<p>The officials announced that smoking cannabis will be soon made illegal on the streets of the red light district in Amsterdam as per new regulations introduced in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The regulations will come into effect from mid-May and may improve residents' liveability who have continued to complain about the disturbance caused by tourists.</p>

<p>Sex workers, according to new rules, will be forced to close their venues at 3 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/amsterdam-celebrates-tulip-day-with-free-flower-picking-garden-555244">Amsterdam celebrates tulip day with 'free flower picking garden'</a></p>

<p>According to the local media, all councillors supported the idea of taking steps to reduce the nuisance caused by tourists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, the city council further announced that the bars and restaurants will have to be closed by 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays and after 1 am, the entry of new visitors will be barred into the old city district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, the authorities have made it illegal to sell alcohol from liquor stores, cafes and shops from Thursday to Sunday after 4 pm in the red light district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The council will now direct vendors to remove alcohol completely from their shopfronts during the restricted time or keep it hidden from the public's view.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Amsterdam's most public places, the consumption of alcohol is illegal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Protests in Denmark against plan to cancel holiday | Latest News | WION |</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protests-in-denmark-against-plan-to-cancel-holiday-latest-news-wion-559129/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Dutch capital is famous for its cannabis cafes and every year, millions of tourists throng the city. &nbsp;</p>

<p>However, locals have complained that this has led to an increase in the number of street dealers and the crime rates have gone up due to drug and alcohol abuse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under Netherlands' current laws, producing, possessing or dealing with drugs is considered a criminal offence. However, consuming drugs above the age of 18 is not considered a criminal offence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The officials announced that smoking cannabis will be soon made illegal on the streets of the red light district in Amsterdam as per new regulations introduced in the city.

The officials announced that smoking cannabis will be soon made illegal on the streets of the red light district in Amsterdam as per new regulations introduced in the city. The regulations will come into effect from mid-May and may improve residents' liveability who have continued to complain about the disturbance caused by tourists. Sex workers, according to new rules, will be forced to close their venues at 3 am. ALSO READ | Amsterdam celebrates tulip day with 'free flower picking garden' According to the local media, all councillors supported the idea of taking steps to reduce the nuisance caused by tourists. On Thursday, the city council further announced that the bars and restaurants will have to be closed by 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays and after 1 am, the entry of new visitors will be barred into the old city district. Currently, the authorities have made it illegal to sell alcohol from liquor stores, cafes and shops from Thursday to Sunday after 4 pm in the red light district. The council will now direct vendors to remove alcohol completely from their shopfronts during the restricted time or keep it hidden from the public's view. In Amsterdam's most public places, the consumption of alcohol is illegal. WATCH | Protests in Denmark against plan to cancel holiday | Latest News | WION | The Dutch capital is famous for its cannabis cafes and every year, millions of tourists throng the city. However, locals have complained that this has led to an increase in the number of street dealers and the crime rates have gone up due to drug and alcohol abuse. Under Netherlands' current laws, producing, possessing or dealing with drugs is considered a criminal offence. However, consuming drugs above the age of 18 is not considered a criminal offence. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amsterdam makes smoking cannabis illegal in city's red light district

<p>A prestigious UN award was awarded to Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday for allowing refugees into the country when she was in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Merkel received appreciation for allowing entry of more than 1.2 million asylum seekers and refugees to Germany in 2015 and 2016 and was awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize in Yamoussoukro, the capital of the Ivory Coast.</p>

<p>The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's director-general Audrey Azoulay said, "The jury wanted to honour the courageous decision taken in 2015 to welcome more than a million refugees... when at the same time so many voices were calling for the closure of Europe. You were, at that time, the vision of courage in politics."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-wins-un-refugee-prize-522361">Former German chancellor Angela Merkel wins UN refugee prize</a></p>

<p>The decision was taken by Merkel when the refugee crisis, fuelled by the war in Syria, was at its peak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Respecting, preserving and sharing human rights is the mission of each of us. We decided that it was necessary to respect these principles in our migration policy," the veteran former leader said.</p>

<p>Merkel spent 16 years in the office of chancellor and resigned in 2021.</p>

<p>"This was only possible because many people rolled up their sleeves on the ground," Merkel said while speaking at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Foundation, which derived its name after Ivory Coast's first president.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defends her Russian policy</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-defends-her-russian-policy-486154/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said, "Despite the hostility of public opinion, you took the decision to open Germany's borders to refugees fleeing conflict zones. You have reminded all world leaders of their duty of solidarity towards all humans."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Almost 2,000 people received invitation to the ceremony, which was started in 1989 and previously has given awards to Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin and Francois Hollande.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A prestigious UN award was awarded to Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday for allowing refugees into the country when she was in office. Merkel received appreciation for allowing entry of more than 1.

A prestigious UN award was awarded to Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday for allowing refugees into the country when she was in office. Merkel received appreciation for allowing entry of more than 1.2 million asylum seekers and refugees to Germany in 2015 and 2016 and was awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize in Yamoussoukro, the capital of the Ivory Coast. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's director-general Audrey Azoulay said, "The jury wanted to honour the courageous decision taken in 2015 to welcome more than a million refugees... when at the same time so many voices were calling for the closure of Europe. You were, at that time, the vision of courage in politics." ALSO READ | Former German chancellor Angela Merkel wins UN refugee prize The decision was taken by Merkel when the refugee crisis, fuelled by the war in Syria, was at its peak. "Respecting, preserving and sharing human rights is the mission of each of us. We decided that it was necessary to respect these principles in our migration policy," the veteran former leader said. Merkel spent 16 years in the office of chancellor and resigned in 2021. "This was only possible because many people rolled up their sleeves on the ground," Merkel said while speaking at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Foundation, which derived its name after Ivory Coast's first president. WATCH | Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defends her Russian policy Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said, "Despite the hostility of public opinion, you took the decision to open Germany's borders to refugees fleeing conflict zones. You have reminded all world leaders of their duty of solidarity towards all humans." Almost 2,000 people received invitation to the ceremony, which was started in 1989 and previously has given awards to Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin and Francois Hollande. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Merkel awarded UNESCO peace prize for opening Germany to refugees

<p>&nbsp;The police in Sri Lanka confirmed that ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is being investigated over the hidden cash which was discovered by the protesters after they had stormed into his former residence last year.</p>

<p>Rajapaksa's reign saw Sri Lanka suffer an unprecedented economic crisis in which more than 22 million people in the country faced shortages of pharmaceuticals, fuel and food.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/not-rebooting-economy-through-painkillers-says-sri-lanka-president-559000">Not rebooting economy through 'painkillers', says Sri Lanka president</a></p>

<p>Last July, Rajapaksa fled the country after his compound and residence were besieged by an angry mob, after which he gave his resignation from abroad days late. After some time, he returned to the country and since then, has been living under armed guard.</p>

<p>The presidential palace was occupied by the protesters for several days, during which they found hidden cash worth Rs17.5 million ($48,000) in the private quarters of Rajapaksa which they later returned to the police.</p>

<p>On Monday, the police investigators "recorded a three-hour long statement from the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the cash found in the president's house", said police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa.</p>

<p>The police were directed by the court in Colombo to record the statement of Rajapaksa on the cash stockpile last November.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ex- Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa quizzed over cash stash</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-sri-lanka-president-rajapaksa-quizzed-over-cash-stash-560179/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Thalduwa said that the interrogation of Rajapaksa was part of an ongoing investigation and did not reveal any further details.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajapaksa belongs to a powerful political clan which has dominated the politics of Sri Lanka for decades.</p>

<p>In 2019, he clinched a landslide victory after promising "vistas of prosperity and splendour", however, his popularity nosedived as the crisis in the country worsened.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The police in Sri Lanka confirmed that ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is being investigated over the hidden cash which was discovered by the protesters after they had stormed into his former residence last year.

