For several years, scientists have been left baffled by a strange phenomenon occurring on Google Maps.

A small strip of island located between Australia and New Caledonia in the South Pacific has been an enigma, as it keeps appearing and disappearing.

Mind you, this is not a technical fault, as this strange island had every indication of a landmass through satellite view.

Many called it the Sandy Island or ‘phantom island’ that was first found mentioned in British Explorer Captain James Cook's Chart of Discoveries in the South Pacific Ocean all the way back in 1776, The Daily Express newspaper reports.

According to reports, it was spotted again 100 years later in 1895, with many believing that the island was 14.9 miles long and 3.1 miles wide.

The mystery was finally unravelled on November 22, 2012, when Australian scientists on the R/V Southern Surveyor found nothing but the sea.

Scientists recorded the ocean depths to be more than 4,300 feet, suggesting that there was no chance of anything lurking under the ocean that would previously have been visible.

And four days later, the island was removed from Google Maps.

Maria Seton, of the University of Sydney, told AFP: "We wanted to check it out because the navigation charts on board the ship showed a water depth of 1,400 metres (4,620 feet) in that area – very deep.

“It's on Google Earth and other maps so we went to check and there was no island.”

"We're really puzzled, it's quite bizarre.”

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However, if one were to search the island through the exact coordinates on any maps, a small lump could still be seen in the ocean.

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So far, there is no official explanation as to why one could still sight the so-called Sandy Island, but there is a leading theory which suggest that the island may have been the floating remains of a submerged volcano or coastal subaerial eruption.

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For several years, scientists have been left baffled by a strange phenomenon occurring on Google Maps. A small strip of island located between Australia and New Caledonia in the South Pacific has been an enigma, as it keeps appearing and disappearing.

For several years, scientists have been left baffled by a strange phenomenon occurring on Google Maps. A small strip of island located between Australia and New Caledonia in the South Pacific has been an enigma, as it keeps appearing and disappearing. Mind you, this is not a technical fault, as this strange island had every indication of a landmass through satellite view. Many called it the Sandy Island or ‘phantom island’ that was first found mentioned in British Explorer Captain James Cook's Chart of Discoveries in the South Pacific Ocean all the way back in 1776, The Daily Express newspaper reports. According to reports, it was spotted again 100 years later in 1895, with many believing that the island was 14.9 miles long and 3.1 miles wide. The mystery was finally unravelled on November 22, 2012, when Australian scientists on the R/V Southern Surveyor found nothing but the sea. Scientists recorded the ocean depths to be more than 4,300 feet, suggesting that there was no chance of anything lurking under the ocean that would previously have been visible. And four days later, the island was removed from Google Maps. Maria Seton, of the University of Sydney, told AFP: "We wanted to check it out because the navigation charts on board the ship showed a water depth of 1,400 metres (4,620 feet) in that area – very deep. “It's on Google Earth and other maps so we went to check and there was no island.” "We're really puzzled, it's quite bizarre.” Also read | Are those baby dinosaurs? Video of creature scurrying through beach goes viral, netizens confused However, if one were to search the island through the exact coordinates on any maps, a small lump could still be seen in the ocean. Also read | Is that a space jellyfish? SpaceX rocket launch illuminates sky, gives visual treat to viewers So far, there is no official explanation as to why one could still sight the so-called Sandy Island, but there is a leading theory which suggest that the island may have been the floating remains of a submerged volcano or coastal subaerial eruption. WATCH WION LIVE

Mysterious ‘phantom island’ keeps appearing and disappearing on Google Maps, scientists stumped

Two Caribbean islands that once belong to Jeffrey Epstein has been put up for sale, according to a new report. According to the Wall Street Journal, Great St James and Little St James are the two islands in Epstein’s global property portfolio and they have been listed for a price of $125m.<o:p></o:p>

Great St James spans for more than 160 acres and according to the court records reviewed by WSJ, Epstein bought it in 2016 for around $20m. It is largely untouched as it contains a small collection of structures and Christmas Cove, a marine preserve.

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On the other hand, Little St James spans for 70 acres and was bought way back in 1998. The island has four guest villas, a helipad, a private dock, two pools, three private beaches, a gym and a tiki hut.<o:p></o:p>

According to the report, in 2020, US Virgin Island officials, including the attorney general, alleged that Epstein lured women and girls – some as young as 11 – to Little St James, where he “trafficked, raped, sexually assaulted and held captive” his victims, according to court documents.

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The proceeds from the possible sale of these two islands will go towards the estate’s resolution of outstanding lawsuits and costs of estate operations, an attorney for the Epstein estate, told WSJ.<o:p></o:p>

Already, $121m of Epstein’s estate has been used to compensate the late financier’s victims through the Epstein victims’ compensation program, he added. Over the years, Epstein had close relationships with powerful figures including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew.<o:p></o:p>

Two Caribbean islands that once belong to Jeffrey Epstein has been put up for sale, according to a new report. According to the Wall Street Journal, Great St James and Little St James are the two islands in Epstein’s global property portfolio and they have been listed for a price of $125m.

