thetorontostar--2019-08-25--Rohingya refugees rally to mark 2nd anniversary of exodus

COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh - Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees marked the second anniversary of their exodus from Myanmar into Bangladesh by rallying, crying and praying Sunday as they demanded that Myanmar grant them citizenship and other rights before they agree to return.  The rally was held days after Bangladesh, with the help of the U.N. refugee agency, attempted to start the repatriation of 3,450 Rohingya Muslims — a small fraction of the 700,000 who fled a 2017 security crackdown in Myanmar. None agreed to go back, citing fear for their safety and a lack of confidence in Myanmar. The UNHCR said that building confidence was essential for repatriation.  The police chief in Cox’s Bazar, A.B.M. Masud Hossain, said at least 50,000 refugees protested peacefully for hours in the camps on Sunday. “We alerted all, including the aid agency officials, but the situation was under control and peaceful,” he said after the rally ended.  Myanmar had scheduled Aug. 22 for the beginning of the repatriation process, but it failed for a second time after a first attempt last November.  The repatriation deal is based on an understanding that the return has to be “safe, dignified and voluntary.” The refugees have also insisted on receiving Myanmar citizenship and other rights that the Buddhist-majority nation has refused to grant them.  Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her administration will not use force to send them back despite a huge burden on the South Asian country. More than 1 million Rohingya are currently in Bangladesh.  At the Kutupalong refugee camp on Sunday, some carried placards and banners reading “Never again! Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day” and “Restore our citizenship.”  They raised their hands during a prayer session and cried, many loudly, as an imam led the sermon with an emotional narration of their sufferings. The prayer was held for the victims of the killings, rape and arson attacks by Myanmar soldiers and Buddhist militias.  “Oh Allah, how much blood we have to give to have peace in our life? We have been shedding our blood for decades and now we are here. Please help us, we want to go back,” said the imam.  “We want to tell the world that we want our rights back, we want citizenship, we want our homes and land back,” said Muhib Ullah, one of the organizers of Sunday’s rally. “Myanmar is our country. We are Rohingya.”  Myanmar has consistently denied human rights violations and says military operations in Rakhine state, where most of the Rohingya fled from, were justified in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents.  A U.N.-established investigation last year recommended the prosecution of Myanmar’s top military commanders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for the crackdown on the Rohingya. Myanmar dismissed the allegations.  On Thursday, the U.N. Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar released a new report concluding that rapes of Rohingya by Myanmar’s security forces were systemic and demonstrated the intent to commit genocide. The report said the discrimination Myanmar practiced against the Rohingya in peacetime aggravated the sexual violence toward them during times of conflict.  Fortify Rights, a human rights group that has documented abuses in Myanmar, has called on Myanmar’s government to implement recommendations from the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, which was appointed by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2016 and led by former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan.  The commission recommended that the government end enforced segregation of Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, ensure full humanitarian access, tackle Rohingya statelessness, “revisit” the 1982 Citizenship Law and punish perpetrators of abuses.  On Thursday, the UNHCR said in a statement that the agency and the U.N. Development Program had sought effective access in Myanmar.  Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch, said that concerted efforts were needed “to really raise the pressure on the Burmese generals. We’re talking about targeted sanctions, we’re talking about an arms embargo.”  Alam reported from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JalamAP

Tofayel Ahmad And Julhas Alam - The Associated Press


thetorontostar--2019-12-12--Tanzania is pressing Burundi refugees to leave, says report

KAMPALA, Uganda - Human Rights Watch says tens of thousands of Burundian refugees face mounting pressure to involuntarily leave Tanzania amid efforts by authorities there to reduce the number of Burundians in the country.  The rights group in a statement Thursday charged that the fear of violence, arrest and deportation from Tanzania is driving many of the 163,000 Burundians out of the country. Some of the refugees have since sought shelter in neighbouring Uganda.  Burundi fell into instability in 2015 after President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would seek a disputed third term. The election was marked by violence and allegations of rigging. Nearly 350,000 of Burundi’s 11 million people fled.  Tanzanian authorities have expressed frustration over what they say is the U.N.’s slow pace in repatriating refugees back to Burundi. More than 70,000 refugees have returned to Burundi since December 2017, and rights groups say it is hard to tell how many of those returned voluntarily.  Get more of the Star in your inbox Never miss the latest news from the Star. Sign up for our newsletters to get today's top stories, your favourite columnists and lots more in your inbox Sign Up Now


trueactivist--2019-12-09--Award-Winning Architect Invents Collapsible Tent For Refugees That Can Collect Water And Store Energ

Award-Winning Architect Invents Collapsible Tent For Refugees That Can Collect Water And Store Energy At The Same Time

Syria has been suffering through a civil war since 2011, and is currently going through one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has ever seen. According to the United Nations, almost 14 million Syrians and residents have either been internally displaced or became international refugees.  When Jordanian-Canadian architect Abeer Seikaly realized the long-lasting effects of civil wars and displacement, she came up with a unique idea. Refugees travel from one place to another to seek shelter. With such vast numbers of refugees migrating to other countries, the communities that take them in face problems in providing all of them with proper shelter. So Seikaly took this problem and designed something to help these people.  This award-winning architect innovated an idea of ‘Weaving a Home’. Her unique solution comes with multiple benefits with providing shelter as the main one. The idea was a tent that is constructed with a high-strength plastic tubing folded into sine-wave shaped curves. This tent has the option of enclosing or expanding, depending on the weather conditions of refuge. Because of the double-layer located in the tent’s exterior, it keeps the cold and harsh winds out, but also allows cool air to enter in the summer months. It can be easily installed and broken down for mobility.  Aside from all these convenient benefits, the architect also designed this tent to collect rain water from the topmost portion to be filtered down to the sidewalls and eventually reach storage pockets. If that isn’t enough to prove an amazing innovation, this refugee tent can also absorb solar heat and transform it into electric energy. The converted energy is then stored in batteries for future use.  Though the design was first proposed in 2013 and won the Lexus Design Award in the same year, the project is still in its developmental stage.  Seikaly is very positive that her tent design will be available to refugees very soon. Since the tent does so many things, the materialization for each and every one of them is quite rather complicated. While the design and idea behind it is amazing, the execution will take longer than expected.  Once ready for the market, this collapsible tent that can collect rainwater and store solar energy will be incredibly helpful to the thousands of displaced Syrians all over the world.  What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!


channel4uk--2019-10-30--Vietnamese communities undeterred from UK migration – despite lorry deaths

For the fishermen on Vietnam’s coastline, the sea is perilous and alluring in equal measure. It’s a dangerous living, earning just a few dollars a day in the few months the fishing season lasts. The alternative lies beyond the horizon of this one-party Communist state. Smuggle yourself into Europe 6,000 miles away.  And Cao Hung is dreaming of just that. He has a nephew in France and a cousin in England. And the deaths of 39 people in the back of a refrigerated lorry last week don’t seem to have deterred him.  “My cousin has been in England for 3 months”, he tells me. “He grows cannabis there. I know it’s risky if you go in a container. It is a long way and it is cold and of course there can be consequences. If I had the chance I would still go. I can earn a lot of money there.”  Several of the dead in Essex are thought to be Christians and, back home in Vietnam, Father Anthony Dang Huu Nam has led prayers for them. “I know almost every family of the 39 victims,” he says.  People in this small fishing community say at least twenty of their relatives have travelled to the UK in search of work. In fact, it’s official Communist Party policy in this region to encourage the export of human labour to reduce poverty and increase employment.  But nobody seems to have any idea what life in the UK would be like if and when they got there.  Nguyen The, a local fisherman, tells me “the only thing I think about England is that it’s a chance to make money. Maybe there are many more opportunities and life is easier. If I stay here, I can’t make anything.”  Even Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary founder of the socialist republic, once emigrated from this his home province to work in the kitchens of a west London hotel.  The dream of a better life abroad has not died with him. Instead it has claimed 39 lives in the back of a lorry on a British industrial estate a world away from here.


fortune--2019-10-05--‘American Sriracha’: How a Thai Sauce That Migrated to the U.S. Became a Global Phenomenon

Here Are the Most Popular Beers of the 2019 Great American Beer Festival


sottnet--2019-02-25--NATOs Atlantic Council claims Russian brain drain but emigration rate is about 4 times lower than

NATO's Atlantic Council claims Russian 'brain drain' but emigration rate is about 4 times lower than UK

the "think tank" exists to push negative messaging about Russia  NATO's propaganda wing suggests Russia is experiencing a "Putin exodus." Is it true or is the Atlantic Council just pushing a narrative?Ironically, at the same time its own lobbyists have decided to concoct some misleading headlines of their own.This is the only explanation for a bizarre report which suggests Russia is currently suffering from an exceptional "brain drain."A contention which flies in the face of facts, given the country has one of the lowest emigration rates in Europe. Indeed, Russians are around four times less likely to depart their homeland than Brits, for example.Here'sin four western cities (Berlin, London, New York and San Francisco), activists contend that "highly educated and socially aware individuals" are saying "do svidaniya." It also notes how the (mostly liberal) "political views of this group are encouraging." Which misses the point entirely. Because surely their "progressive" values have led them to domicile in large open-minded cities? And, notably, most said "they do not plan to return to Russia in the future, even if Russia's economic or political conditions improve." And their definition of "improve" most likely wouldn't be shared by most of their compatriots.For instance, only 12% approve of Vladimir Putin (against over 60% in Russia) and a whopping 72% support the "non-systemic" opposition. This includes figures such as Aleksey Navalny and Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Neither of whom poll over 2% in Russian surveys.Anyway, over-analysing the Atlantic Council's work is self-defeating, given, befuddle and bewilder. Also, in interpreting this "work" we have to understand how, in line with its pro-NATO mission.The "brain drain" trope is "backed-up" here by the fact that the overwhelming majority of Russians living in these four urban areas are well-educated. But it ignores how Russia practically leads the world in educational attainment. According to the OECD ."Yet, the numbers leaving are rather small. Atlantic Council flags how "since 2000, around 1.6-2 million Russians have emigrated" (from a present population of around 146 million). This amounts to an emigration rate of between 1.1% and 1.3% over almost two decades.And given most Brits who departed previously worked in "professional or managerial" roles, it's safe to say it's also better educated people who are leaving 'Blighty'. But don't hold your breath for an Atlantic Council special on "Theresa May's brain drain."Or don't expect our heroes to report how more than 1.7 million Ukrainians have applied for Russian citizenship Incidentally, a number greater than the entire Russian outflow over a four times greater time period, from a country with a quarter of the population.So much nonsense is written about Russia that even this report merits more an eye-roll than outright rage. But it's rather bizarre to see an organization venturing onto such shaky ground just two weeks before staging its own "disinfo" seminars, which are ostensibly aimed at fighting the scourge. Perhaps the Atlantic Council can use its own report as a case study?