The police in Sri Lanka confirmed that ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is being investigated over the hidden cash which was discovered by the protesters after they had stormed into his former residence last year. Rajapaksa's reign saw Sri Lanka suffer an unprecedented economic crisis in which more than 22 million people in the country faced shortages of pharmaceuticals, fuel and food. ALSO READ | Not rebooting economy through 'painkillers', says Sri Lanka president Last July, Rajapaksa fled the country after his compound and residence were besieged by an angry mob, after which he gave his resignation from abroad days late. After some time, he returned to the country and since then, has been living under armed guard. The presidential palace was occupied by the protesters for several days, during which they found hidden cash worth Rs17.5 million ($48,000) in the private quarters of Rajapaksa which they later returned to the police. On Monday, the police investigators "recorded a three-hour long statement from the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the cash found in the president's house", said police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa. The police were directed by the court in Colombo to record the statement of Rajapaksa on the cash stockpile last November. WATCH | Ex- Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa quizzed over cash stash Thalduwa said that the interrogation of Rajapaksa was part of an ongoing investigation and did not reveal any further details. Rajapaksa belongs to a powerful political clan which has dominated the politics of Sri Lanka for decades. In 2019, he clinched a landslide victory after promising "vistas of prosperity and splendour", however, his popularity nosedived as the crisis in the country worsened. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ousted Sri Lankan president Rajapaksa investigated over cash stash, police say

<p>The government in Pakistan on Wednesday said that there have been no plans to increase the prices of fuel and warned the oil companies to not stockpile petrol after consumers complained about no availability of petrol at pumps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik said that the nation had enough fuel for the next 20 days, in accordance with regulatory requirements, and that the shortages faced by the consumer are because of stockpiling by oil marketing companies.</p>

<p>"I am requesting and warning companies... their licences will be taken away," said the minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-rs-35-hike-in-prices-of-petrol-and-diesel-imran-khan-slams-govt-556983">Pakistan FM announces Rs 35 hike in prices of petrol and diesel; Imran Khan slams govt</a></p>

<p>Speaking to Reuters, Pakistan's Oil Companies Advisory Council's (OCAC) member said that fuel is being sold by only a few licensed companies while others have not been selling fuel either due to hoarding or due to financial issues.</p>

<p>He added that while help is being provided by the petroleum ministry in processing letters of credit for importing the fuels, however, the low foreign exchange reserves and artificial curbs in the country have remained a hindrance.</p>

<p>Few consumers in the most populous province of Pakistan, Punjab, complained that petrol stations were closed and others stations were putting a limit on the amount of fuel a person can buy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A businessman and resident of Punjab Ali Malik said that he made a visit to the cities of Wazirabad, Lahore and Sialkot and where he struggled in filling up his vehicle, in the last few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Fuel shortage at petrol pumps in Punjab</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-fuel-shortage-at-petrol-pumps-in-punjab-560190/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"I went to Sialkot where I found the majority of petrol stations closed. When I saw a functioning fuel station, I could not get more than eight litres," he stated, adding that similar challenges were faced by him in other cities.</p>

<p>Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association's chairperson Abdul Sami Khan said that the shortage is fuel is not because of dealers and that the oil marketing companies have failed in supplying enough fuel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Consumers think we're not giving them fuel and they blame us - but we aren't being supplied enough," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The government in Pakistan on Wednesday said that there have been no plans to increase the prices of fuel and warned the oil companies to not stockpile petrol after consumers complained about no availability of petrol at pumps.

The government in Pakistan on Wednesday said that there have been no plans to increase the prices of fuel and warned the oil companies to not stockpile petrol after consumers complained about no availability of petrol at pumps. Speaking to reporters, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik said that the nation had enough fuel for the next 20 days, in accordance with regulatory requirements, and that the shortages faced by the consumer are because of stockpiling by oil marketing companies. "I am requesting and warning companies... their licences will be taken away," said the minister. ALSO READ | Pakistan FM announces Rs 35 hike in prices of petrol and diesel; Imran Khan slams govt Speaking to Reuters, Pakistan's Oil Companies Advisory Council's (OCAC) member said that fuel is being sold by only a few licensed companies while others have not been selling fuel either due to hoarding or due to financial issues. He added that while help is being provided by the petroleum ministry in processing letters of credit for importing the fuels, however, the low foreign exchange reserves and artificial curbs in the country have remained a hindrance. Few consumers in the most populous province of Pakistan, Punjab, complained that petrol stations were closed and others stations were putting a limit on the amount of fuel a person can buy. A businessman and resident of Punjab Ali Malik said that he made a visit to the cities of Wazirabad, Lahore and Sialkot and where he struggled in filling up his vehicle, in the last few days. WATCH | Pakistan: Fuel shortage at petrol pumps in Punjab "I went to Sialkot where I found the majority of petrol stations closed. When I saw a functioning fuel station, I could not get more than eight litres," he stated, adding that similar challenges were faced by him in other cities. Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association's chairperson Abdul Sami Khan said that the shortage is fuel is not because of dealers and that the oil marketing companies have failed in supplying enough fuel. "Consumers think we're not giving them fuel and they blame us - but we aren't being supplied enough," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistani minister confirms 'adequate' fuel supplies, warns companies against stockpiling

<p>Chinese-made security cameras will be removed from government buildings in Australia, said the country's Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday, adding that it was important to make facilities "completely secure".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar steps were adopted by Britain and the United States, as both countries took measures to stop government departments from installing Chinese-made cameras at sensitive sites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In November last year, Britain took the step as it feared that the security services of Beijing can force Chinese companies to share intelligence information with them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-wont-carry-king-charless-image-on-new-5-note-558084">Australia won't carry King Charles's image on new $5 note</a></p>

<p>As per official figures gathered by an opposition politician, including one quoted by the Department of Defence, the officials had installed security cameras at more than 200 government buildings in Australia.</p>

<p>Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that all these cameras will be found and removed from the military sites by the officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a significant thing that's been brought to our attention and we're going to fix it," he said while speaking to national broadcaster ABC. "It's important that we go through this exercise and make sure that our facilities are completely secure," the minister added.</p>

<p>The cameras were manufactured by Dahua and Hikvision, the two companies which have been blacklisted in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The importation of surveillance equipment made by Hikvision and Dahua was banned by the US in November last year, as the government cited that it posed "an unacceptable risk to national security".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | China objects to more talks on nuclear submarines among UK, US, Australia</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-objects-to-more-talks-on-nuclear-submarines-among-uk-us-australia-558635/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>A group of 67 MPs and lords had appealed to the UK government to ban Hikvision and Dahua in July last year after reports surfaced that the equipment was used to spy on Uyghurs living in Xinjiang. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Former health secretary Matt Hancock was also caught kissing an aide and violating Covid rules in June 2021 &nbsp;by a Hikvision camera, which led to his resignation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, Hikvision said that it was "categorically false" to portray the company as "a threat to national security".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The centre-left government of Australia has been making efforts to improve its relationship with China, after coming to power in May last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese-made security cameras will be removed from government buildings in Australia, said the country's Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday, adding that it was important to make facilities "completely secure".

