , directly impacting millions of residents," spokesman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung said, while answering questions on Vietnam's reaction to the earthquake's losses. "We are shocked at the news that the earthquake in Sichuan has caused great losses to China, killing and leaving missing thousands of people , directly impacting millions of residents ," spokesman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung said, while answering questions on Vietnam's reaction to the earthquake's losses. A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress, having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the YouTube Internet site. A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress, having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the YouTube Internet site. The rampage , which began at 11:43 am (0943 GMT) inside a classroom at the secondary school of some 450 pupils, came after Auvinen posted a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007" on file-sharing website YouTube. A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress, having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the Internet. A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress, having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the Internet. The shooting came after a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007" was posted on the video-sharing website You Tube, reportedly some time in the past two weeks. Finnish media said the shooter revealed his plans in a YouTube posting before the attack. Finnish media said the shooter revealed his plans in a YouTube posting before the attack. Finnish media said the shooter revealed his plans in a YouTube posting before the attack. Finnish media said the shooter revealed his plans in a YouTube posting before the attack. Finnish media said the shooter revealed his plans in a YouTube posting before the attack. Finnish media said the shooter revealed his plans in a YouTube posting before the attack. Before Wednesday's massacre , in which five teenage boys and three women were killed, Auvinen also posted a notice detailing his plans as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". Auvinen , described as an adherent of extreme philosophies on both the left and the right, had posted a notice on website YouTube before the attack detailing how he would carry out the massacre as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". Auvinen, described as an adherent of extreme philosophies on both the left and the right, had posted a notice on website YouTube before the attack detailing how he would carry out the massacre as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". Auvinen had also advertised his intentions by posting a notice detailing how he would carry out the massacre as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress , having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the YouTube Internet site. A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress , having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the Internet. An 18-year-old student at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress and wounding a dozen others before turning his gun on himself. Police said the teenage killer was in a "critical condition" in hospital after trying to commit suicide following his slaughter of five boys, two girls and the headmistress of Jokela high school, north of Helsinki. Police said the teenage killer was in a "critical condition" in hospital after trying to commit suicide following his slaughter of five boys, two girls and the headmistress of Jokela high school, north of Helsinki. Eight people were killed , among whom one is the school headmistress and others are the pupils. Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen extended on Wednesday his government's condolences to a school shooting earlier in the day that claimed eight lives and left a few more wounded, government officials said. An 18-year-old man opened fire at a high school in southern Finland on Wednesday, leaving at least seven people dead and 11 injured , officials said. An 18-year-old student opened fire in a high school in southern Finland on Wednesday, killing eight people including the principal before turning the gun on himself , police said. The student who gunned down eight people in a Finnish school subscribed to an Internet page thought to belong to a youth arrested in the United States for allegedly planning a school massacre. The student who gunned down eight people in a Finnish school subscribed to an Internet page thought to belong to a youth arrested in the United States for allegedly planning a school massacre. Before Wednesday's massacre , in which five teenage boys and three women were killed , Auvinen also posted a notice detailing his plans as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". Pekka-Eric Auvinen, 18 , who killed eight people Wednesday before killing himself at the Jokela High School in southern Finland , had subscribed to a user page on video-sharing website YouTube belonging to someone identifying themselves as "shadow19462", records visible on the website showed Thursday. Normally tranquil Finland was struggling to comprehend Thursday why a teenage gunman massacred eight people at a school in what he claimed was an attack on "humanity ". The teenaged gunman who shot dead eight people at a Finnish school before turning his gun on himself was carrying 500 bullets and fired at least 69, police said on Thursday. A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday , shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress, having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the YouTube Internet site. Police identified the killer as 18-year-old Pekka-Eric Auvinen , who died from his injuries late Wednesday after shooting himself in the head following the massacre at Jokela High School in the small town of Tuusula. A teenager at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday , shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress, having first signalled his intentions in a video posted on the Internet. An 18-year-old student at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday , shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress and wounding a dozen others before turning his gun on himself. The shooting took place in Jokela High School in Tuusula , some 50 kilometers north of Helsinki, the capital of Finland on Wednesday. An 18-year-old man opened fire at a high school in southern Finland on Wednesday , leaving at least seven people dead and 11 injured, officials said. An 18-year-old student opened fire in a high school in southern Finland on Wednesday , killing eight people including the principal before turning the gun on himself, police said. Flags flew at half mast across the Nordic country a day after 18-year-old Pekka- Eric Auvinen went on his shooting spree at Jokela High School in Tuusula -- a small, picturesque town of just 30,000 inhabitants on the banks of a lake north of Helsinki. Pekka-Eric Auvinen , an 18-year-old student known to support radical causes, carried out his massacre at the Jokela High School in southern Finland on Wednesday, shooting dead three women, including the headmistress and a nurse, aged 25, 42 and 61, and five boys aged between 16 and 18, police said. He was pronounced dead at 2214 local time (2014 GMT) after being treated for a single gunshot wound to the head at Helsinki University Hospital. "He died at 2214 of a one-bullet injury in the head ," doctor Eero Hirvensalochief, traumatology physician at the hospital, told AFP. The man, who was not identified , shot himself in the head , but survived and was taken to a hospital in "extremely critical condition," police spokesman Tero Haapala said. Police, who gave no details on the order in which the victims had been shot, said Auvinen had also tried to set a second floor corridor on fire using an unidentified inflammable liquid before shooting himself in the head in a bathroom near the school cafeteria. He then shot himself in the head and died late on Wednesday. The shooting came after a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007" was posted on the video-sharing website You Tube, reportedly some time in the past two weeks. The video, titled "Jokela High School Massacre ," showed a picture of a building by a lake and two photos of a young man holding a handgun. Before Wednesday's massacre, in which five teenage boys and three women were killed, Auvinen also posted a notice detailing his plans as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". Auvinen, described as an adherent of extreme philosophies on both the left and the right, had posted a notice on website YouTube before the attack detailing how he would carry out the massacre as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". Auvinen had also advertised his intentions by posting a notice detailing how he would carry out the massacre as well as a video entitled "Jokela High School Massacre -- 11/7/2007". An 18-year-old student at a school in Finland went on the rampage Wednesday, shooting dead seven classmates and the headmistress and wounding a dozen others before turning his gun on himself. Several more were injured. The twelve people injured in the attack , most of them suffering cuts from broken window panes as they frantically jumped out of windows to escape the rain of bullets, had been released from hospital. Twelve other people were taken to hospitals for injuries. Auvinen , who died of his wounds late Wednesday, was carrying 320 more bullets when he was found, according to police , who found no other weapons in his home. Some 69 rounds were fired during the incident and the gunman had a total of 500 rounds in his possession. The teenaged gunman who shot dead eight people at a Finnish school before turning his gun on himself was carrying 500 bullets and fired at least 69, police said on Thursday. "Auvinen had 500 cartridges on him. Witnesses described chaos and panic as Auvinen killed his headmistress, five boys, two girls, and wounded a dozen others as they tried to flee the carnage. Witnesses described chaos and panic as Auvinen killed his headmistress, five boys, two girls, and wounded a dozen others as they tried to flee the carnage. Witnesses described chaos and panic as Auvinen shot dead his headmistress, five boys, two girls, and wounded a dozen others as they tried to flee the carnage. Witnesses described chaos and panic as Auvinen shot dead his headmistress, five boys, two girls, and wounded a dozen others as they tried to flee the carnage. More than 400 students aged 12 through 18 were enrolled at Jokela , Hagman said. More than 400 students aged 12 through 18 were enrolled at Jokela, Hagman said. More than 400 students aged 12 through 18 were enrolled at Jokela , Hagman said. More than 400 students aged 12 through 18 were enrolled at Jokela, Hagman said. Police identified 18-year-old Pekka-Eric Auvinen as the killer and said he was in a "critical condition" after turning the gun on himself following the massacre at Jokela High School in the small town of Tuusula. The incident at the school ended when the gunman shot himself. The incident at the school ended when the gunman shot himself. The resulting crash killed 11 people and injured about 180. A judge has refused to dismiss murder charges against a man accused of causing a 2005 Los Angeles train crash that killed 11 people. While he's responsible for setting off a "perfect storm " of escalating events that resulted in the death of 11 people , that doesn't make him a murderer, said Thomas Kielty, Alvarez's defense lawyer. Deputy District Attorney John Monaghan told jurors Monday in opening remarks at the trial for the Metrolink train crash in Glendale , in which 11 passengers and crew died. A murder defendant apologized Tuesday for causing a commuter train disaster that killed 11 people , testifying that he was trying to kill himself and never meant to harm anyone else. A murder defendant apologized Tuesday for causing a commuter train disaster that killed 11 people , testifying that he was trying to kill himself and never meant to harm anyone else. A man found guilty of murder for causing a Los Angeles train crash that left 11 people dead should be jailed for life without parole, a jury recommended on Tuesday. Eleven people died and about 180 were injured. He had fled the Jeep by the time a Metrolink train hit the vehicle, then struck a parked freight train and was struck by another Metrolink train going the other way. He had fled the Jeep by the time a Metrolink train hit the vehicle , then struck a parked freight train and was struck by another Metrolink train going the other way. He had fled the Jeep by the time a Metrolink train hit the vehicle, then struck a parked freight train and was struck by another Metrolink train going the other way. He had fled the Jeep by the time a Metrolink train hit the vehicle, then struck a parked freight train and was struck by another Metrolink train going the other way. He had fled the Jeep by the time a Metrolink train hit the vehicle , then struck a parked freight train and was struck by another Metrolink train going the other way. Romero, 53, was one of the 11 killed when Alvarez drove his SUV onto the tracks in Glendale on Jan. 26, 2005, causing a disaster in which a Metrolink train derailed and smashed into another commuter train. Alvarez parked his sport utility vehicle on railroad tracks, causing a Metrolink train to derail and strike another Metrolink train going the other direction on Jan. 26, 2005. The resulting crash killed 11 people and injured about 180. About 180 other people were injured. About 180 people were injured. About 180 people were injured. The train derailment also injured 180 people. As well as the 11 fatalities more than 180 other people were injured. Eleven people died and about 180 were injured. The 25-year-old Compton man , who drove his SUV onto the tracks at Chevy Chase Drive in Glendale, stands accused of 11 counts of murder, along with arson and train-wrecking charges. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty after charging him with 11 counts of murder and one count of arson. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty after charging him with 11 counts of murder and one count of arson. He is charged with 11 counts of murder and one count of arson and train wrecking , along with special-circumstance allegations of multiple murders and train wrecking stemming from the crash. Alvarez has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of murder and one count of arson. Alvarez has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of murder and one count of arson. Alvarez, 29 , faces 11 counts of murder , one count each of train wrecking and arson, as well as special-circumstance allegations of multiple murder and train wrecking. If convicted, he faces the death penalty. He could face the death penalty if convicted. He could face the death penalty if convicted. He could face the death penalty if convicted. He could face the death penalty if convicted. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. A murder defendant apologized Tuesday for causing a commuter train disaster that killed 11 people, testifying that he was trying to kill himself and never meant to harm anyone else. A murder defendant apologized Tuesday for causing a commuter train disaster that killed 11 people, testifying that he was trying to kill himself and never meant to harm anyone else. A murder defendant apologized Tuesday for causing a commuter train disaster that killed 11 people, testifying that he was trying to kill himself and never meant to harm anyone else. A murder defendant apologized Tuesday for causing a commuter train disaster that killed 11 people, testifying that he was trying to kill himself and never meant to harm anyone else. "I feel terrible and I ask for forgiveness ," Alvarez said. Taking the witness stand, Juan Alvarez , 29, asked for forgiveness from families of those killed in the January 2005 disaster involving two Metrolink trains. "I feel terrible and I ask for forgiveness ," Alvarez said. On the witness stand , Juan Alvarez , 29, asked for forgiveness from families of those killed in the January 2005 disaster involving two Metrolink trains. Defense attorneys had argued that Alvarez was only trying to kill himself when he drove his gasoline-soaked Jeep on train tracks in suburban Glendale. Defense attorneys had argued that Alvarez was only trying to kill himself when he drove his gasoline-soaked Jeep on train tracks in suburban Glendale. He said he ditched that plan because he thought it would be "too painful," and decided to kill himself by parking his SUV on the train tracks instead. Defense lawyers claimed however that Alvarez had parked his car on the tracks to commit suicide but was unable to remove it after he changed his mind at the last minute. Alvarez was convicted June 26 of 11 counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson. The sentencing phase of the trial follows his conviction last month on 11 counts of first- degree murder. The same panel that found Juan Alvarez guilty of 11 counts of first-degree murder was asked Monday to recommend whether he be put to death or sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The same panel that found Juan Alvarez guilty of 11 counts of first-degree murder was asked Monday to recommend whether he be put to death or sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Alvarez said he poured gas over himself and his Jeep, took out a lighter and then decided he did not want to burn himself to death because it would be too painful. Alvarez said he poured gas over himself and his Jeep, took out a lighter and then decided he did not want to burn himself to death because it would be too painful. Alvarez said he poured gas over himself and his Jeep, took out a lighter and then decided he did not want to burn himself to death because it would be too painful. Alvarez said he poured gas over himself and his Jeep, took out a lighter and then decided he did not want to burn himself to death because it would be too painful. Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials is preparing plans on how to deal with the proposal to ban international trade in ivory , the official New Ziana reported on Saturday. The authority director general Morris Mutsambiwa said they have already discussed responses to the proposal by Kenya and Mali to ban international trade in ivory. Kenya and Mali are proposing an international ban on trade in ivory arguing that it was causing poaching of its elephants. IVORY TUSKS When a shipping container was seized in Singapore four years ago carrying more than SIX tons of elephant ivory inside, conservation and law enforcement agencies realized that they had intercepted the largest shipment of the contraband material since its international trade was banned in 1989. IVORY TUSKS When a shipping container was seized in Singapore four years ago carrying more than SIX tons of elephant ivory inside, conservation and law enforcement agencies realized that they had intercepted the largest shipment of the contraband material since its international trade was banned in 1989. But the seizure of more than six tons of ivory in Singapore in 2002 has helped solve part of that puzzle, according to a report by Samuel K. Wasser of the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington in this week's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Wasser said poaching poses a renewed threat to the survival of regional herds in many countries and to the entire subspecies of forest elephants , which he said is now being ``annihilated'' in central Africa. "Resurgence of illicit trade in African elephant ivory is placing the elephant at renewed risk ," the scientists said in a study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Kenya and Mali are proposing an international ban on trade in ivory arguing that it was causing poaching of its elephants. Trading ivory was banned under the 1989 Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species to curb the slaughter of elephants in Africa. Trading ivory was banned under the 1989 Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species to curb the slaughter of elephants in Africa. Trade in ivory has been banned since 1989 to try to combat poaching despite appeals by South Africa to resume sales and invest the proceeds in its parks. The environment minister was due Wednesday to announce whether South Africa will resume culling elephants in a bid to slow the rampant population growth of the might beast. South Africa's environment minister on Wednesday proposed contraception and some culling -- but no mass slaughter -- as part of a package of measures to slow rampant elephant population growth. A team of US scientists has used DNA testing to identify the geographic origin of poached elephant tusks -- research they hope may help curb the illegal ivory trade. The researchers used DNA testing to identify the geographic origin of 6.5 tons of contraband ivory seized in Singapore in June 2002. IVORY TUSKS When a shipping container was seized in Singapore four years ago carrying more than SIX tons of elephant ivory inside, conservation and law enforcement agencies realized that they had intercepted the largest shipment of the contraband material since its international trade was banned in 1989. The seizure of the shipment from Malawi bound for the Far East was the largest since a 1989 international convention banning the ivory trade took effect and represented ivory from 3,000 to 6,500 elephants. South Africa's environment minister on Wednesday proposed contraception and some culling -- but no mass slaughter -- as part of a package of measures to slow rampant elephant population growth. Van Schalkwyk said the elephant management proposals included removing them to other areas, using water to influence their movements, creating special enclosures to protect other species, expansion of parks, contraception and culling. The price of ivory has nearly quadrupled in recent years, prompting poachers to kill more elephants to sell their tusks illegally. The price of ivory has nearly quadrupled in recent years , prompting poachers to kill more elephants to sell their tusks illegally. The research was funded by the U.S. ``Right now, things are really much worse than before the ban,'' said Samuel Wasser of the University of Washington, lead author of the report funded jointly by the United States government and several nonprofit groups. This suggests that statins were protecting against the worst cases of telomere degradation. This suggests that statins were protecting against the worst cases of telomere degradation. The gradual erosion of telomeres, the strands of DNA capping chromosomes that wear away with each cell division, may play a pivotal role in heart disease, and drugs called statins may limit the damage , the New Scientist reported on Friday on its website. Samani said exactly how statins might limit the damage caused by telomere shortening or even directly protect telomeres was " speculation at this stage," but his group has already begun laboratory studies to test how the drugs interact with telomeres. The researchers eventually found both patients and controls with the shortest telomeres were twice as likely to have developed serious heart disease, They also found that statins, which are better known for their cholesterol- lowering properties, appeared to alleviate the effects of telomere damage and may even protect telomeres against degradation. It remains the leading cause of death in the United States. It remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States , accounting for one in three deaths. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one in three deaths. Air pollution poses a greater risk to postmenopausal women, making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease , said a new study. Air pollution poses a greater risk to postmenopausal women , making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, said a new study. Postmenopausal women who live in areas with higher air pollution levels have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and of dying from it , said the study by researchers at the University of Washington. Scientists have new evidence that gum disease may be linked to more serious health problems, in this case pancreatic cancer. ``Our study provides the first strong evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer ,'' said Michaud, who reported the findings in today's issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Scientists have new evidence that gum disease may be linked to more serious health problems , in this case pancreatic cancer. Doctors soon may be employing a simple blood test to help them determine which heart patients are at greatest risk for heart attack, stroke and death. "The risk of having a cardiovascular event, that is, a heart attack, stroke or needing bypass surgery , or of dying of a cardiovascular cause, was increased," said study senior author Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington. British researchers have found why childhood trauma caused by abuse increases a person's risk of developing disease later in life , the New Scientist reported in it latest issue on Saturday. Previous studies have suggested that childhood trauma increases a person's risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other disorders normally associated with obesity in adulthood. Telomeres -- nubby strips of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes -- predict a man's risk of developing heart disease , according to study published in Saturday's issue of The Lancet. The study says that measuring the length of telomeres in middle-aged men could help pinpoint those most at risk of heart disease and direct them to statin treatment. Congenital heart disease (CHD) has become more prevalent among adults as well as children , according to a latest study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Severe CHD has risen in adults by 85 percent and 22 percent in children during the 15-year study (1985-2000), the study said. Telomeres -- nubby strips of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes -- predict a man's risk of developing heart disease, according to study published in Saturday's issue of The Lancet. Air pollution poses a greater risk to postmenopausal women, making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, said a new study. Previous studies have suggested that childhood trauma increases a person's risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other disorders normally associated with obesity in adulthood. Previous studies have suggested that childhood trauma increases a person's risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other disorders normally associated with obesity in adulthood. The collision caused three gashes in the tanker's hull. The tanker was at anchor when the South Korean barge ship hit into the larboard of the oil tanker and punctured three holes in the tanker. The tanker was at anchor when the South Korean barge ship hit into the larboard of the oil tanker and punctured three holes in the tanker. The collision left three holes in the 146,000-ton tanker Hebbei Spirit , leading to the leak, a ministry official said. The oil had been spewing from three holes on the tanker's port side. The Hong Kong-registered tanker Hebei Spirit, carrying about 15,000 tons of oil, was berthed five miles off Mallipo, 90 kilometres (54 miles) southwest of Seoul, when it was pierced in three places. The collision at around 7:30 a.m. (1630 GMT Thursday) left holes in three containers aboard the 146,000-ton tanker Hebei Spirit , leading to what was believed to South Korea's largest offshore oil leak, a ministry official said on customary condition of anonymity citing office policy. The Hong Kong-registered tanker Hebei Spirit, carrying about 15,000 tons of oil, was berthed five miles off Mallipo, 90 kilometres (54 miles) southwest of Seoul, when it was pierced in three places. "Oil is still spewing from three holes on the tanker's port side. The collision at around 7:30 a.m. (2230 GMT Thursday) left holes in three containers aboard the 146,000-ton tanker Hebei Spirit , leading to what was believed to be South Korea's largest offshore oil leak, a Maritime and Fisheries Ministry official said on customary condition of anonymity, citing office policy. In the previous largest offshore oil spill in South Korea , an oil tanker spilled 30,740 barrels of crude and fuel off the south coast in 1995 , costing 96 billion won, or $101 million, in cleanup operations and damages to fishermen. In the previous largest offshore oil spill in South Korea , an oil tanker spilled 30,740 barrels of crude and fuel off the south coast in 1995, costing 96 billion won, or $101 million, in cleanup operations and damages to fishermen. In 1995 , a 144,567-ton tanker , the Sea Prince, struck a reef and released 5,035 tons of oil in waters off the south coast of the country. The previously largest oil spill in South Korea happened in 1995 when about 5,035 tons of crude and fuel oil was leaked , according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. In the previous worst incident in South Korea , a tanker hit a rock in 1995 and spilt 5,000 tones of oil onto the south coast , causing damage estimated at 44.3-billion won (48-million dollars). The previously largest oil spill in South Korea happened in 1995 when about 5,035 tons -- about 35,000 barrels -- of crude and fuel oil was leaked , according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. A spill in 1995 , previously considered the largest , happened when about 5,035 tons -- about 35,000 barrels -- of crude and fuel oil was leaked. A spill in 1995 , previously considered the largest, happened when about 5,035 tons -- about 35,000 barrels -- of crude and fuel oil was leaked. A spill in 1995 , previously considered the largest , involved a leak of about 5,035 tons -- about 35,000 barrels -- of crude and fuel oil. A spill in 1995 , previously considered the largest, involved a leak of about 5,035 tons -- about 35,000 barrels -- of crude and fuel oil. About 10.5 million liters of crude oil leaked to waters off the western coast of South Korea on Friday after an oil tanker and a barge collided early on the day and became