theamericanconservative--2019-05-03--Brain Drain and the Polarization of America

Are we more divided as a nation today than we were before? Our new research within the Joint Economic Committee’s Social Capital Project suggests that we are. The findings indicate that Americans are more frequently dividing themselves geographically and along lines of education. Highly educated Americans have increasingly moved to a handful of states over the last several decades, leaving other places behind.  This “brain drain” has clear economic implications. Beyond economics though, it’s also likely draining social capital from many places, as communities lose talent and resources that would help support civic institutions. Brain drain and educational sorting exacerbate political and cultural divides as well: Americans segregate themselves into communities where they more frequently reside near those similar to themselves, decreasing the likelihood of rubbing shoulders with those who see the world differently.  It’s not news that highly educated Americans are more likely to move. America’s highly educated have consistently been more prone to pack up their bags and seek opportunity outside their hometowns. But surprisingly, there have been few attempts to quantify the magnitude of the problem and assess whether it is getting worse. To rectify that, we created brain drain measures that compare the share of people leaving their birth states who are highly educated to either the highly educated share of people staying in their birth states or the share entering the states who are highly educated. We found that today, highly educated movers in the U.S. tend to leave certain states and regions of the country at higher rates than in the past and concentrate in a smaller group of states that are home to booming metropolitan areas. This leads to growing geographic divides between areas that are thriving and places that struggle. With fewer states retaining and attracting talent, more areas are left behind.  A handful of states have become exclusive destinations for the highly educated. They not only hold onto more of their homegrown talent, but they also gain more highly educated adults than they lose. These talent-magnet states are along the West Coast, as well as the Boston-Washington corridor.  Beyond the coasts, a few other states, like Texas, are retaining their homegrown talent while simultaneously winning a balance of talent from elsewhere.  These “brain gain” states are like an elite club whose members trade among themselves. For example, California draws the greatest share of its highly educated entrants from other brain gain states: New York, Illinois, and Texas, which are ranked third, fourth, and eighth, respectively, on net brain gain. New York pulls in highly educated entrants primarily from New Jersey (ranked sixth on net brain gain) and California. Massachusetts (ranked second) is also among its top five sending states. The most common origins of Texas’s entrants include California, Illinois, and New York. New Jersey draws its highly educated from the likes of New York, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois. New York and New Jersey are among Massachusetts’ most common sending states. New York, New Jersey, California, and Virginia (ranked seventh) are among the top states sending highly educated natives to Maryland.  On the opposite side of the coin are the many states that are not only bleeding highly educated adults but failing to attract others to replace them. Rust Belt states—Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri—are particularly plagued by brain drain. Several Plains states—Iowa and the Dakotas—as well as states in New England—Vermont and New Hampshire—are also experiencing high levels of brain drain. Although this is hardly a new phenomenon for the Rust Belt, it’s become a worsening problem over the last 50 years for the other high brain-drain states mentioned.  Brain drain’s effects on state economies are obvious. Places that lose more of their highly educated adults are likely going to be economically worse off than those that retain or attract highly educated adults. And if the highly educated are concentrating in fewer areas, then more parts of the country will be prone to economic stagnation. But beyond the economic implications, brain drain also has an impact on social capital. If areas are drained of their most highly educated, those left behind may struggle to support churches, athletic leagues, parent-teacher associations, scouting groups, and so forth. These institutions matter for the well-being of communities, as they bring people together in purposeful relationships, ultimately creating the social fabric of our nation.  Another way that brain drain’s educational divides can deplete social capital is by creating deeper political and cultural divides between Americans. The highly educated more often hold liberal political views compared to those with less than a college education. America’s major metropolitan areas (many of the states that win the highly educated are home to thriving cities) tend to vote Democratic, while most other areas of the country vote Republican. Those living in urban areas are also more likely to hold liberal political views, whereas those living in rural areas are more commonly conservative.  Thus, as a result of brain drain and self-sorting, Americans are now more likely to live in communities where they are isolated from people who hold different ideologies and values. Less association between people of different viewpoints can exacerbate political divides, as people become more steeped in their own beliefs. When those who are different are further away, it is easier to cast them as a faceless group of opponents upon whom all blame for America’s problems belongs, rather than as neighbors with whom to find common ground. Ultimately, social segregation weakens the idea that, as Americans, we share something important in common with one another.  A growing federal government only adds to the problem of geographic divide. Naturally, neither heartland traditionalists nor coastal cosmopolitans want to be ruled by the other camp. However, with more power at the national level, national elections have higher stakes for everyone. Each camp feels threatened when its party loses control. With less association among those with different viewpoints, political discourse turns into fever-pitched discord.  The strength of our relationships is crucial to the strength of our nation. Americans will have to work to make their communities places in which not only the most highly educated benefit, but others as well. We must find ways to reach across the divides that separate us.  Rachel Sheffield is a senior policy advisor in the chairman’s office of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, and Scott Winship is the executive director of the committee.


theduran--2019-02-24--Atlantic Council claims Russian brain drain but emigration rate is about 4 times lower than UK

Atlantic Council claims Russian ‘brain drain’ but emigration rate is about 4 times lower than UK

NATO’s propaganda wing suggests Russia is experiencing a “Putin exodus.” Is it true or is the Atlantic Council just pushing a narrative?  The pressure group is currently advertising a US-government backed 'Disinfo Week', with seminars in Belgium, Greece and Spain next month. Ironically, at the same time its own lobbyists have decided to concoct some misleading headlines of their own.  This is the only explanation for a bizarre report which suggests Russia is currently suffering from an exceptional “brain drain.”  A contention which flies in the face of facts, given the country has one of the lowest emigration rates in Europe. Indeed, Russians are around four times less likely to depart their homeland than Brits, for example.  Here’s the Atlantic Council’s argument. Based on testimonies from 400 people in four western cities (Berlin, London, New York and San Francisco), activists contend that “highly educated and socially aware individuals” are saying “do svidaniya.” It also notes how the (mostly liberal) “political views of this group are encouraging.” Which misses the point entirely. Because surely their “progressive” values have led them to domicile in large open-minded cities? And, notably, most said“they do not plan to return to Russia in the future, even if Russia's economic or political conditions improve.”  And their definition of “improve” most likely wouldn’t be shared by most of their compatriots.  The political views of the selected respondents are completely out of whack with mainstream opinion back home. For instance, only 12% approve of Vladimir Putin (against over 60% in Russia) and a whopping 72% support the “non-systemic” opposition. This includes figures such as Aleksey Navalny and Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Neither of whom poll over 2% in Russian surveys.  Anyway, over-analysing the Atlantic Council’s work is self-defeating, given the outfit exists not to inform, but to confuse, befuddle and bewilder. Also, in interpreting this “work” we have to understand how the “think tank” exists to push negative messaging about Russia, in line with its pro-NATO mission.  The “brain drain” trope is “backed-up” here by the fact that the overwhelming majority of Russians living in these four urban areas are well-educated. But it ignores how Russia practically leads the world in educational attainment. According to the OECD the percentage of Russians who’ve attended third-level is “54%, compared to 31% on average among OECD countries and 26% on average among G20 countries.”  Yet, the numbers leaving are rather small. Atlantic Council flags how “since 2000, around 1.6-2 million Russians have emigrated” (from a present population of around 146 million). This amounts to an emigration rate of between 1.1% and 1.3% over almost two decades.  And given most Brits who departed previously worked in “professional or managerial” roles, it’s safe to say it’s also better educated people who are leaving 'Blighty'. But don’t hold your breath for an Atlantic Council special on “Theresa May’s brain drain.”  Or don't expect our heroes to report how more than 1.7 million Ukrainians have applied for Russian citizenship between 2014-2018 alone. Incidentally, a number greater than the entire Russian outflow over a four times greater time period, from a country with a quarter of the population.  So much nonsense is written about Russia that even this report merits more an eye-roll than outright rage. But it’s rather bizarre to see an organization venturing onto such shaky ground just two weeks before staging its own “disinfo” seminars, which are ostensibly aimed at fighting the scourge. Perhaps the Atlantic Council can use its own report as a case study?


windowoneurasiablog--2019-12-14--Moscow Exploiting Distinctive Experiences of Russian Emigration to Keep It Pro-Putin, Kirillova Says

