News in Brief -2024-08-01
Thursday, 1 August 2024
India landslide tolls hit 160
WAYANAD, July 31: The death toll from the massive landslides that have hit the southern Indian state of Kerala has now crossed 158, with officials saying more than 220 people are still missing. Rescue workers say they are searching under collapsed roofs and debris of destroyed houses for possible survivors. Thick torrents of mud and water swept through the region early Tuesday morning, flattening homes and uprooting trees. Heavy rains continue in the area, hampering rescue operations. — BBC
US forces strike 'combatants' in Iraq
WASHINGTON, July 31: American forces carried out an air strike on "combatants" south of Baghdad on Tuesday who were attempting to launch drones that threatened US and allied troops, a defense official said. "Tonight, US forces in Iraq conducted a defensive air strike in the Musayyib in Babil Province, targeting combatants attempting to launch one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems," the US official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the Central Command assessed the drones "posed a threat to US and coalition forces." — AFP
Croatia firefighters report toughest day
ZAGREB, July 31: Balkan countries on Wednesday battled wildfires stoked by high temperatures, winds and a weeks-long drought with firefighters in Croatia saying the toughest day so far this season was behind them as North Macedonia's emergency chief suggest the country should seek assistance from NATO. Croatia's Firefighters' Association described the past 24 hours as the most demanding this summer with more than 100 interventions that involved over 1,000 firefighters and 20 firefighting planes. — AP
Israeli not invited to peace ceremony
TOKYO, July 31: The Israeli ambassador to Japan will not be invited to Nagasaki's annual peace ceremony, the city's mayor said Wednesday, adding the decision was taken to avoid unexpected trouble and was not politically motivated. The city in southern Japan last month invited dozens of countries and territories to the August 9 event on the anniversary of the US nuclear bombing in 1945.—AFP