Tuesday, August 28, 2007

** Body of Canadian military medic killed in Afghanistan returns home

** India deploys medics to aid flood ravaged north

CANADA NEWS

** The body of military medic Master Cpl. Christian Duchesne returned home to Canada Sunday. The Belleville Intelligencer (Henry Bury/August 27) said the remains of Duchesne and Master Warrant Officer Mario Mercier, touched down in Trenton, Ontario around 4 p.m. Duchesne, 34, and Mercier, 43, were killed last Wednesday in Afghanistan. Duchesne, who was with the 5th Field Ambulance, was in an armoured car near Kandahar City when an improvised explosive device blew. Along with Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean, Defence Minister Peter MacKay also attended the repatriation ceremony. Following the service, the coffins of the Valcartier, Quebec soldiers were transported via hearse on the Highway 401, known unofficially as the Highway of Heroes, for return to Quebec.

INDIA NEWS

** At least 500 paramedics have been deployed in the country’s north to aid in flood relief efforts. That is the word from RIA Novosti (August 27) which said EMS workers are also being joined by army personnel in attempting to reach some 10,000 different villages ravaged by rising waters. Considered some of the worst flooding in the recent memory, the current deluge in Bihar state has claimed the lives of over 500 people. Thousands of acres of land have also been destroyed, leaving some area residents with little or no food.