Chinese-made security cameras will be removed from government buildings in Australia, said the country's Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday, adding that it was important to make facilities "completely secure". Similar steps were adopted by Britain and the United States, as both countries took measures to stop government departments from installing Chinese-made cameras at sensitive sites. In November last year, Britain took the step as it feared that the security services of Beijing can force Chinese companies to share intelligence information with them. ALSO READ | Australia won't carry King Charles's image on new $5 note As per official figures gathered by an opposition politician, including one quoted by the Department of Defence, the officials had installed security cameras at more than 200 government buildings in Australia. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that all these cameras will be found and removed from the military sites by the officials. "It's a significant thing that's been brought to our attention and we're going to fix it," he said while speaking to national broadcaster ABC. "It's important that we go through this exercise and make sure that our facilities are completely secure," the minister added. The cameras were manufactured by Dahua and Hikvision, the two companies which have been blacklisted in the United States. The importation of surveillance equipment made by Hikvision and Dahua was banned by the US in November last year, as the government cited that it posed "an unacceptable risk to national security". WATCH | China objects to more talks on nuclear submarines among UK, US, Australia A group of 67 MPs and lords had appealed to the UK government to ban Hikvision and Dahua in July last year after reports surfaced that the equipment was used to spy on Uyghurs living in Xinjiang. Former health secretary Matt Hancock was also caught kissing an aide and violating Covid rules in June 2021 by a Hikvision camera, which led to his resignation. Previously, Hikvision said that it was "categorically false" to portray the company as "a threat to national security". The centre-left government of Australia has been making efforts to improve its relationship with China, after coming to power in May last year. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese-made security cameras to be removed from government buildings in Australia

<p>Raking up the controversy around Nord Stream blasts, Russia on Thursday said those behind it must be exposed and called for an international probe, after Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claimed the US Navy divers had blown up the gas pipeline.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Hersh's blog needs more attention and the Western media must cover it fully. Peskov called for an international investigation into the blast of 1,224 km (760-mile) long pipelines. He added that the world needs to know the truth. He further cautioned that the blog must not be dealt with as a primary source of what had happened.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-directly-involved-in-nord-stream-blasts-claims-lavrov-558263">US directly involved in Nord Stream blasts, claims Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov</a></p>

<p>Dismissing a blog published by the journalist which accused the United States of orchestrating the Nord Stream gas pipelines' explosions, the White House,&nbsp;earlier in the day, said that it is "utterly false and complete fiction".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hersh had published a report claiming that the explosions were carried out on the directions of US President Joe Biden last September.</p>

<p>"This is utterly false and complete fiction," said White House National Security Council's spokesperson Adrienne Watson. The spokesperson of the State Department and the CIA reiterated the same.</p>

<p>In his report, Hersh claimed that Norway had assisted the US Navy in planting explosives on the Nord Stream gas pipelines which run under the Baltic Sea between Germany and Russia last June and three months later, had detonated them.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Leaks in Nord stream gas pipelines raise&nbsp;Europe's concerns about sabotage</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/leaks-in-nord-stream-gas-pipelines-raises-europes-concerns-about-sabotage-520556/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson called the report published by Hersh on the Substack web service as “complete fiction”.</p>

<p>The Nord Stream gas pipelines were part of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects, which were set up to supply Russian gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea.</p>

<p>After the blasts took place in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, both nations concluded that the pipelines were deliberately targeted, however, they did not say who might be responsible for the blasts.</p>

<p>The United States along with NATO had called the blasts "an act of sabotage". The West was blamed by Moscow for the unexplained explosions which led to the ruptures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hersh claimed the decision to damage the pipelines, which were closed but contained residual gas, was made by US President Joe Biden in secrecy to cut off the ability of Moscow to mint billions of dollars by selling natural gas to Europe.</p>

<p>He further added that the US believed Russia had political leverage over western Europe and Germany due to the pipelines and that blowing up the pipelines can weaken the country's offensive against Ukraine after it invaded the latter.</p>

<p>The foreign ministry of Russia on Wednesday said that the United States needs to answer a few questions and explain its role in the explosion of pipelines.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Raking up the controversy around Nord Stream blasts, Russia on Thursday said those behind it must be exposed and called for an international probe, after Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claimed the US Navy divers had blown up the gas pipeline.

Raking up the controversy around Nord Stream blasts, Russia on Thursday said those behind it must be exposed and called for an international probe, after Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claimed the US Navy divers had blown up the gas pipeline. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Hersh's blog needs more attention and the Western media must cover it fully. Peskov called for an international investigation into the blast of 1,224 km (760-mile) long pipelines. He added that the world needs to know the truth. He further cautioned that the blog must not be dealt with as a primary source of what had happened. ALSO READ | US directly involved in Nord Stream blasts, claims Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov Dismissing a blog published by the journalist which accused the United States of orchestrating the Nord Stream gas pipelines' explosions, the White House, earlier in the day, said that it is "utterly false and complete fiction". Hersh had published a report claiming that the explosions were carried out on the directions of US President Joe Biden last September. "This is utterly false and complete fiction," said White House National Security Council's spokesperson Adrienne Watson. The spokesperson of the State Department and the CIA reiterated the same. In his report, Hersh claimed that Norway had assisted the US Navy in planting explosives on the Nord Stream gas pipelines which run under the Baltic Sea between Germany and Russia last June and three months later, had detonated them. WATCH | Leaks in Nord stream gas pipelines raise Europe's concerns about sabotage White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson called the report published by Hersh on the Substack web service as “complete fiction”. The Nord Stream gas pipelines were part of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects, which were set up to supply Russian gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea. After the blasts took place in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, both nations concluded that the pipelines were deliberately targeted, however, they did not say who might be responsible for the blasts. The United States along with NATO had called the blasts "an act of sabotage". The West was blamed by Moscow for the unexplained explosions which led to the ruptures. Hersh claimed the decision to damage the pipelines, which were closed but contained residual gas, was made by US President Joe Biden in secrecy to cut off the ability of Moscow to mint billions of dollars by selling natural gas to Europe. He further added that the US believed Russia had political leverage over western Europe and Germany due to the pipelines and that blowing up the pipelines can weaken the country's offensive against Ukraine after it invaded the latter. The foreign ministry of Russia on Wednesday said that the United States needs to answer a few questions and explain its role in the explosion of pipelines. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kremlin demands probe after Pulitzer-winning journalist alleges US hand in Nord Stream blasts

