Heavy Rains around Grand Canyon causes Dam Breach

Associated Press is reporting that

Days of heavy rains around the Grand Canyon created flooding that breached an earthen dam Sunday and forced helicopters to pluck scores of residents and campers from the gorge. No injuries were immediately reported.

The flooding came on a weekend during the busy summer tourist season, when thousands of visitors a day flock to the canyon for spectacular views, hikes or to raft its whitewater.

Google Earth/Maps view will follow soon. I had a incorrect view here. Sorry about that!

Here's what I found

Information on Redlands Dam is hard to find because of national security concerns. Links to dam safety web sites are limited to authorized personnel.

The link mentioned above states that "Redlands Dam" is located on "Cataract Canyon". So this might be the approximate Location - (Google Maps View)

Google Earth View:

Fire at Monte Carlo Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, NV

Fire breaks out at the top floors of Monte Carlo Hotel and Resorts located at 3770 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV. CNN is reporting:

The blaze was reported about 11 a.m.

Black smoke and flames poured from the fire, which roared through the building's exterior stucco and foam until firefighters were able to get on the roof and knock down the flames.

Most of the damage was to the top floor of the building. Falling debris ignited parts of an exterior ledge four floors below.

According to last reports:

The fire was contained in the west wing and almost contained in the south wing, according to the fire department.

Google Maps Street View of Monte Carlo

Christmas Card arrives after 93 years

CNN is reporting that a Christmas card mailed from Alma, Nebraska on December 23rd, 1914 finally arrived at its destination in Oberlin, Kansas this month (December 2007). The card arrived in a perfect shape! Here's a look at the journey on Google Maps.

Environmental Disaster near Black Sea

A powerful storm battered the Black Sea and Azov Sea region which resulted in (via and via)

four ships sinking, including an oil tanker, and four others are in danger of breaking up.

Up to 2,000 metric tons of fuel oil have leaked from the tanker in the Kerch Strait, which links the two seas.

A big clean-up operation is now under way, amid fears of an environmental disaster in the area.

At least two other ships were carrying potentially hazardous cargos when they sank, including nearly 6,000 tons of sulphur.

Google Maps view of the disaster location: