Storm kills 8 people in northern Europe

International Desk: Eight people including two firefighters have been killed in storm-related accidents as hurricane-strength winds tear across northern Europe.

Both firefighters were helping with clean-up efforts in Germany when they died.

Many of those killed, in the Netherlands and in Germany, were hit by falling trees and debris. One died in a collision when his van was blown on to the other side of the road.
The storm has now crossed to Poland.

Facing gusts of up to 140km/h (90mph), Germany's train operator Deutsche Bahn cancelled all long-distance services for the rest of Thursday.

Many regional services were also cancelled.

Flights at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam - one of the busiest in Europe - were briefly suspended and two of its three departure halls were closed after roof plates were blown off the terminal building.

People arriving at Schiphol told reporters they had experienced rough landings with some passengers around them throwing up.

The storm, called Friederike in Germany, crossed the country from west to east before reaching Poland.

Source: Agencies


risingbd/Jan 19, 2018/Mukul