<p>The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday.&nbsp;"This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," stated Ashwin Vasavada, who works as Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.</p>

<p>The rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012, sent stunning pictures of rocks' surfaces covered with rippled patterns which seemed to have been created by the waves of a shallow lake almost billions of years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-webb-gets-photobombed-by-a-colosseum-sized-asteroid-559500/amp">NASA's Webb gets 'photobombed' by a Colosseum-sized asteroid</a></p>

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<p>The evidence that once parts of Mars were covered by lakes was previously discovered by Curiosity in the salty minerals that it left behind when the area dried up.</p>

<p>However, the scientists at NASA were surprised to discover such stark evidence of the presence of water in the Gale Crater, which is now being explored by the rover.</p>

<p>"We've climbed through many lake deposits during our mission but have never seen wave ripples this clearly. This was especially surprising because the area we're in probably formed at a time when Mars was becoming more dry," said Vasavada, in a statement.</p>

<p>The foothills of a three-mile (five-kilometre) tall mountain, which is called Mount Sharp, are being explored by the Curiosity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA stated that debris was also spotted by the rover in the valley, which the wet landslides on Mount Sharp had washed down.</p>

<p>"This landslide debris is probably the most recent evidence of water that we'll ever see. It will allow us to study layers higher up on Mount Sharp that we can't reach," Vasavada said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence</strong></p>

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<p>NASA stated that a sort of "Martian timeline" has been provided by Mount Sharp to scientists with the presence of the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest at the top.</p>

<p>This allows them to "study how Mars evolved from a planet that was more Earth-like in its ancient past, with a warmer climate and plentiful water, to the freezing desert it is today," it stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday.

The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday. "This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," stated Ashwin Vasavada, who works as Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012, sent stunning pictures of rocks' surfaces covered with rippled patterns which seemed to have been created by the waves of a shallow lake almost billions of years ago. ALSO READ | NASA's Webb gets 'photobombed' by a Colosseum-sized asteroid The evidence that once parts of Mars were covered by lakes was previously discovered by Curiosity in the salty minerals that it left behind when the area dried up. However, the scientists at NASA were surprised to discover such stark evidence of the presence of water in the Gale Crater, which is now being explored by the rover. "We've climbed through many lake deposits during our mission but have never seen wave ripples this clearly. This was especially surprising because the area we're in probably formed at a time when Mars was becoming more dry," said Vasavada, in a statement. The foothills of a three-mile (five-kilometre) tall mountain, which is called Mount Sharp, are being explored by the Curiosity. NASA stated that debris was also spotted by the rover in the valley, which the wet landslides on Mount Sharp had washed down. "This landslide debris is probably the most recent evidence of water that we'll ever see. It will allow us to study layers higher up on Mount Sharp that we can't reach," Vasavada said. WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence NASA stated that a sort of "Martian timeline" has been provided by Mount Sharp to scientists with the presence of the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest at the top. This allows them to "study how Mars evolved from a planet that was more Earth-like in its ancient past, with a warmer climate and plentiful water, to the freezing desert it is today," it stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NASA's Curiosity rover discovers wave-rippled rocks on Mars

<p>In a study carried out on killer whales, also known as orcas, in the North Pacific, scientists found that&nbsp;mothers made a "lifelong sacrifice" for their sons.&nbsp;The chances of reproducing are significantly reduced in a female killer whale once she rears a son.&nbsp;As per the study, the amount of energy these whales spend to feed their sons compromises their health, and reduces their ability to reproduce and raise other children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/absolutely-amazingbut-also-breaks-your-heart-moon-the-hunchback-whale-travels-5000kms-with-a-broken-back-542245">'Absolutely amazing...but also breaks your heart': Moon the humpback whale travels 5000kms with a broken back</a></p>

<p>The University of Exeter's Prof Darren Croft said, "Mothers sacrifice their own food and their own energy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout their lives, orcas are believed to be closely bonded with their families. The female offsprings of killer whales become independent after they grow, however, the males remain dependent on their mothers and even share the food caught by their matriarchs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prof Croft called it a "new insight into the complex social lives and family lives of these amazing animals". The study, which was published in the journal Current Biology, falls under an ongoing project aimed at understanding the family life of killer whales.</p>

<p>University of Exeter and Centre for Whale Research's Dr Michael Weiss said, "Our previous research has shown that sons have a higher chance of survival if their mother is around. We wanted to find out if this help comes at a price and the answer is yes. Killer whale mothers pay a high cost in terms of their future reproduction to keep their sons alive."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | US: 30-foot Humpback whale washes up at a New Jersey shore</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-us-30-foot-humpback-whale-washes-up-at-a-new-jersey-shore-551188/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The scientists, in their earlier studies, had already discovered that killer whale mothers and sons "hung out" together even after the male offspring entered adulthood.</p>

<p>"They'll even feed their sons salmon they catch," said Prof Croft, adding that adult female offsprings hunt independently.</p>

<p>"If a mother can get her son to become that big male in the population, then he's the one that will sire (much of the next generation)," Prof Croft explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a study carried out on killer whales, also known as orcas, in the North Pacific, scientists found that mothers made a "lifelong sacrifice" for their sons. The chances of reproducing are significantly reduced in a female killer whale once she rears a son.

In a study carried out on killer whales, also known as orcas, in the North Pacific, scientists found that mothers made a "lifelong sacrifice" for their sons. The chances of reproducing are significantly reduced in a female killer whale once she rears a son. As per the study, the amount of energy these whales spend to feed their sons compromises their health, and reduces their ability to reproduce and raise other children. ALSO READ | 'Absolutely amazing...but also breaks your heart': Moon the humpback whale travels 5000kms with a broken back The University of Exeter's Prof Darren Croft said, "Mothers sacrifice their own food and their own energy." Throughout their lives, orcas are believed to be closely bonded with their families. The female offsprings of killer whales become independent after they grow, however, the males remain dependent on their mothers and even share the food caught by their matriarchs. Prof Croft called it a "new insight into the complex social lives and family lives of these amazing animals". The study, which was published in the journal Current Biology, falls under an ongoing project aimed at understanding the family life of killer whales. University of Exeter and Centre for Whale Research's Dr Michael Weiss said, "Our previous research has shown that sons have a higher chance of survival if their mother is around. We wanted to find out if this help comes at a price and the answer is yes. Killer whale mothers pay a high cost in terms of their future reproduction to keep their sons alive." WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | US: 30-foot Humpback whale washes up at a New Jersey shore The scientists, in their earlier studies, had already discovered that killer whale mothers and sons "hung out" together even after the male offspring entered adulthood. "They'll even feed their sons salmon they catch," said Prof Croft, adding that adult female offsprings hunt independently. "If a mother can get her son to become that big male in the population, then he's the one that will sire (much of the next generation)," Prof Croft explained. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Killer whale mothers make ‘lifelong sacrifice’ for their sons, reveals study

<p>A transgender couple, who hail from India's southern state of Kerala, with "tears of joy" welcomed their baby on Wednesday, days after the pregnancy photos went viral</p>