the largest offshore oil spill in South Korea. It showed footage of the black oil gushing out of the ship and into the ocean. YTN, a 24-hour cable news channel, showed footage of the black oil gushing out of the ship and into the ocean. About 66,000 barrels (10.5 million liters; 2.7 million gallons) of crude oil gushed from the 146,000-ton Hong Kong-registered ship after a crane-carrying vessel slammed into it at around 7:10 a.m. (2210 GMT Thursday), the Coast Guard said. YTN, a 24-hour cable news channel, showed footage of the black oil leaking out of the ship and into the ocean. YTN, a 24-hour cable news channel, showed footage of the oil gushing out of the ship and into the ocean. About 66,000 barrels (10.5 million liters; 2.7 million gallons) of oil gushed from the 146,000-ton Hong Kong-registered tanker after a crane-carrying barge slammed into it, the Coast Guard said. About 10.5 million liters of crude oil leaked to waters off the western coast of South Korea on Friday after an oil tanker and a barge collided early on the day and became the largest offshore oil spill in South Korea. Friday's accident is the largest offshore oil spill in South Korea. The collision at around 7:30 a.m. (1630 GMT Thursday) left holes in three containers aboard the 146,000-ton tanker Hebei Spirit, leading to what was believed to South Korea's largest offshore oil leak , a ministry official said on customary condition of anonymity citing office policy. The collision at around 7:30 a.m. (2230 GMT Thursday) left holes in three containers aboard the 146,000-ton tanker Hebei Spirit, leading to what was believed to be South Korea's largest offshore oil leak , a Maritime and Fisheries Ministry official said on customary condition of anonymity, citing office policy. South Korea's Coast Guard said Friday it stopped oil leaking from a supertanker in seas near South Korea's west coast and was cleaning up what appeared to be the country's largest offshore spill. The spill was believed to be South Korea's largest , according to the Coast Guard and the Maritime Ministry. The spill was believed to be South Korea's largest , according to the Coast Guard and the ministry. We have 40 vessels out there fighting the oil spill. " We have 40 vessels out there fighting the oil spill. " The spill triggered an emergency operation by about 40 coastguard and other ships as well as four helicopters, said maritime ministry officials. The spill triggered an emergency operation by about 40 coastguard and other ships as well as four helicopters, said maritime ministry officials who have set up a crisis centre. South Korea's Coast Guard dispatched dozens of ships Friday to prevent crude oil that leaked from a supertanker from reaching an ecologically sensitive shoreline on the country's west coast. South Korea's Coast Guard dispatched dozens of ships Friday to prevent crude oil that leaked from a supertanker from reaching an ecologically sensitive shoreline on the country's west coast. The spill occurred when a vessel carrying a crane crashed into the 147,000-ton tanker Hebei Spirit on Friday morning about 5 nautical miles off the coast near Taean, 90 miles southwest of Seoul. The spill occurred when a vessel carrying a crane crashed into the 147,000-ton tanker Hebei Spirit on Friday morning about 5 nautical miles off the coast near Taean, 90 miles southwest of Seoul. The barge , which had a crane on board , was being towed by another vessel at the time of the accident. About 66,000 barrels (10.5 million liters; 2.7 million gallons) of crude oil gushed from the 146,000-ton Hong Kong-registered ship after a crane-carrying vessel slammed into it at around 7:10 a.m. (2210 GMT Thursday), the Coast Guard said. About 66,000 barrels (10.5 million liters; 2.7 million gallons) of oil gushed from the 146,000-ton Hong Kong -registered tanker after a crane-carrying barge slammed into it, the Coast Guard said. About 66,000 barrels (10.5 million liters; 2.7 million gallons) of oil gushed from the 146,000-ton Hong Kong-registered tanker after a crane-carrying barge slammed into it , the Coast Guard said. "If we fail to contain the spread, it is feared (it will) inflict serious damage to the coast. " "If we fail to contain the spread, it is feared (it will ) inflict serious damage to the coast. " "If oil reaches the shore it will cause enormous long-term damage to the environment along the coast , which is also dotted with many seaweed and oyster farms. "If we fail to contain the spread, it is feared (it will) inflict serious damage to the coast ," he said. "If we fail to contain the spread, it is feared (it will ) inflict serious damage to the coast ," he said. About 7 kilometers (4 miles) of coastline near Mallipo beach, approximately 150 kilometers (95 miles) southwest of Seoul, has been affected by the oil , said Jung Se-hi, a spokesman at the Coast Guard headquarters in Incheon. According to the coast guard, the Hebei Spirit was registered in Hong Kong , while the barge ship belongs to a South Korean company. A Hong Kong-registered oil tanker collided with another vessel in seas off South Korea's west coast Friday and leaked about 15,000 tons of crude oil , the Maritime and Fisheries Ministry said. The Hong Kong-registered tanker Hebei Spirit , carrying about 15,000 tons of oil , was berthed five miles off Mallipo, 90 kilometres (54 miles) southwest of Seoul, when it was pierced in three places. He said the leaked oil was about 15,000 tons or about 110,000 barrels -- which is equivalent to 17.4 million liters (4.6 million gallons). The Hong Kong-registered tanker Hebei Spirit , carrying about 15,000 tons of oil , was berthed five miles off Mallipo, 90 kilometres (54 miles) southwest of Seoul, when it was pierced in three places. A Hong Kong-registered oil tanker leaked 10,810 tons, or 66,000 barrels, of crude oil off South Korea's stormy west coast on Friday, officials said , in what was estimated to be the nation's largest maritime oil spill. "We are worried about an ecological disaster," said Kim Jong-Sik , an official with the ministry of maritime affairs and fisheries, adding : "This is the country's worst oil spill. A tanker spilled more than 10,000 tons of crude oil into the Yellow Sea after it was holed by a barge Friday in what officials said was South Korea's worst ever oil spill. A tanker spilled more than 10,000 tons of crude oil into the Yellow Sea Friday after being holed by a barge in what officials said was South Korea's worst oil spill. "We are worried about an ecological disaster," said Kim Jong-Sik , an official with the ministry of maritime affairs and fisheries, adding : "This is the country's worst oil spill. A Hong Kong-registered oil tanker leaked 10,810 tons , or 66,000 barrels, of crude oil off South Korea's stormy west coast on Friday, officials said, in what was estimated to be the nation's largest maritime oil spill. A tanker spilled more than 10,000 tons of crude oil into the Yellow Sea after it was holed by a barge Friday in what officials said was South Korea's worst ever oil spill. Lee Woo-Sung , an official at a crisis centre set up by the ministry, said the tanker was no longer leaking after spilling an estimated 10,500 tons , but clean- up crews would continue working overnight. A tanker spilled more than 10,000 tons of crude oil into the Yellow Sea Friday after being holed by a barge in what officials said was South Korea's worst oil spill. Thirty-two people were killed and at least 15 injured in two shooting attacks at Virginia Tech on Monday during three hours of horror and chaos on this sprawling southwestern Virginia campus. The gunman opened fire in a dormitory and a class room at Virginia Tech University during a two-hour span , university police chief Wendell Flinchum said. There was two shootings on campus. Virginia Tech , an unassuming university on the edge of the Appalachian hills, saw its calm shattered Monday when a gunman unloaded a barrage of bullets into a campus dormitory and classrooms , killing 32 people. Virginia Tech reported a campus shooting Monday and told students to stay inside their residences and away from windows. A gunman opened fire in a dorm and classroom at Virginia Tech on Monday, killing at least 30 people in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history, government officials told The Associated Press. Thirty-two people were killed and at least 15 injured in two shooting attacks at Virginia Tech on Monday during three hours of horror and chaos on this sprawling southwestern Virginia campus. U.S. media reported that a total of 32 people, including the gunman, were killed and 29 others wounded in the shooting rampage. U.S. media reported that a total of 32 people, including the gunman , were killed and 29 others wounded in the shooting rampage. Virginia Tech, an unassuming university on the edge of the Appalachian hills, saw its calm shattered Monday when a gunman unloaded a barrage of bullets into a campus dormitory and classrooms, killing 32 people. After the second round of killings , the gunman killed himself , the police said. A gunman opened fire on classrooms at Virginia Tech University on Monday morning, killing at least 30 people before turning his gun on himself in the bloodiest school shooting in US history. A gunman opened fire on classrooms at Virginia Tech University on Monday morning , killing at least 30 people before turning his gun on himself in the bloodiest school shooting in US history. The gunman was killed, bringing to death toll to 31, but it was unclear if he was shot by police or took his own life. It was the deadliest shooting rampage in American history and came nearly eight years to the day after 13 people died at Columbine High School in Colorado at the hands of two disaffected students who then killed themselves. A gunman opened fire in a dorm and classroom at Virginia Tech on Monday, killing at least 30 people in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history , government officials told The Associated Press. US President George W. Bush will attend a memorial service Tuesday at a Virginia university where 33 people were killed in the worst shooting rampage in modern US history , the White House said. Previously , the deadliest campus shooting in the country took place in 1966 at the University of Texas at Austin , in which 17 people, including the gunman, were killed. This was the deadliest shooting accident that took place in a campus in the U.S. history. This was the deadliest shooting accident that took place in a campus in the U.S. history. There was a two-hour gap between the first shootings, when two people were killed, and the second , when 30 were killed. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said there was no sign the killing of at least 30 people at a US university on Monday was the result of terrorism. Virginia Tech authorities and the police are investigating the identities of those killed as well as the gunman in the campus shooting rampage, a Virginia Tech spokeswoman told Xinhua on Monday. Meanwhile , CNN reported that the police is investigating the identity and the motive of the gunman. Thirty-two people were killed and at least 15 injured in two shooting attacks at Virginia Tech on Monday during three hours of horror and chaos on this sprawling southwestern Virginia campus. The school, the largest university in Virginia, currently has some 25,000 full- time students on a campus encompassing more than 100 buildings and some 2,600 acres. The university, situated in Blacksburg , southwest Virginia, will be closed through Tuesday and faculty and staff members were asked to go home effective immediately after the incident. "This is a day of mourning for the Virginia Tech community and it is a day of sadness for our entire nation," Bush said at the memorial service held at Blacksburg , Virginia where the university is located. It was the deadliest shooting rampage in American history and came nearly eight years to the day after 13 people died at Columbine High School in Colorado at the hands of two disaffected students who then killed themselves. It was the deadliest shooting rampage in American history and came nearly eight years to the day after 13 people died at Columbine High School in Colorado at the hands of two disaffected students who then killed themselves. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Friday that he would move swiftly to improve conditions for wounded soldiers being treated as outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and he warned that senior officials would be held accountable for the poor conditions. ``Accordingly, after the facts are established, those responsible for allowing this situation to develop will indeed be held accountable. '' Defense Secretary Robert Gates says people found to have been responsible for allowing substandard living conditions for soldier outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington will be "held accountable," although so far no one in the Army chain of command has offered to resign. "After the facts are established , those responsible for having allowed this unacceptable situation to develop will indeed be held accountable ," Gates said, adding that so far no one involved has offered to resign. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says people found to have been responsible for allowing substandard living conditions for soldier outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington will be "held accountable ," although so far no one in the Army chain of command has offered to resign. An independent review group also will be formed to look into outpatient care and administrative process at the two hospitals. An independent review group also will be formed to look into outpatient care and administrative process at the two hospitals. Defense Secretary Robert Gates named an independent review panel Friday to investigate what he called an ``unacceptable situation'' in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center , and he said that some soldiers ``most directly involved'' in the problems have been removed from their positions. The eight-member review group appointed by Gates has been charged with taking a broad look at all rehabilitative care and administrative procedures both at Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Gates announced that two former Army secretaries , Togo West and Jack Marsh, would head an independent panel to review treatment and administrative processes at Walter Reed, in Washington , and the National Naval Medical Center in the capital's Maryland suburbs. The US Defense Department said Tuesday it is reviewing the way wounded service members are cared for at military hospitals following disclosures of shocking bureaucratic neglect. The US Defense Department said Tuesday it is reviewing the way wounded service members are cared for at military hospitals following disclosures of shocking bureaucratic neglect. The US Defense Department said Tuesday it is reviewing the way wounded service members are cared for at military hospitals following disclosures of shocking bureaucratic neglect. The Pentagon said reviews of medical care at the premier military hospitals , Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center, have been launched by the army and navy's respective civilian chiefs. The Post last week gave the Army six days to respond to the paper's investigation into decaying, cockroach-infested facilities and an overwhelmed patient-care bureaucracy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Northwest Washington. The Post last week gave the Army six days to respond to the paper's investigation into decaying, cockroach-infested facilities and an overwhelmed patient-care bureaucracy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Northwest Washington. Gates spoke to reporters after visiting the medical compound, whose reputation as a premier caregiver for soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan has taken a severe hit in the aftermath of a Washington Post series of reports last week that documented problems in soldiers' housing and in the medical bureaucracy at Walter Reed. The action followed an investigation by the Washington Post that found that seriously wounded service members treated as outpatients at Walter Reed lingered there virtually forgotten for 18 months or more because of bureaucratic snafus. They have also promised to address bureaucratic problems that have impeded care. The general also seemed to miss a larger point identified by other officials: Walter Reed's problem isn't of mice and mold but a bureaucracy that has impeded the recovery of wounded soldiers. But the Post said the poor treatment came later in the bureaucratic handling of some 700 people wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan who are being treated as outpatients but who are quartered on hospital grounds or nearby buildings. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Friday that he would move swiftly to improve conditions for wounded soldiers being treated as outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center , and he warned that senior officials would be held accountable for the poor conditions. The following editorial appeared in Wednesday's Washington Post: If you listen to the PR operation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the U.S. military's gleaming flagship hospital offers veterans the best treatment available. As the number of service members wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan has climbed, Defense Department officials have held up Walter Reed as a facility offering unmatched care. The Army's surgeon general on Thursday criticized stories in The Washington Post disclosing problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, saying the series unfairly characterized the living conditions and care for soldiers recuperating from wounds at the hospital's facilities. Gates , speaking to reporters after touring the facilities and speaking to several patients, said he was upset by reports in The Washington Post describing wounded soldiers living in dilapidated buildings near the Walter Reed campus and portraying the massive paperwork and other bureaucratic hurdles they had to overcome during treatment. Army and Defense Department leaders have promised to repair squalid conditions in Building 18 , a former hotel outside the Walter Reed gate where 76 wounded soldiers are housed as outpatients. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Friday that he would move swiftly to improve conditions for wounded soldiers being treated as outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and he warned that senior officials would be held accountable for the poor conditions. As the number of service members wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan has climbed, Defense Department officials have held up Walter Reed as a facility offering unmatched care. Gates spoke to reporters after visiting the medical compound, whose reputation as a premier caregiver for soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan has taken a severe hit in the aftermath of a Washington Post series of reports last week that documented problems in soldiers' housing and in the medical bureaucracy at Walter Reed. The police revealed on Thursday more details of the shooting rampage, in which a young man shot dead 8 people before killing himself. A teenager armed with a semi-automatic rifle opened fire on Christmas shoppers at an Omaha shopping mall, killing at least eight people before turning the gun on himself. Eight people were killed and five wounded before the shooter ended the horror by taking his own life. A man opened fire with a rifle inside a Nebraska mall Wednesday, killing at least eight people before turning the gun on himself as panicked employees and Christmas shoppers ran for cover, police said. Eight people were killed and five wounded before the shooter ended the horror by taking his own life. On Wednesday , the 19-year-old killed eight people and himself in a shooting rampage at an Omaha shopping mall, police said. The teenage gunman who went on a shooting rampage in a department store, killing eight people , may have smuggled an assault rifle into the mall underneath clothing, police said Thursday. The teenage gunman who went on a shooting rampage in an Omaha department store, killing eight people , may have smuggled an assault rifle into the mall underneath clothing, police said Thursday. But police said it was Hawkins who went into an Omaha shopping mall on Wednesday and began a shooting rampage that killed eight people. A teenager armed with a semi-automatic rifle opened fire on Christmas shoppers at an Omaha shopping mall , killing at least eight people before turning the gun on himself. The young gunman who opened fire at a mall busy with holiday shoppers appeared to choose his victims at random, according to police , but a note he left behind hinted at a troubled life. On Wednesday afternoon , the 19-year-old carried a rifle into the sprawling Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska, and opened fire. A man opened fire with a rifle inside a Nebraska mall Wednesday, killing at least eight people before turning the gun on himself as panicked employees and Christmas shoppers ran for cover, police said. The young gunman who opened fire at a mall busy with holiday shoppers appeared to choose his victims at random, according to police , but a note he left behind hinted at a troubled life. On Wednesday afternoon , the 19-year-old carried a rifle into the sprawling Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska, and opened fire. The teenage gunman who went on a shooting rampage in a department store , killing eight people, may have smuggled an assault rifle into the mall underneath clothing, police said Thursday. The teenage gunman who went on a shooting rampage in an Omaha department store , killing eight people, may have smuggled an assault rifle into the mall underneath clothing, police said Thursday. The young gunman who opened fire at a mall busy with holiday shoppers appeared to choose his victims at random , according to police, but a note he left behind hinted at a troubled life. Police Chief Thomas Warren said the shooting appeared to be random. Police Chief Thomas Warren said the shooting appeared to be random. The young gunman who opened fire at a mall busy with holiday shoppers appeared to choose his victims at random , according to police, but a note he left behind hinted at a troubled life. Police Chief Thomas Warren said the shooting appeared to be random. Police Chief Thomas Warren said the shooting appeared to be random. At least five other people were injured and taken to area hospitals after Wednesday's shooting inside the Westroads Mall , Omaha Police Chief Thomas Warren told reporters. At least five other people were injured and taken to area hospitals after Wednesday's shooting inside the Westroads Mall, Omaha Police Chief Thomas Warren told reporters. Eight people were killed and five wounded before the shooter ended the horror by taking his own life. At least five other people were injured and taken to area hospitals after the shooting inside the Westroads Mall in Omaha , Sergeant Teresa Negron told a news conference. At least five other people were injured and taken to area hospitals after the shooting inside the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Sergeant Teresa Negron told a news conference. Eight people were killed and five wounded before the shooter ended the horror by taking his own life. The teenage gunman who went on a shooting rampage in a department store may have smuggled an assault rifle into the mall underneath clothing , Omaha police said Thursday. The teenage gunman who went on a shooting rampage in a department store, killing eight people, may have smuggled an assault rifle into the mall underneath clothing , police said Thursday. Police Chief Thomas Warren said the young man "appeared to be concealing something balled up in a hooded sweat shirt" he was carrying, according to a surveillance video. The teenage gunman who went on a shooting rampage in an Omaha department store, killing eight people, may have smuggled an assault rifle into the mall underneath clothing , police said Thursday. Police Chief Thomas Warren said the young man "appeared to be concealing something balled up in a hooded sweat shirt" he was carrying, according to a surveillance video. Shoppers and employees scrambled for cover in dressing rooms, clothing racks, offices and storage areas. Shoppers and employees scrambled for cover in dressing rooms, clothing racks, offices and storage areas. A man opened fire with a rifle inside a Nebraska mall Wednesday, killing at least eight people before turning the gun on himself as panicked employees and Christmas shoppers ran for cover , police said. Shoppers and employees scrambled for cover in dressing rooms, clothing racks, offices and storage areas. Shoppers and employees scrambled for cover in dressing rooms, clothing racks, offices and storage areas. Robert A. Hawkins had recently split with his girlfriend and been fired from his job at McDonald's. Robert A. Hawkins had recently split with his girlfriend and been fired from his job at McDonald's. But about two weeks ago he broke up with his longtime girlfriend, and this week he was fired from his job at a fast-food restaurant , said a woman whose family took Hawkins in. He recently split with his girlfriend and been fired from McDonald's. He recently split with his girlfriend and been fired from McDonald's. Six store employees and two customers were fatally wounded before Hawkins turned the gun on himself. Six store employees and two customers were fatally wounded before Hawkins turned the gun on himself. Police identified Hawkins' victims as six employees and two customers. His victims included six store employees and two customers , police said. Six store employees and two customers were killed. Thomas Warren , Omaha's police chief, told reporters that Robert A. Hawkins, 19, of Bellevue, Neb. , came into the store and looked around before leaving and returning with an assault rifle to open fire. Thomas Warren, Omaha's police chief, told reporters that Robert A. Hawkins, 19, of Bellevue , Neb., came into the store and looked around before leaving and returning with an assault rifle to open fire. He identified the shooter as Robert Hawkins, 19 , and said he was armed with an SKS assault rifle. Local television station KETV, citing a sheriff's department, identified the shooter as a 19-year-old man named Robert Hawkins. Records showed Hawkins had a felony drug conviction and several misdemeanor cases filed against him, including an arrest 11 days before the shooting for having alcohol as a minor. Records showed Hawkins had a felony drug conviction and several misdemeanor cases filed against him , including an arrest 11 days before the shooting for having alcohol as a minor. Records showed Hawkins had a felony drug conviction and several misdemeanor cases filed against him, including an arrest 11 days before the shooting for having alcohol as a minor. Records showed Hawkins had a felony drug conviction and several misdemeanor cases filed against him , including an arrest 11 days before the shooting for having alcohol as a minor. Major makers of over-the-counter infant cough and cold medicines announced Thursday that they were voluntarily withdrawing their products from the market for fear that they could be misused by parents. "The reason the makers of over-the-counter, oral cough and cold medicine for infants are withdrawing these medicines is that there have been rare patterns of misuse leading to overdose recently identified, particularly in infants, and safety is our top priority," said Linda A. Suydam, president of the trade association. Major makers of over-the-counter infant cough and cold medicines announced Thursday that they were voluntarily withdrawing their products from the market for fear that they could be misused by parents. Major makers of over-the-counter infant cough and cold medicines announced Thursday that they were withdrawing their products from the market for fear that they could be misused by parents. "The reason the makers of over-the-counter oral cough and cold medicine for infants are withdrawing these medicines is that there have been rare patterns of misuse leading to overdose recently identified, particularly in infants," said Linda A. Suydam, president of the trade association. Major makers of over-the-counter infant cough and cold medicines announced Thursday that they were withdrawing their products from the market for fear that they could be misused. "The reason the makers of over-the-counter oral cough and cold medicine for infants are withdrawing these medicines is that there have been rare patterns of misuse leading to overdose recently identified, particularly in infants," said Linda A. Suydam, president of the trade association. Major makers of over-the-counter infant cough and cold medicines announced Thursday that they were withdrawing their products from the market for fear that they could be misused. Johnson & Johnson on Thursday voluntarily recalled certain infant cough and cold products , citing "rare" instances of misuse leading to overdoses. Drug makers on Thursday voluntarily pulled kids' cold medicines off the market less than two weeks after the U.S. government warned of potential health risks to infants. Use only products marked for use in babies, infants or children , sometimes called "pediatric" use. Use only products marked for use in babies, infants or children, sometimes called "pediatric" use. Use only products marked for use in babies, infants or children , sometimes called "pediatric" use. In the year prior to July 15, makers sold at least 41 million packages of these in the United States, according to the healthcare products group, about a fifth of which were sold in the form of "drops " that are generally targeted for use in infants. The voluntary withdrawal affects only products labeled for "infants," not those for use in children 2 and older. The voluntary withdrawal affects only products labeled for "infants ," not those for use in children 2 and older. The voluntary withdrawal , already under way, affects only products labeled for use in infants, not for use in children 2 and older. The voluntary withdrawal , already under way, affects only products labeled for use in infants, not for use in children 2 and older. Its comments came in response to a petition filed Thursday by a group of prominent pediatricians and public health officials demanding that the agency stop drug makers from marketing cold and cough medicines for children under 6. Safety experts for the Food and Drug Administration urged the agency on Friday to consider an outright ban on over-the-counter, multi-symptom cough and cold medicines for children under 6. Safety experts for the Food and Drug Administration urged the agency on Friday to consider an outright ban on over-the-counter, multi-symptom cough and cold medicines for children under 6. The move comes two weeks after safety reviewers within the Food and Drug Administration urged the agency to consider an outright ban of over-the-counter cough and cold products for children under the age of 6. The withdrawal comes two weeks after safety reviewers within the Food and Drug Administration urged the agency to consider an outright ban of over-the-counter cough and cold products for children under 6. The withdrawal comes two weeks after safety reviewers within the Food and Drug Administration urged the agency to consider an outright ban of over-the-counter cough and cold products for children under 6. Doug Petkus , a spokesman for Wyeth, which makes Toddler's Dimetapp, agreed , adding that "parents of children under the age of 2 are encouraged to seek the advice of a physician before administering any over-the-counter medicine. " The study's authors told parents to consult a doctor before giving the remedies to children under age 2. The study's authors told parents to consult a doctor before giving the remedies to children under age 2. Concentrated Tylenol Plus Cold & Cough, for instance, includes a picture of a mother and infant, even though its label recommends asking a doctor before using in children younger than 2. Many cough and cold medicines now advise parents to "consult a physician " before use in such children. Current labeling directs parents to consult a doctor before administering the drugs to infants and toddlers , and many doctors say they are safe to use. The U.S. government is warning parents not to give cough and cold medicines to children under 2 without a doctor's order, part of an overall review of the products' safety and effectiveness for youngsters. The U.S. government is warning parents not to give cough and cold medicines to children under 2 without a doctor's order, part of an overall review of the products' safety and effectiveness for youngsters. The recall comes two months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory warning parents not to give cough and cold medications to children under 2 years of age without a doctor's direction. The recall comes two months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory warning parents not to give cough and cold medications to children under 2 years of age without a doctor's direction. Late last month, the Food and Drug Administration tentatively recommended adding labeling to the medicines indicating they are not to be used for young children. Amid questions about benefits and risks, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday its Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will meet Oct. 18-19 to discuss the use of cough and cold drugs by children. The next step in the process will be a meeting of outside experts on Oct. 18-19 to examine the medicines' safety and offer recommendations to the agency. The FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will meet Oct. 18-19 to discuss the use of cough and cold drugs by children. The FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will meet Oct. 18-19 to discuss the use of cough and cold drugs by children. The FDA will formally consider revising labeling at a meeting scheduled for Oct. 18-19. Federal drug regulators have started a broad review of the safety of popular cough and cold remedies meant for children , a top official said Thursday. Despite the recommendation, giant drugmakers like Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth and Novartis continued to sell cough and cold products labeled for infants. Despite the recommendation, giant drugmakers like Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth and Novartis continued to sell cough and cold products labeled for infants. Federal drug regulators have started a broad review of the safety of popular cough and cold remedies meant for children, a top official said Thursday. More changes , perhaps mandated by federal drug regulators , could be in the offing. More changes, perhaps mandated by federal drug regulators, could be in the offing. "The reason the makers of over-the-counter, oral cough and cold medicine for infants are withdrawing these medicines is that there have been rare patterns of misuse leading to overdose recently identified, particularly in infants, and safety is our top priority," said Linda A. Suydam, president of the trade association. Johnson & Johnson on Thursday voluntarily recalled certain infant cough and cold products, citing "rare" instances of misuse leading to overdoses. Products aimed at children under the age of 2 are being removed from store shelves due to "rare instances of misuse" that could lead to accidental overdose , a trade group that represents over-the-counter drug makers said. The official, Dr. Charles J. Ganley , director of the office of nonprescription drug products at the Food and Drug Administration, said in an interview that the agency was "revisiting the risks and benefits of the use of these drugs in children " and that "we're particularly concerned about the use of these drugs in children less than 2 years of age." The official, Dr. Charles J. Ganley, director of the office of nonprescription drug products at the Food and Drug Administration, said in an interview that the agency was "revisiting the risks and benefits of the use of these drugs in children" and that "we're particularly concerned about the use of these drugs in children less than 2 years of age." Dr. Charles J. Ganley , a top Food and Drug Administration official, said the agency was "revisiting the risks and benefits of the use of these drugs in children ," especially those under 2, The New York Times reported in Friday's editions. Preparing for worst-case outcomes, the seven states that draw water from the Colorado River -- Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico in the upper basin and California, Arizona and Nevada in the lower basin -- and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the river, are considering plans that lay out what to do if the river cannot meet the demand for water -- a prospect that some experts predict will occur in about five years. The seven Colorado basin states -- Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona , California -- would battle each other for diminished Colorado River flows. State and federal officials praised the agreement, which Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne was expected to sign Thursday, as a landmark akin to the Colorado River Compact of 1922 that first divvied up how much water the seven states served by the river -- California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming -- receive annually. Against that backdrop, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona and California began negotiations in 2005 to write a blueprint for water shortages. Against that backdrop, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona and California began negotiations in 2005 to write a blueprint for water shortages. Global warming will worsen drought and reduce flows on the Colorado River , a key water source for several western states, according to a report released Wednesday. Global warming will worsen drought and reduce flows on the Colorado River , a key water source for several western states, according to a report released Wednesday. The seven Colorado basin states -- Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, California -- would battle each other for diminished Colorado River flows. Scientists also predict that climate change will worsen Western drought patterns and reduce Colorado flows by increasing evaporation and decreasing snowfall. Among them is a proposed 280-mile pipeline that would direct water to Las Vegas from northern Nevada. Among them is a proposed 280-mile pipeline that would direct water to Las Vegas from northern Nevada. Among them is a proposed 280-mile pipeline that would direct water to Las Vegas from northern Nevada. Scientists have concluded that the Colorado river system, which supplies water to 25 million people and several million acres of crop and ranch land, has been drier and more prone to severe drought than was the case in the early 20th century , when the river's flows were divvied among the seven basin states. New scientific evidence suggests that periodic long, severe droughts have become the norm in the Colorado River basin, undermining calculations of how much water the river can be expected to provide for the region's future and intensifying pressures to find new solutions or sources. Eight years of drought in the Colorado watershed have raised the likelihood of shortages in the near future , and as officials in the U.S. and Mexico look for creative ways of limiting future cutbacks, every drop will count. The agriculture wastewater intended for desalination feeds the wetland, providing habitat for birds and fish , and supports a small local economy. The Colorado River Delta was once a watery labyrinth of willow thickets, mesquite and cottonwood, bigger than the state of Rhode Island and teeming with bird and animal life. It puts in place new measures to encourage conservation and manage the two primary reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell , which have gone from nearly full to just about half empty since 1999. It puts in place new measures to encourage conservation and manage the two primary reservoirs , Lake Mead and Lake Powell, which have gone from nearly full to just about half empty since 1999. Then in 1935 , the Hoover Dam opened on the Colorado River , creating what is now Lake Mead. Then in 1935 , the Hoover Dam opened on the Colorado River, creating what is now Lake Mead. A proposed reservoir just north of the California-Mexico border would correct an inefficient water delivery system that allows excess water to pass to Mexico. A proposed reservoir just north of the California-Mexico border would correct an inefficient water delivery system that allows excess water to pass to Mexico. According to some long-term projections, the mountain snows that feed the Colorado River will melt faster and evaporate in greater amounts with rising global temperature, providing stress to the waterway even without drought. The melting snow on the western slopes of the Rockies feeds into the Colorado River to flow west and south , across parts of Colorado, Utah and Arizona, and, since the construction of the dam, into Lake Mead, some 30 miles east of Las Vegas. One study released earlier in 2007 warned that global warming could thrust the Southwest into a state of permanent drought by 2050. One study released earlier in 2007 warned that global warming could thrust the Southwest into a state of permanent drought by 2050. NFL star Michael Vick pleaded not guilty to federal dogfighting charges on Thursday and was released without bond until a Nov. 26 trial. A trial date was set for November 26. Vick , Peace and Phillips' trial date is still set for Nov. 26 before Hudson. Vick, Peace and Phillips' trial date is still set for Nov. 26 before Hudson. Because a trial in the case has been scheduled for Nov. 26 , the judge and prosecutors will have time to evaluate the extent of Taylor's cooperation before setting a punishment. Peace, 35, and Quanis L. Phillips , 28 , are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. A trial date was set for November 26. If convicted of another alleged offense - conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture - they could face up to one year in prison and $100,000 in fines. Taylor pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. Taylor pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. Taylor pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. Tony Taylor , a 34-year-old from Hampton, Va., pleaded guilty here in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsoring "a dog in an animal fighting venture. " Taylor entered his plea in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. The plea hearing could mean that Taylor, who pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday, has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. The plea hearing could mean that Taylor , who pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday, has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. "If he is pleading guilty, he is cooperating with the government. " Tony Taylor , who along with Vick pleaded not guilty to the charges just four days ago, has promised to cooperate with federal prosecutors and share "detailed facts" for their case against Vick and two other co-defendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips. One of the men indicted with Michael Vick on federal dogfighting charges pleaded guilty Monday and has agreed to help prosecutors make their case. A plea agreement revealed on Monday with one of Michael Vick's federal dogfighting conspiracy co-defendants could give the American football star another hurdle in his upcoming legal fight. Cox News Service RICHMOND, Va. ?- The bad news keeps piling up for Falcons quarterback Michael Vick - one of his co-defendants in the federal dog fighting case pleaded guilty Monday and signed a document alleging the charges against Vick and two others are true. One of the men indicted with Michael Vick on federal dogfighting charges pleaded guilty Monday and has agreed to help prosecutors make their case. One of Michael Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty Monday to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges in a plea agreement with prosecutors. A plea agreement revealed on Monday with one of Michael Vick's federal dogfighting conspiracy co-defendants could give the American football star a major hurdle in his upcoming legal fight. Taylor , 34, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14. Judge Henry E. Hudson set Taylor's sentencing date for Dec. 14. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and is free on bond while awaiting a Dec. 14 sentencing. Tony Taylor , 34, who will be sentenced Dec. 14 , said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation with the government. Taylor , 34, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14. They face up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines if convicted on the charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities. All three, as well as Taylor , face a maximum five-year prison sentence if convicted on a felony conspiracy charge. They face up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine , and is free on bond while awaiting a Dec. 14 sentencing. All three, as well as Taylor , face a maximum five-year prison sentence if convicted on a felony conspiracy charge. The grisly allegations detailed in an 18-page indictment sparked protests by animal rights groups at the headquarters of the NFL and the Falcons, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from training camp while the league investigates. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from training camp while the league investigates. Meanwhile , the NFL has ordered Vick to stay away from the Falcons' training camp. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has banned Vick from the Falcons' training camp while the league investigates. Then, emboldened by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's telling Vick not to report to training camp on July 23 , Nike suspended his deal without pay; Reebok pulled Vick jerseys from retail shelves; Donruss said it would cut Vick from all future trading card products; and Upper Deck removed his autographed memorabilia from its online store and banished him from this season's card sets. Tony Taylor , among four men charged with organizing and staging dogfights across US state border lines , has changed his plea to guilty, ESPN and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Tony Taylor, among four men charged with organizing and staging dogfights across US state border lines , has changed his plea to guilty, ESPN and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Tony Taylor , among four men charged with organizing and staging dogfights across US state border lines , has changed his plea to guilty and siogned a document claiming Vick bankrolled the wagering scheme. Tony Taylor, among four men charged with organizing and staging dogfights across US state border lines , has changed his plea to guilty and siogned a document claiming Vick bankrolled the wagering scheme. Federal prosecutors allege the operation -- known as Bad Newz Kennels -- operated on Vick's property in rural Surry County. Federal prosecutors say the operation -- known as Bad Newz Kennels -- was run on Vick's property in Surry County. The indictment says Vick and the others set up a business called "Bad Newz Kennels" to raise and train pit bulls for fighting. Taylor outlined his involvement with the others in a dogfighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels ," according to the statement. A federal grand jury this month indicted Vick and Taylor and their two co-defendants - Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips - on a single count of conspiracy relating to dogfighting. A federal grand jury indicted Taylor, Vick and the two others this month on a single count of conspiring to violate three laws : the interstate travel act by crossing state lines to engage in illegal gambling; sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture; and buying, transporting and receiving dogs for animal fighting. A federal grand jury indicted Taylor, Vick and the two others this month on a single count of conspiring to violate three laws: the interstate travel act by crossing state lines to engage in illegal gambling; sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture ; and buying, transporting and receiving dogs for animal fighting. A federal grand jury indicted Taylor, Vick and the two others this month on a single count of conspiring to violate three laws : the interstate travel act by crossing state lines to engage in illegal gambling; sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture; and buying, transporting and receiving dogs for animal fighting. At least six people were killed after a bridge over the Mississippi river collapsed Wednesday, plunging cars and trucks together with massive chunks of concrete into the rushing waters, officials said. At least six people were killed after a bridge over the Mississippi river collapsed Wednesday, plunging cars and trucks together with massive chunks of concrete into the rushing waters, officials said. "We have confirmed six deaths and we are continuing the search," R.T. Rybak, the mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota, said at a press conference. At least six people were killed in the collapse of a bridge Wednesday in Minneapolis , Minnesota that sent cars and trucks tumbling into the Mississippi River, the mayor said. "We have confirmed six deaths and we are continuing the search," Mayor R.T. Rybak said at a press conference. "We have a number of vehicles that are underneath big pieces of concrete , and we do know we have some people in those vehicles," Dolan said Thursday morning. Divers searched the Mississippi River on Thursday for more bodies entombed in cars trapped beneath the twisted steel and concrete slabs of a collapsed bridge. "We have a number of vehicles that are underneath big pieces of concrete , and we do know we have some people in those vehicles," Dolan said, though he said he did not have a number. Divers searched the Mississippi River Thursday for more bodies entombed in cars trapped beneath the twisted steel and concrete slabs of a bridge that collapsed, killing at least four. "We have a number of vehicles that are underneath big pieces of concrete , and we do know we have some people in those vehicles," Dolan said. The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge , a major Minneapolis artery, was being repaired and two lanes in each direction were closed when the bridge buckled Wednesday evening, breaking into huge sections and collapsing into the river, pitching dozens of cars 60 feet (18 meters) into the water and killing at least seven. Rescuers have given up hope of finding any more survivors after an eight-lane bridge spanning the Mississippi River collapsed in rush-hour traffic, although more vehicles can be seen in the murky water, a rescue official said Thursday. The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge , a major Minneapolis artery, was in the midst of being repaired and two lanes in each direction were closed when the bridge buckled during evening rush hour Wednesday. The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge , a major Minneapolis artery, was in the midst of being repaired and two lanes in each direction were closed when the bridge buckled during evening rush hour Wednesday, sending dozens of cars plummeting more than 60 feet (18 meters) into the Mississippi River. The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge , a major Minneapolis artery, was in the midst of repairs when the bridge buckled during the evening rush hour Wednesday. In Washington , Department of Homeland Security officials said there was no sign that the eight-lane bridge's collapse was the result of terrorism, adding that it appeared to be linked to engineering issues. The collapse did not appear to be terrorism-related. The collapse did not appear to be terrorism-related. The collapse did not appear to be terrorism-related. The Homeland Security Department said the collapse did not appear to be terrorism-related , but Hennepin County Sheriff Richard Stanek said Thursday that the cause was still unknown. At least six people were killed after a bridge over the Mississippi river collapsed Wednesday, plunging cars and trucks together with massive chunks of concrete into the rushing waters, officials said. The eight-lane Interstate 35W bridge, a major Minneapolis artery, was being repaired and two lanes in each direction were closed when the bridge buckled Wednesday evening, breaking into huge sections and collapsing into the river , pitching dozens of cars 60 feet (18 meters) into the water and killing at least seven. A bridge collapsed over the Mississippi river Wednesday leaving drivers stranded on massive chunks of concrete amid the rushing water. Divers searched the Mississippi River Thursday for more bodies entombed in cars trapped beneath the twisted steel and concrete slabs of a bridge that collapsed , killing at least four. At least six people were killed in the collapse of a bridge Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minnesota that sent cars and trucks tumbling into the Mississippi River , the mayor said. At least three people were killed in the the collapse of a bridge Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minnesota that sent cars and trucks tumbling into the Mississippi River , officials said. There are no signs that a terror attack was behind the collapse of a bridge Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minnesota that sent cars and trucks tumbling into the Mississippi River , the Department of Homesland Security told AFP. At least eight cars and a truck went into the water , and at least 20 vehicles may have been on the massive bridge when it collapsed, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. Some estimates said dozens of vehicles fell into the river , but that could not be confirmed. About 50 cars were still in the water , the officials added. More than 60 people were injured and as many as 50 vehicles were in the river , many of their occupants having scrambled to shore. More than 60 people were injured and as many as 50 vehicles were in the river , many of their occupants having scrambled to shore. Divers searched the Mississippi River on Thursday for more bodies entombed in cars trapped beneath the twisted steel and concrete slabs of a collapsed bridge. Divers searched the Mississippi River Thursday for more bodies entombed in cars trapped beneath the twisted steel and concrete slabs of a bridge that collapsed, killing at least four. Divers searched the Mississippi River for bodies still trapped beneath the twisted debris of a collapsed freeway bridge, as finger-pointing began Thursday over a federal report two years ago that found the bridge was "structurally deficient." As many as 30 people were missing as the rescue effort shifted to recovery. As many as 30 people were missing as the rescue effort shifted to recovery. As many as 30 people were reported missing , and the rescue effort had shifted to recovery. As many as 30 people were missing as the rescue effort shifted to recovery. As many as 30 people were missing as the rescue effort shifted to recovery. As many as 30 people were reported missing, and the rescue effort had shifted to recovery. The attack early Friday damaged the US embassy building but caused no casualties , officials said. The US State Department said it was unaware of any international links to a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the US embassy in Athens early Friday which caused no injuries. The early morning attack with a rocket-propelled grenade caused no casualties and only minor damage to the embassy and was claimed by a far-left group called Revolutionary Struggle. An anti-tank shell was fired at the U.S. embassy early Friday, striking the front of the building but causing no injuries. Embassy officials confirmed that an explosion had taken place and said that no one had been injured. Embassy officials confirmed that an explosion had taken place and said that no one had been injured. The pre-dawn rocket attack , which was aimed at the embassy seal and caused no injuries, bore similarities to strikes by deadly groups such as November 17 and Revolutionary Popular Struggle, or ELA, many of whose members are serving life sentences in prison near Athens. A rocket struck the U.S. Embassy early Friday, exploding inside the modern, glass-fronted building but causing no injuries in an attack that Greek authorities said was probably carried out by a domestic terrorist group. "There were no injuries and very minimal damage ," U.S. A rocket-propelled grenade struck the U.S. Embassy early Friday, causing limited damage and no injuries , but reviving fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups that carried out deadly strikes over three decades. The rocket strike against the US embassy in Athens has revived fears of extreme- left violence, never completely eradicated despite the break-up of Greece's main radical groups earlier this decade. Friday's incident was viewed as one of the most serious since November 17 was dismantled and raised fears of a resurgence of extremist violence in Greece. A senior police official said the blast was an act of terrorism, raising fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups. A senior police official said the blast was an act of terrorism, raising fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups. Authorities fear Friday's attack signals a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups , despite a crackdown before the 2004 Athens Olympics, during which police captured members of the terrorist group November 17 who had eluded police since the mid-1970s. A rocket-propelled grenade struck the U.S. Embassy early Friday, causing limited damage and no injuries, but reviving fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups that carried out deadly strikes over three decades. A rocket struck the U.S. Embassy early Friday, exploding inside the modern, glass-fronted building but causing no injuries in an attack that Greek authorities said was probably carried out by a domestic terrorist group. "It is very likely that this is the work of a domestic group ," Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras said. Greek authorities have said the attack probably was carried out by a domestic terror group. Greek authorities have said the attack probably was carried out by a domestic terror group. "It is very likely that this is the work of a domestic group ," Public Order Vyron Polydoras said. The attack early Friday damaged the US embassy building but caused no casualties, officials said. The United States heaped praise on Greek authorities for their response Friday to a rocket attack on the US embassy in Athens , a city it once considered a relatively soft target for violent extremists. The early morning attack with a rocket-propelled grenade caused no casualties and only minor damage to the embassy and was claimed by a far-left group called Revolutionary Struggle. A rocket struck the U.S. Embassy early Friday , exploding inside the modern, glass-fronted building but causing no injuries in an attack that Greek authorities said was probably carried out by a domestic terrorist group. A rocket-propelled grenade struck the U.S. Embassy early Friday , causing limited damage and no injuries, but reviving fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups that carried out deadly strikes over three decades. An anti-tank shell was fired at the U.S. embassy early Friday, striking the front of the building but causing no injuries. An anti-tank shell was fired at the U.S. embassy early Friday , striking the front of the building but causing no injuries. The small anti-tank missile narrowly missed the large blue-and-white U.S. seal on the embassy's facade and pierced the building above the front entrance shortly before 6 a.m. (0400GMT). A small anti-tank missile pierced the building above the front entrance early Friday morning. The US State Department said it was unaware of any international links to a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the US embassy in Athens early Friday which caused no injuries. US officials said they were unaware of any international links to the attack. US officials said they were unaware of any international links to the attack. The United States said Friday it was unaware of any international involvement in a rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy in Greece , but the investigation was in its early stages. Police cordoned off streets around the U.S. Embassy in Athens early Friday after an explosion inside the embassy compound that a senior police official said was an "act of terrorism." Police cordoned off streets around the building after the explosion shortly before 6 a.m (0400 GMT). Commuter traffic in the downtown area came to a standstill for three hours as police cordoned off streets around the building to gather evidence -- dusting cars for fingerprints and gathering discarded chewing gum and cigarette butts from the street. A rocket-propelled grenade struck the U.S. Embassy early Friday, causing limited damage and no injuries, but reviving fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups that carried out deadly strikes over three decades. Greek authorities blamed domestic militant groups that have carried out a spate of bombings against police and government buildings despite a crackdown of terrorism before the Athens Olympics in 2004. Greek authorities blamed domestic militant groups that have carried out a spate of bombings against police and government buildings despite a crackdown of terrorism before the Athens Olympics in 2004. Greek police said a far-left group, Revolutionary Struggle, had claimed responsibility for the attack. "There are one or two telephone calls, from unknown callers , who claimed that the Revolutionary Struggle assumes responsibility ," Polydoras said. Police are examining the authenticity of two calls claiming responsibility from the group Revolutionary Struggle , which has carried out six bombings since first appearing in 2003. "This is an act of terrorism. A senior police official said the blast was an act of terrorism , raising fears of a resurgence of far-left Greek militant groups. "This is an act of terrorism. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java operated by Lapindo Brantas Inc. has spewed steaming mud since May last year , submerging villages, industries and fields. A gas well operated by Lapindo Brantas Inc. has spewed steaming mud since May last year , submerging villages and forcing some 13,000 people to flee their homes. The volcano, known locally as "Lusi," has been spewing steaming mud since May 29 last year , submerging four villages, fields and factories. Thirteen people were killed in the November explosion when the underground pipeline in East Java ruptured following subsidence around a nearby gas well that has been spewing mud since May 2006 , inundating villages and forcing more than 13,000 people to flee their homes. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java operated by PT Lapindo Brantas has spewed steaming mud since May last year , submerging villages, factories and fields in the Sidoarjo district. The accident of oil drilling in May last year caused hot mud pouring into surrounding area and inundated entire villages in Siduarjo in East Java , the second biggest city in Indonesia. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java operated by PT Lapindo Brantas has spewed steaming mud since May last year , submerging villages, factories and fields. A gas well near Surabaya , operated by PT Lapindo Brantas, has spewed steaming mud since May last year , submerging villages, factories and fields. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java has spewed steaming mud since May last year , submerging villages, factories and fields and forcing more than 15,000 people to flee their homes. A mud volcano that has erupted in Indonesia , forcing the evacuation of thousands of villagers, was most probably caused by drilling for gas , according to the first published scientific study into the phenomenon. The eruption "appears to have been triggered by drilling of overpressured porous and permeable limestones at depth of around 2,830 metres (7,735 feet) below the surface," says the study, conducted by British experts and published in a US journal. However, a study by British experts said that the eruption was most likely caused by drilling for gas. However, a study by British experts said that the eruption was most likely caused by drilling for gas. However, a study by British experts said the eruption was most likely caused by drilling for gas. However, a study by British experts said the eruption was most likely caused by drilling for gas. However, a study by British experts said the eruption was most likely caused by drilling for gas. A gas well operated by Lapindo Brantas Inc. has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages and forcing some 13,000 people to flee their homes. A mud volcano that has erupted in Indonesia , forcing the evacuation of thousands of villagers , was most probably caused by drilling for gas, according to the first published scientific study into the phenomenon. It erupted from a gas well near Surabaya, East Java, that was operated by Lapindo Brantas Inc. As many as 13,000 people have fled their homes. Thirteen people were killed in the November explosion when the underground pipeline in East Java ruptured following subsidence around a nearby gas well that has been spewing mud since May 2006, inundating villages and forcing more than 13,000 people to flee their homes. An Indonesian environmental watchdog said it had filed suit on Monday against a mining company and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over a "mud volcano" which has forced thousands to flee their homes. A leading Indonesian environmental group has filed a suit against President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and an energy firm on mud flow that has damaged environment and displaced more than 10,000 people in Java Island , the group's chairman said here on Tuesday. A key railway line threatened by a massive "mud volcano" which has forced thousands of people to flee their homes on the Indonesian island of Java will be relocated, officials said Tuesday. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java operated by Lapindo Brantas Inc. has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages, industries and fields. A gas well operated by Lapindo Brantas Inc. has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages and forcing some 13,000 people to flee their homes. It erupted from a gas well near Surabaya , East Java, that was operated by Lapindo Brantas Inc. As many as 13,000 people have fled their homes. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java operated by PT Lapindo Brantas has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages, factories and fields in the Sidoarjo district. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java operated by PT Lapindo Brantas has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages, factories and fields. A gas well near Surabaya , operated by PT Lapindo Brantas, has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages, factories and fields. Experts have been working to channel the mud into the nearby sea. Experts have been working to channel the mud into the nearby sea. Muhammad said hundreds of hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, scores of factories have been closed and over 9,000 workers lost their jobs, In addition, the ecosystem also destroyed as the government decided to channel the hot mud to the sea. Experts have failed to curb or channel the mud to the sea. He said the only option was to quickly channel the mud to the sea before it dried out. He said the only option was to quickly channel the mud to the sea before it dried out. An area of at least 10 square kilometers (3.9 square miles) around the volcano will be uninhabitable for years, and over 11,000 people will be permanently displaced , it says. It inundated villages and internally displaced residents ," he told Xinhua. Hundreds of concrete balls will be dropped into a "mud volcano" on Wednesday, although experts warned it is unlikely to stop a massive mud flow which has swallowed villages and left 15,000 people homeless. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages, factories and fields and forcing more than 15,000 people to flee their homes. A gas well near Surabaya in East Java has spewed steaming mud since May last year, submerging villages, factories and fields and forcing more than 15,000 people to flee their homes. Thirteen people were killed in the November explosion when the underground pipeline in East Java ruptured following subsidence around a nearby gas well that has been spewing mud since May 2006, inundating villages and forcing more than 13,000 people to flee their homes. In addition, 13 people died after an explosion in November when an underground gas pipeline burst following subsidence that was blamed on the mud leak. In addition, 13 people died after an explosion in November when an underground gas pipeline burst following subsidence that was blamed on the mud leak. In addition, 13 people died after an explosion in November when an underground gas pipeline burst following subsidence that was blamed on the mud leak. In addition, 13 people died after an explosion in November when an underground gas pipeline burst following subsidence that was blamed on the mud leak. An Indonesian minister claimed Wednesday that a vast "mud volcano" which has inundated villages on the island of Java was a "natural disaster" unrelated to the drilling activities of a company controlled by his family. An Indonesian airline offering short flights to avoid a "mud volcano" that has inundated villages on the island of Java was Thursday forced to suspend its maiden flight due to technical problems, a report said. The volcano , known locally as "Lusi," has been spewing steaming mud since May 29 last year, submerging four villages, fields and factories. Mount Semeru in Indonesia's densely-populated East Java province spewed ash at the weekend , coating a nearby town , but the volcano does not pose any danger to residents, officials said Monday. An Indonesian minister claimed Wednesday that a vast "mud volcano " which has inundated villages on the island of Java was a "natural disaster" unrelated to the drilling activities of a company controlled by his family. An Indonesian minister , Aburizal Bakrie, claimed last month the flow was a "natural disaster" unrelated to the drilling activities of a company , Lapindo Brantas Inc, which belongs to a group controlled by his family. An Indonesian minister , Aburizal Bakrie, claimed last month that the flow was a "natural disaster" unrelated to the drilling activities of Lapindo , which belongs to a group controlled by his family. Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare Aburizal Bakrie claimed last month that the flow was a "natural disaster" unrelated to the drilling activities of Lapindo , which belongs to a group controlled by his family. A key railway line threatened by a massive "mud volcano " which has forced thousands of people to flee their homes on the Indonesian island of Java will be relocated , officials said Tuesday. The advancing sea of mud is now threatening to swamp a key railway , which is to be rerouted away from the danger zone. The advancing sea of mud has blocked a nearby main road and is now threatening to swamp a key railway , which is to be rerouted away from the danger zone. The advancing sea of mud has blocked a nearby main road and is now threatening to swamp a key railway, which is to be rerouted away from the danger zone. Faced with incontrovertible evidence that polar bears are imperiled, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne agreed recently to designate polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In response, the administration is proposing to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. On Dec. 27 , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced a proposal to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act because of the loss of its sea ice habitat from global warming. Department of Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne in December proposed listing polar bears as a "threatened" species instead. Environmental activists, hunters and oil industry representatives spoke at a public hearing on whether the U.S. government should list polar bears as a threatened species. In December , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne proposed listing polar bears as a threatened species. If the polar bear were listed as a threatened species , all federal agencies would have to ensure that anything they authorize that might affect polar bears will not jeopardize their survival or the sea ice where they live. The federal government has proposed listing the polar bear as a threatened species , and the wildlife agency is receiving public comment on the proposal. Last December, Kempthorne proposed designating polar bears as a "threatened" species deserving of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act , because of melting Arctic sea ice from global warming. Warmer temperatures have caused the Arctic ice cap to melt , shrinking the bears' hunting grounds and making it increasingly difficult for them to find food. Three conservation groups sued the federal government in December 2005 seeking protections for polar bears under the law, blaming global warming for melting of sea ice , the animals' primary habitat. The Fish and Wildlife Service's review comes amid concerns that global warming is melting away the icy habitats where the animals live. In December, the Bush administration, facing a deadline under a suit by environmental groups, proposed listing polar bears throughout their range as threatened under the Endangered Species Act because the warming climate is causing a summertime retreat of sea ice that the bears use as for seal hunting. Last December, Kempthorne proposed designating polar bears as a "threatened" species deserving of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, because of melting Arctic sea ice from global warming. The administration proposed the polar bear designation only after environmental groups petitioned for it and then sued to force a decision. Two conservation groups sued the federal government Tuesday, claiming regulators are not doing enough to protect polar bears and walruses against the combined threat of energy exploration and global warming. Two conservation groups sued the federal government Tuesday , claiming regulators are not doing enough to protect polar bears and walruses against the combined threat of energy exploration and global warming. In December , the Bush administration , facing a deadline under a suit by environmental groups , proposed listing polar bears throughout their range as threatened under the Endangered Species Act because the warming climate is causing a summertime retreat of sea ice that the bears use as for seal hunting. According to NASA, the Arctic Ocean has lost about 20 percent of its sea ice since the 1970s , an area of 502,000 square miles -- twice the size of Texas. Polar bears live most of their lives on sea ice , which is diminishing in an Arctic region warming much faster than more temperate regions of the globe. "In recent years , Arctic pack ice has formed progressively later, melted earlier , and lost much of its older and thicker multiyear component," said wildlife biologist Anthony Fischbach, the study's lead author. The Fish and Wildlife Service must study how much sea ice has been lost , how fast it is melting and how that affects polar bears before Kempthorne makes a final decision by the end of the year. The administration proposed the polar bear designation only after environmental groups petitioned for it and then sued to force a decision. The study is likely to give ammunition to conservation groups that want polar bears to be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Environmentalists who petitioned for the new protections for polar bears hope that a listing would force mandatory limits to greenhouse gases. Environmentalists who petitioned for the new protections for polar bears hope that a listing would force mandatory limits to greenhouse gases. Polar bears depend on sea ice so they can travel and float to hunt seal and to reach coastal areas off Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Russia and Scandinavia. The bear is entirely dependent on sea ice , using it as a platform on which to travel, hunt and give birth. Polar bears depend on sea ice for their main prey -- ringed seals and bearded seals. Environmentalists hope that invoking the Endangered Species Act protections might eventually lead the government to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other heat-trapping "greenhouse" gases blamed for warming the atmosphere. Environmentalists are trying to use such a listing to force the United States to restrict heat-trapping gases scientists have linked to global warming as a way of limiting risks to the 22,000 or so bears in the far north. Environmentalists who petitioned for the new protections for polar bears hope that a listing would force mandatory limits to greenhouse gases. Polar bears are the kings of the Arctic , having adapted to an environment where few predators can survive. Polar bears are the kings of the Arctic , having adapted to an environment where few predators can survive. Polar bears can suffer harm from drilling, seismic work and transportation , said Earthjustice attorney Clayton Jernigan, who filed the lawsuit on behalf the California-based groups. Two conservation groups sued the federal government Tuesday, claiming regulators are not doing enough to protect polar bears and walruses against the combined threat of energy exploration and global warming. Fish and Wildlife Service appear to require government biologists or other employees traveling in countries around the Arctic not to discuss climate change, polar bears or sea ice if they are not designated to do so. The documents make the subjects of polar bears, climate change and sea ice off limits to all scientists who haven't been cleared to speak on the topics. A journalist hurled two shoes at President George W. Bush on his farewell visit to Iraq on Sunday , highlighting hostility still felt toward the outgoing US leader who acknowledged that the war is still not won. President Bush on Sunday made a valedictory visit to Iraq, the country that will largely define his legacy, but the trip will more likely be remembered for the unscripted moment when an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at Bush's head and denounced him on live television as a "dog" who had delivered death and sorrow here from nearly six years of war. The shoe-throwing incident also punctuated Bush's visit -- his fourth -- in a deeply symbolic way, reflecting the conflicted views in Iraq of a man who had toppled Saddam Hussein, ordered the occupation of the country and brought it the kind of freedoms unthinkable under Saddam's rule but at enormous costs. He then threw a shoe at Bush , who ducked and narrowly avoided it. A man threw his shoes at President George W. Bush and was dragged away by security officials during the president's farewell trip to Iraq. It was at that point the journalist stood up and threw his shoe. On a trip to Iraq shrouded in secrecy and dissent, President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed progress in the unpopular war that defines his presidency and got a size-10 reminder of opposition to his policies when a man hurled shoes at him during a news conference. The assailant -- later identified as television correspondent Muntadar al-Zeidi -- leapt from his chair and hurled his footwear at the president , who was about 20 feet away. President George W. Bush ducked a pair of shoes hurled at his head -- one shoe after the other -- in the middle of a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. But during a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Bush received a taste of the immense resentment many Iraqis feel toward his policies: Just after Bush finished his remarks and said "Thank you" in Arabic, an Iraqi journalist took off his shoes and hurled them both at Bush , one after the other. Iraqi reporter throws shoes at Bush in Baghdad BAGHDAD , Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at visiting U.S. President George W. Bush and called him a "dog" in Arabic during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Sunday. Iraqi reporter throws shoes at Bush in Baghdad BAGHDAD, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at visiting U.S. President George W. Bush and called him a "dog" in Arabic during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Sunday. Iraqi reporter throws shoe at Bush in Baghdad BAGHDAD , Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at visiting U.S. President George W. Bush and called him a "dog" in Arabic during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Sunday. Muntadhar al-Zaidi , reporter of Baghdadiya television jumped and threw his two shoes one by one at the president , who ducked and thus narrowly missed being struck, raising chaos in the hall in Baghdad's heavily fortified green Zone. Iraqi reporter throws shoe at Bush in Baghdad BAGHDAD, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at visiting U.S. President George W. Bush and called him a "dog" in Arabic during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Sunday. Muntazer al-Zaidi jumped up as Bush held a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki , shouted "It is the farewell kiss, you dog" and threw his footwear. The drama unfolded shortly after Bush appeared at a news conference in Baghdad with Prime Minister Nouri Kamal al-Maliki to highlight the newly adopted security agreement between the United States and Iraq. The drama unfolded shortly after Bush appeared at a news conference in Baghdad with Prime Minister Nouri Kamal al-Maliki to highlight the newly adopted security agreement between the United States and Iraq. The incident occurred as Bush was appearing Sunday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The incident occurred as Bush was appearing Sunday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. That shoe also narrowly missed Bush as al-Maliki stuck a hand in front of the president's face to help shield him. He then threw a shoe at Bush , who ducked and narrowly avoided it. Bush ducked, and it narrowly missed his head. Bush had to duck out of the way, and narrowly missed being hit , according to on-scene reports. Reporter of Baghdadiya television jumped and threw his two shoes one by one at the president , who ducked and thus narrowly missed the attack , raising chaos in the hall in Baghdad's heavily- fortified Green Zone. Bush ducked and wasn't hit by either shoe. Bush ducked , and it narrowly missed his head. President George W. Bush ducked a pair of shoes hurled at his head -- one shoe after the other -- in the middle of a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Reporter of Baghdadiya television jumped and threw his two shoes one by one at the president , who ducked and thus narrowly missed the attack, raising chaos in the hall in Baghdad's heavily- fortified Green Zone. Muntadhar al-Zaidi, reporter of Baghdadiya television jumped and threw his two shoes one by one at the president , who ducked and thus narrowly missed being struck, raising chaos in the hall in Baghdad's heavily fortified green Zone. "All I can report is it is a size 10 ," he said, continuing to take a few questions and noting the apologies. "All I can report," Bush joked of the incident , "is a size 10. " "If you want the facts, it was a size 10 ," he joked. "All I can report is it is a size 10 ," he said. "All I can report is it is a size 10 ," he said jokingly. President Bush on Sunday made a valedictory visit to Iraq , the country that will largely define his legacy, but the trip will more likely be remembered for the unscripted moment when an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at Bush's head and denounced him on live television as a "dog" who had delivered death and sorrow here from nearly six years of war. On a trip to Iraq shrouded in secrecy and dissent, President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed progress in the unpopular war that defines his presidency and got a size-10 reminder of opposition to his policies when a man hurled shoes at him during a news conference. Arriving in Baghdad Sunday for a farewell visit , President Bush staunchly defended a war that has taken far more time, money and lives than anticipated, saying the conflict "has not been easy" but was necessary for U.S. security, Iraqi stability and "world peace." Earlier in the day , Bush arrived Baghdad in an unannounced visit , just 36 days before he leaves office in January. The second shoe came quickly, and Bush ducked again while several Iraqis grabbed the man and dragged him to the floor. He was wrestled to the ground by security officials and then hauled away, moaning as they departed the room. as he was surrounded by security agents , who tackled him to the floor and began to beat him. Al-Maliki missed, but so did the shoe, landing like the first one with a loud thud against the wall behind the two leaders, who held their ground as other journalists and security officials wrestled the shoe-thrower to the ground. President Bush on Sunday made a valedictory visit to Iraq, the country that will largely define his legacy, but the trip will more likely be remembered for the unscripted moment when an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at Bush's head and denounced him on live television as a "dog " who had delivered death and sorrow here from nearly six years of war. Iraqi reporter throws shoes at Bush in Baghdad BAGHDAD, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at visiting U.S. President George W. Bush and called him a "dog" in Arabic during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Sunday. Iraqi reporter throws shoe at Bush in Baghdad BAGHDAD, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at visiting U.S. President George W. Bush and called him a "dog" in Arabic during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Sunday. shouted the man, later identified as Muntadar al-Zeidi , a correspondent for Al-Baghdadiya television, an Iraqi-owned station based in Cairo, Egypt. The assailant -- later identified as television correspondent Muntadar al-Zeidi -- leapt from his chair and hurled his footwear at the president, who was about 20 feet away. Later , Iraqi journalists identified him as Muntadar al-Zeidi , a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia, a satellite TV channel that broadcasts from Cairo, Egypt. Muntazer al-Zaidi jumped up as Bush held a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, shouted "It is the farewell kiss , you dog" and threw his footwear. The Iraqi journalist, Muntader al-Zaidi, 28, a correspondent for Al Baghdadia, an independent Iraqi station, stood up about 12 feet from Bush and shouted in Arabic: "This is a gift from the Iraqis; this is the farewell kiss , you dog!" "This is a farewell kiss !" "If our finding is sustained by a larger group and further analysis, it may suggest why short sleep duration is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. " Chronic sleep deprivation can do more than leave you short-tempered: it can also stress your heart and raise your risk of cardiovascular disease and death , according to a study released Wednesday. A separate study released in June by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that chronic sleep deprivation adds stress to the heart, putting a person at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Generations have praised the wisdom of getting up early in the morning, but a Japanese study says early-risers are actually at a higher risk of developing heart problems. "Now, a lot of studies show that not getting enough sleep can lower your metabolic function ; be associated with cardiovascular problems, cancer and breast cancer in women; and increase our mortality. A previous study on sleep deprivation published in 1999 in the Lancet found that less sleep resulted in impaired glucose metabolism , which affects how the body stores and processes glucose for energy. One possible explanation for these differences is that lack of sleep causes the body to burn calories less efficiently. One possible explanation for these differences is that lack of sleep causes the body to burn calories less efficiently. Sleep loss or disturbed sleep can heighten the risk for adolescents to take up smoking and drinking, according to a new study. The results showed that sleeping less than eight hours at night, frequent nightmares and difficulty initiating sleep were significantly associated with drinking. The results showed that sleeping less than eight hours at night , frequent nightmares and difficulty initiating sleep were significantly associated with drinking. Doctors rarely note the sleep problems of older patients, although two-thirds of them report these complaints, according to a new study. Chronic sleep deprivation can do more than leave you short-tempered: it can also stress your heart and raise your risk of cardiovascular disease and death, according to a study released Wednesday. But more and more children are having trouble sleeping -- and more often than not, a new study finds , treatment comes in the form of a pill. A new study by British researchers reveals that women's health is much more at risk from sleep deprivation than men's. A new study by British researchers reveals that women's health is much more at risk from sleep deprivation than men's. Sleep loss or disturbed sleep can heighten the risk for adolescents to take up smoking and drinking, according to a new study. The study found that a sleep deficit built up over just five nights can significantly impair heart function. The neurological and behavioural effects of long-term sleep loss have been well- documented, ranging from lowered concentration and hand-eye coordination to poor mood. Aside from the potential increase in body weight, sleep deprivation can have serious effects on physical and mental health. The self -administered questionnaire collected data on sleep patterns, sleep problems, smoking and drinking behavior, behavioral and emotional problems, life stress, and demographic characteristics of the adolescent and family. The self-administered questionnaire collected data on sleep patterns, sleep problems, smoking and drinking behavior, behavioral and emotional problems, life stress, and demographic characteristics of the adolescent and family. The study, covering 3,017 healthy adults aged between 23 through 90, found that early risers had a greater risk of heart conditions including hypertension and of having strokes. Among other problems , increased hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular problems , according to the researchers. The rejuvenating effects of naps has resurfaced in a new Stanford University School of Medicine study. The rejuvenating effects of naps has resurfaced in a new Stanford University School of Medicine study. He faces a total of 11 charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights and is specifically accused of aiding rebel groups which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians. He faces a total of 11 charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights and is specifically accused of aiding rebel groups which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians. He faces a total of 11 charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights and is specifically accused of aiding rebel groups which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians. He faces a total of 11 charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights and is specifically accused of aiding rebel groups which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians. The charges against Taylor stem from his alleged backing of Sierra Leonean rebels , who mutilated, raped and enslaved their victims. The charges against Taylor stem from his alleged backing of Sierra Leonean rebels , who mutilated, raped and enslaved their victims. The charges stem from Taylor's alleged arming and training of rebels in Sierra Leone during the later years of their insurgency. He is specifically accused of aiding the Revolutionary United Front rebel group which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians during the 1991-2001 civil war that killed up to 200,000 people in Sierra Leone. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to allegations that he armed and trained rebels responsible for a campaign of terror, murder, mutilation, rape and enslavement in Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war. Taylor , 59, is to go on trial June 4 on 11 charges, including terrorism, murder, rape, sexual slavery, mutilation and recruiting child soldiers linked to his alleged support for rebels in Sierra Leone's brutal civil war. He faces a life sentence if convicted. He faces a life sentence if convicted. He faces a life sentence if convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He faces a life sentence if convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He faces a life sentence if convicted. He faces a life sentence if convicted. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He has pleaded innocent and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He has pleaded innocent and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Earlier this week , the Special Court for Sierra Leone set June 4 as the start date for Taylor's trial , which is expected to take up to a year to complete. Rapp said he expected the trial to begin June 4 as planned. Rapp said he expected the trial to begin June 4 as planned. The trial is expected to start June 4 in The Hague , Netherlands. Taylor goes on trial on June 4 at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. An April 25 ruling that was posted on the Special Court for Sierra Leone's Web site this week said Taylor's trial will begin as planned on June 4 but will be adjourned until June 25 after prosecutors deliver their opening statement. The trial, which was moved to The Hague to the premises of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for security reasons is set to start in June and the defence is trying to get a more senior lawyer on board, Khan said. Taylor , 59, is to go on trial June 4 on 11 charges, including terrorism, murder, rape, sexual slavery, mutilation and recruiting child soldiers linked to his alleged support for rebels in Sierra Leone's brutal civil war. Lawyers for former Liberian president Charles Taylor , on trial at a UN-backed court in The Hague for alleged war crimes, demanded Friday more time to construct his defence. "I need more time to prepare ," Taylor's British lawyer Karim Khan had told the hearing which Taylor himself did not attend because of a bad back. Last week , Taylor's lawyers told the court they needed more time to prepare his defense. Defense attorneys are considering appealing, arguing that they still do not have enough time to prepare their case. Defense attorneys are considering appealing , arguing that they still do not have enough time to prepare their case. Taylor's lawyers are seeking to appeal the decision setting the start date for the trial, arguing that they have not had enough time to prepare. They also demanded more time to prepare their case , but were turned down. Former Liberian President Charles Taylor was to appear in court Friday for a preliminary hearing ahead of his trial on charges of overseeing a campaign to terrorize Sierra Leoneans with a campaign of murder, mutilation, rape and enslavement. Former Liberian President Charles Taylor was to appear in court Friday for a preliminary hearing ahead of his trial on charges of overseeing a campaign to terrorize Sierra Leoneans with a campaign of murder, mutilation, rape and enslavement. Former Liberian President Charles Taylor will not be ready for the start of his trial in June on charges of overseeing a campaign of terror, murder, mutilation, rape and enslavement in West Africa , his lawyer told a judge Friday. Taylor is charged with overseeing a campaign of terror, murder, mutilation, rape and enslavement in neighboring Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war. Taylor is charged with overseeing a campaign of terror, murder, mutilation, rape and enslavement in neighboring Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war. Taylor is accused of orchestrating war crimes in Sierra Leone while he was leader of neighboring West African state Liberia. He faces a total of 11 charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights and is specifically accused of aiding rebel groups which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians. He faces a total of 11 charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights and is specifically accused of aiding rebel groups which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the killing and mistreatment of thousands of people during Sierra Leone's bloody 10-year civil war, many hacked to death with machetes. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the killing and mistreatment of thousands of people during Sierra Leone's bloody 10-year civil war. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the killing and mistreatment of thousands of people in Sierra Leone. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to allegations that he armed and trained rebels responsible for a campaign of terror, murder, mutilation, rape and enslavement in Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war. The trial of the ex-warlord, the biggest case before the UN-backed court due to start in April , was moved out of Freetown and to the premises of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to avoid stirring unrest in strife-prone west Africa. The former warlord-turned-president has been indicted by the United Nations- backed Special Court for Sierra Leone on charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights. The former warlord-turned-president has been indicted by the United Nations- backed Special Court for Sierra Leone on charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights. The former warlord-turned-president has been indicted by the United Nations- backed Special Court for Sierra Leone on charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights. The former warlord-turned-president has been indicted by the United Nations- backed Special Court for Sierra Leone on charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of international human rights. The former Liberian leader will be tried in The Hague by a special chamber of the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone , for security reasons. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the killing and mistreatment of thousands of people during Sierra Leone's bloody 10-year civil war , many hacked to death with machetes. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the killing and mistreatment of thousands of people during Sierra Leone's bloody 10-year civil war. Taylor has pleaded innocent to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the killing and mistreatment of thousands of people in Sierra Leone. He is specifically accused of aiding the Revolutionary United Front rebel group which murdered, enslaved and mutilated civilians during the 1991-2001 civil war that killed up to 200,000 people in Sierra Leone. Taylor was moved out of Freetown and to the premises in The Hague to avoid stirring unrest in strife-prone west Africa. Taylor was moved out of Freetown and to the premises in The Hague to avoid stirring unrest in strife-prone west Africa. The Sierra Leone requested that the case be moved to The Hague for fear the former warlord's trial could provoke unrest in West Africa. The Sierra Leone requested that the case be moved to The Hague for fear the former warlord's trial could provoke unrest in West Africa. Earlier this week, the Special Court for Sierra Leone set June 4 as the start date for Taylor's trial, which is expected to take up to a year to complete. The trial was expected to take up to a year. The trial was expected to take up to a year. Raising vitamin D levels by taking supplements and absorbing a little bit of sunshine each day may help prevent colorectal and breast cancers , said two studies published Tuesday. Raising vitamin D levels by taking supplements and absorbing a little bit of sunshine each day may help prevent colorectal and breast cancers, said two studies published Tuesday. A U.S. research team has found that increased exposure to sunlight -- which increases levels of vitamin D in the body -- may decrease the risk of advanced breast cancer, according to a study reported Friday in the latest issue of American Journal of Epidemiology. "We believe that sunlight helps to reduce women's risk of breast cancer because the body manufactures the active form of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight ," said Esther John, lead researcher on the study from the Northern California Cancer Center. Vitamin D3 is available through diet, supplements and exposure of the skin to sunlight, or ultraviolet B (UVB). This would be best achieved with a combination of diet, supplements and 10 to 15 minutes per day in the sun ," said study co-author Edward Gorham. Vitamin D3 is available through diet, supplements and exposure of the skin to sunlight. "If future studies continue to show reductions in breast cancer risk associated with sun exposure, increasing vitamin D intake from diet and supplements may be the safest solution to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D ," said Gary Schwartz, a co-researcher from Wake Forest University. He also said he thinks it 's too early to recommend using vitamin D to prevent cancer. Adequate intake of vitamin D may help prevent cancer , according to a new study. Building hope for one pill to prevent many cancers, vitamin D cut the risk of several types of cancer by 60 percent overall for older women in the most rigorous study yet. In a story about a study suggesting vitamin D lowers cancer risk in older women , The Associated Press reported that an American Cancer Society doctor favors keeping current vitamin D guidelines of 200 to 600 international units daily. Two new vitamin D studies have revealed new prescriptions for possibly preventing up to half of the cases of breast cancer and two-thirds of the cases of colorectal cancer in the United States. Two new vitamin D studies have revealed new prescriptions for possibly preventing up to half of the cases of breast cancer and two-thirds of the cases of colorectal cancer in the United States. A U.S. research team has found that increased exposure to sunlight -- which increases levels of vitamin D in the body -- may decrease the risk of advanced breast cancer, according to a study reported Friday in the latest issue of American Journal of Epidemiology. The researchers from the Northern California Cancer Center, the University of Southern California, and Wake Forest University found that women with high sun exposure had half the risk of developing advanced breast cancer , which is cancer that has spread beyond the breast, compared to women with low sun exposure. "For the first time , we are saying that 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented each year worldwide, including nearly 150,000 in the United States alone ," said Cedric F.Garland, a cancer prevention specialist at UCSD. A number of 600,000 cases a year of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented each year if vitamin D3 levels met the target proposed by researchers, said the study by researchers at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is found in food and is made in the body because sunlight's UV rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is found in food and is made in the body because sunlight's UV rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. The colorectal cancer research, published online in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, analyzed five studies on 1,448 individuals that explored the association of blood levels of vitamin D with colon cancer risk. Might higher levels of vitamin D in the blood lower the likelihood of developing this cancer? "The serum level associated with a 50 percent reduction in risk could be maintained by taking 2,000 international units of vitamin D3 daily plus , when the weather permits, spending 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun." "We project a two-thirds reduction in incidence with serum levels of 46ng/ml , which corresponds to a daily intake of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3. Initial investigations showed bad weather was likely to blame. Initial investigations showed bad weather was likely to blame. Officials say bad weather was the cause of the accident. Officials say bad weather was the cause of the accident. Officials say bad weather was the cause of the accident. Officials say bad weather was the cause of the accident. Initial investigations showed bad weather was likely to blame. Initial investigations showed bad weather was likely to blame. Officials say bad weather was the cause of the accident. Officials say bad weather was the cause of the accident. Initial investigations showed it was likely that bad weather was to blame. Initial investigations showed it was likely that bad weather was to blame. Preliminary investigations show bad weather was to blame for the accident , transport safety officials have said, as they continue to collect data. Fishermen and search and rescue teams have thus far found around 200 survivors following the sinking of the ferry off the coast of Java late Friday with some 600 on board, officials said. Fishermen and search and rescue teams have thus far found around 200 survivors following the sinking of the ferry off the coast of Java late Friday with some 600 on board, officials said. So far, more than 150 people have been found alive , either packed into lifeboats, clinging on to debris or on beaches after swimming ashore, officials say. Radjasa said 628 people were on board, based on the manifest, and that 191 survivors had been found alive either packed into lifeboats , clinging on to debris or on beaches after swimming ashore. Transport Minister Hatta Radjasa said Monday nearly 200 had been found alive and vowed to keep up search and rescue efforts for at least a week , as an air force plane dropped food and water to some survivors stranded in the Java Sea. Navy ships, fishermen and search and rescue teams have found more than 200 survivors since the ferry sank late Friday with some 600 on board. Radjasa said 628 people were on board, based on the manifest, and that 191 survivors had been found alive either packed into lifeboats , clinging on to debris or on beaches after swimming ashore. Transport Minister Hatta Radjasa said Monday nearly 200 had been found alive and vowed to keep up search and rescue efforts for at least a week , as an air force plane dropped food and water to some survivors stranded in the Java Sea. Nearly 200 have been found alive so far , and authorities say they will keep searching until next Sunday. Navy ships, fishermen and search and rescue teams have found more than 200 survivors since the ferry sank late Friday with some 600 people on board. Nearly 200 have been found alive since the ferry sinking and authorities say they will keep searching until Sunday. Navy ships, fishermen and search and rescue teams have found more than 200 survivors since the ferry sank late Friday with some 600 people on board. Weeping relatives waited for news of loved ones who were on a packed ferry that sank during a violent storm in central Indonesia as rescue boats Monday picked up scores of corpses and prepared to bring them ashore, official said. Weeping relatives camped out at ports and a local hospital, desperate for news of the some 400 still missing from the ferry when it sank during a violent storm minutes before midnight Friday. Bloated bodies washed up along Indonesia's coastline days after a ferry sank in stormy weather leaving 400 people missing , but rescue teams refused to give up hope with survivors still being found in life-rafts, some desperately waving their arms. Bloated bodies washed up along Indonesia's coastline days after a ferry sank in stormy weather leaving 400 people missing , but rescuers refused to give up hope with survivors still being found in life-rafts, some desperately waving their arms. Bad weather on Tuesday prevented search aircraft from looking for more survivors from an Indonesian ferry that sank in stormy weather as 400 people remained missing days after the disaster. Dozens of survivors who drifted at sea for three days were picked up by fishing boats Tuesday after a ferry sunk in a storm off central Indonesia , an official said. Indonesian navy ships Wednesday battled storms and gale force winds to rescue 13 survivors of a ferry disaster, with hundreds still missing five days after the ship sank in a storm off Java island. Weeping relatives waited for news of loved ones who were on a packed ferry that sank during a violent storm in central Indonesia as rescue boats Monday picked up scores of corpses and prepared to bring them ashore, official said. More than 150 people have been rescued and dozens of bodies have either been spotted or collected , authorities say. Rescue ships collected scores of bloated corpses Monday from seas close to where an Indonesian ferry sank in the Java Sea, but search teams also spotted survivors on life rafts and dropped food and water to them, officials said. Dozens of bodies have either been spotted or collected. Dozens of bodies have either been spotted or collected. Search teams said by late Monday about 100 bodies had been recovered. Search teams said by late Monday about 100 bodies had been recovered. The Senopati Nusantara went down before midnight Friday after being pounded by heavy waves for more than 10 hours on a journey from the Indonesian section of Borneo island to the country's main island of Java. The Senopati Nusantara went down before midnight Friday after being pounded by heavy waves for more than 10 hours on a journey from the Indonesian section of Borneo island to the country's main island of Java. The Senopati Nusantara sank quickly after being pounded by heavy waves for more than 10 hours on a journey from the Indonesian section of Borneo island to the country's main island of Java. The Senopati Nusantara sank quickly after being pounded by heavy waves for more than 10 hours as it neared the end of a two-day journey from the Indonesian section of Borneo island to the country's main island of Java. The Senopati Nusantara sank quickly after being pounded by heavy waves for more than 10 hours as it neared the end of a two-day journey from the Indonesian section of Borneo island to the country's main island of Java. The Senopati Nusantara sank quickly after being pounded by heavy waves for more than 10 hours as it neared the end of a two-day journey from the Indonesian section of Borneo island to the country's main island of Java. The Senopati Nusantara sank after being pounded by heavy waves for more than 10 hours as it neared the end of a two-day journey from the Indonesian section of Borneo island to the country's main island of Java. Indonesian navy ships on Monday renewed efforts to reach survivors of a ferry disaster who spent a third night on the open sea as continuing rough weather hindered the search for hundreds still missing. Bad weather on Tuesday prevented search aircraft from looking for more survivors from an Indonesian ferry that sank in stormy weather as 400 people remained missing days after the disaster. Bad weather and rough seas , which have hampered rescue operations , would persist this week from Java to Timor, meteorologists said. Strong winds and poor visibility prevented search aircraft from taking to the skies to search for about 400 people still missing, but ships continued to patrol the waters off Java, near the site where the boat went down. Strong winds and poor visibility prevented search aircraft from taking to the skies to search for about 400 people still missing , but ships continued to patrol the waters off Java, near the site where the boat went down. Survivors have been spotted on liferafts but bad weather and huge waves have been hampering efforts to pluck them to safety after days on the open sea. Warships , fishing vessels and helicopters have braved continuing bad weather and rough seas to scour the waters off the north coast of Java since the "Senopati Nusantara" (Archipelago Commander) sank. A fleet of ships and aircraft kept up their search for at least 400 people still missing after spending three nights in the Java Sea amid high waves. Ships and rescue teams scoured rough seas off Indonesia for hundreds of people still missing after a ferry disaster off Java island, as more weary survivors were plucked to safety. Warships , fishing vessels and helicopters have braved continuing bad weather and rough seas to scour the waters off the north coast of Java since the "Senopati Nusantara" (Archipelago Commander) sank. Ships and rescue teams scoured rough seas off Indonesia for hundreds of people still missing after a ferry disaster off Java island, as more weary survivors were plucked to safety. The ill-fated ferry was en route from Kumai on Borneo island to the Javanese port city of Semarang when it sank. "I thought I was going to die there and then," said Syahrul, a 21-year-old palm plantation worker who was on the 3rd floor of the ship when it suddenly veered to the left and began sinking. The ferry was en route from Kumai on Borneo island to the Javanese port city of Semarang when it sank. The ferry was en route from Kumai on Borneo island to the Javanese port city of Semarang when it sank. The vessel was carrying 542 passengers and 57 crew when it sank. The ferry, which was built in Japan in 1992 , had a capacity of 850 people, but the transport minister earlier said it had 638 people on board based on the manifest. The ferry, which was built in Japan in 1992 , had a capacity of 850 people, but the transport minister earlier said it had 638 people on board based on the manifest. The ferry, which was built in Japan in 1992 , had a capacity of 850 people. The ferry, which was built in Japan in 1992 , had a capacity of 850 people. The ferry, which was built in Japan in 1992 , had a capacity of 850 people. Ships and rescue teams scoured rough seas off Indonesia for hundreds of people still missing after a ferry disaster off Java island, as more weary survivors were plucked to safety. Ships and rescue teams scoured rough seas off Indonesia for hundreds of people still missing after a ferry disaster off Java island, as more weary survivors were plucked to safety. Dozens of survivors who drifted at sea for three days were picked up by fishing boats Tuesday after a ferry sunk in a storm off central Indonesia, an official said. Another 27 survivors were rescued elsewhere off the Java coast Tuesday. It's all part of a complicated experiment to find a new way to save Florida's vast coral reefs , which lately have been dying from everything from shipwrecks to pollution to climate change. But pollution, warming waters from climate change, commercial fishing, development and ship groundings are jeopardizing them. But the world's second-largest barrier reef , the Mesoamerican Reef in the Caribbean, is seriously endangered by coastal development, runoff, and pollution. But increasingly, divers and snorkelers are swimming over bleached hunks of coral devastated by shore runoff or overfishing.From the South Pacific to the Caribbean, coral reefs -- which are among the most delicate of marine ecosystems -- are bearing the brunt of climate change and other human-driven activities -- including coastal development, deforestation, and unrestricted tourism. The UN wildlife trade organisation imposed strict limits Wednesday on the global trade of pink and red coral , severely depleted by commercial exploitation. The UN wildlife trade organisation back-tracked Friday and removed restrictions it had imposed days earlier on the global trade in coral species severely depleted by commercial exploitation. On Wednesday the 171-nation Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) had placed 26 species in the Corallium genus on its Appendix II, protecting them from the unregulated trade which has decimated coral stocks around the world. In some parts of the world, corallium is still harvested using trawl nets dragged along the seabed -- a practice that devastates the coral. In the Mediterranean, it is gathered by scuba divers but in some other parts of the world fishermen still use trawl nets dragged along the seabed -- a practice that devastates the coral. But increasingly, divers and snorkelers are swimming over bleached hunks of coral devastated by shore runoff or overfishing. From the South Pacific to the Caribbean, coral reefs -- which are among the most delicate of marine ecosystems -- are bearing the brunt of climate change and other human-driven activities -- including coastal development, deforestation, and unrestricted tourism. Vesuvius volcano on Italy's Mediterranean coast, who have harvested the coral for generations and turned it into art works and jewelry. But the ones most often exploited to make jewelry and art objects are red and pink coral, found throughout the world's tropical and temperate seas but harvested mainly in the Mediterranean and Western Pacific. Red coral, also known by its Latin name corallium, is a slow-growing deep-sea coral that grows all over the world but is harvested mainly in the Mediterranean and parts of the Pacific. The trade in the slow-growing, deep sea coral is now so widespread that there are fears for its survival. The global wildlife trade watchdog agreed Wednesday to regulate sales of red coral , which conservationists say is under threat from overfishing for the jewelry industry. The requests also include an attempt by the United States to control the trade in pink coral for the first time, because of the overexploitation of tropical coral reefs which have been rendered fragile and bleached by climate change. Caribbean coral species essential to the region's reef ecosystems are at risk of extinction as a result of climate change , according to a new marine life study released Thursday. Pink coral, cedar trees, types of fish eaten in Europe and a cuddly, wide-eyed mammal that is prized in Asian medicine are among the animal and plant species that could gain greater protection this year, a UN agency said Wednesday. Reefs are not only a big attraction for divers and tourists, but they also are the backbone of an ecosystem that supports a wide diversity of fish and other undersea life. Caribbean coral species essential to the region's reef ecosystems are at risk of extinction as a result of climate change, according to a new marine life study released Thursday. Caribbean coral species essential to the region's reef ecosystems are at risk of extinction as a result of climate change, according to a new marine life study released Thursday. With a finished necklace retailing for up to 20,000 dollars (15,000 euros), red corals are among the world's most expensive wildlife commodities. A finished necklace of red coral retails for up to 20,000 dollars (15,000 euros), making the sea animal one of the world's most expensive wildlife commodities. The United Nations agency regulating the trade in endangered species , CITES, unveiled some 40 new government proposals for changes to wildlife trade rules which will be considered at the organisation's conference in June. All 26 species in the Corallium genus will now be protected by the 171-nation Conference on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates the world trade in wildlife. The turtle -- which is designated as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union -- since been turned over to district fisheries office and it will raised in captivity, the WWF said. The World Conservation lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered , while the Green turtle is also endangered. The World Conservation lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered , while the Green turtle is also endangered. The World Conservation Union lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered , while the Green turtle is also endangered. The World Conservation Union lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered , while the Green turtle is also endangered. The World Conservation Union lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered , while the Green turtle is also endangered. The zoo is the only facility in the world successfully breeding the Arakan forest turtle, a species native to Myanmar that is on