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Belgium - Explosions at Zaventem airport & Maalbeek subway station near EU buildings killed at least 31 and wounded 270 - March 22, 2016

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  • Belgium - Explosions at Zaventem airport & Maalbeek subway station near EU buildings killed at least 31 and wounded 270 - March 22, 2016

    Brussels Zaventem airport and metro explosions 'kill at least 13'



    snip

    Two blasts tore through the departures area of Zaventem airport shortly after 08:00 local time (07:00 GMT).

    An hour later, an explosion hit Maalbeek metro station, close to the EU institutions. The airport and whole metro system have been closed.




    More than 30 people are believed to have been killed in attacks at Brussels' main airport and a metro station, as an image of three suspects emerges.

  • #2
    Security Message for U.S. Citizens:

    UNITED STATES EMBASSY BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
    Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
    Report of Explosions at Zaventem Airport and Maelbeek Metro
    March 22, 2016
    Preliminary reports indicate one or more explosive devices have gone off at Zaventem Airport and Maelbeek metro. The U.S. Embassy recommends sheltering in place and avoiding all public transportation. We will update with further information when available.
    The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that Belgium is at a threat rating of Level 4, or ?serious and imminent attack.? Such events can take place with little or no notice; therefore U.S. citizens are urged to:
    ? Be aware of local events,
    ? Follow local authority instructions
    ? Monitor local media further developments and,
    ? Take the appropriate steps to bolster your personal security.

    For further information:
    • See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Belgium Country Specific Information.
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
    • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, which is located at Blvd du Regent 27, B-1000 in Brussels and is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except U.S. federal and Belgian holidays). If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S, Embassy is: 02-811-4000. To contact the Consulate General, please e-mail us at USCitizenBrussels@state.gov.
    • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
    • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.



    Comment


    • #3
      We have followers from the EU buildings in Brussels. Best wishes to everyone involved. Stay safe.

      Pages viewed and hits from February 2016:


      Click image for larger version

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      • #4

        Attacks in Brussels: how to obtain information?

        This page has been automatically translated from French into English by a translation software. Automatic translations are not as accurate as translations made by professional human translators. Nevertheless these pages can help you understand information published by the City of Brussels.
        Information about the attacks in Brussels are available at the Crisis Centre via the emergency number 1771 (priority for victims and family). All train and subway stations and tunnels in Brussels are closed at the moment.

        The Crisis Centre recommends everyone to stay indoors and not to move, not even to the airport after the attacks on the Brussels Airport and the metro of Brussels. The safety level is increased to four.
        Public transport

        All subway stations are closed. Buses, trams and the metro do not ride. All train stations are closed as well.
        Tunnels

        All tunnels are closed as well.
        Markets

        The outdoor markets are closed until further notice.
        Crisis Centre
        http://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm?id=8912&
        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • #5
          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

          Comment


          • #6
            American Airlines Brussels Update

            FORT WORTH, Texas, March 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Airlines extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to those affected by the tragic events in Brussels earlier today. American is taking care of employees and customers at Brussels Airport. At this time, all of our airport employees and crew members are safe and accounted for with no reported injuries. American Airlines check-in operates at Row 8 of the departure hall, and the explosions did not occur at Row 8.

            American Airlines flight 751 from Brussels to Philadelphia has been canceled for today. When operations at the Brussels airport resume, we will reaccommodate our customers on available flights. Flight 750 from Philadelphia to Brussels is not scheduled for today.

            American has issued a travel policy for customers with reservations to Brussels who wish to change their itineraries. Customers booked for travel March 22 and March 23 may request a refund, select an alternate airport or reschedule travel through April 5.

            Customers with flights to or from Brussels may use aa.com or call our reservations desk at +1-800-679-8215 to get the latest information. In Belgium, customers may call (+32) 070 300 300.
            ...

            http://hub.aa.com/en/nr/american-air...date-3-22-2016

            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
            -Nelson Mandela

            Comment


            • #7
              GOV.UK
              Foreign travel advice

              Belgium
              1. SummaryCurrent travel advice
              2. Safety and security
              3. Terrorism
              4. Local laws and customs
              1. Entry requirements
              2. Health
              3. Money
              4. Contact FCO Travel Advice Team
              Subscriptions

              Get updates
              Summary

              Still current at: 22 March 2016 Updated: 22 March 2016 Latest update: Summary - explosions in Brussels on 22 March 2016; you should follow the instructions of the Belgian security authorities; if you’re worried that a relative may have been affected you can call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0000

              There have been explosions at Zaventem International Airport in Brussels on 22 March 2016. There has also been an explosion at Maalbeek station in central Brussels. The airport is currently closed. The Eurostar service to Brussels is not operating at this time. See the Eurostar website for further detail. Public transport in Brussels has been suspended.
              The Belgian authorities are advising the public to remain where they are. If you’re affected by the incident follow the instructions of the Belgian security authorities. The Belgian threat level is Level 4 – a serious and imminent threat. You should remain alert and vigilant, stay away from crowded places and avoid public transport at this time. You can find more information on theBelgian Crisis Centre website and Twitter feed.