<p>Taking to social media, Ziya Paval shared the good news that her partner Zahad gave birth to a baby on Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>Announcing the delivery, Paval uploaded a photo of the baby who was born almost a month before the due date.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/transgender-cops-to-partake-in-indias-republic-day-parade-in-chhattisgarh-555888">Transgender cops to participate in India’s Republic Day parade in Chhattisgarh</a></p>

<p>Paval said that both Zahad and the baby are healthy and doing fine. Paval and Zahad, have stated that becoming parents was their dream.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their pregnancy has been called a rarity in India because "no one else has called themselves a biological parent in the transgender community as far as we know", the couple had said while speaking to the BBC earlier this week.</p>

<p><img alt="pr" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e8f5426-60fc-4ceb-b6f2-e2544f562b6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_3.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Transgender couple plans a bright future</strong></p>

<p>When the couple decided to have a baby, one-and-a-half years ago, the two were at different stages of their respective gender transition processes. As per the doctor's advice, they had paused their hormone therapy.</p>

<p>Sharing the photo of the baby on Wednesday, the couple expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers sent by their well-wishers.</p>

<p>After the birth of the baby was announced, the couple's social media pages have been flooded with congratulatory messages.</p>

<p>The couple had earlier stated that after the baby is born, they will have to find more jobs to make ends meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="ps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="220d1fb6-1d1f-4e9a-bb88-71ffda468bf8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_3.png" /></p>

<p>"It is very difficult to survive," Paval said, further adding that she will add more dance students to her class.</p>

<p>"Zahad will go back to work about two months after the baby is born. Then I will take care of the baby," Paval added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest</strong></p>

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<p>The couple stated that their pregnancy was welcomed very warmly by the transgender community.</p>

<p>"Of course, there are people both within the transgender community as well as outside who believe in stereotypes. They think a trans man cannot be carrying a baby. [But] it doesn't matter," Paval stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="pk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="898daee7-5e3d-45e6-a066-14eaf885d652" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_3.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Story so far&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Three years ago, Zahad and Paval had met, at a time when both of them had estranged relations with their families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am from a conservative Muslim family which never allowed me to learn classical dance. (My parents) were orthodox to the point that they used to cut my hair so that I did not dance," Paval narrated</p>

<p>She said that she had left her home to take part in a youth festival and after that, she never returned. She received training in dance at a transgender community centre and now she teaches the art to students in Kozhikode.</p>

<p>Zahad is an accountant and belongs to a Christian family from Thiruvananthapuram's fishing community. Currently, he is employed at a supermarket.</p>

<p>After coming out as a transgender, he left his family. However, after pregnancy, the couple was accepted by his family. "They are helping Zahad during the pregnancy," Paval said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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A transgender couple, who hail from India's southern state of Kerala, with "tears of joy" welcomed their baby on Wednesday, days after the pregnancy photos went viral Taking to social media, Ziya Paval shared the good news that her partner Zahad gave birth to a baby on Wednesday morning.

A transgender couple, who hail from India's southern state of Kerala, with "tears of joy" welcomed their baby on Wednesday, days after the pregnancy photos went viral Taking to social media, Ziya Paval shared the good news that her partner Zahad gave birth to a baby on Wednesday morning. Announcing the delivery, Paval uploaded a photo of the baby who was born almost a month before the due date. ALSO READ | Transgender cops to participate in India’s Republic Day parade in Chhattisgarh Paval said that both Zahad and the baby are healthy and doing fine. Paval and Zahad, have stated that becoming parents was their dream. Their pregnancy has been called a rarity in India because "no one else has called themselves a biological parent in the transgender community as far as we know", the couple had said while speaking to the BBC earlier this week. Transgender couple plans a bright future When the couple decided to have a baby, one-and-a-half years ago, the two were at different stages of their respective gender transition processes. As per the doctor's advice, they had paused their hormone therapy. Sharing the photo of the baby on Wednesday, the couple expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers sent by their well-wishers. After the birth of the baby was announced, the couple's social media pages have been flooded with congratulatory messages. The couple had earlier stated that after the baby is born, they will have to find more jobs to make ends meet. "It is very difficult to survive," Paval said, further adding that she will add more dance students to her class. "Zahad will go back to work about two months after the baby is born. Then I will take care of the baby," Paval added. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest The couple stated that their pregnancy was welcomed very warmly by the transgender community. "Of course, there are people both within the transgender community as well as outside who believe in stereotypes. They think a trans man cannot be carrying a baby. [But] it doesn't matter," Paval stated. Story so far Three years ago, Zahad and Paval had met, at a time when both of them had estranged relations with their families. "I am from a conservative Muslim family which never allowed me to learn classical dance. (My parents) were orthodox to the point that they used to cut my hair so that I did not dance," Paval narrated She said that she had left her home to take part in a youth festival and after that, she never returned. She received training in dance at a transgender community centre and now she teaches the art to students in Kozhikode. Zahad is an accountant and belongs to a Christian family from Thiruvananthapuram's fishing community. Currently, he is employed at a supermarket. After coming out as a transgender, he left his family. However, after pregnancy, the couple was accepted by his family. "They are helping Zahad during the pregnancy," Paval said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tears of joy | Kerala's transgender couple, whose pregnancy photos went viral, welcomes baby

<p>For those wishing to write at length, the option of longer tweets was rolled out by Twitter, specifically for its &nbsp;Twitter Blue subscribers in the United States, granting its paid users the liberty to post lengthy tweets up to 4,000 characters in length.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more… <a href="https://t.co/0mcFJ1wwZK">https://t.co/0mcFJ1wwZK</a></p>
— Twitter (@Twitter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1623411536243965954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>In the main feed of Twitter, the longer tweets will appear at a standard length, and will have the option of &nbsp;‘Show more…’, clicking which the users will be able to read the rest of the content.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/mass-outage-facebook-instagram-youtube-twitter-were-all-down-on-wednesday-560173">Mass outage: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter were all down on Wednesday</a></p>

<p>Explaining the feature, Twitter Blue posted, "Need more than 280 characters to express yourself? We know that lots of you do… and while we love a good thread, sometimes you just want to Tweet everything all at once. We get that. So we're introducing longer Tweets! Starting today, if you’re subscribed to Twitter Blue in the US you can create longer Tweets."</p>