Staunton, December 11 -- Many have been struck by the apparent paradox that many Russians have left their country but that even among those who do, a remarkably large percentage remain supportive of the Kremlin. Some of this has natural causes, but much of it, Kseniya Kirillova says, is the result of concerted efforts by the Putin regime.  “Of course,” Kirillova says, “election results are not an absolute indicator” of the phenomenon of support for the Kremlin among Russian emigres. Many of them are seeking to assimilate to their new countries and do not take part in Russian elections, and others who oppose Putin adopted the boycott Russian opposition groups advocated.  But the voting statistics do point to a remarkable fact: a large share of Russians living abroad do choose to support the Kremlin, especially on foreign policy issues. One of the reasons for this, Kirillova suggests, is that they feel guilty toward Russia because they have moved to “’a hostile country’” like the US, an action many feel subconsciously is an act of betrayal.  Even if they have chosen to more abroad for purely personal reasons, the Russian journalist says, they do not want to be called “’traitors’” because for them, a conflict with the regime is “traumatic.” But what is important is that the Kremlin recognizes this feeling and is exploiting it by setting up various organizations to rope them in.  Many Russian emigres, “even those indifferent to politics, are quite prepared” to voice support for the Kremlin’s polices as the price of being accepted in these often nominally apolitical groups in order to “peacefully continue to live abroad while feeling at the same time ‘forgiven and accepted’ by Russia.”  And that desire is often combined with and even reinforces hostility to the country they find themselves in and often cannot adapt quickly to. Many observers write off these attitudes to “ideology, a feeling of guilt or cynicism” among Russians, but it has two broader sources, the common experiences of emigres and the actions of the Russian state.  But for most groups, this stage is relatively brief. What is worth noting is that the Russian government is doing what it can to make that stage last far longer than is normally the case and is having remarkable success in many cases because the receiving countries either do not see this as a problem or do not commit resources to counter what Moscow is doing.  “The Russian authorities are supporting the creation for compatriots abroad a special milieu, one ideologically and mentally isolated from the countries where they are,” Kirillova continues. This effort has succeeded as much as it has because of Russian psychology and the fact that the diaspora has brought with it “the sharp polarization of Russian society.”  And it has been reinforced by market forces. Moscow puts money into Russian-language outlets that push its line, and as that line is accepted, even those outlets into which Moscow hasn’t put funds find themselves repeating the line in order to expand their audiences and subscriber base.  Under these conditions, Kirillova concludes, “systematic work with the Russian-language diaspora abroad and at a minimum an attempt at creating independent media and organizations which help with the effective adaptation of emigres appears as a much more effective strategy than simply labelling all lovers of Russia ‘a fifth column.’”  Unfortunately, she suggests, labeling them in that way is not only easy but cheap; and there is a lack of understanding and financing to move in a more useful direction.


theirishtimes--2019-11-15--Irish emigrant says Nigerians should send as much money home as they like

A Galway man who emigrated to England in the 1950s says foreign nationals living in Ireland should be free to send as much money home to their families as they like.  Boddy Ward, who left his home in Ballygar in east Galway in 1956, said it was the responsibility of people who left Ireland in the 50s and 60s to support those at home.  Mr Ward worked in construction in Coventry and London for decades, and sent money to his parents regularly before buying a house and a plot of land for their retirement in Galway.  His comments came days after Galway TD Noel Grealish raised questions in the Dáil over the amount of money sent home by Nigerian people living in Ireland.  “There should be freedom for all when it comes to this. We had to leave Ireland, so I’m not going to run down people who had to leave their own countries and come to Ireland,” Mr Ward said.  “I never thought I’d see the day that we’d have employment like this in Ireland and people coming to Ireland looking for work. It’s fantastic. We’ve a small country – let’s hope it lasts forever. I can’t be against it in any way in the world.”  Mr Ward, who still lives in Coventry with his wife, Madge, was 18 when he left Ireland in 1956 and started his first job within three hours of arriving in England. He was hired by Coen Plastering, a company founded by Mayo man Gerard Coen, and worked for them for more than 40 years.  He said he was made feel very welcome by English people.  “Myself and my brother sent money home all the time, of course we did. We did the best we could to help. After a few years I was able to buy a small holding for my mam and dad. That’s were they finished up.  “It was the responsibility of those who left to look after the people at home if they could. The people who could did everything they could for the people left at home.  “Some people couldn’t look after themselves, not to mind sending money home. They might have liked the drink too much. If things go wrong for you, it’s very hard to get back up on your feet.  “People could be sending money home for years and years. It depended on the people. When you got married, and had your own family to look after, it would generally ease off.”


themoscowtimes--2019-01-16--Official Data Vastly Underestimates Russian Emigration Report

Official Data Vastly Underestimates Russian Emigration – Report

Proekt’s report highlights discrepancies between official data from the Rosstat federal statistics agency and data compiled by countries where Russians emigrate to. Rosstat estimates 377,000 Russians left the country in 2017, the latest period for which figures are available and a six-year record.  At least six times more Russians are leaving the country than officially estimated, a comprehensive study conducted by the Proekt news outlet said on Wednesday.  “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security counted six times more Russians arriving in 2017 than Rosstat recorded [leaving],” Proekt said. “Six times more people left Russia for 24 OECD countries, where foreign data is available, for 2016.”  OECD, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, groups 34 of the world’s leading economies.  Meanwhile, the UN ranks Russia as having the third largest number of people living outside its borders after India and Mexico — 10.6 million.  Proekt said an increasing number of highly-educated young Russians from the regions are leaving the country in search of better economic opportunities.  Official data from Rosstat underestimates the real number of Russian emigres because it only counts those who have officially canceled their registration in Russia — which most emigres don’t do.  The Civil Initiatives Committee, formed by Audit Chamber chairman Alexander Kudrin, previously estimated that in 2014, the real number of Russians emigrating abroad was between three to four times higher than Rosstat’s data.  That report also shed light on Russia’s brain drain, with both Russian and foreign data indicating the high level of human capital leaving the country.  A 2018 state-funded survey said that one in 10 Russians, including almost one-third of those aged 18 to 24, want to emigrate. A quarter of respondents named a relative or acquaintance who had moved out of Russia in recent years.


cnn--2019-05-03--Roughly 8700 unaccompanied children turned over to refugee office last month

Roughly 8,700 unaccompanied children turned over to refugee office last month

Roughly 8,700 unaccompanied children were turned over to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement last month, more than double the number of children compared to the previous April, a senior agency official said, as the swell of migrants at the US-Mexico border continues to strain federal resources.  The Office of Refugee Resettlement, part of the Department of the Health and Human Services, is tasked with caring for migrant children who arrive at the border without a parent or guardian. Last April, roughly 4,300 children were referred to the office's care.  Earlier this year, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar notified Congress that the department planned to reallocate up to $385 million for the unaccompanied alien children program. This week, the White House asked for additional funds to increase shelter capacity to accommodate the high number of children.  The overwhelming majority of unaccompanied children are referred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement by Customs and Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security.  ORR has been preparing for the arrivals of unaccompanied children in its care to double this fiscal year. If current trends hold, referrals of unaccompanied children to the office could surpass the record 2016 figures, when 59,171 minors were referred for care. "At this point it (would) be close to 2016 and could potentially mark a new record due to more (unaccompanied children) coming across the border," an HHS official told CNN in March. Apprehensions of children at the border has been on the rise this year. The US Border Patrol has apprehended 35,898 unaccompanied children so far in fiscal year 2019, according to the most recently available government data. Last year, during the same time period, 21,641 children were taken into Border Patrol custody. Exclusive: DHS to start DNA testing to establish family relationships on the border While the numbers of border apprehensions impact the capacity in HHS facilities, it's not a direct correlation. Still, just as apprehensions fluctuate, so has the number of unaccompanied children in HHS custody over the years. Prior to fiscal year 2012, the number of children sent to the program each year hovered under 8,000. Despite a surge of unaccompanied minors in the summer of 2014, the biggest spike was in fiscal year 2016, when 59,171 children were referred.


eveningstandard--2019-06-18--World Refugee Week 2019 London events to celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK

World Refugee Week 2019: London events to celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK

This week is World Refugee Week, and London is buzzing with arts and educational events to celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK and encourage a better understanding between communities.  The theme ‘You, me and those who came before’ will explore the lives of refugees through the generations, as well as those who have welcomed them.  If you fancy getting stuck in with new food and workshops, as well as learning more about the situation of refugees around the world today, why not head down to Devonshire Square in the East of the City? WeWork are launching a week-long festival there to celebrate World Refugee Day as part of their commitment to hire 1,500 refugees over the next five years.  The events, in collaboration between WeWork, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Go Fund Me, will to help fundraise for world’s first-ever pop-up shop opening in September where goods are made by refugees.  There will also be sessions from UNHCR and Groundwork discussing how to hire refugees and the benefits for businesses, as well as a coaching session from LinkedIn to help refugee candidates prepare for interviews.  Mathieu Proust, general manager, WeWork UK & Ireland said: “We have created a diverse range of events to take place here in London. Our aim is to bring people together, raise awareness of refugees in the UK and encourage a greater understanding of the reality of refugee experiences.”  The festival is open to the general public and tickets can be bought online.  A special screening of the award-winning film, CAPERNAUM, is taking place in an outdoor tent in Devonshire Square ahead of its commercial release as part of World Refugee Week. All ticket proceeds will be donated to UNHCR. Ticket includes popcorn.  Enjoy live music in the courtyard of Devonshire Square with two refugee artists – star of The Voice Middle East, Hamsa Mounif and Syrian guitarist, Kareem Ghali.  This informative ‘Lunch and Learn’ will discuss refugee employment in the UK, and the skills that businesses need to unlock the potential of a highly-skilled workforce.  Test your kitchen skills with an intimate after-work cooking class with refugee cook, Noor. The class is available for up to 15 people.  Want to spruce up your home? WeWork has partnered with UNHCR to showcase MADE51, a global brand for artisanal home décor and accessories crafted by refugees. This will be the largest public display of MADE51 products to date and to celebrate this moment, UNHCR UK is launching a crowdfunding campaign to bring the MADE51 collection to Chelsea, London, for a pop-up sale this autumn: if they meet their goals, it will be the world’s first-ever refugee-made home store.  Life in Syria is an ongoing photographic project and book which aims to show the reality that millions of Syrians are forced to live every day. The book collects the imagery of five Syrian photographers, showing some of the moments that have left their mark on them between 2011-2016. On display – just outside 8 Devonshire Square during Refugee Week – will be 27 of these images, chosen by the photographers themselves.  Throughout the week, lunch will be served by refugee vendors, including Nigerian inspired food by Migrateful, Ethiopian delicacies served by Delina, and Sri Lankan flavours brought to you by Papi’s Pickles.