              British officials in Brussels are being given the same advice to avoid crowded places and the public transport network.
              The Belgian Crisis Centre has given the Belgian telephone number +32 2753 7300 for concerned family/friends or 1771 (+32 7815 1771 from outside Belgium) for general enquiries. If you’re worried that a relative may have been affected you can also call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0000.

              There have been a number of police raids and arrests in the Brussels region and other Belgian cities in recent weeks. Belgian security operations are likely to be carried out at short notice. If you’re in an affected area you should follow the instructions of the Belgian security authorities. Police have asked the public not to comment on police operations on social media. Police operations are likely to continue in Forest and Brussels; you should follow the instructions of the local authorities.

              Public events and busy public areas across Belgium are likely to see additional security. Some public events may be cancelled and some tourist attractions closed. Contact event organisers for information on whether specific events are going ahead.

              You should check this travel advice for updates and subscribe to email alerts.

              https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium

              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
              -Nelson Mandela

              Comment


              • #8
                ...
                ​ENGLISH VERSION


                As you are aware, Brussels has been startled this morning by two terrorist attacks. One at Brussels Airport in Zaventem and on at Maalbeek metro station. At the federal crisis centre, everybody?s thoughts go out to the victims of these cowardly acts of violence.

                The amount of victims is not yet confirmed at the present moment. For that reason no exact number is officially released.

                As a consequence, the threat level was raised to 4 for the whole of Belgium and this will last for as long as deemed necessary. OCAD is continually analysing the situation and any change will be communicated via the Federal Crisis Centre. ?Level 4? means that there continues to be a real threat and that we request everybody to stay vigilant.

                At this moment, the federal government, together with al policy coordinators, are still evaluating the threat.

                Following measures, that were in effect since this morning, will be eased as of 4 pm:
                - Threat Level 4 will be maintained for the whole of Belgium;
                - Citizens are no longer requested to stay inside;
                - Public transportation will be restarted at 4 pm;
                - Train stations will reopen at 4 pm with extra safety measures;
                - Brussels Metro lines 2 and 6 will restart;
                - Schools can get back to the normal situation;
                - Citizens should remain vigilant.

                FAQ in attachement

                faq16.00.en_.pdf

                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                -Nelson Mandela

                Comment


                • #9
                  Translation Google

                  Tracking Brussels attacks - Priority is given to the victims and their families

                  23.03.2016Gestion crisis

                  Following the two attacks yesterday in Brussels Airport from the airport and the metro station Maelbeek, all the relevant authorities and departments gathered at the Crisis Center to take all quick and appropriate security measures. Priority has been and still is the support provided to victims and their families and the safety of everyone.

                  This morning, another meeting was held at the Crisis Center.

                  The first attention is of course monitoring of the victims and support their families. Due to an important work of identification of victims is being conducted, it is unfortunately impossible to communicate to present a final death toll. However, we can confirm that there are 31 dead and 270 wounded.

                  It is recommended to those concerned to contact the 1771. Members of the medical and psychosocial services are present behind this number to support these calls.

                  INFORMATION ON VICTIMS

                  A central place to support families of victims is open from 14H to the military hospital in Neder-Over-Heembeek (NOH). The concerned parties are invited to visit the NOH hospital where they will be greeted by representatives of medical, police and defense and the competent judicial authorities.

                  Members of the Disaster Victim Identification team (DVI) do their best to quickly perform an identification of all the victims. It is understandable that relatives want to quickly receive certainties and some wonder why it takes so long to get confirmations. DVI works according to international rules, one of which stipulates that the identification has to be 100% secure. That is why DVI do not work solely on a visual comparison, but also on scientific grounds, as among others, fingerprints and DNA compared to information collected on jewelry or clothing. It is imperative not to make any mistakes.

                  THREAT LEVEL

                  The OCAM determined the threat level to 4 for the entire country. Level 4 means that the threat is still real and that everyone should remain vigilant. This is an exceptional level which leads to exceptional measures. These measures are based on the evaluation of OCAM that are different from those taken last November. The reason why the measures have been taken can not be disclosed in detail in order not to impede the progress of the investigation. Level 4 requires the highest level of alert. However, we must try to return to normal life (or as normal as possible).

                  Because of this evaluation, the following measures were implemented:

                  security measures at airports, the port of Antwerp, and strategic locations ...

                  Public transport in Brussels also resumed gradually with security measures strengthened: open stations (except Schuman), surface transport, limited underground ...

                  Air traffic at Brussels Airport remains closed until further notice

                  The presence of police and military is also enhanced in certain strategic locations
                  Continue to follow the information

                  The Crisis Centre and all its partners will continue to monitor the situation in the coming hours to adapt and to provide appropriate safety measures.

                  The number 1771 call (or +32 78 15 17 71 from abroad) is still accessible.

                  Also follow the website, Twitter and Facebook accounts of the Crisis Centre for continuous information of the situation.


                  "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                  -Nelson Mandela

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