<p>"While only Blue subscribers can post longer Tweets, anyone and everyone can read them. you can reply to, retweet, and quote Tweet a longer Tweet, no matter if you’re a Twitter Blue subscriber or not. subscribers will be able to reply and QT with up to 4,000 characters," it further stated. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">need more than 280 characters to express yourself?<br />
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we know that lots of you do… and while we love a good thread, sometimes you just want to Tweet everything all at once. we get that.<br />
<br />
so we're introducing longer Tweets! you're gonna want to check this out. tap this 👉… <a href="https://t.co/lge9udRzLE">https://t.co/lge9udRzLE</a></p>
— Twitter Blue (@TwitterBlue) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterBlue/status/1623411400545632256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>The new feature's introduction means that subscribers might be tempted to post longer tweets and avoid creating threads. However, the non-Blue users will still continue posting threads, which can get messy and confusing.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Republicans grill ex-Twitter executives over handling of Hunter Biden story</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/republicans-grill-ex-twitter-executives-over-handling-of-hunter-biden-story-560186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Twitter Blue will also be reducing ads for its subscribers to half. Twitter Blue had earlier introduced the ability to post 60-minute-long videos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the announcement, Twitter received a mixed response from its users as some called it a crime to post a "4000-characters tweet", while others questioned the social media platform's idea of 'brevity'.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If I see someone post a 4,000 character tweet I'm framing them for a crime</p>
— Thor Benson (@thor_benson) <a href="https://twitter.com/thor_benson/status/1623507072665935873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If someone wanted a 4,000–character tweet, they should just start a personal blog. The entire point of Twitter is brevity. <a href="https://t.co/qKMb0dMehc">https://t.co/qKMb0dMehc</a></p>
— David Lytle (@davitydave) <a href="https://twitter.com/davitydave/status/1623482925319868416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">every 4,000 character tweet is going to be like this <a href="https://t.co/aYnplTKcUH">pic.twitter.com/aYnplTKcUH</a></p>
— parker lyons (@tweetsbyparker) <a href="https://twitter.com/tweetsbyparker/status/1623414328908218368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you’re thinkin’ about writing a 4,000 character tweet, please know how to write a 4,000 character tweet. <a href="https://t.co/h4vx5TrVPX">pic.twitter.com/h4vx5TrVPX</a></p>
— klöss.eth (@kloss_eth) <a href="https://twitter.com/kloss_eth/status/1623431483133251587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza</p>
— Pizza Hut (@pizzahut) <a href="https://twitter.com/pizzahut/status/1623415359138107392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banan</p>
— #Minions (@Minions) <a href="https://twitter.com/Minions/status/1623453120679530498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos</p>
— Taco Palenque (@tacopalenque) <a href="https://twitter.com/tacopalenque/status/1623419667577466882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The feature is limited to Twitter Blue's subscribers in the United States. The subscription costs $8 per month.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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For those wishing to write at length, the option of longer tweets was rolled out by Twitter, specifically for its Twitter Blue subscribers in the United States, granting its paid users the liberty to post lengthy tweets up to 4,000 characters in length.

For those wishing to write at length, the option of longer tweets was rolled out by Twitter, specifically for its Twitter Blue subscribers in the United States, granting its paid users the liberty to post lengthy tweets up to 4,000 characters in length. more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more words more… https://t.co/0mcFJ1wwZK — Twitter (@Twitter) February 8, 2023 × In the main feed of Twitter, the longer tweets will appear at a standard length, and will have the option of ‘Show more…’, clicking which the users will be able to read the rest of the content. ALSO READ | Mass outage: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter were all down on Wednesday Explaining the feature, Twitter Blue posted, "Need more than 280 characters to express yourself? We know that lots of you do… and while we love a good thread, sometimes you just want to Tweet everything all at once. We get that. So we're introducing longer Tweets! Starting today, if you’re subscribed to Twitter Blue in the US you can create longer Tweets." "While only Blue subscribers can post longer Tweets, anyone and everyone can read them. you can reply to, retweet, and quote Tweet a longer Tweet, no matter if you’re a Twitter Blue subscriber or not. subscribers will be able to reply and QT with up to 4,000 characters," it further stated. need more than 280 characters to express yourself? we know that lots of you do… and while we love a good thread, sometimes you just want to Tweet everything all at once. we get that. so we're introducing longer Tweets! you're gonna want to check this out. tap this 👉… https://t.co/lge9udRzLE — Twitter Blue (@TwitterBlue) February 8, 2023 × The new feature's introduction means that subscribers might be tempted to post longer tweets and avoid creating threads. However, the non-Blue users will still continue posting threads, which can get messy and confusing. WATCH | Republicans grill ex-Twitter executives over handling of Hunter Biden story Twitter Blue will also be reducing ads for its subscribers to half. Twitter Blue had earlier introduced the ability to post 60-minute-long videos. After the announcement, Twitter received a mixed response from its users as some called it a crime to post a "4000-characters tweet", while others questioned the social media platform's idea of 'brevity'. If I see someone post a 4,000 character tweet I'm framing them for a crime — Thor Benson (@thor_benson) February 9, 2023 × If someone wanted a 4,000–character tweet, they should just start a personal blog. The entire point of Twitter is brevity. https://t.co/qKMb0dMehc — David Lytle (@davitydave) February 9, 2023 × every 4,000 character tweet is going to be like this pic.twitter.com/aYnplTKcUH — parker lyons (@tweetsbyparker) February 8, 2023 × If you’re thinkin’ about writing a 4,000 character tweet, please know how to write a 4,000 character tweet. pic.twitter.com/h4vx5TrVPX — klöss.eth (@kloss_eth) February 8, 2023 × pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza pizza — Pizza Hut (@pizzahut) February 8, 2023 × banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banana banan — #Minions (@Minions) February 8, 2023 × tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos tacos — Taco Palenque (@tacopalenque) February 8, 2023 × The feature is limited to Twitter Blue's subscribers in the United States. The subscription costs $8 per month. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Longing for longer tweets? Twitter Blue subscribers can now post up to 4,000 characters

<p><strong>Turkey-Syria Earthquake:</strong> For more than 29 hours, the rescue workers of White Helmets, exhausted but mentally undefeated, continue to pull out lives trapped underneath the mound of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue after northwestern Syria and southern Turkey were hit by five devastating earthquakes, killing so far more than 5,000 people.</p>

<p>Turning into one of the worst disasters in mankind's history, the monstrous earthquake's toll continues to rise dramatically as rescuers make the frantic search for survivors amid the concrete and debris, with lives fleeting away with every passing second.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-syria-earthquake-live-un-says-death-toll-likely-to-cross-20000-countries-send-aid-559432">Turkey-Syria earthquake Live Updates | Combined death toll surpasses 5,000; WHO says 23mln people affected</a></p>

<p>The humanitarian workers of Nobel Peace Prize-nominated White Helmets, officially known as Syria Civil Defence, with their resilience and bravery continue saving lives and hopes amid the harsh weather conditions.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION about the tough conditions in which the volunteers are working in Syria, White Helmets' representative Oubadah Alwan says, "Our volunteers on the ground are facing challenges in all aspects of their rescue efforts. The situation is catastrophic, and our organisation is not equipped to handle this scale of the disaster."</p>

<h2><strong>No safe zone, people stranded in freezing cold</strong></h2>

<p>He said people have lost everything they had and now have no shelter or safe zone. The survivors are out in the freezing cold with lack of medical equipment and overwhelmed hospitals, he adds.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian military personnel join rescue effort in quake-hit Syrian cities</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-russian-military-personnel-join-rescue-effort-in-quake-hit-syrian-cities-559551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Buildings and homes have been completely destroyed, leaving people with no shelter during the harsh winter. There is no safe zone. People are out in the freezing cold with nowhere to go. Hospitals are beyond capacity and there is a shortage of medical equipment and supplies. Additionally, the search and rescue efforts, carried out in freezing temperatures and amidst aftershocks, have been ongoing for over 24 hours," Alwan told WION.</p>

