ALGIERS, Algeria
Rescuers hunt for victims in caked mud
Associated Press
Rescuers sifted through caked mud yesterday seeking survivors of flooding and mudslides that killed nearly 600 people in the Algerian capital. More rain was forecast.
The official death toll stood at 579. Some Algiers newspapers estimated deaths could climb as high as 1,000 when devastated areas are searched.
Mud clogged the narrow streets, where residents expressed fury at what they called the government's lax response to a weekend mudslide triggered by heavy rains that devastated several working class neighborhoods.
"We are revolted by the complete absence of the authorities," said Messaoud, a 52-year-old administrator who declined to give his last name. "The army didn't even send helicopters to rescue people who sought refuge on the roofs, but when it comes to cracking down on a demonstration with tear gas, the helicopters are there."
France was sending a cargo plane with tents, beds, blankets and water purification equipment to provide drinking water for about 100,000 people a day in its former colony. Four French teams of rescuers with search dogs also were dispatched.
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika declared three days of national mourning starting yesterday.
The 36-hour downpour that began Friday set off a mudslide that ripped through neighborhoods, collapsing buildings, blocking roads, overturning vehicles and knocking out power. Thousands of families were forced to flee.
COLUMBIA, S.C.
Children raise money for fire truck
Associated Press
A group of South Carolina schoolchildren said yesterday they have raised nearly half a million dollars, exceeding their goal to buy New York City a fire truck and help repay a 134-year debt of kindness.
Efforts by White Knoll Middle School students to replace one of the fire trucks lost in the Sept. 11 attacks got a boost when it was discovered that New York firefighters had given a fire wagon to Columbia two years after the Civil War. Columbia officials at the time promised never to forget the favor.
"It shows we care about people in New York," said eighth-grader Laurin Huffstetler, 13. "It also shows we keep our promises."
The children plan to present a check for $447,265 to New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. That covers the $350,000 cost of the truck and any other equipment firefighters wish to buy.
South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges hopes the truck will wear a little South Carolina pride. At yesterday's announcement, he gave students a blue Palmetto State flag to take to New York.
PHOENIX
Protesters rallied at the State Capitol, as lawmakers crunched
Associated Press
More than 1,000 protesters rallied outside the State Capitol yesterday, as lawmakers inside looked for ways to cut their agency's budgets and limit their raises.
Gov. Jane Hull called legislators in for a special session because the state's tax collections aren't meeting expectations. She urged lawmakers to approve a plan that would erase a projected shortfall of more than $1.5 billion in the $14.5 billion, two-year budget.
But to approve the plan, lawmakers have to decide what programs will be put on the chopping block. Protesters argue that cuts will result in overworked staffs and underpaid workers without solving the problem.
Mental health workers covered with yellow buttons waved banners and signs in front of the Senate building as people strolled up in wheel chairs and leaned on walkers.
"Spread the suffering, folks, but don't do it on the backs of those who can least afford it," said the executive director of the Children's Action Alliance, Carol Kamin.
Meanwhile, state employees were putting their hands on their hearts and gazing up to the flag in front of the House building as they recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
"We are fighting for respect, for dignity and for fairness," said Carl Williams, an American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee union member.
