News 3-5-24
A hydroelectric dam has collapsed in southern Brazil after days of heavy rains that triggered massive flooding, killing more than 30 people.
Officials say another 60 people are missing in Rio Grande do Sul state.
About 15,000 residents have fled their homes since Saturday. At least 500,000 people are without power and clean water across the state.
The burst dam triggered a two-metre (6.6ft) wave, causing panic and further damage in the already flooded areas.
The dam is located between the municipality of Cotiporã and the city of Bento Gonçalves.
The extreme weather has been caused by a rare combination of hotter than average temperatures, high humidity and strong winds.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva has visited the region, promising help from the central government.
In some areas, the flooding is so severe that helicopters have been unable to land and have had to winch residents to safety.
In the Candelária municipality, residents took to the roofs of their homes as their houses filled with water.
Meteorologists have predicted further rains to fall in the region as a cold front moves across it.
Last year, more than 30 people were killed in a cyclone in Rio Grande do Sul.
Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology attributed the increased intensity and frequency of rainfall to the climate phenomenon El Niño.
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Europeans in 27 countries vote in June in elections that will have a wide impact across the European Union and beyond.
About 400 million voters are eligible to vote from Finland in the north to Cyprus in the south, Ireland in the west to Bulgaria in the east.
At stake is the make-up of the next European Parliament, the direct link between Europeans and the EU’s institutions.
How Europeans vote will shape the direction of the EU over the next five years, on climate change and migration, greater integration or increased nationalism.
Right-wing and far-right parties have made significant gains across Europe, and this shift to the right is likely to be reflected in the next European Parliament.
Voting starts on Thursday 6 June in the Netherlands, followed by Ireland and Malta on the following day and Latvia and Slovakia on Saturday. Many EU member states vote on Sunday 9 June.
Most voting takes place on one day although Czechs have Friday and Saturday to cast their ballots, and Italians vote on Saturday and Sunday. Belgians are not just voting in European elections on Sunday, but in national and regional elections too.
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Oonagh Waldron and Cathal Anderson from National Youth Film and Animation School (NYFAS) in Kilkenny earned the ‘Best Screenplay’ award at this year’s Fresh International Film Festival.
Oonagh and Cathal won ‘Best Screenplay’ for their film ‘Dear Mrs Green’.
The film focuses on a woman working as a carer who connects two people across generations.
Founded in 1997 as the Irish School’s Video Competition, Fresh Film was originally a schools competition for secondary students.
It has since grown into a year round organisation with a focus on national and international film makers spanning the primary and secondary age groups.
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Kilkenny County Council wish to advise that resurfacing works are due to take place on Friday, 3rd May at Ballyfrunk on the LP 1010 & LP 1012.
The LP 1011 & LP 1012, Kilmanagh to Damma Lower Cross Roads will be closed to facilitate these works and diversion via the R695, Ballykeefe. The LP 1010, Corstown Cross to Ballycallan will also be closed.
Closures will be in operation from 7.30am to 6.00pm on the day.
Kilkenny County Council apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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WEATHER
TODAY – Friday 3rd May
Generally cloudy on Friday with some showery outbreaks of rain. Some warm hazy sunshine will break through as well though. Highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees, warmest further north of the province. Winds will be light to moderate westerly or variable.TONIGHT
Friday night will bring further scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees. Some mist and fog too in light westerly breezes.Pollen Forecast
Moderate on Friday and SaturdaySolar UV Index
Moderate in sunshine on Friday and Saturday
TOMORROW – Saturday 4th May
Saturday will be calm and cloudy with scattered outbreaks of rain, heaviest further east. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees, mildest where any sunny spells develop.
For all your up to date weather information visit www.met.ie
And that been your news and weather for now.