osce--2019-06-20--Assistance to refugees in danger is an obligation not a crime OSCE human rights head says

Assistance to refugees in danger is an obligation, not a crime, OSCE human rights head says

WARSAW, 20 June 2019 - On World Refugee Day and amid ever more restrictive interpretations of international legal standards to protect people in search of international protection, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls on governments to do more to ensure the primacy of human rights for all those seeking safety in our countries, so far away from home.  “Saving the lives of those in danger is an obligation and not a crime, or even a favour,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “We need greater co-operation between national governments, border control authorities, and civil society to ensure that more human lives are not lost.”  Even when refugees and migrants have reached safety, they often face intolerance and discrimination in hosting societies. “The right to life is paramount. But refugees also have the right to live free from fear of violence and discrimination,” said Gísladóttir. “Refugees can and do make an important contribution to our countries. However, this is only possible if we welcome their skills and experience into our societies.”  ODIHR’s Director also expressed solidarity with the civil society organizations and individuals who work to protect their rights, saying:  “These people are playing a vital role, but they are increasingly subjected to judicial harassment and criminalization, smear campaigns, threats and even attacks, right across the OSCE region. We must come to the defence of those who are defending the most vulnerable in our societies.”  The work of those defending migrant and refugees’ rights is particularly important at present, as pushbacks at borders become more frequent and some states make access to asylum procedures increasingly difficult, setting up legislative and administrative barriers as a deterrent to asylum seekers.  ODIHR works with countries across the OSCE to help defend migrant rights, and ensure that migration policies and legislation are effective and take into account the different needs of women and men as well as the special needs of children. At the same time, ODIHR also works to safeguard human rights defenders, enabling them to continue helping refugees and migrants, every day.


activistpost--2019-03-01--Returning Syrian Refugees Were Fleeing US Proxy War Not Assad

Returning Syrian Refugees Were Fleeing US Proxy War, Not “Assad”

A recent BBC segment titled, “The Syrians returning home after years of fleeing war,” contradicted 8 years of the British state media’s narratives regarding the war in Syria.  A synopsis of the short BBC video segment would read:  After years of people fleeing Syria and its civil war, there are now long queues to enter the country each day. Jordan opened its Jaber border crossing last October after Syrian government troops defeated rebels who had controlled the other side. Now several thousand people pass through each day. They include small-scale merchants reviving cross-border trade and returning Syrian refugees who hope to rebuild their lives.  Huge numbers of Syrians have already returned to Syria – specifically to areas government forces have cleared of Western-armed and backed terrorists. This includes Aleppo, Homs, and Daraa.  The flood of returning refugees to government-held areas indicates Syrians were fleeing the US-backed proxy war against the Syrian government – not the Syrian government itself.  Viewers and readers who invested trust in the BBC’s narratives over the past 8 years will be shocked to hear thousands of Syrians crowding the Jordanian-Syrian border daily to return to the war-ravaged nation.  The BBC has insisted for 8 years, millions of refugees had fled Syria to escape the nation’s “brutal dictator” Syrian President Bashar Al Assad – accused of “gassing his own people,” raining down “barrel bombs” that were both crude and “indiscriminate” but also paradoxically capable of pinpointing elementary schools and children’s hospitals, and whose “Shabiha” death squads lurked around every corner.  In 2016, a BBC article titled, “Syria conflict: Aleppo bombing shuts largest hospital,” uncritically repeated claims made by US-funded fronts operating in Aleppo during security operations to clear it of terrorists.  The BBC – along with the rest of the Western media – have depicted bombs used by the Syrian military as “barrel bombs,” claiming that because of their crude construction, they could not be aimed and therefore were “indiscriminate” in nature.  The article would also claim such “barrel bombs” were, “in no sense accurate,” except of course – when they needed to be accurate for the sake of war propaganda – such as allegedly pinpointing US-funded “hospitals” in terrorist-held Aleppo.  A 2017 BBC article titled, “Syria chemical ‘attack’: What we know,” would claim:  The report – of course – was based entirely on “witness” accounts, with OPCW inspectors unable to investigate the site due to the fact Khan Sheikhoun was – and still is – under Al Qaeda occupation. The BBC article intentionally omits that “samples” the OPCW examined lacked any verifiable chain of custody. In other words – the samples could have come from anywhere, including labs where they were likely fabricated.  The BBC has faithfully repeated every claim made by militants regarding chemical weapons throughout the war. The BBC has gone as far as claiming “Assad’s” repeated use of chemical weapons was a key factor in his victory – though failed categorically to explain how.  Why would people – enjoying refugee status in neighboring countries and even in Europe, risk returning to Syria where “brutal dictator” Bashar Al Assad not only still remains in power – but has decisively defeated his opponents through the use of “barrel bombs,” “chemical weapons,” and other forms of indescribable brutality?  The answer is simple – refugees were fleeing the US-backed war and the terrorists it had armed to divide and destroy the country – not the Syrian government. The vast majority of Syria’s displaced remained inside Syria – and simply moved into areas under government protection. Now with many other areas of the country having security restored by government forces with Russian and Iranian backing – hundreds of thousands more are returning from abroad, including from Europe – according to the BBC itself.  Great effort had been put into misrepresenting the refugee crisis the Syrian conflict triggered – specifically because the specifics of the crisis clearly revealed who Syrians were really fleeing and why. Analysis of Syria’s internally displaced refugees was intentionally and systematically omitted by the BBC and other Western media organizations in their reports over the years to obfuscate the fact refugees were fleeing militants, and voluntarily returning once militants were pushed out of various regions across Syria. When the preferred narrative becomes unsustainable, media manage this by switching to reporting as if for years they hadn’t suggested opposite. Also, UK govt (and BBC) know that UK will again have relations with Assad, which continuing to demonise him may make difficult to sell. And, of course, the BBC knows that any viewer or reader still investing trust in its daily and extensive propaganda efforts will unlikely notice the sudden, dramatic shift in narrative regarding Syria. BBC correspondents will claim that their past articles intentionally framing Syrian President Assad as a “madman” “gassing his own people” and raining “barrel bombs” on their heads were “balanced” because in the last paragraph, brief and marginalized statements from the Syrian or Russian governments refuting such accusations were also included. A similar defense has been mounted since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq failed to turn up weapons of mass destruction after media organizations like the BBC assured the public of the necessity of that war. The BBC has all but admitted to its 8 years of war propaganda aimed at the destruction of Syria. The very refugees it now reports are returning to Syria suffered the fate they have specifically because of the inability of media organizations like the BBC to honestly inform the public. The cost of the Syrian war helps remind the public why during the Nuremberg trials following World War 2, war propagandists were sent to the gallows alongside the trigger-pullers their lies helped enable. While the BBC still enjoys vast amounts of impunity with no likelihood in the foreseeable future of ever being held accountable for its actions, it should be remembered at all times that the BBC is in the business of propaganda – and especially war propaganda – not “news.” This fact should be kept in mind whether its correspondents are covering the Middle East, South America, or Southeast Asia. Tony Cartalucci, Bangkok-based geopolitical researcher and writer, especially for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”, where this article first appeared.


eveningstandard--2019-06-17--Refugee Week UK When is World Refugee Day and what is happening over Refugee Week

Refugee Week UK: When is World Refugee Day and what is happening over Refugee Week?

Today marks the start of Refugee Week, an annual programme of events taking place around the country to celebrate the contribution of refugees to British life and culture, and highlight the difficulties they face.  The theme of this year's festival is 'You, Me and Those Who Came Before', an invitation to 'explore the lives of refugees – and those who have welcomed them – throughout the generations'.  From exhibitions and workshops, to the Refugee Food Festival, there is much to see, do and learn over the course of the week.  Find out everything you need to know below.  Running from 17-23 June 2019, Refugee Week is a programme of cultural and educational events happening across the UK.  Founded in 1998, the week has four aims: to use arts and educational events to promote positive interactions between refugees and the public; to showcase the wide range of talents and skills fostered by refugees; to develop ways to address the hardships experienced by refugees; and to raise awareness about their plight, through education.  Events take place across the country and in London there is much going on.  At the V&A museum, there is photographer Jillian Edelstein's 'You, Me And Those Who Came Before’ exhibition which highlights the unknown history of the refugees enhancing our culture, on until June 21.  At the Southbank Centre, the events list includes an 'Afternoon of Music at the Clore Ballroom' on June 23, a musical piece performed by Newham's Community Opera Full Circle, inspired by the experiences of local refugee Jonathan Lofulo, who fled the DRC when he was just a child.  And at Shakespeare's Globe, a trio of events are taking place at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. They include, an evening of readings on June 18 to mark the launch of 'My First Memory' anthology by Ben Holden, featuring spoken readings of works by such authors as Melvyn Bragg and Michael Morpurgo, and first-hand accounts from such renowned figures as Madeleine Albright, Alf Dubs and Yusra Mardini.  World Refugee Day falls on June 20. It is observed in more than 200 countries and is lead by the United Nations Refugee Agency.  Founded in 2000, each year is themed and the theme of 2019 is #StepWithRefugees. This is an initiative designed to encourage people around the world to walk, run or cycle a stipulated distance, in the hope one billion miles will be travelled over the course of the year, in recognition of the one billion miles refugees cover each year to reach safety.  You can sign up or make a donation here.  Now in its fourth year, the Refugee Food Festival takes place in a number of cities around the world, all at the same time.  London is hosting the festival for the first time this year. In celebration, five restaurants – Ombra, Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert’s, Mercato Metropolitano, Pique Nique and Breddos Tacos – are lending their stoves to eminent refugee chefs who will share delicious dishes from their culture.  At Elephant & Castle's renowned Mercato Metropolitano, for instance, Syrian Chef, refugee and human rights activist Majeda Khouri is teaming up with the market's chef executive Gabriele Bagni to host a Syrian Supper Club.  For more information on what's happening at the festival, click here.


