DART – Nepal

The Disaster Assistance Response Team based at CFB Kingston has left for the earthquake devasted region of Nepal.

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck the Himalayan region of South Asia is still climbing.  Authorities in Nepal say at least 37-hundred people have died in that country alone.

The plane carrying the DART team left CFB Trenton yesterday loaded with medical supplies, a water purification system and other relief aid.

Damaged communications in Nepal is making it tough for Canadians there to contact relatives back home.  It’s also difficult to get out of the country.  A Montreal woman stranded in Nepal says an airport there was a scene of chaos as foreigners tried to leave the country.  Foreign Affairs says 388 Canadians are registered as being in Nepal, but notes registration is voluntary.

How to Help

If you want to help…The Canadian Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal.  You can donate online through www.redcross.ca

Search

A search has failed to locate two young men from the Tyendinaga First Nation after they took a boat out for an early morning fishing trip on Sunday.
The 21 and 26 year old left the Bayshore Road area at 2am Sunday in a 14 foot aluminum boat with a small motor.
A helicopter from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre at CFB Trenton, a Coast Guard Cutter from Kingston and a Coast Guard Auxiliary boat from Quinte Search and Rescue were dispatched to the area.  The Mohawk Fire department and OPP also assisted in the search.

Traffic Note

A traffic note from the city today:
You can expect delays on Creekford Road at the new intersection of Bayridge Drive starting today while crews construct the extension of Bayridge Drive.  The construction is expected to last until November.

Town Crier Competition

Kingston’s town crier finished as the 2nd runner up at the Commonwealth Town Crier Tournament in Bermuda.
Chris Whyman was one of 25 criers competing in the event on the weekend.
Mark Wiley of England finished first with Jim Stewart of Nova Scotia placing second.
Whyman won the world championship tournament held in Chester, England in August.

Rail Safety – Grant

Kingston is considered to be a high risk community for railway accidents because railway lines run right through the city.
It’s National Rail Safety Week and students at three elementary schools in Kingston will be learning about safety around railway tracks.
Kingston Partners for a Safe Community has received a $2,000 grant for the program.
Students will learn about the dangers of playing near or walking on train tracks and get easy-to-remember tips on how to safely cross the tracks.