International

‘Erratic’ winds, dry conditions fuel deadly California fires

by Gianrigo Marletta Agence France-Presse REDDING, United States (AFP) – Around 12,000 firefighters battled Sunday to contain wildfires in California that have killed six people — but authorities warned “erratic” winds and dry conditions have caused the flames to grow and spread. “Very hot and dry conditions will continue over the West coast states through Sunday,” the National Weather Service said early Sunday. “Conditions around the Carr wildfire near Redding, California will continue to be […]

Greek wildfires death toll rises to 91

ATHENS, Greece (AFP) — Greek fire services on Sunday said three more people were confirmed killed by the wildfires that have devastated seaside resorts near Athens, bringing the death toll in the disaster to 91. Another 25 remain missing, said spokeswoman Stavroula Malliri, giving a precise figure for the first time after mounting criticism over the issue. But some or all of the missing may be among 28 victims whose bodies are currently being examined […]

Greek wildfires death toll rises to 91

  ATHENS, Greece (AFP) — Greek fire services on Sunday said three more people were confirmed killed by the wildfires that have devastated seaside resorts near Athens, bringing the death toll in the disaster to 91. Another 25 remain missing, said spokeswoman Stavroula Malliri, giving a precise figure for the first time after mounting criticism over the issue. But some or all of the missing may be among 28 victims whose bodies are currently being […]

Death toll rises in Indonesia quake

  by Aulia Ahmad Agence France Presse LOMBOK, Indonesia (AFP) — A powerful earthquake which struck the Indonesian tourist island of Lombok on Sunday killed at least 14 people, injured scores and damaged thousands of homes, officials said. Five children were among those killed by the shallow 6.4-magnitude early-morning quake, which sent people running outside in panic and triggered landslides on popular mountain hiking routes. Scores of aftershocks sparked fear among survivors. More than 120 […]

Powerful storm hits disaster-ravaged Japan

  TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — A powerful storm slammed into central Japan on Sunday, bringing heavy rains as it churned across western areas already devastated by floods and landslides. Typhoon Jongdari, packing winds of up to 180 kilometres (110 miles) an hour, made landfall at Ise in the Mie prefecture at around 1 am (1600 GMT Saturday), according to the nation’s meteorological agency. It weakened after making landfall and was downgraded to a tropical storm, […]

At least 10 dead as strong quake jolts Indonesia island Lombok

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AFP) — A powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the popular Indonesian tourist destination Lombok Sunday, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more, officials said. The strong tremor, which sent people running in panic from homes and hotels in the early morning, was followed by two strong secondary quakes and more than 60 aftershocks. “The earthquake killed at least 10 people, some 40 people are injured and dozens of houses were damaged,” said […]

Lawmakers protest US deal allowing free plans for 3D guns

  by Sylvie Lanteume Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Dozens of US legislators are demanding that the Trump administration explain a recent agreement to allow the free distribution of plans for using 3D printers to make plastic handguns that will be easy to hide and almost impossible to control. After a lengthy legal battle, the government reached agreement last month with Cody Wilson, a militant gun rights advocate from Texas. He successfully argued […]

US cardinal caught up in abuse scandal resigns

  The Catholic Church’s Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of a prominent US cardinal who is accused of sexually abusing a teenager nearly five decades ago, the Vatican said Saturday. Theodore McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, was removed from the ministry in June after a review board found there was “credible” evidence that he had assaulted the teen while working as a priest in New York in the early 1970s. The Vatican, in […]

Three killed as powerful quake jolts Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AFP) — At least three people were killed after a shallow 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Lombok on Sunday, officials said. The powerful quake, whose epicenter was at a depth of seven kilometres (four miles), hit at 6:47 am local time (2247 GMT Saturday), the United States Geological Survey said. Lombok in southeastern Indonesia is a popular tourist destination, and lies around 100 km east of the resort island of Bali. […]

Premier of Alberta, Canada congratulates INC on its 104th anniversary

  (Eagle News) — The Premier of Alberta, Canada sent her greetings to the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) on the occasion of its 104th anniversary and 50 years of foreign mission. Premier Rachel Notley congratulated the INC on “reaching this significant milestone” and wished the Church “many more years of growth and service.” “This church reflects the grace, humility, and strength of our province’s diverse communities and your contributions make Alberta one of […]