Severe flooding in Central Europe has led to evacuations, deaths, and widespread damage. Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria are heavily affected, with at least 16 fatalities reported. Hungary and Poland are reinforcing river embankments with sandbags, deploying soldiers, and mobilizing volunteers. Budapest and Wroclaw are bracing for flood peaks, with significant efforts to protect infrastructure and residents. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared a state of natural disaster in the affected regions, and local communities are actively working to mitigate the impact.

Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 1:00 pm

After hitting China’s Hainan Island, Cyclone Yagi became a super typhoon, making landfall in Vietnam on 7 September 2024, causing widespread destruction and economic impact. Now a tropical depression, Yagi continues to bring heavy rain, flooding, and landslides across 26 provinces, including Hanoi. In Myanmar, the junta reported 113 deaths and over 3.2 lakh displaced, prompting an unusual appeal for international aid, with India sending 10 tonnes of supplies. The storm also affected Thailand, causing 10 deaths and severe flooding, with ongoing risks of flash floods.

Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 9:30 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase of 180,000 troops, bringing Russia’s military to 1.5 million active servicemen, making it the world’s second-largest after China. The decree, effective December 1, will expand the armed forces to 2.38 million people. This marks the third expansion since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Russia has relied on volunteer soldiers and reservists, but experts question the financial feasibility of this increase. Dara Massicot from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace suggests Moscow may need to expand the draft or allow more women in the military.

Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 6:00 am

Israel will expand its war goals to include the return of northern residents evacuated due to Hezbollah attacks, as approved by the security cabinet, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israeli forces have been exchanging strikes with Hezbollah since Hamas’s 7 October attack. Tens of thousands of Israelis were evacuated from the northern frontier. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated military action is necessary for their return. Despite US-mediated talks, no progress has been made in halting the Hezbollah-Israel conflict. Secretary of State Blinken will visit Egypt but not Israel.

Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 6:00 am

A televised debate for São Paulo’s mayoral race turned chaotic when candidate José Luiz Datena hit opponent Pablo Marçal with a chair, leading to Datena’s expulsion. Datena, a TV presenter, reacted violently after Marçal, a far-right influencer, provoked him by referencing a past sexual harassment complaint. Marçal sought medical attention for a bruised rib. Despite the incident, the debate continued with the remaining candidates. Marçal is polling third behind incumbent Ricardo Nunes and leftist Guilherme Boulos. Pollsters are assessing the incident’s impact, with some suggesting it might boost Datena’s visibility.

Penelope Kingsley 17/09/2024 2:30 am

The mayor of Nysa, Poland, has urged all 44,000 residents to evacuate due to the risk of an embankment breach amid widespread flooding in central Europe. The floods have caused fatalities in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria, with the death toll reaching 16. Budapest is closing roads near the Danube River, anticipating further flooding. Poland’s Prime Minister announced one billion zloty for flood victims and plans to seek EU relief funds. In Slovakia, the Danube has caused significant flooding in Bratislava, and Hungary is preparing for imminent floods with extensive warnings and sandbag distributions.

Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 2:30 am

Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, announced that morality police will no longer “bother” women over the mandatory hijab, following UN warnings of violent enforcement. His comments came on the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody, which sparked protests. Pezeshkian, seen as a reformist, responded to a female reporter’s concerns about police presence, promising to ensure they don’t confront women. His remarks, broadcast live, mark his first press conference since taking office in July, succeeding ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi. Pezeshkian had campaigned against hijab enforcement and vowed to ease internet controls.

Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 2:30 am

French President Emmanuel Macron is negotiating a significant competitiveness portfolio within the European Commission for his new commissioner-designate, Stéphane Séjourné. This role would make Séjourné an executive vice president overseeing key EU policies on trade, research, innovation, economy, and financial services. The move follows the resignation of former Commissioner Thierry Breton, who had a tense relationship with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Macron’s push aims to secure France’s influence over crucial European policy departments, reflecting his broader strategy to address global threats and economic challenges.

Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 11:00 pm

Salvagers successfully towed the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, ablaze for weeks after Houthi rebel attacks, to a safe area without any oil spill, according to the EU naval mission Operation Aspides. Meanwhile, the Houthis claimed to have shot down an American-made MQ-9 Reaper drone, with video evidence circulating online. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Sounion, carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil, was moved away from Yemen, but threats to Red Sea shipping persist. The U.S. military acknowledged the drone downing claim but did not elaborate.

Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 11:00 pm

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome to learn about Italy’s success in reducing migrant arrivals by boat. This visit follows the deaths of eight migrants off the French coast. Despite differing political views, Starmer seeks to adopt Italy’s tough migration policies to address the increasing number of migrants crossing the English Channel. Italy saw a 60% drop in boat arrivals in the first half of the year. Starmer praised Italy’s crackdown on smuggling gangs and collaboration with countries along migration routes.

Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 7:30 pm