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Homes, Hotels, Trees, Cars Swept Away: Before-After Images Show Flashflood Havoc In Uttarkashi | India News

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Four people were killed and at least 130, who were initially feared trapped, have been rescued in Dharali, a key stopover to Gangotri housing many hotels, restaurants and homestays

In this combo of two images, the before after view of an inhabitated area damaged in a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst at Dharali, in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on August 5. (Image: PTI)

Massive flashfloods — most likely triggered by a cloudburst — in the quaint Himalayan village of Dharali in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, swept away homes, hotels, cars, and trees leaving a trail of destruction behind.

Four people were killed and at least 130, who were initially feared trapped, have been rescued in the village that is a key stopover on the route to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges, and also houses many hotels, restaurants and homestays. Before-after images of the village show the scale of devastation.

According to officials, at least half the village has been buried under fast-flowing mudslide of slush, rubble and water. They said rescue and relief teams have been battling the elements in the ecologically fragile heights to contain the damage.

Houses partially submerged following mudslide and flash floods triggered by a cloudburst at Kheer Gad area in Dharali of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on August 5. (Image: @suryacommand/X/PTI)

Contiguous buildings, including three and four-storey houses, fell like a pack of cards as the surging waters washed over them. The devastating flashflood came in the wake of a cloudburst somewhere in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river.

State disaster management secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said Dharali was not the only hit. The raging waters flowed down two different sides of the same hill, one towards Dharali and the other towards the village of Sukki, he said. 

Landslides have blocked 163 roads, including five national highways, seven state highways and two border roads across the state, further impeding rescue and preventing personnel from getting to the far-flung area, about 140 km from the state capital Dehradun and usually a five-hour drive.

Uttarakhand principal secretary RK Sudhanshu said 40 to 50 buildings have been damaged. Local residents said a large portion of the Dharali market was washed away.

Rajesh Panwar, an eyewitness to the horror of nature’s relentless fury, told PTI that about 20 to 25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away. There was widespread panic in the neighbouring villages following the flashflood.

A combination of images show how houses were swept away in a flashflood triggered by a cloudburst at Dharali, in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on August 5. (Image: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people. “I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort,” he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Dhami and ordered the dispatch of seven rescue teams to assist the affected people. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre and the state government are working in tandem, taking all possible measures to save precious lives.

Dhami, who was in Andhra Pradesh, cancelled his trip to return to Dehradun. He said he is constantly in touch with senior officials and the situation is being closely monitored.

“The news of heavy losses due to cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) area is extremely sad and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration and other related teams are engaged on war footing in relief and rescue operations,” he said in a post on X.

(With PTI inputs)

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Peninsula Hotels operator stuck in red as greater China stagnates

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New CEO sees chance for full-year profitability but wary of geopolitics and trade war

The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district, pictured on May 7. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi) 

KENJI KAWASE and PEGGY YE

TOKYO/HONG KONG — The operator of the upscale Peninsula Hotels chain reported another net loss for the first half of the year on Wednesday, highlighting obstacles overseas as well as in its home market.





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Tourism in Egypt Thrives: Now, Major Hotel Developments in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh Lead the Way

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Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Egypt’s hotel scene is booming again, thanks to smart government programs and a good economy. The wave of new hotels, especially in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh, is helping Egypt stand out in Africa’s travel market. With big money coming in and plans to attract even more visitors, Egypt has bounced back from the COVID-19 hits and is on its way to being a top international travel hub.

In 2024, Egypt greeted 15.7 million travelers from abroad, beating the busy levels of 2019. This jump is the result of clear choices like upgrading roads and airports, showcasing Egypt’s amazing history and culture, and a stronger currency that makes travel affordable. All of this means more people are looking for places to stay, so the hotel industry is expanding fast.

How Government Programs Ignite Egypt’s Tourism Boom

Egypt’s government is putting serious energy into making tourism a star player in the economy. By improving roads, airports, and hotels, shining a light on the country’s ancient treasures, and sealing deals with global partners, the state is nudging the industry upward. On top of that, the lower value of the Egyptian pound is giving foreign travelers and investors more bang for their buck, turning Egypt into a wallet-friendly gateway to millennia of culture.

With tourism responsible for roughly 10% of Egypt’s economy, every small win at the border, the beach, or the boardroom counts. Policies that speed up visas, add extra flights, and blast out ads showing the Pyramids, Red Sea resorts, and desert oases are drawing more people. Thanks to these moves, Egypt is not just bouncing back; it is welcoming more guests than it did before the pandemic struck.

Significant Hotel Development in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh

Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is witnessing a major surge in hotel development. The capital currently has 70 hotels and 17,757 rooms in the planning and construction stages. These new projects are part of a nationwide strategy to modernize travel infrastructure and boost the country’s capacity to host a rising number of international guests. Cairo’s unique blend of rich history and modern amenities, along with its close proximity to the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum, makes it an ideal spot for both leisure travelers and business conferences.

A few hundred miles to the south, Sharm El-Sheikh, the country’s leading beach resort, is also expanding its hotel offerings. Here the development focus is on 10 new properties that together will add 4,321 rooms to the existing supply. The new hotels will contribute to Sharm El-Sheikh’s reputation as a luxury resort and a world-class diving destination along the Red Sea. With the government upgrading roads, utilities, and recreational amenities, the resort is well-poised to meet the demands of both international vacationers and upscale Egyptian travelers.

