News in Brief (2023-06-24)

19 dead, thousands seek shelter in South Asia monsoon floods
KATHMANDU, June 23: At least 19 people are dead after floods triggered by South Asia's annual monsoon, with a week of relentless rains forcing thousands of people to seek shelter in India. Floods are common and cause widespread devastation during the treacherous monsoon season, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency, ferocity and unpredictability. The toll from flooding and landslides last weekend in Nepal had risen to 14 by Friday, with more than two dozen still missing, according to officials. — AFP
Millions head to Mecca for huge hajj in Saudi heat
MECCA, June 23: Enormous crowds of worshippers thronged Mecca, Islam's holiest city, on Friday for the biggest hajj pilgrimage in years, with more than two million expected to brave the scorching Saudi Arabian heat. Pilgrims in white robes and sandals packed the ancient city, now dotted with luxury hotels and air-conditioned shopping malls, after flooding in on planes, buses and trains for the annual rites. This year's hajj-one of the world's biggest annual religious gatherings, with a tragic history of stampedes and other disasters-could break attendance records, officials said. — Saudi Arabia
Methane gas explosion killed 31 in disused S African mine
PRETORIA, June 23: A methane gas explosion in a disused South African mine killed at least 31 people last month believed to be from neighbouring Lesotho, South Africa's energy department said on Friday. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) had said late on Thursday that South Africa was investigating the deaths, which occurred in a ventilation shaft in the shuttered Virginia mine in the country's Free State province. — Reuter