<h2><strong>Resources spread thin, response limited</strong></h2>

<p>Hinting at the dark days ahead, Alwan laments that resources are spreading thin and those who were already displaced in Syria are now struggling for survival.</p>

<p>"At the moment, our resources are spread thin in every aspect. The response efforts and distribution of aid are stretched thin, making it difficult to meet the needs of the people. The displaced in Syria were already struggling to survive with limited resources, and now the response is even more limited due to the earthquake. The situation on the ground is still catastrophic with ongoing rescue efforts, however, our field workers have rescued approximately 2,200 civilians."</p>

<p><img alt="Earthquake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b5ff2ed3-b721-4810-b3bf-f9d85bf230a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-02-07T160729.025.png" /></p>

<h2><strong>'Saving a life every second'</strong></h2>

<p>Narrating the on-ground difficulties, Alwan says that the response efforts of White Helmets have been hindered by aftershocks and strong earthquakes. As people scramble for lives and volunteers are able to respond to the initial tragedy, another tragedy strikes, he adds.</p>

<p>"We’ve been able to rescue many people, but there has been a large death toll till now and still people are trapped under the rubble. Volunteers are working as hard as they can to save people, but they are at full capacity. The death toll is expected to dramatically rise as hundreds remain trapped under rubble. Time is running out. Every second could mean saving a life," Alwan says.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Survivors rescued from under the rubble after hours of work in the city of Al-Dana, north of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Idlib?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Idlib</a>. 2,800+ deaths and injuries and hundreds of families still trapped under the rubble after the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> that struck NW <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> today, Monday, February 6. <a href="https://t.co/WRPbbSNcC6">pic.twitter.com/WRPbbSNcC6</a></p>
— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SyriaCivilDef/status/1622714580811087893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The volunteers tirelessly continue to fight for every single life crying with hope to see the light break through the darkness of doomsday, praying to be counted among survivors and not among those dead in the worst catastrophic disasters in the history of mankind.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Turkey-Syria Earthquake: For more than 29 hours, the rescue workers of White Helmets, exhausted but mentally undefeated, continue to pull out lives trapped underneath the mound of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue after northwestern Syria and southern Turkey were hit by five devastating earthquakes, killing so far more than 5,000 people.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake: For more than 29 hours, the rescue workers of White Helmets, exhausted but mentally undefeated, continue to pull out lives trapped underneath the mound of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue after northwestern Syria and southern Turkey were hit by five devastating earthquakes, killing so far more than 5,000 people. Turning into one of the worst disasters in mankind's history, the monstrous earthquake's toll continues to rise dramatically as rescuers make the frantic search for survivors amid the concrete and debris, with lives fleeting away with every passing second. ALSO READ | Turkey-Syria earthquake Live Updates | Combined death toll surpasses 5,000; WHO says 23mln people affected The humanitarian workers of Nobel Peace Prize-nominated White Helmets, officially known as Syria Civil Defence, with their resilience and bravery continue saving lives and hopes amid the harsh weather conditions. Speaking to WION about the tough conditions in which the volunteers are working in Syria, White Helmets' representative Oubadah Alwan says, "Our volunteers on the ground are facing challenges in all aspects of their rescue efforts. The situation is catastrophic, and our organisation is not equipped to handle this scale of the disaster." No safe zone, people stranded in freezing cold He said people have lost everything they had and now have no shelter or safe zone. The survivors are out in the freezing cold with lack of medical equipment and overwhelmed hospitals, he adds. WATCH | Russian military personnel join rescue effort in quake-hit Syrian cities "Buildings and homes have been completely destroyed, leaving people with no shelter during the harsh winter. There is no safe zone. People are out in the freezing cold with nowhere to go. Hospitals are beyond capacity and there is a shortage of medical equipment and supplies. Additionally, the search and rescue efforts, carried out in freezing temperatures and amidst aftershocks, have been ongoing for over 24 hours," Alwan told WION. Resources spread thin, response limited Hinting at the dark days ahead, Alwan laments that resources are spreading thin and those who were already displaced in Syria are now struggling for survival. "At the moment, our resources are spread thin in every aspect. The response efforts and distribution of aid are stretched thin, making it difficult to meet the needs of the people. The displaced in Syria were already struggling to survive with limited resources, and now the response is even more limited due to the earthquake. The situation on the ground is still catastrophic with ongoing rescue efforts, however, our field workers have rescued approximately 2,200 civilians." 'Saving a life every second' Narrating the on-ground difficulties, Alwan says that the response efforts of White Helmets have been hindered by aftershocks and strong earthquakes. As people scramble for lives and volunteers are able to respond to the initial tragedy, another tragedy strikes, he adds. "We’ve been able to rescue many people, but there has been a large death toll till now and still people are trapped under the rubble. Volunteers are working as hard as they can to save people, but they are at full capacity. The death toll is expected to dramatically rise as hundreds remain trapped under rubble. Time is running out. Every second could mean saving a life," Alwan says. Survivors rescued from under the rubble after hours of work in the city of Al-Dana, north of #Idlib. 2,800+ deaths and injuries and hundreds of families still trapped under the rubble after the #earthquake that struck NW #Syria today, Monday, February 6. pic.twitter.com/WRPbbSNcC6 — The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 6, 2023 × The volunteers tirelessly continue to fight for every single life crying with hope to see the light break through the darkness of doomsday, praying to be counted among survivors and not among those dead in the worst catastrophic disasters in the history of mankind. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

EXCLUSIVE | Turkey-Syria quake situation catastrophic, resources stretched thin: White Helmets

<p>A devastating earthquake of 7.8-magnitude hit southern Turkiye and northern Syria early on Monday, in which more than 2,300 people were killed, as reported by AP.</p>

<p>With hundreds of people badly injured, the toll continues to rise as survivors continue to be searched among the rubble by the rescue workers.</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;Turkiye President&nbsp;Recep Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;around&nbsp;912&nbsp;people lost their lives in 10 Turkish provinces, stated the news agency. The agency added that 5,400&nbsp;people suffered injuries. Meanwhile, in Syria, the death toll increased to 592 with more than 1,000 injured, stated the Syrian state media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-earthquake-live-turkey-declares-highest-emergency-alert-559059">Turkey earthquake Live Updates | Death toll rises to 360, Italy withdraws tsunami alert</a></p>

<p>Vice President Fuat Otkay said that around 900 buildings collapsed in the Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras provinces of Turkiye.</p>

<p>He added that a hospital also turned into rubbles in the Mediterranean coastal city of Iskanderoun, however, no casualties were known so far.</p>

<p>“Unfortunately, at the same time, we are also struggling with extremely severe weather conditions,” Oktay added. He further stated that they have deployed around 2,800 search and rescue teams in the disaster-stricken areas.</p>