the list of the world's most critically endangered species. The turtles -- which can be found in other parts of Asia along the Andaman Coast and the South China Sea -- have seen their numbers reduced drastically in recent years mostly due to poaching of their eggs, pollution and habitat loss. China is a major importer of turtles from Asia for food and medicinal purposes and aggressive illegal poaching in Southeast Asian countries has seen sea turtle numbers falling. China is a major importer of turtles from Asia for food and medicinal purposes and aggressive illegal poaching in Southeast Asian countries has seen sea turtle numbers falling. China is a major importer of turtles from Asia for food and medicinal purposes, and aggressive poaching in Southeast Asian countries has seen sea turtle numbers falling. China is a major importer of turtles from Asia for food and medicinal purposes, and aggressive poaching in Southeast Asian countries has seen sea turtle numbers falling. Seventeen Chinese nationals in a wildlife poaching outfit have been caught with 240 protected turtles , most of them dead, in the second such seizure this week, police said Thursday. The arrests follow a similar incident Monday off Sabah's waters, where marine police detained 19 Chinese nationals from Hainan with 78 turtles, most of them dead as well. On March 26 they caught 19 Chinese nationals , also from Hainan, with nearly 80 turtles, most of which were also dead. The 13 Chinese were part of an original group of 19 captured by marine police on March 26 with 47 Green turtles and 29 Hawksbill turtles. Turtles are hunted in Malaysia for their meat and valuable shell , but many also die after getting entangled in fishing nets in open seas. Turtles are poached for their shell , for decorative items and meat, which is believed in many Asian cultures to have medicinal value. Turtles are hunted in Malaysia for their meat and shell , but many die after getting entangled in fishing nets in open seas. Turtles are poached for their shells to be made into decorative items, and for their meat, which is believed in many Asian cultures to have medicinal value. "Not only have they encroached into our waters, they were catching internationally protected turtles. " A Malaysian court jailed 17 Chinese fishermen from southern Hainan province for 18 months each for poaching hundreds of protected turtles , officials said Thursday. A Malaysian court Friday jailed a group of 13 Chinese fishermen for 18 months each for poaching nearly 80 protected turtles , officials said. Hundreds of endangered sea turtles have been found dead along Bangladesh's coast over the past two weeks , triggering concerns about pollution and local fishing practices, an official said Thursday. Hundreds of endangered sea turtles have been found dead along Bangladesh's coast over the past two weeks, triggering concerns about pollution and local fishing practices , an official said Thursday. Hundreds more dead turtles have been found elsewhere in the area , and on a pair of islands. Marine police on Wednesday stopped a fishing boat from China's Hainan province near the coast of Malaysia's eastern Sabah state and found more than 200 protected green and hawksbill turtle species on board, The Star and the New Straits Times reported. The same court also jailed nine Vietnamese fishermen for six months each for illegally fishing off the eastern state of Sabah , prosecuting officer Mohammad Yusoff Anthony of the Sabah state fisheries department told The Associated Press. They were the second group of fishermen from China's Hainan island jailed this week for turtle poaching off the waters of Malaysia's eastern Sabah state , with 17 men sentenced on Wednesday for catching 274 of the creatures. The poachers were caught by Malaysian marine police on March 28 in waters off the coast of eastern Sabah state with a catch of 274 protected Hawksbill and Green turtles, only 32 of which were still alive. He said Malaysian marine police seized the turtles from the Hainan fishermen's trawler late last month after they were caught in the waters off Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island. He said Malaysian marine police seized the turtles from the Hainan fishermen's trawler late last month after they were caught in the waters off Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island. The World Conservation lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered, while the Green turtle is also endangered. The World Conservation Union lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered, while the Green turtle is also endangered. The World Conservation Union lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered, while the Green turtle is also endangered. Both green and hawksbill turtles are listed as endangered by global conservation group WWF. Both green and hawksbill turtles are listed as endangered by global conservation group WWF. Both green and hawksbill turtles are listed as endangered by global conservation group WWF. The police said two men were arrested. The police said two men were arrested. Early Sunday , after a day of fast-moving developments , the London police announced that two people had been arrested in Cheshire, in northwest England, "in connection with the events in London and Scotland. " Two people were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. Two people were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. British police arrested two people in northern England in connection with the attempted attacks in London and Glasgow, police said Sunday. The two suspects were arrested in the county of Cheshire by counter-terrorism officers , London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement. British police arrested two people in northern England in connection with the attempted attacks in London and Glasgow, police said Sunday. The two suspects were arrested in the county of Cheshire by counter-terrorism officers , London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement. "Police have this evening arrested two people in connection with events in London and Scotland on the 29th and 30th of June ," said the statement, without giving details. "Police have this evening arrested two people in connection with events in London and Scotland on the 29th and 30th of June," said the statement, without giving details. Two people in the car, including one suffering severe burns , were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. A burning car was driven at the front of the main terminal building at Glasgow Airport , at around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. A burning car was driven at the front of the main terminal building at Glasgow Airport , at around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. What's more, he said , the burning Cherokee jeep which crashed into the main terminal building at the Glasgow Airport on Saturday afternoon is now in "highly unstable condition at the scene of attack. " Glasgow Airport was evacuated and closed after a burning car crashed into the main terminal building on Saturday afternoon. A burning Jeep Cherokee crashed into the main terminal building at Glasgow Airport on Saturday afternoon. A blazing car crashed into the terminal building at Glasgow Airport in Scotland on Saturday , police said. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed Saturday that an incident in which a blazing jeep rammed into a terminal at Scotland's Glasgow airport was "an attack ", as he justified raising the security threat level to "critical". Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed Saturday that an incident in which a blazing jeep rammed into a terminal at Scotland's Glasgow airport was "an attack ", as he justified raising the security threat level to "critical". British Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed Saturday that an incident in which a blazing jeep rammed into a terminal at Scotland's Glasgow airport was "an attack ", as he justified raising the security threat level to "critical". Britain's threat level was set at "critical ," meaning that a further attack was considered imminent. Britain's national security alert level has been raised to "critical ," the highest rating, in the wake of a car crash at Glasgow Airport on Saturday afternoon, according to the Home Office. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged the public on Saturday night to remain vigilant and support the police after the national security alert level was raised to "critical ". British Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged the public on Saturday night to remain vigilant and support the police after the national security alert level was raised to "critical. " British Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed Saturday that an incident in which a blazing jeep rammed into a terminal at Scotland's Glasgow airport was "an attack", as he justified raising the security threat level to "critical ". Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed Saturday that an incident in which a blazing jeep rammed into a terminal at Scotland's Glasgow airport was "an attack", as he justified raising the security threat level to "critical ". British Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed Saturday that an incident in which a blazing jeep rammed into a terminal at Scotland's Glasgow airport was "an attack", as he justified raising the security threat level to "critical ". Britain's senior police officer said here on Saturday night that the attack at Glasgow airport was linked to events in London where two car bombs were defused on Friday. On Friday , police foiled a car bomb plot in central London after they discovered explosives packed into a car outside a nightclub near Piccadilly Circus and another car parked nearby. On Friday , police foiled a car bomb plot in central London after they discovered explosives packed into a car outside a nightclub near Piccadilly Circus and another car parked nearby. The incident came just a day after police foiled car bomb attacks in London. The incident came just a day after police foiled car bomb attacks in London. Speaking after an emergency meeting of senior ministers and intelligence chiefs, he praised the emergency services for their response to foiling two car bomb attacks in London Friday and "now today the attack in Glasgow". Speaking after an emergency meeting of senior ministers and intelligence chiefs, he praised the emergency services for their response to foiling two car bomb attacks in London Friday and "now today the attack in Glasgow." A British security official , speaking in return for customary anonymity, said the heightened level reflected an assessment that the London and Glasgow attacks were "linked in some ways and, therefore, there are clearly individuals who have the capability and intent to carry out further attacks." A British security official , who like many other officials who disclosed information insisted on anonymity, said Saturday that the heightened level reflected an assessment that the London and Glasgow cases were "linked in some ways and, therefore, there are clearly individuals who have the capability and intent to carry out further attacks." A British security official, who like many other officials who disclosed information insisted on anonymity, said Saturday that the heightened level reflected an assessment that the London and Glasgow cases were "linked in some ways and, therefore, there are clearly individuals who have the capability and intent to carry out further attacks." Britain's senior police officer said here on Saturday night that the attack at Glasgow airport was linked to events in London where two car bombs were defused on Friday. Peter Clarke , deputy assistant commissioner of the anti-terrorism branch at the Metropolitan Police, said the attack at Glasgow airport was linked to the incident in London. Senior police officers said the attack at Glasgow airport was linked to the incident in London , adding that all three vehicles had carried large amounts of flammable materials. The Home Office has also ordered security to be tightened , Sky news reported. The Home Office has also ordered security to be tightened across the country. The Home Office has also ordered security to be tightened across the country. Britain's Home Office has also ordered security to be tightened across the country. Britain's Home Office has also ordered security to be tightened across the country. Willie Rae , the chief constable of the Strathclyde area around Glasgow, called Saturday's attack an act of terrorism. The incident is now treated as a terrorist attack. The incident is now treated as a terrorist attack. The incident is now treated as a terrorist attack. Shortly after the incident , which police described as a terrorist attack , vehicle access was closed at New Castle and Edinburgh airports on a heightened state of alert, while armed police closed off Blackpool airport at the west coast of Britain. Britain's threat level was set at "critical," meaning that a further attack was considered imminent. This means imminent attack is expected. The highest security alert level means imminent attack is expected. The highest security alert level means imminent attack is expected. Two people were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. Two people were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. Glasgow Airport was evacuated and closed after a burning car crashed into the main terminal building on Saturday afternoon. Two people in the car, including one suffering severe burns, were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. Two people were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. Two people were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. Glasgow Airport was evacuated and closed after a burning car crashed into the main terminal building on Saturday afternoon. Two people in the car, including one suffering severe burns, were arrested and the airport was evacuated and closed following the incident. In the latest study , conducted in Africa and published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, women who took the herpes drug valacyclovir had less HIV in their blood and in their genital secretions. A study carried out by British researchers has revealed that a drug designed to combat genital herpes can reduce levels of HIV in the blood by 70 percent and also appears to reduce levels of HIV in the genital tract. A study carried out by British researchers has revealed that a drug designed to combat genital herpes can reduce levels of HIV in the blood by 70 percent and also appears to reduce levels of HIV in the genital tract. A study carried out by British researchers has revealed that a drug designed to combat genital herpes can reduce levels of HIV in the blood by 70 percent and also appears to reduce levels of HIV in the genital tract. Previous studies have shown that herpes infections can triple a person's chance of acquiring HIV and can make HIV-positive individuals more infectious. Previous studies have shown that herpes infections can triple a person's chance of acquiring HIV and can make HIV-positive individuals more infectious. Previous studies have shown that herpes infections can triple a person's chance of acquiring HIV and can make HIV-positive individuals more infectious. Many people with HIV are also infected with the herpes type 2 virus, and scientists have long known that herpes sores on the genitals can make it easier to become infected with the AIDS virus and could increase the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Treating genital herpes can also help keep the AIDS virus under control in women with both infections, and might reduce the spread of HIV as well, the first major study to test this strategy suggests. The herpes medication, valacyclovir, and other herpes drugs , might dramatically reduce the spread of HIV , according to the researchers. The women who received valacyclovir also had half as many copies of HIV in their genital tracts compared to those who received the placebo, suggesting that valacyclovir has the potential to reduce the spread of HIV , Mayaud said. Researchers recently found that circumcision lowers the risk of spreading HIV , and they hope the same will prove true of treating herpes. Trials showing that male circumcision more than halves the risk of HIV infection are published in The Lancet on Friday, giving the seal of approval to calls for circumcision to be cautiously launched as an AIDS prevention strategy. Circumcision has long been suspected of reducing men's susceptibility to HIV infection because the cells in the foreskin of the penis are especially vulnerable to the virus. A highly drug-resistant form of tuberculosis has killed about 85 percent of South African HIV patients who have become infected, presenting one of the most worrisome problems in HIV and tuberculosis control, researchers reported Sunday. A highly drug-resistant form of tuberculosis has killed about 85 percent of South African HIV patients who have become infected , presenting one of the most worrisome problems in HIV and tuberculosis control, researchers reported Sunday. Malawi has started a process of formulating a law that will protect people from deliberate and malicious infection of HIV , a senior government official disclosed on Friday. She said Malawi needed an HIV/AIDS law that would ably protect people from malicious HIV infection especially in cases of rape or other sexual abuses, adding that the current legal framework had huge loopholes in addressing such issues. Researchers have halted two studies of an anti-AIDS vaginal gel in Africa and India after early results suggested it might raise the risk of HIV infection instead of lowering it. Researchers testing cellulose sulphate found that women who used the gel ran a higher risk of HIV infection compared with those who used a dummy lookalike, or placebo. Researchers have halted two studies of an anti-AIDS vaginal gel in Africa and India after early results suggested it might raise the risk of HIV infection instead of lowering it. Apart from South Africa, the trial had also been conducted in India, Uganda and Benin. Twenty-two women who took part in recent trials for a gel designed to prevent HIV infection during intercourse have contracted the virus , South Africa's health ministry said on Wednesday. "We have found that about 22 women from the 604 participants at the trial site in KwaZulu-Natal were infected by the AIDS virus," health spokesman , Sibani Mngadi told AFP. Trials showing that male circumcision more than halves the risk of HIV infection are published in The Lancet on Friday , giving the seal of approval to calls for circumcision to be cautiously launched as an AIDS prevention strategy. The results were confirmed by further tests carried out by the United States' National Institutes of Health and published Friday in The Lancet. The implosion of a Wall Street firm whose owner is accused in a $50 billion swindle left regulators scrambling to seize control of its assets Friday as dozens of investors worried that they had gone from rich to poor overnight. Prosecutors allege that Madoff, a decades-long veteran of Wall Street and pillar of the US financial community, confessed to losing at least 50 billion dollars in the so-called Ponzi scheme, or pyramid fraud. Prosecutors allege that Madoff , a decades-long veteran of Wall Street and pillar of the US financial community, confessed to losing at least 50 billion dollars in the so-called Ponzi scheme, or pyramid fraud. Madoff is charged with stealing as much as $50 billion , in part to cover a pattern of massive losses, even as he cultivated a reputation as a financial mastermind and prominent philanthropist. Madoff is alleged to have lost 50 billion dollars in a giant pyramid scheme that collapsed in the global financial crisis. Madoff is alleged to have lost 50 billion dollars in a giant pyramid scheme that collapsed in the global financial crisis and top European banks are reported to be clients. Madoff was arrested on Thursday for allegedly defrauding his customers through a giant pyramid scheme, with prosecutors alleging that the 70-year-old, a decades- long veteran of Wall Street, confessed to losing at least 50 billion dollars in the so-called Ponzi scheme. The 70-year-old Madoff was arrested Thursday in what prosecutors say was a $50 billion scheme by the Wall Street veteran to defraud investors. New Jersey U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg is on the growing list of potential victims of what prosecutors are calling a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme run by New York money manager Bernard Madoff. Madoff, a respected Wall Street money manger, was detained Thursday in what prosecutors say was a $50 billion scheme to defraud investors. Madoff was arrested on Thursday for allegedly defrauding his customers through a giant pyramid scheme, with prosecutors alleging that the 70-year-old, a decades- long veteran of Wall Street, confessed to losing at least 50 billion dollars in the so-called Ponzi scheme. The private Swiss bank Reichmuth & Co says it has 385 million Swiss francs ($327 million) at risk in the case of U.S. financier Bernard L. Madoff, who has been accused of securities fraud. He has been accused by U.S. authorities of running a phony investment business that lost at least $50 billion. According to a criminal complaint filed with the court, Madoff told senior employees of his firm Wednesday that he had blown more than $50 billion with fraudulent financial moves, that he was "finished" and that he had "absolutely nothing." According to a criminal complaint filed with the court , Madoff told senior employees of his firm Wednesday that he had blown more than $50 billion with fraudulent financial moves, that he was "finished" and that he had "absolutely nothing." But on Thursday, Madoff was charged with securities fraud after confessing to his sons that his business was a Ponzi scheme, according to a complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is the second private Swiss bank to acknowledge having investments in funds managed by Madoff. French bank BNP Paribas has estimated its risk exposure to hedge funds managed by arrested Wall Street trader Bernard Madoff could lead to euro350 million ($466.9 million) in losses. Spain's largest bank, Santander, said Sunday an investment fund subsidiary may have lost more than three billion dollars in the scandal involving New York trader Bernard Madoff , and other major European lenders admitted they too have suffered. Banks and financial authorities across Europe scrambled Sunday to uncover the scope of losses suffered at the hands of New York investment broker Bernard Madoff. It may be the largest fraud in the history of Wall Street , authorities said. The epicenter of what may be the largest Ponzi scheme in history was the 17th floor of the Lipstick Building , an oval red-granite building rising 34 floors above Third Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Madoff is alleged to have lost 50 billion dollars in a giant pyramid scheme that collapsed in the global financial crisis. Madoff is alleged to have lost 50 billion dollars in a giant pyramid scheme that collapsed in the global financial crisis and top European banks are reported to be clients. The collapse of Bernard L. Madoff's company came just hours before his arrest Thursday on a single securities fraud count. Madoff , a former chairman of Nasdaq stock market, was arrested Thursday in New York hours after the collapse of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC. US newspapers detailed how Madoff, 70, traded on his impeccable reputation and access to exclusive country clubs to cultivate A-list investment clients including big banks, hedge funds and individuals. And the 17th floor is now an occupied zone, as investigators and forensic auditors try to piece together what Madoff did with the billions entrusted to him by individuals, banks and hedge funds around the world. A British investment fund that also acknowledged being a Madoff client criticised what it called the "systemic failure" of US regulators. A British investment fund that also acknowledged being a Madoff client criticised what it called the "systemic failure" of US regulators. The Yangtze River , the nation's largest, has experienced the lowest water levels in around a hundred years since last summer due to scarce rainfall and severe drought in the upper reaches, according to the Yangtze River Hydrology Bureau. Reefs exposed, ships stranded and fish stocks plummeting, the continuing ordeal of China's Yangtze River has been exacerbated by the worst water shortage in more than a century. The lake's water level has been falling continuously since last July as it supplies water to the drought-stricken Yangtze River. Severe drought has had a debilitating effect on the Yangtze River , China's longest waterway, over the last two weeks, leaving at least 1 million people in Chongqing Municipality with water shortages, local water authorities said on Monday. China's central and western regions will suffer an annual water shortage of about 20 billion cubic meters from 2010 to 2030 , the report said. China already faces a severe water shortage , especially in the northern part of the country. East China's Shandong Province, a coastal region that suffers from a shortage of fresh water , will invest 3.6 billion yuan over the next four years to build 21 sea water desalination plants. Like many Chinese regions, Shandong is suffering a worsening water shortage , but its 3,024 kilometers of coastline offers the solution of desalinating sea water. The Three Gorges Dam in central China's Hubei Province Thursday has opened its floodgates to ease the severe water shortages along the Yangtze River. The Three Gorges Dam in central China's Hubei Province Thursday has opened its floodgates to ease the severe water shortages along the Yangtze River. The Three Gorges dam has opened its floodgates to feed the river , but statistics from monitoring stations in central China's Hubei province and east China's Jiangsu province have shown no perceptible rise in water levels. The Yangtze River hydrology bureau attributed the drop to lower rainfall on the upper reaches and serious drought along the river. A long drought in the upper reaches of the Yangtze saw the water level in the middle reaches drop to their lowest point in more than a century. The local hydrological bureau said water levels in the Yangtze and Jialing rivers had declined sharply in recent weeks due to a lack of rainfall. Global warming will negatively impact China's ecological, social and economic systems, especially farming, animal husbandry and water supply , and some damage will be irreversible, said the report. China , like the rest of the world, will increasingly face problems of extreme temperatures, rising sea levels, drought and more intense typhoons because of the effects of global warming, he said. China , like the rest of the world, will increasingly face problems of extreme temperatures, rising sea levels, drought and more intense typhoons because of the effects of global warming , he said. Over 9,000 chemical plants line the banks of China's longest waterway , 45 percent of the national total. Severe drought has had a debilitating effect on the Yangtze River, China's longest waterway , over the last two weeks, leaving at least 1 million people in Chongqing Municipality with water shortages , local water authorities said on Monday. The world's largest hydropower project has been releasing bigger quantities of water since late December, according to the China Three Gorges Project Corporation. The world's largest hydropower project has been releasing bigger quantities of water since late December , according to the China Three Gorges Project Corporation. China's output of major crops, including rice, wheat and corn , could fall by up to 37 percent in the second half of this century if no effective measures are taken to curb greenhouse gases in the coming 20 to 50 years, according to the report. In the latter half of this century production of wheat , corn and rice in China will drop by as much as 37 percent , and the country's average temperatures would rise by 2 or 3 degrees Celsius in the next 50 to 80 years, the report said. Shandong currently has 16 plants desalinating 32,000 cubic meters of sea water per day, 57 percent of the country's total. Shandong currently has 16 plants desalinating 32,000 cubic meters of sea water per day , 57 percent of the country's total. This year , China's southwestern Chongqing Municipality and neighbouring province Sichuan were ravaged by the worst drought in more than 50 years. Chongqing and neighboring Sichuan Province in the upper reaches of the Yangtze suffered their worst water shortages in more than a century last summer when the water level and rainfall nearly halved. About 19 of the 44 stories of the crane had been erected and it was to be extended Saturday, when a piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of Reliance Construction Group, which manages construction at the site. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing it to detach and topple , said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing it to detach and topple, said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing it to detach and topple , said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing it to detach and topple, said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. The spectacular collapse of a towering crane on the East Side began when a massivepiece of steel designed to secure it to a new high-rise building came loose and pancaked on top of a second support nine stories below, shearing it free and creating a fatal imbalance that sent the 22-story crane toppling across a two-block swath of Turtle Bay, officials said Sunday. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing it to detach and topple , said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing it to detach and topple, said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing the structure to detach and topple, said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing the structure to detach and topple , said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. A piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, causing the structure to detach and topple, said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of the Reliance Construction Group. Four construction workers were killed Saturday afternoon when a towering crane toppled onto a Manhattan apartment building , in what Mayor Michael Bloomberg called one of the city's worst construction accidents ever. A crane tower at an East Side construction site toppled out of a blue sky without warning Saturday, killing four construction workers and injuring eight others , three of them critically, authorities said. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least four people , believed to be construction workers , have died and at least 10 people were injured in one of the city's worst construction accidents in recent memory. Four construction workers -- a crane operator and three riggers who were helping to "jump" the crane, or increase its height -- were killed. The dead were all believed to be construction workers. The dead were all believed to be construction workers. The four dead were all believed to be construction workers on a new high-rise condo building. The four dead were all believed to be construction workers on a new high-rise condo building. Three people were still listed as missing Sunday as rescue teams picked through the rubble of a town house crushed by a toppling construction crane in an accident that killed four construction workers. An intensive, but delicate rescue operation was under way to free anyone still trapped in the rubble. An intensive, but delicate rescue operation was under way to free anyone still trapped in the rubble. An intensive, but delicate rescue operation was under way to find anyone still trapped in the several-stories-high piles of rubble. An intensive, but delicate rescue operation was under way to find anyone still trapped in the several-stories-high piles of rubble. An intensive rescue operation was under way to find anyone possibly trapped. An intensive rescue operation was under way to find anyone possibly trapped. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said the intensive rescue operation would continue all night to find anyone possibly trapped in the rubble on 51st Street near 2nd Avenue. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said the intensive rescue operation would continue all night to find anyone possibly trapped in the rubble on 51st Street near 2nd Avenue. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least four people have died and at least 10 people were injured in one of the city's worst construction accidents in recent memory. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least four people have died and at least 10 people were injured in one of the city's worst construction accidents in recent memory. Four construction workers were killed Saturday afternoon when a towering crane toppled onto a Manhattan apartment building, in what Mayor Michael Bloomberg called one of the city's worst construction accidents ever. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least four people, believed to be construction workers, have died and at least 10 people were injured in one of the city's worst construction accidents in recent memory. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least 10 people were injured in what he called one of New York City's worst construction accidents. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least 10 people were injured in what he called one of New York City's worst construction accidents. At least 17 others were injured in what Mayor Michael Bloomberg called one of the city's worst construction accidents. Rescuers used listening devices, heat detection and specially trained dogs to search for anyone else possibly trapped in rubble , Bloomberg said. He said the operation would continue all night if necessary, including the use of search dogs and thermal-imaging and listening devices. He said the operation would continue all night if necessary, including the use of search dogs and thermal-imaging and listening devices. He said the operation would continue all night if necessary, including the use of search dogs and thermal-imaging and listening devices. Rescue crews were using search dogs, thermal-imaging cameras and listening devices. Crews with search dogs and heat-sensing cameras sought survivors or more victims Sunday in piles of rubble after a giant crane at a Manhattan construction site toppled like a tree across a city block, destroying buildings and killing at least four people. At least one small , brick apartment building appeared to have been completely pulverized by the falling wreckage. The crane split into pieces as it fell, pulverizing one small, brick apartment building and demolishing parts of several other buildings on Manhattan's East Side. But when one of them collapsed on the East Side on Saturday -- killing at least four people, demolishing a building and damaging at least five others -- the disaster exposed the often-uneasy relationship cranes have had with the New Yorkers who walk below them. The crane split into pieces as it fell Saturday afternoon, pulverizing a four-story town house and demolishing parts of five other buildings. The crane split into pieces as it fell Saturday afternoon, pulverizing a four-story townhouse and demolishing parts of five other buildings. Crews removed one section of the 19-story-tall crane that crashed onto the four-story brownstone and seriously damaged five other buildings in an affluent East Side neighborhood. A giant crane separated from the side of a skyscraper under construction and smashed into a block of residential buildings Saturday , killing at least two people on Manhattan's East Side. A crane mounted to the side of a skyscraper under construction toppled with a roar Saturday, smashing into a block of apartment buildings, killing at least four people and setting off a scramble for survivors in the rubble. A crane mounted to the side of a skyscraper under construction toppled with a roar Saturday, smashing into a block of apartment buildings , killing at least four people and setting off a scramble for survivors in the rubble. A crane mounted to the side of a skyscraper under construction toppled with a roar, smashing into a block of apartment buildings, killing at least four people and setting off a scramble for survivors in the rubble. A crane mounted to the side of a skyscraper under construction toppled with a roar, smashing into a block of apartment buildings , killing at least four people and setting off a scramble for survivors in the rubble. "The crane crashed the whole building. "The crane crashed the whole building. "The crane crashed the whole building. On Sunday, construction crews positioned a second crane to help remove pieces of the white crane that crushed the townhouse , and started removing piles of bricks and debris from the middle of the street. Three people were still listed as missing Sunday as rescue teams picked through the rubble of a town house crushed by a toppling construction crane in an accident that killed four construction workers. About 19 of the 44 stories of the crane had been erected and it was to be extended Saturday , when a piece of steel fell and sheared off one of the ties holding it to the building, said Stephen Kaplan, an owner of Reliance Construction Group, which manages construction at the site. About 19 of the planned 44-story condominium had been erected, and the crane was scheduled to be extended Saturday so workers could start work on a fresh story, said an owner of the company that manages the construction site. About 19 of the planned 44-story condominium had been erected, and the crane was scheduled to be extended Saturday so workers could start work on a fresh story, said an owner of the company that manages the construction site on 51st Street near 2nd Avenue. The crane was to be extended Saturday so workers could start work on a new level of the planned 43-story building, said an owner of the company that manages the construction site. The crane was to have been extended Saturday so workers could start work on a new level of the planned 43-story building, said an owner of the company that manages the construction site. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at least four people , believed to be construction workers, have died and at least 10 people were injured in one of the city's worst construction accidents in recent memory. But when one of them collapsed on the East Side on Saturday -- killing at least four people , demolishing a building and damaging at least five others -- the disaster exposed the often-uneasy relationship cranes have had with the New Yorkers who walk below them. Rescue crews worked through the night into Sunday morning sifting through piles of rubble in search of survivors after a towering crane at a construction site toppled like a tree across a city block, destroying buildings and killing at least four people. Crews with search dogs and heat-sensing cameras sought survivors or more victims Sunday in piles of rubble after a giant crane at a Manhattan construction site toppled like a tree across a city block, destroying buildings and killing at least four people. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would let prisoners donate organs or bone marrow in exchange for time off their jail sentences. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would let prisoners donate organs or bone marrow in exchange for time off their jail sentences. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would let prisoners donate organs or bone marrow in exchange for time off their jail sentences. China's military is reportedly harvesting organs from prison inmates , mostly Falungong practitioners, for large scale transplants including for foreign recipients, a study said Wednesday. They also urged countries to post travel advisories warning that organs from China may have been harvested from unwilling donors ; asked states to cease offering follow-up care to patients who had shady organ transplants in China; and called on foreign doctors to cut ties with their Chinese counterparts suspected of such practices. China needs a law on organ transplant to regulate donation procedures, and encourage and facilitate people to become donors , lawmakers said on the sidelines of the annual full session of the National People's Congress (NPC). China needs a law on organ transplant to regulate donation procedures, and encourage and facilitate people to become donors , lawmakers said on the sidelines of the annual full session of the National People's Congress (NPC). Zimbabwe could soon revive its human organ donation program in a bid to keep up with global health technological developments, the official New Ziana reported on Saturday. The government is working on resuscitating the human organ donation program and, because of its international scrutiny, Zimbabwe will craft strong legislative laws to guard it from abuse, Muguti said. Inmates in South Carolina could soon find that a kidney is worth 180 days. Inmates in South Carolina could soon find that a kidney is worth 180 days. Health and Child Welfare Deputy Minister Edwin Muguti said strong regulatory measures would be put in place to ensure the success of the program and shield it from abuse. The government is working on resuscitating the human organ donation program and, because of its international scrutiny, Zimbabwe will craft strong legislative laws to guard it from abuse , Muguti said. But legislators postponed debate on a measure to reduce the sentences of participating prisoners , citing concern that federal law may not allow it. But lawmakers want legal advice before acting on a bill that would shave up to 180 days off a prison sentence for inmates who donate. If the policy sounds counterintuitive, well, it is: Implant a mismatched heart in an adult , and he or she will die rapidly. If the policy sounds counterintuitive, well, it is: Implant a mismatched heart in an adult , and he or she will die rapidly. The state would also decide which inmates could donate. But lawmakers want legal advice before acting on a bill that would shave up to 180 days off a prison sentence for inmates who donate. South Carolina advocates for organ donations said the incentive policy would be the first of its kind in the nation. South Carolina advocates for organ donations said the incentive policy would be the first of its kind in the nation. Pirates have seized control of the Saudi-owned super tanker Sirius Star off the east coast of Africa and are taking it towards a Somali port, the US Navy said on Monday. Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi-owned oil tanker off the Kenyan coast , the U.S. Navy said Monday. Christensen said the pirates hijacked the vessel on Saturday. Christensen said the pirates hijacked the vessel on Saturday. Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi-owned oil supertanker loaded with crude and carrying 25 crew members off the Kenyan coast, the U.S. Navy said Monday. Somali pirates hijacked a giant Saudi supertanker with a cargo of crude oil hundreds of miles out in the Indian Ocean in a dramatic escalation that showed their expanding reach, puncturing a security web of warships trying to protect vital shipping lanes. Reports from the U.S. Navy said the tanker, Sirius Star , operated by Vela International, was hijacked after a group of pirates managed to scale the 10-meter high side of the ship. 1st LD: Somali pirates hijack Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker NAIROBI , Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker, the largest vessel ever seized, loaded with crude and carrying 25 crew members off the Kenyan coast, a regional maritime official said on Monday. 1st LD: Somali pirates hijack Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker NAIROBI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker , the largest vessel ever seized, loaded with crude and carrying 25 crew members off the Kenyan coast, a regional maritime official said on Monday. In a dramatic escalation of high seas crime , Somali pirates hijacked a Saudi supertanker loaded with crude oil hundreds of miles (kilometers) off the coast of East Africa -- defeating the security web of warships trying to protect vital shipping lanes. The owner of a Saudi oil supertanker hijacked by Somali pirates over the weekend says the 25 crew are safe and that the ship is fully loaded with crude. The owner of a Saudi oil supertanker hijacked by Somali pirates over the weekend said the 25 crew members are safe and the ship is fully loaded with crude -- a cargo worth about $100 million at current prices. The 318,000 deadweight tonnes Very Large Crude Carrier is the largest vessel to be seized in an epidemic of piracy in the region. The 318,000 deadweight tonnes Very Large Crude Carrier is the largest vessel to be seized in an epidemic of piracy in the region. It was the largest ship pirates have seized , and the farthest out to sea they have successfully struck. "It's the largest ship we've seen hijacked and one attacked farthest out on the sea ," Christensen said. It was the largest vessel seized yet in a surge of pirate attacks , and the farthest out to sea that the well-armed fighters, bolstered by millions in past ransoms, have successfully struck. 1st LD: Somali pirates hijack Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker NAIROBI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker, the largest vessel ever seized , loaded with crude and carrying 25 crew members off the Kenyan coast, a regional maritime official said on Monday. Andrew Mwangura, the East African Coordinator of the Seafarers Assistance Program, said the oil tanker is the largest ship pirates have hijacked along the east Africa coast. The Saudi tanker was the largest ship taken. The Saudi tanker was the largest ship taken. According to the US navy, the tanker -- which is as big as three soccer fields -- is the largest ship ever seized by pirates and the hijacking was the farthest out to sea Somali bandits have attacked a vessel. The Sirius Star is the largest ship ever taken by Somali pirates , though large chemical tankers and freighters have also been hijacked. It is "the largest pirated vessel in the region" to date , Christensen said. NATO warships, along with ships and aircraft from several other nations have been deployed in the region to protect commercial shipping. Saturday's hijacking of the MV Sirius Star tanker occurred in the Indian Ocean far south of the zone patrolled by international warships in the busy Gulf of Aden shipping channel , which leads to and from the Suez Canal. Somali pirates hijacked a giant Saudi supertanker with a cargo of crude oil hundreds of miles out in the Indian Ocean in a dramatic escalation that showed their expanding reach, puncturing a security web of warships trying to protect vital shipping lanes. The U.S. Navy said the Saturday's hijacking of the oil tanker occurred in the Indian Ocean far south of the zone patrolled by international warships in the busy Gulf of Aden shipping channel , which leads to and from the Suez Canal. In a dramatic escalation of high seas crime, Somali pirates hijacked a Saudi supertanker loaded with crude oil hundreds of miles (kilometers) off the coast of East Africa -- defeating the security web of warships trying to protect vital shipping lanes. A coalition of warships from eight nations, as well as from NATO and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet , is patrolling a critical zone in the Gulf of Aden leading to and from the Suez Canal. Lt. Nathan Christensen , a spokesman for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, said the Sirius Star was carrying crude at the time of the hijacking , but he did know how much. Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi-owned oil supertanker loaded with crude and carrying 25 crew members off the Kenyan coast , the U.S. Navy said Monday. Christensen said the Sirius Star was carrying crude , but could not say how much. 1st LD: Somali pirates hijack Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker NAIROBI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi Arabian-owned oil tanker, the largest vessel ever seized, loaded with crude and carrying 25 crew members off the Kenyan coast , a regional maritime official said on Monday. In a dramatic escalation of high seas crime, Somali pirates hijacked a Saudi supertanker loaded with crude oil hundreds of miles (kilometers ) off the coast of East Africa -- defeating the security web of warships trying to protect vital shipping lanes. Pirates have seized control of the Saudi-owned super tanker Sirius Star off the east coast of Africa and are taking it towards a Somali port, the US Navy said on Monday. Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi-owned oil tanker off the Kenyan coast, the U.S. Navy said Monday. Somali pirates have hijacked a Saudi-owned oil supertanker loaded with crude and carrying 25 crew members off the Kenyan coast, the U.S. Navy said Monday. Maritime experts warned that the broad daylight attack , reported by the U.S. Navy on Monday , was an alarming sign of the difficulty of patrolling a vast stretch of ocean key for oil and other cargo traffic. Maritime experts warned that the broad daylight attack , reported by the U.S. Navy on Monday , was an alarming sign of the difficulty of patrolling a vast stretch of ocean key to oil and other cargo traffic. Vela said the fully-laden tanker was seized by a group of armed men about 420 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia on Sunday. Vela said the fully-laden tanker was seized by a group of armed men about 420 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia on Sunday. While most of the hijackings have taken place in the Gulf of Aden, which separates Somalia from Yemen, the Saudi tanker was seized hundreds of miles to the south in a vast stretch of open ocean as the tanker headed toward the Cape of Good Hope. The owner, Vela International, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabia-based oil giant Saudi Aramco, said in a statement that the company was awaiting further contact from the pirates who seized the vessel about 480 miles off the coast of Somalia. The Saudi tanker , however, was seized far to the south of the patrolled zone , about 450 nautical miles (833 kilometers) southeast of Mombasa, Kenya, according the U.S. Navy. The hijacking was the latest in a surge in Somali pirate attacks this year and highlighted the vulnerability of even very large ships moving through the area. The hijacking was alarming because it highlighted the vulnerability of even very large ships and pointed to widening ambitions and capabilities among ransom-hungry pirates who have carried out a surge of attacks this year off Somalia. Lieutenant Nate Christensen, a spokesman for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet said the hijacking was shocking because it highlighted the vulnerability of even very large ships and pointed to widening ambitions and capabilities among ransom- hungry pirates who have carried out a surge of attacks this year off Somalia. Attacks by Somali pirates have surged this year. Attacks by Somali pirates have surged this year as bandits have become bolder, better armed and capable of operating hundreds of miles from shore. It can carry about 2 million barrels of oil. It is 330 meters (1,080 feet) long, or about the length of an aircraft carrier, and can carry about 2 million barrels of oil. At 330 meters (1,080 feet), it 's the length of an aircraft carrier, able to carry about 2 million barrels of oil. The supertanker, about the same length as an American Nimitz class aircraft carrier, is the largest ship known to have been seized by pirates, and it was fully loaded with 2 million barrels of oil. At 1,080 feet (329 meters), it is the length of an aircraft carrier and can carry about 2 million barrels of oil. The area lies far south of the zone where warships have increased their patrols this year in the Gulf of Aden, one of the busiest channels in the world , leading to and from the Suez Canal , and the scene of most past attacks. The U.S. Navy said the Saturday's hijacking of the oil tanker occurred in the Indian Ocean far south of the zone patrolled by international warships in the busy Gulf of Aden shipping channel , which leads to and from the Suez Canal. The area lies far south of the zone where warships have increased their patrols this year in the Gulf of Aden, one of the busiest channels in the world , leading to and from the Suez Canal , and the scene of most past attacks. Pirates are well organised in the area where Somalia's northeastern tip juts into the Indian Ocean, preying on a key maritime route leading to the Suez Canal through which an estimated 30 percent of the world's oil transits. A coalition of warships from eight nations, as well as from NATO and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, is patrolling a critical zone in the Gulf of Aden leading to and from the Suez Canal. Sirius Star , which is owned by Saudi Aramco, carried 25 crew members from Croatia, Britain, Philippines, Poland and Saudi Arabia , according to a US Navy statement. A British Foreign Office spokesman said there were at least two British nationals aboard the MV Sirius Star , but said he could offer no further details on the ship or what had happened to it. The 25-member crew includes citizens of Croatia, Britain, the Philippines, Poland and Saudi Arabia. The ship was sailing under a Liberian flag and its 25-member crew includes citizens of Croatia, Britain, the Philippines, Poland and Saudi Arabia. The crew members are citizens of Britain, Poland, Croatia, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. This situation is most likely to deteriorate as the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) reported on Sunday that water flow in the major rivers , which are already flowing above danger levels, may rise further in the next few days. This situation is most likely to deteriorate as the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) reported on Sunday that water flow in the major rivers , which are already flowing above danger levels , may rise further in the next few days. This situation is most likely to deteriorate as the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) reported on Sunday that water flow in the major rivers , which are already flowing above danger levels , may rise further in the next few days. Water levels of both the Ganges and the Brahmaputra have increased, inundating vast new areas ," disaster management secretary Dhiraj Malakar said. Water levels of both the Ganges and the Brahmaputra have increased , inundating vast new areas," disaster management secretary Dhiraj Malakar said. The government's flood forecasting and warning centre said the situation could worsen as the two major Himalayan-fed rivers have continued to swell and were set to inundate the country's central regions within a day or two. The government's flood forecasting and warning centre said the situation could worsen as the two major Himalayan-fed rivers have continued to swell and were set to inundate the country's central regions within a day or two. Water levels of both the Ganges and the Brahmaputra have increased, inundating vast new areas ," he said. Water levels of both the Ganges and the Brahmaputra have increased , inundating vast new areas," he said. Hundreds of primary schools were declared closed as water levels of the major rivers continued to rise in the affected districts. Hundreds of primary schools were declared closed as water levels of the major rivers continued to rise in the affected districts. It said the country's major rivers were flowing above their danger levels in 19 water-level monitoring stations Monday morning. It said the country's major rivers were flowing above their danger levels in 19 water-level monitoring stations Monday morning. At least 200,000 people have been marooned in northern Bangladesh, as monsoon rains and snow melt from the Himalayas hit the flood-prone nation , state-run media said. Almost 1 million people were marooned by floodwater in about 10 districts in northern, northeastern and central parts of the country, as floodwater triggered by incessant monsoon rains have destroyed houses, submerged paddy fields and disrupted road transport in many places. Millions of people have fled their homes in India, Bangladesh and Nepal on Monday as the death toll in the past week from floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains topped 100, officials said. The Brahmaputra is usually in full flood in the summer from monsoon rains and melting glaciers as it crosses Tibet, India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Hundreds of thousands of villagers fled their homes Monday as flash floods caused by monsoon rains and glacial snowmelt inundated large swathes of northern Bangladesh, officials said. Major rivers fed by monsoon rains and snowmelt burst their banks, inundating more than half of the country's 64 districts , he said. Major rivers fed by monsoon rains and snowmelt burst their banks , inundating more than half of the country's 64 districts, he said. Monsoon floods ravaging Bangladesh for more than a week have killed about 40 people and displaced or marooned millions, relief officials said Wednesday. Bangladesh is hammered by monsoon floods that kill hundreds every year and destroy homes and crops. In July and August in 2004 flooding left more than 700 people dead and 38 percent of the country submerged, forcing millions to flee their homes. Millions of people have fled their homes in India , Bangladesh and Nepal on Monday as the death toll in the past week from floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains topped 100, officials said. In 2004, flooding killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water, forcing millions to flee their homes. Hundreds of thousands of villagers fled their homes Monday as flash floods caused by monsoon rains and glacial snowmelt inundated large swathes of northern Bangladesh, officials said. In July and August 2004, flooding killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water, forcing millions to flee their homes. In July and August 2004, floods killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water, forcing millions to flee their homes. At least 5 million people have either been marooned or displaced in the country's hardest-hit northern region. At least 5 million people have either been marooned or displaced in the country's hardest-hit northern region. In July and August in 2004 flooding left more than 700 people dead and 38 percent of the country submerged, forcing millions to flee their homes. In 2004 , flooding killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water, forcing millions to flee their homes. In 2004, flooding killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water , forcing millions to flee their homes. In July and August 2004 , flooding killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water, forcing millions to flee their homes. In July and August 2004, flooding killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water , forcing millions to flee their homes. In July and August 2004 , floods killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water, forcing millions to flee their homes. In July and August 2004, floods killed more than 700 people and 38 percent of the country was under water , forcing millions to flee their homes. More than a third of Bangladesh , a low-lying delta nation of 145 million people, has been inundated by floods , the Food and Disaster Management Ministry said. At least 200,000 people have been marooned in northern Bangladesh , as monsoon rains and snow melt from the Himalayas hit the flood-prone nation, state-run media said. Almost 1 million people were marooned by floodwater in about 10 districts in northern, northeastern and central parts of the country , as floodwater triggered by incessant monsoon rains have destroyed houses, submerged paddy fields and disrupted road transport in many places. Continuous rise of water in almost all the rivers in Bangladesh's northern, northeastern and middle parts claimed eight people's lives on Sunday and left nearly a million marooned , causing immense sufferings to them and damage to crops. At least eight people died in floodwater or flood-related incidents in three northern districts on Sunday, and about 1 million people were marooned by floodwater