Tropical Storm Oscar, initially a Category 1 hurricane, hit eastern Cuba, causing heavy rain and flooding amid a power outage. With winds at 40 mph, it moved northwest, dumping up to 20 inches of rain. The storm, the smallest on record, led to significant flooding and potential mudslides. Oscar previously impacted the Bahamas, causing evacuations. Damage in Cuba included 2-meter swells and structural damage in Baracoa. Forecasting models failed to predict Oscar’s hurricane strength before landfall. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 7:30 pm
Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has introduced a three-minute limit for farewells at drop-off zones to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Signs humorously encourage quick goodbyes, while a 15-minute window is available in the car park for longer farewells. CEO Dan De Bono explained the lighthearted approach aims to manage congestion. Despite causing a stir, the initiative highlights the importance of hugs, which offer emotional and health benefits, according to psychological science expert Professor Michael Banissy. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 4:00 pm
Israel’s siege on north Gaza has resulted in at least 640 Palestinian deaths, with 33 killed since Monday, according to Al Jazeera. The Palestinian Authority warns of genocide, citing forced displacement and killings. Civilians face dire conditions with shortages of essentials and mass blackouts. Israeli attacks focus on northern areas like Jabalia, with reports of arrests at checkpoints. The UN Human Rights Office highlights destruction in Jabalia, including homes and UNRWA schools, warning of potential population destruction through ongoing bombardment. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 4:00 pm
Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe defended her protest against King Charles, accusing him of genocide and asserting he is “not of this land.” Thorpe, an Aboriginal woman, interrupted a ceremony in Canberra, calling for a treaty between Australia’s government and Indigenous peoples. Her actions were criticized by Aboriginal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan as “disrespectful.” Thorpe emphasized the need for sovereignty and a peace treaty, highlighting historical grievances and disparities faced by First Nations people. The ceremony continued without addressing the incident, and the royal couple met with the public. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 4:00 pm
Tropical Storm Oscar is currently 5 miles west of Guantanamo, Cuba, with winds of 45 mph, moving west at 2 mph. It is expected to cross eastern Cuba today, potentially weakening over the mountainous terrain, but remain a tropical storm. Oscar is forecasted to move off Cuba’s northern coast by tonight and approach the southeastern and central Bahamas on Tuesday. Ava Sinclair 21/10/2024 4:00 pm
Cubans protested ongoing blackouts, worsened by Hurricane Oscar, which hit the island’s eastern coast. In Havana, residents banged pots and blocked streets, citing food spoilage and lack of water. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy hopes to restore power soon but warned of delays due to the storm affecting key power plants. Some areas regained electricity, but most of Havana remained dark, impacting essential services. Residents resorted to cooking on improvised stoves. The blackout stemmed from a failure at the Antonio Guiteras plant, highlighting Cuba’s ongoing energy issues. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 12:30 pm
Prabowo Subianto, 73, was inaugurated as Indonesia’s president, succeeding Joko Widodo. He won 58% of the vote in February’s elections. Prabowo’s cabinet, the largest since the 1960s, includes 48 ministers and 58 vice-ministers, with 17 re-appointed from Jokowi’s administration. Observers suggest this reflects political rewards rather than reform priorities. Critics warn the “bloated cabinet” could complicate bureaucracy. The lineup indicates policy continuity in Indonesia’s economy. Notable attendees at the inauguration included leaders from the UK, China, the Philippines, and Singapore. Penelope Kingsley 21/10/2024 12:30 pm
South Korea demanded North Korea withdraw troops allegedly sent to Russia, protesting increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. South Korea’s spy agency confirmed 1,500 North Korean forces were sent to support Russia in Ukraine. Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun condemned the move as a security threat. President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed action against this cooperation and plans to send a delegation to NATO. Concerns rise that Russia might enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for military support. North Korea’s nuclear arsenal remains a significant threat. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 12:30 pm
The Israeli military targeted bank branches in Lebanon to disrupt Hezbollah’s finances, escalating tensions as the U.S. seeks a diplomatic resolution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to visit the Middle East to address conflicts involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon and Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a potential strike on Iran, with U.S. anti-missile systems bolstering its defenses. Evacuation orders were issued in Beirut as Israeli airstrikes hit Al-Qard Al-Hassan bank branches, linked to Hezbollah’s funding. Noah Prescott 21/10/2024 12:30 pm
Newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia swore in the largest Cabinet since 1966, with 109 members, emphasizing a strong government. Named the “Red and White Cabinet,” it includes ministers, vice ministers, and national agency heads. Subianto, the eighth president, aims to unite Indonesia’s multicultural society through a broad coalition, despite concerns about bureaucracy bloat. The Cabinet includes politicians from seven supporting parties and figures from former President Joko Widodo’s Cabinet. Subianto’s vice president is Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo’s son, highlighting political alliances. Penelope Kingsley 21/10/2024 9:00 am