Hotel Development Pipeline and Investment Opportunities

The latest Hotel Development Pipeline Report from W Hospitality Group shows that Egypt currently has 143 hotels and 33,926 rooms planned. That’s four times the size of Morocco’s pipeline, the next-largest country in Africa for hotel projects. This remarkable growth firmly puts Egypt in the spotlight as Africa’s top market for hotel development. It also highlights the government’s dedication to widening tourism offerings and welcoming more international travelers.

The pipeline features major international hotel groups, boutique options, and specialty resorts that focus on unique traveler segments. Together, these projects will create the range of rooms that visitors want, from opulent Red Sea resorts to sleek business hotels in Cairo. As Egypt’s hospitality market expands, investors have a timely chance to enter a country where tourism appeal is climbing steadily.

Focus on Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism in Egypt

As more people want to travel, Egypt is stepping up to do it responsibly. The government and hotel businesses are working together to make trips eco-friendly and sustainable. New hotels are using smart green tech: buildings that use less energy, systems that save water, and ways to cut down on waste are all becoming standard. At the same time, Egypt is dedicated to guarding its natural treasures, from the colorful coral reefs of the Red Sea to the timeless landmarks along the Nile, by encouraging visitors to travel with care.

Caring for the environment is only part of the plan. Egypt is also committed to preserving its rich culture. The Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s ancient temples, and the Valley of the Kings still draw travelers from every corner of the world. To keep these wonders safe, the government is taking steps to manage how many visitors come, to improve the roads and facilities around the sites, and to launch educational programs that teach tourists why protecting Egypt’s heritage is so important. Visitors can enjoy the magic of Egypt while helping to keep it for future generations.

The Challenges of Climate Change and Tourism in Egypt

Egypt’s tourism continues to thrive, but climate change is raising serious red flags. We’re seeing higher average temperatures and an increasing chance of severe weather, like flash floods, especially in coastal spots. Iconic beach havens—think Sharm El-Sheikh—are on the front lines, facing the slow but steady creep of higher sea levels.

To tackle these threats, Egypt’s government is teaming up with global partners to build a climate-smart tourism sector. The plan centers on tougher roads and hotels that can weather storms, greener travel choices, and a serious commitment to protecting deserts, coral reefs, and lakes. The goal is clear: keep Egypt on every traveler’s bucket list while shielding its tourism crown jewels from a warming planet.

Conclusion: Bright Horizons for Egypt’s Hotel Scene

Egypt’s hotel market is on an impressive upswing thanks to solid government backing, smart economic reforms, and steadily rising visitor demand. With Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh at the forefront of hotel expansion, Egypt is set to stay a key player on the global travel map. Growing room inventory, commitment to eco-friendly practices, and better infrastructure promise to keep Egypt a magnet for millions of international travelers.

As the hotel sector continues to thrive, the government is carefully balancing the good that tourism brings with the urgent need to protect the environment and the country’s ancient heritage. With steady funding and a clear drive for sustainability, Egypt’s hospitality picture is not just bright for now—it is built for the long haul, inviting smart investment and delivering unforgettable stays for guests.



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This Solo Traveller’s Japan Vacation Was Shattered By Terrifying Hotel Encounter | Viral News

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Solo traveller Natalie from Thailand faced a terrifying incident in a Japanese hotel when she found a man hiding under her bed

The incident, caught neither on CCTV nor by hotel staff, left Natalie shaken. (Source: Instagram/@natalisi_taksisi)

The solo travel trend is growing among young women worldwide, but so are stories that remind us why vigilance is still necessary. A disturbing incident shared by a solo traveler named Natalie has sparked fresh concern about women’s safety while traveling alone, especially when staying in hotels.

According to a report by The Sun, Natalie, originally from Thailand, had travelled to Japan in March for a solo vacation. Her trip was going smoothly, until she checked into a hotel one evening. What happened next left her traumatised and has made it difficult for her to sleep in any hotel room ever since.

Natalie arrived at the hotel around 7:30 pm and headed straight to her room to rest. But just moments after lying on the bed, she noticed an odd, musty smell. Initially assuming it was coming from the sheets, she followed her instincts and began inspecting the room. The smell seemed to be emanating from under the bed, and what she discovered sent chills down her spine.

Hiding underneath was a man.

As soon as she screamed, the man scrambled out from under the bed and fled from the room, visibly panicked. The incident, caught neither on CCTV nor by hotel staff, left Natalie shaken. The hotel, she later found out, had no surveillance cameras in the area. The only proof of the intruder’s presence was a charger and power bank he left behind.

See the viral post:

Natalie immediately contacted hotel management and local police. But with no camera footage and little evidence beyond the abandoned items, it’s unclear whether the man was ever identified or caught.

Terrified, Natalie checked out of the hotel immediately and booked herself into another accommodation. The experience left a lasting scar.

Speaking to The Guardian, she revealed that since the incident, she’s never felt fully safe while staying in hotels. She reportedly requested emotional compensation from the hotel but was turned down on the grounds of company policy.

Following the traumatic encounter, Natalie posted about the ordeal on Instagram, warning other solo female travellers to be extra cautious. She now encourages women to thoroughly inspect their rooms before settling in – check under the bed, behind mirrors, inside closets, and even for hidden cameras.

The incident has reignited conversations around hotel safety and the need for surveillance, especially in budget accommodations that may not have the same security standards as luxury stays.

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