birminghammail--2019-01-17--Met Office forecasts snow in Birmingham after severe weather warning issued

Birmingham will be hit by snow next week, according to the latest weather forecast from the Met Office.  Forecasters are predicting snow will fall in the city on Tuesday next week.  The forecast from the agency comes a day after it issued a severe weather warning for the city and surrounding region.  Birmingham and swathes of the Midlands were slapped with a yellow weather warning for ice on Wednesday and Thursday.  The alert expired at 11am today (Thursday) as parts of the Midlands were hit by snow.  Birmingham escaped the white stuff, but flurries were registered in Coventry and Leicestershire.  Now, the Met Office reckons we're in store for snow on Tuesday next week, a day before temperatures hit lows of -2C.  The agency has forecast snow between 6am and 9am on January 22.  Overnight frosts are expected across the weekend as Saturday and Sunday is teeth-chatteringly cold across the city.  Expect plunging temperatures as the mercury struggles around the freezing mark.  The Met Office five-day forecast reads: "Cold with outbreaks of rain, sleet, hill snow at times over the weekend.  "Some sunshine too, although drier and brighter on the whole on Monday."  A medium-term forecast on the agency's website for January 22 onwards warns snow is possible.  The Met Office say: "Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow for many areas on Tuesday with a chance of snow to low levels but the details of this are currently uncertain.  "Strong winds are also possible in the southwest.  "Showery conditions will follow although some brighter weather is also possible later in the week.  "Thereafter, remaining cold and possibly turning very cold, accentuated by brisk winds which will last through until the end of January."  The agency add: "Frontal zones may arrive from the northwest at times bringing spells of rain, sleet and snow.  "However, some drier and brighter interludes are still likely and these will bring overnight frosts, which will be widespread and locally severe, especially in any longer clear spells."  Forecasters have urged drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to travel with care, saying untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths could be covered in ice.  Temperatures dipped below freezing across Scotland and the far north of England overnight, with a low of -3.4C recorded at Great Dun Fell in Cumbria.  Patchy rain and sleet was beginning to move eastwards over North Wales early on Thursday morning, bringing the risk of icy stretches on untreated surfaces for people heading out in the morning rush.  Showers were starting to bring snow to parts of Scotland, with flakes falling on inland areas and higher ground, and snow fell as far south as counties around London.  Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "Be aware that there's the potential for some icy conditions out on the roads.  "Make sure you give yourself a bit of extra time - you will probably need a little longer to scrape the car as well."  The yellow warning for snow and ice for Scotland remained in place until midday on Thursday.  The yellow ice warning for Northern Ireland, Wales and England - excluding the far South East and Cornwall - expired at 11am.  However, a new yellow warning for snow and ice will be in place for the East Midlands, East of England, North East England and Yorkshire and Humber until 10am on Friday.  Britain could be facing a lengthy cold spell with a continued risk of wintry showers as cold air from the Arctic spreads across Europe.


birminghammail--2019-04-04--Met Office forecasts ALL DAY rain hail and thunder in Birmingham amid UK snow weather warnings

Met Office forecasts ALL DAY rain, hail and thunder in Birmingham amid UK snow weather warnings

Birmingham faces hours of rain, sleet, and thunder today - as the Met Office issues urgent SNOW weather warnings across the UK.  Central and southern parts of England could see heavy thundery downpours throughout the day, while the best of the weather is likely to be across eastern England.  Temperatures are predicted to struggle to get above 10 or 11C, but could feel as low as 7 or 8C in the wind and rain.  It comes as spring got off to a wintry start across many parts of the country this week, with hill snow, hail and sleet.  Forecasters previously said a deep area of low pressure is centred over the UK, bringing with it the potential to drive showers and produce long spells of wet and changeable weather.  The Met Office predicts early hill snow possible in the far west on Thursday.  It will be otherwise wet for many with outbreaks of rain spreading slowly northeastwards.  Showers will follow, these heavy and thundery with the risk of hail.  The odd glimmer of sunshine and feeling cold, the agency adds, as maximum temperatures hit double digits.  The 10C highs will give way to a maximum of 13C tomorrow, with a few showers possible again.  Otherwise generally dry on Friday with some bright spells of hazy sunshine.  Showery outbreaks of rain will continue at first tonight, before easing to give some drier and clearer spells, with patchy frost possible. Further rain may return to the southwest later.  Generally drier, brighter and warmer than of late with a mixture of sunny spells and some cloud this weekend.  The cloud may be thick enough to give some light rain at times.  From April 8 to April 17, the Met Office predicts: "Initially, it will be bright in the west, but largely cloudy elsewhere.  "Some isolated showers are also likely, with light rain and drizzle in the east.  "There will be the chance of overnight frost, especially in the north, where it will feel cold.  "The brightest conditions will continue to be in the west, with mainly cloudy conditions in the east.  "Temperatures will be near the seasonal average to rather warm in the south and west, and it will feel cold in many eastern areas.  "There will be the greatest risk of showers across southern and some eastern areas, with many places dry.  "As we head towards mid month it will gradually become more settled though, with the driest weather towards the west and northwest."  And looking further ahead, the agency adds: "For the latter part of April, blocked and settled conditions are most likely to dominate the weather. These will bring a good deal of dry weather, especially across the north and northwest of the UK.  "There are still likely to be some wetter interludes from time to time, these perhaps mainly affecting the south and southwest.  "Temperatures are likely to be above the average for the time of year."


birminghammail--2019-11-09--First snow of winter 2019 arrives in UK - and forecasters are warning of more next week

Parts of Britain saw the first snows of winter 2019 today.  There was heavy snow in Shropshire and Wales, as well as in Scotland, with some expected in Cumbria too.  Met Office forecasts for Saturday, November 9, indicated there would be heavy snow in Birmingham followed by sleet.  But the current Met Office forecast for the city is now mainly for heavy rain.  However, some meteorologists are warning that Birmingham can still expect snow - and it's set to arrive next week.  Weather maps show snow in and around Birmingham on Thursday, though the Met Office currently has no forecasts suggesting we are in for a covering of the white stuff.  The maps show snow moving into the Midlands from 6am on Thursday, November 14. We'll all have to wait and see if that happens.  Met Office weather forecaster Marco Petanga said the weather on Saturday would actually be "much improved" for those areas which were affected by heavy downpours and floods on Friday.  Mr Petanga said most of the snowfall will be across the hills in Wales.  "It's falling from the sky and a little bit is settling on higher grounds," he said.  "It shouldn't accumulate too much. It's unlikely to cause too much of an issue."  Temperatures could get down to minus 8C in parts of Scotland on Saturday with the potential of more snow on higher grounds, he added.  Snow could also hit parts of Ireland next week.  With forecasts changing daily, it's impossible to say for sure, but we will keep you updated.


eveningstandard--2019-01-17--UK weather forecast latest Snow and ice warnings in force amid Arctic blast

UK weather forecast latest: Snow and ice warnings in force amid Arctic blast

Weather experts have put snow and ice warnings in force across the UK as the arctic blast freezing the nation continues.  The Met Office has issued an ice warning for the majority of England and all of Wales and Northern Ireland.  This ice warning also reaches up into southern Scotland, while a further warning of snow and ice has been issued for the rest of Scotland including Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.  Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "Be aware that there's the potential for some icy conditions out on the roads.  "Make sure you give yourself a bit of extra time - you will probably need a little longer to scrape the car as well."  A painfully low temperature of minus 3.4C was recorded at Great Dun Fell in Cumbria overnight as many places dropped to freezing or lower.  Patchy rain and sleet was moving in over north Wales early on Thursday morning, which brings the risk of icy stretches on untreated surfaces.  To the north showers were starting to bring snow to parts of Scotland, while flakes were falling on inland areas and higher ground.  The yellow snow and ice warning for Scotland is due to remain in place until midday on Thursday.  The yellow ice warning for Northern Ireland, Wales and England - excluding the far South East and Cornwall - expires at 11am.  Thursday night is set to be coldest of the week, with temperatures potentially as low as minus 5C in some areas.  In to the weekend, a Met Office forecaster previously told the Standard the cold weather is here to stay.  The mercury could plunge as low as -7C in central England on Saturday night then it is likely to remain chilly into Monday.


eveningstandard--2019-01-22--UK weather forecast Met Office warns of aposthundersnowapos as it issues ice warnings amid free

UK weather forecast: Met Office warns of 'thundersnow' as it issues ice warnings amid freezing temperatures