in about ten districts in northern, northeastern and central parts of the country , according to local media. Floods in Bangladesh have killed at least 38 people and left 4.5 million others displaced or marooned in their homes in north and central Bangladesh , officials said Wednesday. Monsoon floods ravaging Bangladesh for more than a week have killed about 40 people and displaced or marooned millions , relief officials said Wednesday. Indian air force helicopters were on stand-by to deliver food and other essentials to some four million displaced people as the Brahmaputra River -- one of the longest in Asia at 2,900 kilometres (1,800 miles) -- swelled. At least 38 people have been killed and over 4.5 million affected by the current flood in Bangladesh as on-rush of waters from upper riparian inundated more townships and villages in north and northeastern parts of the country. Official statistics say the floodwaters affected more than 4.5 million people in 36 districts out of the country's 64 districts. Official statistics say the floodwaters affected more than 4.5 million people in 36 districts out of the country's 64 districts. Floods in Bangladesh have killed at least 38 people and left 4.5 million others displaced or marooned in their homes in north and central Bangladesh, officials said Wednesday. "The flood situation in northern Bangladesh has been aggravated overnight. "The flood situation in northern Bangladesh has been aggravated overnight. Eight more people were killed in flooding in three districts of Bangladesh on Monday as the overall flood situation worsened in the country's northern and northeastern districts , local media reported Tuesday. Bus and railway services, gas supply in some more flood- affected areas have been suspended due to the deteriorating flood situation. Six more people were drowned in floodwaters in two districts in Bangladesh as the overall flood situation worsened in the country's northern and northeastern regions Tuesday , private news agency UNB reported. Unconfirmed reports said at least 10 people have so far died of drowning and snake-bites in the area. Unconfirmed reports said at least 10 people have so far died of drowning and snake-bites in the area. The state-owned BSS news agency said at least three more people had died from snakebites and drowning at the weekend , taking the reported death toll from the floods to 13. The state-owned BSS news agency said at least three more people had died from snakebites and drowning at the weekend , taking the reported death toll from the floods to 13. The state-owned BSS news agency said at least three more people died from snakebites and drowning at the weekend , taking the reported death toll from the floods to 13. Last month , landslides triggered by heavy rains killed at least 126 people in southeastern city of Chittagong on the bay of Bengal. In Nepal , about 70 people have been killed in floods since the monsoon season began last month , officials said. Last month , landslides triggered by heavy rains killed at least 126 people in the southeastern city of Chittagong on the Bay of Bengal. Last month , landslides triggered by heavy rains killed at least 126 people in the southeastern city of Chittagong on the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is hammered by monsoon floods that kill hundreds every year and destroy homes and crops. At least 38 people have been killed and over 4.5 million affected by the current flood in Bangladesh as on-rush of waters from upper riparian inundated more townships and villages in north and northeastern parts of the country. So far 38 people have died in flood-related incidents , Bangladesh Food and Digester Management Adviser Tapan Chowdhury told a press briefing here on Wednesday. So far , at least 38 people have been killed and over 4.5 million affected by the current flood in Bangladesh, which affected 36 out of 64 districts of the country. Floods in Bangladesh have killed at least 38 people and left 4.5 million others displaced or marooned in their homes in north and central Bangladesh, officials said Wednesday. China has reversed soil erosion over an area of 960,000 square kilometers , or 10 percent of its total land area, sources with the Ministry of Water Resources said on Thursday. China is managing to reverse soil erosion in many areas , he said. According to Vice Water Resources Minister E Jingping, over-grazing, deforestation and drought are not the only tale in China's vast rural areas with the nation managing to reverse erosion in many areas and enhance water storage capacity by more than 25 billion cubic meters. E said the country had reversed soil erosion over an area of 960,000 square kilometers, or 10 percent of its total land area, by the end of 2006 as efforts to fight soil erosion paid off. The resettlements began in 2000 and have taken place more intensively since 2003, Human Rights Watch said. Chinese authorities explained the changes as a response to overgrazing by Tibetan herds that was causing erosion and soil loss, Human Rights Watch said. Herders have been forced to slaughter herds of yaks, sheep and goats and Communist officials have paid minimal compensation and failed to protect Tibetans' legal rights, Human Rights Watch said. Human Rights Watch said the resettlements in Tibet and in adjacent ethnic Tibetan areas of Sichuan , Gansu and Qinghai provinces are linked to Beijing's effort, launched in 1999, to develop China's poor, restive west and bind it to the bustling east. Chinese authorities explained the changes as a response to overgrazing by Tibetan herds that was causing erosion and soil loss , Human Rights Watch said. Erosion made the land less fertile or turned the soil into sand, and could affect agricultural production and lead to more frequent natural disasters such as drought. Soil erosion is deteriorating in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as excessive herding and farming have outpaced the government's conservation efforts. China unveiled on Monday wide-ranging polices to improve sustainable agriculture and raise the incomes of hundreds of millions of farmers. Despite a series of policies aimed at improving the income of farmers, including the abolishment agricultural tax, rural life remains hard, the document added. China unveiled on Monday wide-ranging polices to improve sustainable agriculture and raise the incomes of hundreds of millions of farmers. Soil conservation efforts have helped increase grain production by 18 billion kilograms a year and improved livelihoods for more than 13 million residents in areas affected by soil erosion. Soil conservation efforts also helped increase grain production by 18 billion kilograms a year and improved livelihoods for more than 13 million residents in areas affected by soil erosion. The area affected by soil erosion expanded by about 15,000 sq km in China every year due to man-made factors, causing an increase of 300 million tons of soil loss annually , said E. "It will harm the country's economic and social development if we don't have effective measures to address the problem," said E. The ministry said it published a circular to strengthen soil conservation assessment of new projects in an effort to check the erosion. The government also vows to use organic fertilizers and build more water conservation projects. China will encourage its farmers to use more environmentally-friendly fertilizers and pesticides to reduce pollution of the soil, rivers and lakes, according to the document, which is the year's first major policy paper jointly issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. China will encourage its farmers to use more environmentally-friendly fertilizers and pesticides to reduce pollution of the soil, rivers and lakes , according to the document, which is the year's first major policy paper jointly issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. Worsening stone desertification is threatening the survival of about 450,000 farmers in southwest China's Guizhou Province , and they are in dire need of being relocated, local authorities have said. Guizhou is the Chinese province suffers most from stone desertification. "Irrational human activities have far outpaced the government's soil conservation efforts ," the official said on condition of anonymity. Soil erosion is deteriorating in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as excessive herding and farming have outpaced the government's conservation efforts. Desertification occurs when arable or habitable land is transformed into desert. Desertification occurs when arable or habitable land is transformed into desert. "Many Tibetan herders have been required to slaughter most of their livestock and move into newly built housing colonies in or near towns, abandoning their traditional way of life," the report said. Herders have been forced to slaughter herds of yaks, sheep and goats and Communist officials have paid minimal compensation and failed to protect Tibetans' legal rights, Human Rights Watch said. Seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore through crowded markets in the Indian tourist city of Jaipur Tuesday , killing at least 80 people and wounding 200 in what police said was a terror attack. Police said seven blasts occurred within minutes of each other during the evening in crowded markets of old walled Jaipur, about 260 kilometres (160 miles) from New Delhi. Police said seven blasts occurred within minutes of each other during the evening in crowded markets of old walled Jaipur , about 260 kilometres (160 miles) from New Delhi. Seven blasts occurred within minutes of each other, tearing apart markets , in what Indian police described as a "terror attack." Serial blasts rocked crowded market areas and near a Hanuman temple in the walled tourist city. A series of bomb blasts tore through crowded markets in the northwestern Indian tourist city of Jaipur on Tuesday, killing up to 35 people and injuring many, police and news reports said. Police said at least five bombs hit markets in Jaipur , the capital of the western desert state of Rajasthan, and put their initial estimate of the toll at six. A.S. Gill , a top police official, says six explosions took place in markets and several other areas of the historic city located in a region dotted with palaces and ancient cities that draw hundreds of thousands of Indian and foreign tourists every year. A hospital official says at least 45 people have been killed in six bomb blasts that ripped through crowded areas of a city in western India. Seven bombs ripped through a centuries-old Indian city Tuesday , leaving at least 60 people dead in a jewelry market, on the steps of a Hindu monkey god temple and in other ordinarily packed areas of the popular tourist destination. Seven bombs ripped through the city of Jaipur , leaving at least 60 people dead. "We have information that 63 people have died and many are injured critically," she said after the blasts ripped through crowded markets on Tuesday night. "It's a terror attack. Seven blasts occurred within minutes of each other, tearing apart markets, in what Indian police described as a "terror attack. " Rajasthan Director General of Police A. S. Gill said it was " obviously a terror attack ". Rajasthan Director General of Police A. S. Gill said it was " obviously a terror attack ". The blasts went off within minutes of each other close to several Hindu temples in what police said was a terror attack on the city 260 kilometres (160 miles) west of the Indian capital. "It's a terror attack. Seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore through crowded markets in the Indian tourist city of Jaipur Tuesday, killing at least 80 people and wounding 200 in what police said was a terror attack. Seven bombs ripped through a centuries-old Indian city Tuesday, leaving at least 60 people dead in a jewelry market , on the steps of a Hindu monkey god temple and in other ordinarily packed areas of the popular tourist destination. Jain , said 60 people were killed and 150 wounded in the bombings. Seven bombs ripped through the city of Jaipur, leaving at least 60 people dead. "We have information that 63 people have died and many are injured critically ," she said after the blasts ripped through crowded markets on Tuesday night. Government officials usually blame Islamic militants based in Pakistan for such attacks , which have plagued India in recent years. But Indian authorities have blamed Pakistan-based Islamic militant groups for a spate of bombings that have killed nearly 400 people in this predominantly Hindu country of 1.1 billion people since 2005. The blasts all struck within the old walls of Jaipur, a city in western India that's known for its pink-hued palaces, and suspicion quickly fell on Islamic militant groups blamed for a string of attacks on India in recent years. But within hours of the blasts , authorities were suggesting that blame would eventually fall on Pakistan and the Islamic militant groups New Delhi accuses it of backing. Pakistan-based Islamic militants and fighting against Indian rule in Kashmir are usually blamed for such attacks. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the blasts and appealed for calm , while the United States immediately condemned the wave of bombings. The police sealed off Jaipur's walled city, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appealed for calm. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the blasts and appealed for calm. Each new bombing has brought fears of a fresh outbreak of the violence between Hindus and Muslims that has sporadically bled India throughout its history, and authorities appealed for calm in the wake of Tuesday's attack. A hospital official says at least 45 people have been killed in six bomb blasts that ripped through crowded areas of a city in western India. A hospital official says at least 45 people have been killed in six bomb blasts that ripped through crowded areas of a city in western India. Shekhawat, the superintendent of the Sawai Man Singh hospital in Jaipur, where most of the bodies were taken, says at least 45 people have died. Seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore through crowded markets in the Indian tourist city of Jaipur Tuesday, killing at least 80 people and wounding 200 in what police said was a terror attack. Seven blasts occurred within minutes of each other , tearing apart markets, in what Indian police described as a "terror attack." The blasts went off within minutes of each other close to several Hindu temples in what police said was a terror attack on the city 260 kilometres (160 miles) west of the Indian capital. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Tuesday condemned the near- simultaneous bombings in the Indian city of Jaipur that killed at least 80 people. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner Tuesday expressed revulsion at bomb blasts in Jaipur that claimed at least 80 lives , and offered to step up help to India in fighting terrorism. The last major bombing in India was in August, when a pair of bombs went off in an outdoor auditorium and restaurant in the southern city of Hyderabad, killing more than 40. Government officials usually blame Islamic militants based in Pakistan for such attacks, which have plagued India in recent years. India has been plagued by bombings across the country in recent years and routinely points the finger at foreign-based Islamic militant groups fighting its rule in the Himalayan state of Kashmir. The blasts all struck within the old walls of Jaipur, a city in western India that's known for its pink-hued palaces, and suspicion quickly fell on Islamic militant groups blamed for a string of attacks on India in recent years. One live bomb was found attached to a bicycle at one of the explosion sites and was defused, police said. The bombs were within a radius of 50 feet, the police said, and may have been planted in the wheels of bicycles , the mangled remains of which were found near many of the blast sites. The eight bombs were believed to have been planted on bicycles , police said, and released a sketch of a suspect they wanted to question. The charges include robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a firearm, according to a police spokesman. The charges include robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a firearm, according to a police spokesman. The man detained Saturday night was arrested on two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglarly with a deadly weapon, Nichols said. Walter Alexander, 46, of Arizona, was arrested Saturday night on two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a deadly weapon. The charges against Simpson will include robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a firearm, all felonies, Dillon said. The charges against Simpson will include robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a firearm, all felonies, Dillon said. The charges stem from an incident at the Palace Station casino on Thursday, when a gang of gun-toting men that included Simpson is reported to have stormed into a hotel room and snatched sporting memorabilia from two dealers. The former professional football star and the men are accused of bursting into a hotel room last week displaying guns, and stealing autographed footballs and other items from two sports memorabilia collectors. Simpson and his co-defendants are accused of holding memorabilia dealers Bruce Fromong and Alfred Beardsley at gunpoint Sept. 13 in a Las Vegas hotel room and taking boxes of autographed footballs and other collectibles. Simpson armed robbery case told a judge Monday he would plead guilty to a felony and testify against Simpson and four others in the hotel room theft of sports collectibles from two memorabilia dealers. Simpson armed robbery case told a judge Monday he would plead guilty to a felony and testify against Simpson and four others in the hotel room theft of sports collectibles from two memorabilia dealers. Simpson , who always has vehemently denied the killings, was acquitted of the slayings after a racially charged Los Angeles trial in 1995 , a verdict that was greeted with widespread outrage across America. Simpson , who has always denied the killings, was acquitted of them after a racially charged Los Angeles trial in 1995 , a verdict that was greeted with widespread outrage across America. Simpson was acquitted of murder charges , but a jury later held him liable for the killings in a wrongful death lawsuit. Simpson, an iconic sports star who was dramatically acquitted of brutally murdering his ex-wife and her friend 12 years ago, is to appear in court in Las Vegas on Wednesday for an arraignment hearing. Simpson , who has always vehemently denied the killings, was acquitted of them after a racially charged Los Angeles trial in 1995 , a verdict that was greeted with widespread outrage across America. Two men with Simpson pulled guns during the robbery , Beardsley said. Two men with Simpson pulled guns during the robbery , Beardsley said. The charges stem from an incident at the Palace Station casino on Thursday, when a gang of gun -toting men that included Simpson is reported to have stormed into a hotel room and snatched sporting memorabilia from two dealers. The charges stem from an incident at the Palace Station casino on Thursday, when a gang of gun-toting men that included Simpson is reported to have stormed into a hotel room and snatched sporting memorabilia from two dealers. He will testify that two of the other men who entered the room with the former football star were armed , Cashmore's lawyer Edward Miley said. The former sports star was subsequently found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and was ordered to pay damages to the victims' families totaling 33.5 million dollars. The former sports star was subsequently found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and was ordered to pay damages to the victims' families totaling 33.5 million dollars. The former sports star was subsequently found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and was ordered to pay damages to the victims' families totaling 33.5 million dollars. The former sports star was subsequently found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and was ordered to pay damages to the victims' families totaling 33.5 million dollars. Simpson was subsequently found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and was ordered to pay damages to the victims' families totaling 33.5 million dollars. OJ Simpson , the ex-American footballer at the center of a notorious murder trial in the 1990s, has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in Las Vegas , US television reported Sunday. Former U.S. football star O. J. Simpson was arrested on robbery charges in Las Vegas Sunday , three days after police began an investigation into a casino theft involving the well-known sports celebrity. Simpson is currently behind bars in Las Vegas in connection with the alleged robbery. The charges against Simpson and three other men were detailed in a criminal complaint filed by Nevada prosecutors in Clark County on Tuesday, following the fallen icon's arrest on Sunday in connection with an alleged armed robbery. Simpson was arrested Sunday and faces multiple felony charges in an alleged armed robbery of collectors involving the former football great's sports memorabilia, authorities said. Simpson has been charged with eight offences, including kidnapping and armed robbery , court documents showed Tuesday. Simpson and the men have been charged with seven felony offences : conspiracy to commit kidnapping; conspiracy to commit robbery; first degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon; burglary with a deadly weapon; robbery with a deadly weapon; assault with a deadly weapon and coercion with a deadly weapon. Each man faces 10 charges including kidnapping , armed robbery , assault with a weapon, burglary and conspiracy. Police arrested him in a continuing investigation over an alleged armed robbery of sports memorabilia at a casino hotel room , Las Vegas police cited on news networks said. The alleged stolen items included "sports-related products" according to authorities. A man was arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery of sports memorabilia involving O.J. Simpson was released without charge last week after questioning, but taken into custody again Sunday , according to reports. Simpson , 60 , was put into police custody soon before noon on charges in relation to an armed robbery of sport memorabilia in a Las Vegas casino and hotel Thursday, police said. Simpson was arrested Sunday and faces multiple felony charges in an alleged armed robbery of collectors involving the former football great's sports memorabilia, authorities said. Miley said Cashmore will plead guilty Monday to being an accessory to robbery , a felony that could get him up to five years in prison. "In District Court , he'll be pleading guilty to accessory to robbery ," District Attorney David Roger told the judge. Simpson armed robbery case told a judge Monday he would plead guilty to a felony and testify against Simpson and four others in the hotel room theft of sports collectibles from two memorabilia dealers. The affected Thomas toys were manufactured in China , which has come under fire recently for exporting a variety of goods, from pet food to toothpaste, that may pose safety or health hazards. Every one of the 24 toys recalled for safety reasons in the United States so far this year, including the enormously popular Thomas and Friends wooden train sets, was manufactured in China , a record that is increasingly causing alarm among consumer advocates, parents and regulators. According to Mattel, all the toys were made by a contract manufacturer in China. The worldwide recall being announced Thursday involves 967,000 plastic preschool toys made by a Chinese vendor and sold in the United States between May and August. The plastic preschool toys were made in China with paint found to have excessive amounts of lead. The apology came a day after El Segundo-based Mattel disclosed the recall of 967,000 toys manufactured by a Chinese vendor and sold in the United States between May and August. Those toys were also made in China. The recall involves 967,000 plastic preschool toys made by a Chinese vendor and sold in the United States between May and August. About 40 percent of the 1.5 million toys that were recalled in June had been returned as of July 11. Mattel , the maker of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars, is recalling nearly 1 million toys in the United States on Thursday because the products' surfaces are covered in lead paint. Mattel apologized Thursday to customers affected by a recall nearly a million toys from its Fisher-Price division and said the move will cut pretax operating income at the world's largest toymaker by $30 million (euro22 million). Many American parents are facing a quandrary about what toys to buy their children following the recall by Mattel Inc. of almost 1 million Chinese-made toys because they may contain lead. Many American parents are facing a quandrary about what toys to buy their children following the recall by Mattel Inc. of almost 1 million Chinese-made toys because they may contain lead. Mattel's announcement that it was recalling 1.5 million toys could force a reexamination of how the $22 billion toy industry is overseen by the Consumer Product Safety Commission , which largely relies on companies to report problems themselves, consumer groups, analysts and lawmakers said Thursday. The recall , the second-biggest this year involving toys, covers 86 different products, manufactured between April and July 6. Toy-maker Fisher-Price is recalling 83 types of toys -- including the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters -- because their paint contains excessive amounts of lead. Included in the recall were 83 types of toys based on the popular characters Big Bird, Elmo and Dora, among others. On Thursday , Mattel's Fisher-Price brand announced it is recalling 83 types of toys -- including the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters -- because their paint contains excessive amounts of lead. The latest recall , announced last week, involves 1.5 million Thomas and Friends trains and rail sets -- or about 4 percent of all those sold in the United States over the last two years -- which were coated at a factory in China with potentially poisonous lead paint. Earlier this summer , RC2 , the maker of Thomas trains, recalled 1.5 million trains and accessories because a Chinese supplier had coated them in lead paint. The recall follows another high-profile move from toy maker RC2 Corp. , which in June voluntarily recalled 1.5 million wooden railroad toys and set parts from its Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway product line. Thursday's toy recall follows the June recall by RC2 Corp. of 1.5 million wooden railroad toys and set parts from its Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway product line because of lead paint. Much of the rise in China's ranking on the recall list has to do with its corresponding surge as the source of so many products sold in the United States: Toys made in China make up 70 to 80 percent of the toys sold in the country, according to the Toy Industry Association. For parents, replacing the tainted toys with ones they trust are safe could pose a problem: 80 percent of all toys are made in China. About 80 percent of the toys bought in the United States and about 65 percent of Mattel's toys are made in China , according to the Toy Industry Association and the company. The agency has issued 18 recall notices for 6.7 million pieces of jewelry for children this year because of dangerous levels of lead, and nearly all of them were from China. Toy-maker Fisher-Price is recalling 83 types of toys -- including the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters -- because their paint contains excessive amounts of lead. The plastic preschool toys were made in China with paint found to have excessive amounts of lead. On Thursday, Mattel's Fisher-Price brand announced it is recalling 83 types of toys -- including the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters -- because their paint contains excessive amounts of lead. But just in the last month, a so-called Floating Eyeballs toy made in China was recalled after it was found to be filled with kerosene, sets of toy drums and a toy bear were also recalled because of lead paint and an infant wrist rattle was recalled because of a choking hazard. News that about 1.5 million wooden Thomas & Friends children's toys were being recalled because they were made with lead paint raised some parents' anxiety levels. Speaking of the new recall, Nancy Nord, acting Consumer Product Safety Commission chairwoman, said in a statement, "These recalled toys have accessible lead in the paint and parents should not hesitate in taking them away from children." The worldwide recall being announced Thursday involves 967,000 plastic preschool toys made by a Chinese vendor and sold in the United States between May and August. The apology came a day after El Segundo-based Mattel disclosed the recall of 967,000 toys manufactured by a Chinese vendor and sold in the United States between May and August. The recall involves 967,000 plastic preschool toys made by a Chinese vendor and sold in the United States between May and August. It is the latest in a wave of recalls that has heightened global concern about the safety of Chinese-made products. The recall was announced as safety problems with other Chinese products, such as seafood and tires , have put in doubt the U.S. government's ability to oversee imports. There have been a spate of recalls of Chinese-made products, from tires to pet food , but the Mattel recall stands out in part because it involves a long-trusted brand name and because Mattel is known for setting strict production standards. Allmark says the recall was "fast-tracked," which allowed the company to quarantine two-thirds of the toys before they even made it to store shelves. The company contends the recall was "fast-tracked," allowing it to quarantine two-thirds of the toys before they even made it to stores. Of the 1.5 million products affected, 967,000 were distributed in the United States, including about 300,000 that made it onto retail shelves , Almark said.