THRISSUR, India: Rescuers waded into submerged villages in southern India on Sunday (Aug 19) in a desperate search for survivors cut off for days by floods that have already killed more than 350 people.Entire villages in Kerala have been swept away in the state's worst floods in a century, and emergency responders fear the death toll will rise as they reach areas almost entirely underwater.In Thrissur, one of the worst-hit districts, rescuers sifting through inundated houses have discovered the bodies of those unable to escape as the floodwaters quickly rose."They didn't think that it would rise this high - 10 to 15 feet at some places - when the initial warnings were issued," said Ashraf Ali KM, who is leading the search in the small town of Mala."Some of them later gave distress calls when the water rose high and fast," he said at the scene, where dead cattle and other livestock floated past.Thousands of army, navy and air force troops have fanned out across Kerala to assist as … [Read more...] about More bodies found in flooded Kerala as toll hits 357
Pakistan’s new PM Imran Khan has to address 5 challenges immediately
Imran Khan fulfilled his long-cherished dream of becoming the prime minister of Pakistan after a long struggle of 22 years since he entered politics but that was the easy part compared to what lies ahead. Here are five of the most difficult challenges the country is facing which the cricket World Cup-winning captain has to address immediately. Economy Pakistan is teetering on the brink of defaulting on loan repayments. Asad Umar, likely to take over as the new finance minister, has said that they will decide by September end whether they will request the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a second bailout in five years. One of the biggest donors to the IMF, the US, has expressed fears that Pakistan could use the money to repay loans taken from China, though Pakistan denies this. In the last five years, the budget deficit has steadily gone up and foreign currency reserves have dwindled. The rupee has repeatedly devalued resulting in the inflation going up. Imran has promised to … [Read more...] about Pakistan’s new PM Imran Khan has to address 5 challenges immediately
Australia boosts aid by US$1.32 billion for drought-hit farmers
MELBOURNE: Australia's federal government announced on Sunday (Aug 19) a AUS$1.8-billion (US$1.32-billion) increase in funding for drought-afflicted farmers, with parts of the country's east coast suffering the driest conditions in living memory.Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledged the support, in addition to the AUS$576 previously announced, during a visit to Forbes, a town in New South Wales, where farmers are facing drought conditions."I want to say to our farmers, we have your back," Turnbull said. "We are constantly working to ensure that you get every support you can, and of course, let's all pray for rain."The government said new funding would be made available for infrastructure projects, while tax breaks and low-interest loans of up to AUS$2 million for farmers were also part of the package.Money would also be directed to the Bureau of Meteorology to develop more localised weather guides to help farmers plan.The announcement comes two weeks after the federal government … [Read more...] about Australia boosts aid by US$1.32 billion for drought-hit farmers
News Asian Games: PH wrestler Lobreguito fails to get past Uzbek foe
Filipino wrestler Alvin Lobreguito lost to his Uzbekistan opponent in the round of 16 of the men's freestyle wrestling in the Asian Games in Indonesia on Sunday. Makhmudjon Shavkatov got a quick 7-0 upperhand against Lobreguito in the first round of their 57kg match. Lobreguito was able to secure the Uzbek's back in the second round to make it 7-2, but Shavkatov upped his lead again to settle final scores at 11-2. Asian Games: PH volleyball team bows to Thailand in opener For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website. … [Read more...] about News Asian Games: PH wrestler Lobreguito fails to get past Uzbek foe
South Korean families gather on eve of rare reunion
SOKCHO, South Korea: Dozens of elderly and frail South Koreans gathered excitedly Sunday (Aug 19) on the eve of their first meeting for nearly seven decades with family members in North Korea.The three-day reunion - the first for three years - begins Monday at the Mount Kumgang resort in North Korea, following a rapid diplomatic thaw on the peninsula.Millions of people were swept apart by the 1950-53 Korean War, which divided brothers and sisters, parents and children and husband and wives and perpetuated the division of the peninsula.Among them was Lee Keum-seom, now a tiny and frail 92. She was waiting to see her son for the first time since she left him behind in the turmoil of war.She lost her husband and four-year-old son as their family fled, and boarded a ferry headed for the South with only her infant daughter - who was accompanying her to the reunion.The son is now 71 and Lee has been told that he will bring his daughter-in-law to the meeting."I don't know what I'm … [Read more...] about South Korean families gather on eve of rare reunion