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Hurricane hunters aborted a mission inside Category 5 Melissa after extreme turbulence. Their C-130J endured rapid altitude swings, forcing a return to base for inspection. A dropsonde still captured a 252 mph gust and 893 mb pressure, a record reading. Crew operated over 35 minutes in the eye before safely exiting the storm. Data will aid forecasters as Melissa remains an exceptionally powerful system.
More than 5,600 US flights delayed as shutdown drags on. FAA cites staffing shortages at key hubs and facilities. Ground stop in Austin; ground-delay program at DFW. Thousands of controllers and TSA staff working unpaid. Pressure grows on lawmakers to end the impasse.
Category 5 Hurricane Melissa makes a destructive landfall in Jamaica. NHC warns of potential “total structural failure” in storm’s core. Jamaica faces extreme winds, storm surge and catastrophic flooding. Haiti and the Dominican Republic report torrential rains and deaths. Track takes Melissa toward eastern Cuba, then the Bahamas. Authorities open shelters and order evacuations in high-risk zones.
A Mombasa Air Safari Cessna Caravan crashed in Kenya’s Kwale region soon after takeoff. Authorities fear all 12 aboard—reportedly foreign tourists—have died. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed a multi-agency response and opened a probe. Investigators are examining wreckage in the Tsimba Golini area for early clues. The incident deals a blow to safari tourism; identities and nationalities were not immediately released.
Pakistan issues a NOTAM closing airspace 6–9am on Oct 28 and 29. Airlines have been advised to adjust schedules for both mornings. Move follows reports of Indian tri-service exercises near the border. India has also announced limited closures near Gujarat and Rajasthan. Authorities cite ongoing regional tensions and urge planning.
Former Queen Sirikit, mother of King Vajiralongkorn, has died at 93. The palace set a year-long mourning period as the nation grieves. She was both a style icon and a patron of rural development. Her birthday became Thailand’s Mother’s Day, reflecting public affection. Leaders at home and abroad offered condolences following her death.
Russia launched a major overnight barrage on Kyiv and beyond. One person was killed and at least 10 were injured, officials said. Missiles and drones targeted energy facilities before winter. Ukraine reported intercepting most of the incoming weapons. Several districts saw fires and infrastructure damage, raising blackout fears.
A dinghy carrying migrants capsized off Bodrum, killing 17. Two people survived; one swam for hours to reach an island. Turkish coastguard continues search-and-rescue operations. Victims’ nationalities were not immediately disclosed. The Aegean remains a deadly route to the EU.
Islamabad police chief to head a three-member inquiry panel. Early review of CCTV shows no external attack, officials say. Ballistics and phone data analyses are underway. Witnesses, staff and colleagues are being questioned. Findings will determine motive and sequence of events.
Forces used aerial reconnaissance to locate and strike a militant formation in Dalbandin. Six militants were killed and the group’s position was dismantled, officials said. A separate Bajaur raid destroyed TTP tunnels; one militant was killed and arms seized. Tensions with Afghanistan persist, though a ceasefire and talks in Istanbul are planned.
Seventy-two riverine bandits surrendered in Shikarpur after a new policy rollout. Authorities say several most-wanted figures were among them; bounties topped Rs60m. Heavy weapons were displayed; officials vowed surrenderees will still face the law. Sindh plans rehabilitation support as police continue operations in remaining pockets.
PNS Yarmook conducted two boardings under CMF’s Operation Al Masmak. Seizures included multi-ton meth shipments and a smaller cocaine haul. Both stateless dhows lacked AIS and identifying markings. Coalition navies praised one of CMF’s biggest narcotics busts. Pakistan Navy says actions reinforce regional maritime security.