Thundersnow could strike the UK this week as temperatures plummet below zero and forecasters issue ice warnings for large swathes of the country.  Weather alerts for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office for most of UK, with wintery conditions likely to cause disruption for road and rail users on Tuesday morning.  Forecasters have also warned of so-called thundersnow, which is an unusual phenomenon that normally only occurs during a few months of the year.  The western Highlands are expected to face the brunt of the snow, with some areas above 500m facing up to almost 10cm of the white stuff, the Met Office said.  Simon Partridge, of the Met Office, said: "Some snow could be seen on the lower levels, so it's not exclusively left to the high ground - but it could end up being rain, snow, rain.  "So, on and off there could be snow from now until the early hours of Wednesday for the west of Scotland, and the best part of 24 hours."  Wintry showers are on the way for northern and western parts of the country, where some outbreaks of thunder and lighting and heavy snow could be seen.  A Met Office spokeswoman told Sky News: “When thunderstorms form in wintry conditions, they can sometimes give rise to heavy downpours of snow, along with the usual thunder and lightning, so it is called thundersnow.  "It is considered unusual because it can only really occur during a few months of the year."  Temperatures in the early hours on Tuesday were expected drop to as low as minus 2C (28.4F) in Pitlochry while Southampton may see highs of 7C (44.6F).  Mr Partridge added: "The main problem is that skies become clear so there's an ice risk after midnight which could cause some big issues during the overnight period.  "There'll be further showers tomorrow with some hail and sleet along the coasts, on the hills and mountains you can see it turning into snow."


eveningstandard--2019-02-04--UK weather forecast Flood warnings as Brits face wet and windy week after deep freeze

UK weather forecast: Flood warnings as Brits face wet and windy week after deep freeze

Brits are facing a week of wet and windy weather as the UK recovers from the grip of a deep freeze.  Met Office forecasters have warned of rain or showers across the country for most of this week after days of wintry conditions.  A warning for snow and ice was in place across parts of Scotland from 9pm on Sunday until midday today ahead of a band of rain that is set to sweep over the nation in the coming days.  While the Environment Agency has issued five flood alerts across the south west including Somerset, mid Bristol and the River Avon and the River Dart in Devon.  Officials have warned of rising river levels due to rainfall and melting snow.  Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson told the Standard: "It's not going to be a complete washout but there will be rain or showers around for most of this week."  He added that Brits should expect the chill to continue overnight into Tuesday before the mercury returns to the milder average temperatures of this time of year.  "Tonight is going to be a very cold one," Mr Wilson said.  Temperatures could fall as low as -9C in Scotland or -2C in the north of England and there is a chance of some freezing fog on Tuesday morning.  But on the whole the UK will be "milder than last week", said the forecaster.  He said: "Tuesday will be dry and bright for most but cold to start, with some freezing fog patches.  "Then a band of rain will move in from the west so it will be fairly wet and windy by the afternoon."  He added that Londoners should expect it to be damp later in the day.  "On Wednesday there will be some sun but outbreaks of rain towards the north and west," Mr Wilson added.  "We are looking at highs of 11C in the south, with a risk of rain in the afternoon in London."  The forecaster added that a mixture of dry and bright weather and showers looks set to continue until Friday.  Temperatures will remain mild with highs of around 10C by the end of the week, he said.  It comes after the UK was hit by days of snow, ice and plunging temperatures from Thursday into the weekend.  England recorded the coldest night of the winter so far on Saturday night.  But Mr Wilson said forecasters are not expecting the return of the freeze "for the time being".  Thousands of pupils are being affected by school and nursery closures due to snow and ice in the north of Scotland.  Head teachers made the decision to either shut or partially shut when severe weather conditions caused road closures, with one school and a nursery also left with no water, heating or power.  More than 7,000 pupils in the Highlands from a total of six secondary schools (4,226 pupils), 20 primary schools (2,486 pupils) and 15 nurseries (524 children) are affected.  In Moray, 15 primary schools, two secondary schools and three nurseries were also either closed or partially closed by conditions.  Decisions over school and nursery closures are made by teachers on a case-by-case basis.


eveningstandard--2019-03-12--Storm Gareth weather forecast aposDanger to lifeapos UK warning as heavy rain and strong winds

Storm Gareth weather forecast: 'Danger to life' UK warning as heavy rain and strong winds sweep in

Heavy rainfall blighted the UK overnight with Storm Gareth set to swoop in later today amid a "danger to life" warning from forecasters.  Yellow warnings for wind and rain are in force across parts of the UK for the next four days, the Met Office said.  "Severe gales" are expected later on today as Storm Gareth hits with gales predicted to reach up to 80mph and flooding expected in some areas.  In the last 12 hours, some areas have already seen nearly 5cm of rain with Capel Curig in Wales seeing 49mm.  There have also been speedy winds hurtling through regions in recent hours with winds already hitting 52mph in the south-west and worse expected.  Yellow warnings for wind cover most of England, Wales and Ireland until 3pm tomorrow. The Met Office issued a "danger to life" warning in Ireland.  "There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris," forecasters said. They have also warned of power cuts and delays to bus and train journeys across the UK and Ireland.  A yellow warning for rain is in place in north-west England from just after midnight on Thursday to 10am on Friday.  The worst of the storm is expected this evening.  According to the Met Office, today's weather will see: "Heavy rain across Wales and northern England, spreading southeastwards, with gusty winds.  "Brighter skies following from the north and later west, with heavy, blustery showers, wintry over northern hills. Turning very windy later, with severe gales in the northwest."  However, tonight will see the worst of it and experts predict: "Very windy with severe gales in the north. Heavy and squally showers across northern and central parts with risk of hail of thunder."  There is a large weather warning for wind covering much of the UK today, with public transport liable to be affected.  In the north-west there is an added warning for rain, with "flooding of a few homes and businesses likely".  Speaking previously, Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "The strong north-westerly winds will also affect south-west Scotland late on Tuesday, spreading across much of England and Wales through Wednesday.  "Gusts of 50-55 mph are likely inland and up to 65 mph along western coasts. Winds will gradually ease during the afternoon."  Gusts could even reach 80mph along northern coasts in coming days, with warnings in place through to Friday.  The storm has been caused by a deep area of low pressure and as well as the Met Office's warnings, the Environment Agency has also stated there is a risk of floods.  It has 29 flood alerts in place and four flood warnings, two in the south west and another pair in the north west.


eveningstandard--2019-03-15--UK weather forecast Five warnings as 65mph winds heavy rain and snow to lash Britain this weekend

UK weather forecast: Five warnings as 65mph winds, heavy rain and snow to lash Britain this weekend

Forecasters have warned of snow, strong winds and downpours are set to sweep across most of Britain this weekend.  Five weather warnings will come into effect on Saturday covering large swathes of the UK as a blast of wet and windy weather moves in.  A developing area of low pressure will move north east across the country, bringing gusts of up to 65mph and "quite persistent rain" which could lead to flooding, according to the Met Office.  It comes after separate warning for wind was in place until 3pm on Friday across the East Midlands and northern England.  Warnings are also in place for snow and rain across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland tomorrow.  Heavy, persistent rain is expected to affect parts of Wales and northern England from midnight on Friday through the whole of Saturday, with forecasters warning of possible flooding.  Met Office forecaster Matthew Box told the Standard more than 100mm of rain could fall on higher ground in north Wales.  Elsewhere within the warning area, 40-70 mm is expected.  Mr Box added that Brits should brace for gusts up to 65mph along the coast as strong winds hit the south of England and Wales on Saturday.  Londoners should expect strong winds of around 45mph, the forecaster said.  Meanwhile further north across Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland, an area of low pressure is due to bring snow.  Up to 10cm of snow is possible above 400m, the Met Office said. While around 2 to 6cm is likely above 200-300m.  Snow will mostly turn to rain over England during the morning.  Temperatures are expected to start off quite cold on Saturday before warming up.  Mr Box said: "It's looking like quite a contrast in temperatures. The maximum temperature will be around 13C in the south east.  "Whereas in the north the maximum temperature will be around 8 to 10C.  "In the morning on Saturday will it start off just below freezing across parts of the North."  The forecaster added that the winds should die down by around 10pm on Saturday in London, with light winds expected on Sunday.  He said: "Sunday will be bright with some scattered showers through the day and highs of 9 or 10C."  The pressure will build into next week, with conditions turning drier, brighter and calmer.


eveningstandard--2019-04-04--UK weather forecast severe Met Office warning for snow as wintry conditions continue to grip much o

UK weather forecast: severe Met Office warning for snow as wintry conditions continue to grip much of Britain

A severe weather warning for snow is in place as wintry conditions continue to affect much of the country at the start of spring.  The Met Office has put out a yellow alert for snow on high ground above 300 metres in Wales overnight and into Thursday morning.  Forecasters are warning that some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with longer journey times for travellers.  The warning, which covers much of southern and central Wales, is currently in place from 4am to 11am on Thursday.  Snow showers have already been recorded across parts of south Wales this morning.  Rain, sleet and snow are expected to affect driving conditions on Thursday morning, particularly in Wales and the West Midlands.  A chilly Wednesday night was predicted, with forecasters warning temperatures were set to drop just above or below zero degrees in several parts of the country.  The Met Office said frost and ice will form and advised people to take care on icy stretches of road.  Hill snow, hail and sleet have hit many parts of the country this week as spring got off to a wintry start.  London was also hit by surprise colder weather on Wednesday.  Wintry showers broke out in the capital at around 3pm following a "massive" clap of thunder, according to shocked Londoners on social media.  Many people reported flurries of snow throughout the city centre.  The Met Office later tweeted: "#Snow in #London? It is too warm today, with temperatures as high as 10 Celsius in the city. However, there have been reports of soft #Hail known as graupel which can look like snow."  Forecasters previously said a deep area of low pressure is centred over the UK, bringing with it the potential to drive showers and produce long spells of wet and changeable weather.  A "sudden microburst" of hail and snow caused a 24-car motorway pile-up, Lancashire Police said early on Wednesday morning.  The M55 was closed in both directions but no-one was seriously injured, the force said.  The current outlook for Thursday is a day of sunshine and showers for most areas, with some places staying dry.  Showers will be most frequent in the South West, with a longer spell of rain in northern Scotland.  Friday could see rain in the west and far north, with conditions being brighter elsewhere.  The weekend will feature drizzle in the east, with brighter spells in other parts of the country and conditions becoming warmer away from the east coast.