<p>As per reports, the region was struck by the earthquake at 04:17 am local time (0117 GMT) and a depth of about 17.9 kilometres (11 miles), stated the US agency said. The earthquake was also felt by people in Syria, Lebanon and Cyprus, as residents rushed to the snowy streets.</p>

<p>As per a Reuters witness, the tremor lasted for a minute and even shattered the windows. After 15 minutes, the region suffered a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Horrific news of tonight’s earthquake in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Turkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Turkey</a> &amp; northern <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> — the damage looks extensive.<br />
<br />
The epicenter region is home to millions of refugees and IDPs, many of whom live in tents &amp; makeshift structures. This is the absolute nightmare scenario for them. And it’s winter. <a href="https://t.co/oACzWYtWb2">pic.twitter.com/oACzWYtWb2</a></p>
— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) <a href="https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/1622420324020002819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Broadcasters TRT and Haberturk ran images of people standing around the wrecked building in Kahramanmaras, looking out for survivors.</p>

<p>The survivors are being frantically searched by residents and rescue workers in the rubbles of destroyed buildings in various cities on the two sides of the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In one of the cities hit by earthquake in Turkiye, chunks of twisted metal and concrete were pulled away by dozens. People were seen shouting to each other on streets as they leaned dangerously from inside the partially toppled apartment building.</p>

<p>The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of Turkiye have placed the quake's magnitude at 7.4 near Kahramanmaras.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> registered M7.8 hit the middle of Turkey. <a href="https://t.co/mdxt53QlQ0">pic.twitter.com/mdxt53QlQ0</a></p>
— Asaad Sam Hanna (@AsaadHannaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsaadHannaa/status/1622415006485692416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to Syrian state media, many buildings also fell in the province of Aleppo, while the Hama civil service reported the collapse of several buildings.</p>

<p>"Paintings fell off the walls in the house. I woke up terrified. Now we’re all dressed and standing at the door,” said Samer, a resident of Syria's capital Damascus.</p>

<p>The witnesses reported that people were seen running on foot in the streets of Damascus as well as the Lebanese cities of Tripoli and Beirut.</p>

<p>Turkish Red Cross stated that resources are being mobilised for the region and people have been appealed to evacuate damaged houses.</p>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tweeted, “search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched” to the areas hit by the quake. "We hope that we will get through this disaster together as soon as possible and with the least damage," he added.</p>

<p>At least six aftershocks were felt by people as Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu appealed them to avoid entering the damaged buildings because of the risks.</p>

<p>“Our priority is to bring out people trapped under ruined buildings and to transfer them to hospitals,” he stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Deadly major earthquake hits Turkey and Syria</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deadly-major-earthquake-hits-turkey-and-syria-559143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In Malatya province of Turkiye, at least 130 buildings collapsed, Governor Hulusi Sahin said. Around 15 buildings turned into debris in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir.</p>

<p>Rescue teams appealed to people for extreme silence to listen to calls of survivors trapped beneath the rubble of 11-story building.</p>

<p>The Opposition’s Syrian Civil Defence said called the situation in north-west Syria as “disastrous” adding that many people are trapped under the collapsed buildings' rubble.</p>

<p>Syrian American Medical Society's President Amjad Rass said that emergency rooms are flooded with injured people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A devastating earthquake of 7.8-magnitude hit southern Turkiye and northern Syria early on Monday, in which more than 2,300 people were killed, as reported by AP.

A devastating earthquake of 7.8-magnitude hit southern Turkiye and northern Syria early on Monday, in which more than 2,300 people were killed, as reported by AP. With hundreds of people badly injured, the toll continues to rise as survivors continue to be searched among the rubble by the rescue workers. According to Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan around 912 people lost their lives in 10 Turkish provinces, stated the news agency. The agency added that 5,400 people suffered injuries. Meanwhile, in Syria, the death toll increased to 592 with more than 1,000 injured, stated the Syrian state media. ALSO READ | Turkey earthquake Live Updates | Death toll rises to 360, Italy withdraws tsunami alert Vice President Fuat Otkay said that around 900 buildings collapsed in the Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras provinces of Turkiye. He added that a hospital also turned into rubbles in the Mediterranean coastal city of Iskanderoun, however, no casualties were known so far. “Unfortunately, at the same time, we are also struggling with extremely severe weather conditions,” Oktay added. He further stated that they have deployed around 2,800 search and rescue teams in the disaster-stricken areas. As per reports, the region was struck by the earthquake at 04:17 am local time (0117 GMT) and a depth of about 17.9 kilometres (11 miles), stated the US agency said. The earthquake was also felt by people in Syria, Lebanon and Cyprus, as residents rushed to the snowy streets. As per a Reuters witness, the tremor lasted for a minute and even shattered the windows. After 15 minutes, the region suffered a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. Horrific news of tonight’s earthquake in #Turkey & northern #Syria — the damage looks extensive. The epicenter region is home to millions of refugees and IDPs, many of whom live in tents & makeshift structures. This is the absolute nightmare scenario for them. And it’s winter. pic.twitter.com/oACzWYtWb2 — Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) February 6, 2023 × Broadcasters TRT and Haberturk ran images of people standing around the wrecked building in Kahramanmaras, looking out for survivors. The survivors are being frantically searched by residents and rescue workers in the rubbles of destroyed buildings in various cities on the two sides of the border. In one of the cities hit by earthquake in Turkiye, chunks of twisted metal and concrete were pulled away by dozens. People were seen shouting to each other on streets as they leaned dangerously from inside the partially toppled apartment building. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of Turkiye have placed the quake's magnitude at 7.4 near Kahramanmaras. Massive #earthquake registered M7.8 hit the middle of Turkey. pic.twitter.com/mdxt53QlQ0 — Asaad Sam Hanna (@AsaadHannaa) February 6, 2023 × According to Syrian state media, many buildings also fell in the province of Aleppo, while the Hama civil service reported the collapse of several buildings. "Paintings fell off the walls in the house. I woke up terrified. Now we’re all dressed and standing at the door,” said Samer, a resident of Syria's capital Damascus. The witnesses reported that people were seen running on foot in the streets of Damascus as well as the Lebanese cities of Tripoli and Beirut. Turkish Red Cross stated that resources are being mobilised for the region and people have been appealed to evacuate damaged houses. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tweeted, “search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched” to the areas hit by the quake. "We hope that we will get through this disaster together as soon as possible and with the least damage," he added. At least six aftershocks were felt by people as Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu appealed them to avoid entering the damaged buildings because of the risks. “Our priority is to bring out people trapped under ruined buildings and to transfer them to hospitals,” he stated. WATCH | Deadly major earthquake hits Turkey and Syria In Malatya province of Turkiye, at least 130 buildings collapsed, Governor Hulusi Sahin said. Around 15 buildings turned into debris in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir. Rescue teams appealed to people for extreme silence to listen to calls of survivors trapped beneath the rubble of 11-story building. The Opposition’s Syrian Civil Defence said called the situation in north-west Syria as “disastrous” adding that many people are trapped under the collapsed buildings' rubble. Syrian American Medical Society's President Amjad Rass said that emergency rooms are flooded with injured people. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

More than 2,300 killed across Turkiye and Syria in devastating earthquake

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