eveningstandard--2019-04-24--UK weather forecast Thunderstorm warning in force as Met Office warn of travel disruption and power

UK weather forecast: Thunderstorm warning in force as Met Office warn of travel disruption and power cuts

Heavy thunderstorms are expected to cause power loss, flooding and disrupt travel across the North and West of England.  The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning as a huge storm is set to move in across parts the country between 1pm and 9pm today.  After the Bank Holiday heatwave, which saw record-breaking Easter Monday temperatures in parts of the country, stormy and rainy weather is now expected to descend across the UK for the rest of the week.  The London Marathon on Sunday may escape the rainy weather as cloudy skies are currently forecast with a 10 to 20 per cent chance of precipitation.  Temperatures are expected to be around 10-13 degrees from 10am to 7pm as runners take to the capital’s streets.  The thunderstorm warning covers from Leicester up to Carlisle and Manchester across to York.  Possible damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes are expected, while short term power loss and possible delays to train services are also possible.  The Met Office warns that there is “a good chance that driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.  “Flood of a few homes and businesses is possible.”  Martin Bolwes, a Met Office meteorologist said heavy rain, large hail stones and gusts of 30-35mph winds will hit areas within the warning zone.  He said: “The heavier showers we are expecting 20mm or 30mm in over two hours.  "It is enough to cause flooding on roads, under railways and some very large puddles but only certain localised which will get those rains.”  “Places outside of that area, for example, North Wales, are likely to get thunderstorms this afternoon, but these will be minor compared to the warning area which is where disruption is most probable.”  He advised people planning to travel to “slow down and take extra care in heavy showers.”  “Drive slower if any thunderstorms hit the area where you are driving as hail stones and heavy rain may hit the road.  “Take extra care while travelling around. A good idea if you’re in a thunderstorm to take shelter if you’re out walking and wait for the storm to pass.  “Anywhere in the warning area trains could possibly be disrupted."


eveningstandard--2019-06-23--UK weather forecast Warnings over thunderstorms and torrential rain before temperatures soar for G

UK weather forecast: Warnings over thunderstorms and torrential rain… before temperatures soar for Glastonbury Festival

Forecasters have issued weather warnings across most of the UK as thunderstorms and torrential rain roll in.  Three separate severe warnings for storms and rain are in place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Monday, with up to 80mm of rain possible in some parts.  A further yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place on Tuesday, before temperatures soar towards the mid-30s.  By Friday, the mercury could peak at about 33C, with Glastonbury Festival-goers expected to see some of the hottest temperatures in Britain.  It comes amid a heatwave that has been forecast across Europe, potentially bringing record temperatures of 40C to the continent.  Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge told the Standard: “On Monday we are getting three weather warnings across the UK. Two run from midnight to midnight.  “The first is a rain warning in eastern Scotland. 20 to 40mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely and some isolated places could see up to 80mm.  “The second warning is a thunderstorm warning for the majority of England and Wales. 20mm of rain is expected to fall widely with 60mm is possible in isolated spots.  “A final thunderstorm warning is in place for Northern Ireland.  “There is a lot of warm and humid air across southern parts of the UK which will allow the thunderstorms to develop.  “The band of rain across Scotland isn’t really going anywhere but away from Scotland there will be a mix of sunny spells and storms. It will be warm, with temperatures peaking at about 27 or 28C in East Anglia.  “A more focused patch of thunder storms will move over the country on Tuesday, with another weather warning in place from midnight to midnight for southern and eastern parts of England.  “60mm of rain could fall in some places but the rest of the UK will be dry with sunny spells. Temperatures could peak again at 28C in the south."  The rest of the week will see warm and sunny weather for most as the mercury continues to climb, Mr Partridge added.  He said: “From Wednesday high pressure will become more dominant so there will be a reduced risk of showers and thunder, there will be more sunshine and warmer temperatures.  “By the time we get to Friday the hotter temperatures will be further to the south and west and we could see temperatures of 32 or 33C at Glastonbury.”


eveningstandard--2019-06-25--UK weather forecast 30C heatwave warning after Saharan Bubble causes torrential thunderstorms

UK weather forecast: 30C heatwave warning after Saharan Bubble causes torrential thunderstorms

Torrential thunderstorms saw a week’s worth of rain fall in one hour early today as forecasters said a heatwave was on its way.  Storms caused by the “Saharan Bubble” — a 2,000-mile-wide plume of air — hit London, disrupting travel services. Up to 13mm of rain fell in 60 minutes in parts of the South-East.  But following the deluge, forecasters predict temperatures of more than 30C by the end of the week. Public Health England raised the heatwave threat to Level 2, with UK temperatures set to be higher than Egypt and Thailand.  Met Office meteorologist Met Office forecaster Grahame Madge said Saharan Bubble was “not a meteorological term, but it’s quite a good description of this hot air moving over northern Africa.”  He said: “We’re expecting temperatures of 48 or 49C in Algeria, which will be extending across the Mediterranean and the EU.  “Closer to home, France is expecting very high temperatures, with the chance of June records being broken and possibly all-time records too.  “That building heat will begin to be felt in the UK because of low pressure drawing that hot air towards us.  “The heat will make its way to the UK by Friday and Saturday, with temperatures in the low 30s across the south and south east.  “It’s a much drier outlook, although there is still a chance of some heavier showers in some places.  “All the weather warnings have now expired and most places can expect drier and brighter conditions.”  A netweather.tv spokesman added: “Friday for inland south-west Britain looks the hottest spot at the moment. Up to the mid-thirties could be possible. Those at, or heading to Glastonbury could be sweltering.”  In Europe, experts said temperatures could exceed 40C this week as a result of the “Saharan Bubble”, with high humidity making it feel like 47C. Officials in Paris have set up “cool rooms” in municipal buildings, opened pools for late-night swimming, installed extra drinking fountains and suspended school exams.  This morning’s torrential storms flooded some of the busiest railway lines into London, causing disruption for tens of thousands of commuters. There were warnings of more delays this evening with trains and staff out of place because of the earlier problems.  The wettest area was East Malling in Kent, where 19.4mm of rain fell in three hours.  In Haywards Heath this morning, all services through the area including Southern, the Brighton line and Gatwick Express into Victoria and  the through London Thameslink services via London Bridge from Brighton to Bedford, suffered cancellations and major delays.  All passengers using the Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink services “during the afternoon and evening” were advised to leave extra time for their journeys, while services between Paddington, the West and Wales were delayed by damage to overhead power cables between Didcot Parkway and Swindon.

John Dunne, dick Murray, BENEDICT MOORE-BRIDGER


eveningstandard--2019-08-07--UK weather forecast Danger to life warnings as Britain braces for weekend washout of aposunseason

UK weather forecast: Danger to life warnings as Britain braces for weekend washout of 'unseasonable' stormy weather

Britain is bracing itself for "unseasonal" heavy wind and rain this weekend that has sparked danger to life warnings for parts of the UK, as well as yellow weather warnings for London.  Much of the UK will be sunny tomorrow with relatively light winds, bringing temperatures of low 20s for most of England and Wales but high teens for Northern Ireland and Scotland.  However, a band of cloud and rain coming from the south will creep in on Thursday, drenching the Channel Islands and the southern counties with showers.  Forecasters said it was a sign of "things to come" as the cloud is linked to an area of low pressure that is connected to wet and "unseasonably windy weather".  It will move in Thursday night and through Friday with the Met Office issuing weather warnings.  Met Office spokesman Oliver Claydon said: "This unseasonable weather is due to an area of particularly low pressure from the Atlantic.  "Thursday evening is when it will hit and then it will move northeastwards from Friday through Saturday, reaching Scotland and northeast England Friday evening.  "There are two parts to this weather front which is the high winds and also thundery showers."  The Met Office said the weather front is the kind that is normally expected in autumn and winter.  They added: "It is very unusual for wind to be this strong at this time of year. Especially with trees in full leaf, it means it could impact more.  "Winds will reach 40mph inland but the southeast coast, and around Bristol could see winds of 50mph.  "But London, despite being in the southeast, can expect winds of 40mph."  Gale force winds could be so extreme this weekend that it has led to organisers of the Boardmasters music festival to cancel the event just hours before it was due to open.  The decision was based on advice from the police and independent safety advisers.  In a statement, the festival said: "The safety of you, the fans and attendees, as well as performers and crew comes first, and the potential risk is too severe for the event to go ahead at this time."  A danger to life warning remains in place for the River Goyt in Whaley Bridge in the Peak District.  Emergency services are currently battling to prevent the Toddbrook Reservoir dam from bursting.  Yellow weather warnings have been issued for London on Friday and Saturday.  The capital can expect overnight heavy rain followed by scattered heavy, thundery showers.  These will continue most widely through Saturday with strong gales, but the showers and winds should ease off by Sunday.  There is a chance homes and businesses could be flooded and spray, as well as flooding, could lead to dangerous driving conditions.  A yellow warning has also been issued for much of England and Wales.


eveningstandard--2019-09-22--UK weather forecast Met Office issues flood warnings as UK set to be battered with heavy rain and t

UK weather forecast: Met Office issues flood warnings as UK set to be battered with heavy rain and thunderstorms

A series of weather warnings have been issued with the UK set to be battered by heavy rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.  The remnants of Hurricane Humberto began moving over the country on Saturday night, putting an end to days of sunshine and warm temperatures.  The Met Office has issued warnings for rain on Sunday and Tuesday, with the risk of downpours and thunderstorms across swathes of Britain.  On Sunday up to 70mm of rain could fall in some places, with a warning in place into the evening for all of eastern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell told the Standard: “Starting with today there will be spells of rain across much of the country.  “A yellow rain warning is in place across a large part of the country until 7pm with a risk of localised flooding.  “The situation is fairly unsettled next week with heavy showers. There is a similar forecast is similar across the whole country.  “Monday starts off dry with sunny spells but later in the afternoon it will cloud over with a band of heavy rain moving in.”  On Tuesday, a weather warning is in place across southern England.  “It is a day of sun and showers, temperatures could reach 20C, but there is a risk of thunderstorms as well," Ms Mitchell said.  “There is another yellow warning out for part of Wales, south east England and across to south west England, including London.  “It will be a wet day with a risk of localised flooding.”


eveningstandard--2019-10-05--UK weather forecast More heavy rain hits as Met Office issues fresh weather warning

UK weather forecast: More heavy rain hits as Met Office issues fresh weather warning

Heavy rain has hit a large swathe of the UK just days after the country was struck by extensive flooding.  The Met Office has issued an 18-hour long yellow warning, which started at midnight and which runs until 6pm on Sunday, covering Scotland and most of northern, eastern and south east England.  It has also issued an amber "danger to life" warning for heavy rain in East Anglia, warning that disruption from flooding is likely.  The weather warning was triggered shortly after 1pm on Sunday and is set to last until 4pm.  Forecasters warned that heavy rain could cause disruption on the roads, as well as to train and bus services.  Flooding is likely to affect a few homes and business, while some communities may be cut off by flooded roads, the Met Office said.  Earlier this week, heavy downpours brought flash flooding across the UK and left residents trapped in their homes on the Isle of Man.  Thunderstorms swept across London, the south of England, Wales and the Midlands on Tuesday, with some areas hit by a week's rain in just an hour.  Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said Sunday's yellow warning was triggered by rain pushing eastwards across the UK.  "It's going to stall and linger across northern and eastern parts of the UK tomorrow," he said on Saturday evening.  Mr Burkill said the highest rainfall totals were expected in Scotland and northern England, but the highest rainfall rate is likely to be seen in Lincolnshire and East Anglia.  He explained: "That's where we could see quite a lot of rain in a few hours, whereas further north it will be longer but not as intense."  By contrast, Northern Ireland, Wales and south west England are due to see sunshine on Sunday, with some heavy showers.  Beyond the weekend, further rain is forecast for Monday followed by a showery and blustery week of weather - with average to milder temperatures, Mr Burkill said.  He said the unsettled weather theme will continue into November, with temperatures dropping below average "but not extremely cold".


eveningstandard--2019-10-13--UK weather forecast: Met Office issues flood warning across huge swathe of country with more heavy r

UK weather forecast: Met Office issues flood warning across huge swathe of country with more heavy rain expected

A large part of England could face flooding as heavy rain sweeps across the country, forecasters have warned.  The Met Office said more than two inches of rain could fall within 12 hours on Monday in some parts of the country.  A yellow weather warning has been issued stretching from Devon on the south coast to South Yorkshire between midday and midnight.  Cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford and Portsmouth are also within the warning area.  The Met Office said the wet weather will move northwards across much of England on Monday, with the heaviest rain forecast for the afternoon and evening.  While up to 25mm is likely to fall "quite widely", forecasters said some areas could see up to 60mm (2.3 inches).  "This brings a risk of flooding and disruption, but the situation is uncertain, such that the likelihood of this across any given county is small," the Met Office said.  The wet weather will follow an "unsettled" Sunday across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson added.  Mr Wilson said the wet weather will push north throughout the day into southern Scotland.  He said the rain will "ease" overnight on Sunday and will be followed by fog patches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Despite more wet weather on Monday, Mr Wilson said there is an "improving picture" for Tuesday, with temperatures reaching up to 16C.  He said while there will be some rain in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, it will be "drier" for the rest of the UK.  New: Daily podcast from the Evening Standard  Listen and subscribe to The Leader on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or your chosen podcast provider. New episodes every weekday from 4pm.


eveningstandard--2019-11-08--UK weather forecast: Hundreds of flood warnings still in force across England as country endures mon

UK weather forecast: Hundreds of flood warnings still in force across England as country endures month's worth of rain

Hundreds of flood warnings remain in place across England today as rain continues to pummel the country, with some posing a "danger to life".  A total of 125 red flood warnings and a further 118 amber flood alerts stretch from Sunderland in the north to the Isle of Wight in the south.  The flash flooding caused by torrential downpours is expected to spark more misery for commuters and residents.  Five 'severe' warnings are active and relate to towns and villages surrounding the River Don which are in immediate risk.  The river in Doncaster burst its banks yesterday and will reach its highest recorded level today, forecasters predict.  Areas such as Barnby Dun, Kirk Bramwith, Kirk Sandall, South Bramwith and Willow Bridge Caravan Site will receive severe flooding.  Doncaster Council has warned some residents to evacuate their homes because the River Don is breaching its banks near St Oswald Church at Kirk Sandall.  The council tweeted: “There is a Severe Flood Warning in place for Sandal Grove, Old Kirk Sandall.  “Residents in these areas are advised to evacuate immediately.”  Northern Rail said that, due to heavy flooding, there would be “severe disruption” to their network.  Train operators are warning passengers not to travel on a number of routes through Yorkshire and the North West.  This includes lines from Sheffield to destinations such as Leeds via Moorthorpe, Lincoln, Doncaster and Goole.  Trains are also unable to run on routes such as Manchester Piccadilly-Cleethorpes, Leeds-Doncaster and Hebden Bridge-Rochdale.  Rail replacement bus services are not being provided due to road closures and unsafe driving conditions.  Network Rail, which owns Britain's rail infrastructure, said track inspections will take place "where possible".  Rail firm Northern warned that disruption could continue into the weekend despite the weather improving in many areas.  A spokesman said: "We are still advising customers on several routes not to travel as flooding is making rail and road travel extremely difficult.  "Colleagues at Network Rail are inspecting the tracks and working hard to return them to normal, but at present we have no estimate as to when we will be able to operate services on the affected routes."  He added that Northern will "try to run as many services as possible".  Other train companies hit by the weather include CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, LNER, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales and Virgin Trains.  The downpours also caused mayhem on roads as several routes were blocked and some vehicles were abandoned in floodwater.  Sheffield City Council said 14 of its roads were closed due to flooding as of 7am, and urged drivers to take extra care.  Six of the roads were reopened by 8.20am  The rail operators' ‘do not travel’ advice for passengers still stands.  River Derwent in Derbyshire has also burst its banks causing people to evacuate homes and take refuge in a shopping centre.  Only 18 flood warnings have been deescalated in the last 24 hours.  When one months worth of rain fell in two days it wreaked havoc on areas of the country.  An Environment Agency (EA) rain gauge showed Swineshaw in the Peak District saw 4.4in of rain yesterday - the highest total of anywhere across England.  The average monthly rainfall total for the region at this time of year, is 3.5in.  Homes were evacuated and cars submerged in water were abandoned.  Thirty-five homes were cleared out as a precaution in Mansfield after a mudslide on Thursday night.  Last night, dozens of people became stranded in shopping centres in Sheffield and Nottinghamshire.  Police ordered shoppers, a number of which had travelled to Meadowhall Centre for a Christmas event, to stay put.  Pictures taken from those stuck in the centre emerged showing people and staff in makeshift beds in a communal area and stock room.  In a later statement, Meadowhall said: “Whilst the road networks have been severely affected by the floods, our centre remains dry and secure.  “The majority of customers left the building before the centre officially closed at 22.00 hours but there are a small number of people who have chosen to stay with us for the time being.  “We will continue to look after them until they can return home safely.”  Saskia Hazelwood, 17, from Doncaster, said she was among those stranded in Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre.  She said: “When we got to Meadowhall it was very hectic and we heard about the flooding and saw the river about to burst.  “Our trains were then cancelled so we went to get food, then spoke to the police and security and they told us it was unsafe to leave and there was no way of getting in or out.  “So we instantly started panicking and, when we found out there was no way of getting home, we went into Primark and all bought spare clothes and we bought food and drinks to keep us going throughout the night.  “We were in M&S for a while on the sofas until they closed the store, and we were then moved to the Oasis food quarter. We were there until 7am.”  Saskia, a student, added: “We were provided with free refreshments throughout the night and morning but it was certainly not enough.  “We had to basically camp out in the food area until they finally got a taxi to us at 7am.  “None of us had slept for over 24 hours. We were very tired, stressed and, of course, our families were panicking and kept keeping in touch.  “My dad even tried driving to us around 11.30pm but, because the centre was gridlocked and also flooded and shut off, he wasn’t able to get to us and so he had to turn around and go home.  “At the start we thought it would be fun, a nice sleepover, something to certainly remember, but after 14 hours of being stranded in Meadowhall we just couldn’t wait to get home, get into our own beds, feel safe again, and catch up on sleep.”  Around 25 homes in Worksop were also evacuated due to the risk of flooding.  Damien West, head of prevention and protection at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, tweeted: “In Worksop with Crews who are working tirelessly to rescue a large number of people from flooded premises. A very long, cold and hard working night.”