Two Caribbean islands that once belong to Jeffrey Epstein has been put up for sale, according to a new report. According to the Wall Street Journal, Great St James and Little St James are the two islands in Epstein’s global property portfolio and they have been listed for a price of $125m. Great St James spans for more than 160 acres and according to the court records reviewed by WSJ, Epstein bought it in 2016 for around $20m. It is largely untouched as it contains a small collection of structures and Christmas Cove, a marine preserve. Also read | More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN On the other hand, Little St James spans for 70 acres and was bought way back in 1998. The island has four guest villas, a helipad, a private dock, two pools, three private beaches, a gym and a tiki hut. According to the report, in 2020, US Virgin Island officials, including the attorney general, alleged that Epstein lured women and girls – some as young as 11 – to Little St James, where he “trafficked, raped, sexually assaulted and held captive” his victims, according to court documents. Also read | Rescue teams find human remains at the Chinese plane crash site The proceeds from the possible sale of these two islands will go towards the estate’s resolution of outstanding lawsuits and costs of estate operations, an attorney for the Epstein estate, told WSJ. Already, $121m of Epstein’s estate has been used to compensate the late financier’s victims through the Epstein victims’ compensation program, he added. Over the years, Epstein had close relationships with powerful figures including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew.

Caribbean islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein put up for sale to boost victims’ fund

Niue becomes the second island in the Pacific to lose its Covid-zero status after reporting its first case of Covid. As per the government, the case arrived from New Zealand.&nbsp;

The island has a population of under 2,000 people. It also has a high vaccination rate. Nearly 97 per cent of those aged 16 and over are vaccinated, and 98 per cent of those aged between 12-16.

As per WHO, there are just eight countries that are Covid-free. These include Tuvalu, Tokelau, Saint Helena, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and the Federated states of Micronesia.&nbsp;

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Premier Dalton Tagelagi said, "The positive case is currently in quarantine and will be monitored closely by Niue’s health officials.

We understand at this stage that the positive case is double vaccinated and boosted and had returned a negative PCR test 72 hours and RATs before boarding their flight from New Zealand.”

On a flight of over 25 passengers, one tested positive for the virus while all the others tested negative.&nbsp;

Tagelagi urged Niueans to remain vigilant.&nbsp;

Niue happens to be the second island to record its first case this week. Earlier, Chatham islands also reported its first case over the weekend.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Niue becomes the second island in the Pacific to lose its Covid-zero status after reporting its first case of Covid. As per the government, the case arrived from New Zealand.

Niue becomes the second island in the Pacific to lose its Covid-zero status after reporting its first case of Covid. As per the government, the case arrived from New Zealand. The island has a population of under 2,000 people. It also has a high vaccination rate. Nearly 97 per cent of those aged 16 and over are vaccinated, and 98 per cent of those aged between 12-16. As per WHO, there are just eight countries that are Covid-free. These include Tuvalu, Tokelau, Saint Helena, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and the Federated states of Micronesia. Also read | Taiwan Zoo puts two fat pandas on special diet, exercise routine Premier Dalton Tagelagi said, "The positive case is currently in quarantine and will be monitored closely by Niue’s health officials. We understand at this stage that the positive case is double vaccinated and boosted and had returned a negative PCR test 72 hours and RATs before boarding their flight from New Zealand.” On a flight of over 25 passengers, one tested positive for the virus while all the others tested negative. Tagelagi urged Niueans to remain vigilant. Niue happens to be the second island to record its first case this week. Earlier, Chatham islands also reported its first case over the weekend. (With inputs from agencies)

Second Pacific island reports its first Covid case in a week

Just days after a first eruption triggered massive tsunami waves around the pacific, another large eruption has been detected at the Tonga volcano. The pacific tsunami warning center say that it has also detected large waves in the area, the first eruption that triggered major tsunami waves across the pacific has brought in significant damage to the island's capital.

Tsunami batters south pacific island, Tonga calls for immediate aid

At the end of October a presidential candidate starred up old memories when proposing to send corrupt politicians to Colombia's notorious former island prison of Gorgona. No one took the threat seriously but it did pick interest about a little known part of Colombia's history that could be compared to Alcatraz or Robben island.

Gorgona Island, where an infamous prison once stood

There's a hidden natural gem in Colombia. It has emerged from the remains of a prison that instilled terror in the country. It's called Gorgona island.

Colombia's natural paradise Gorgona Island

Piel Island, off the northwest coast of Britain, is on the lookout for its new 'king.' The King is responsible for maintaining the island's small 50-acre landmass, which includes a historic castle.

This tiny British island looking for new 'King'

The mayor of the Italian island Vulcano has ordered the evacuation of over 200 people and banned tourists. This was done after there was increased volcanic activity and gases in the area, leading to respiratory problems for people and their pets.

The mayor, Marco Giorgianni in a Facebook broadcast said, “Data indicate an increase in gases that create strong concern because they can constitute a threat to public health."

Data by Italian National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology revealed that carbon dioxide levels around the volcanic island have risen from 80 tons to 480 tons. This deeply affected oxygen in the air.&nbsp;

Mayor Marco revealed that authorities had been tracking gas emissions from the past month and they had risen to a level that it is dangerous for humans, especially at night when they are sleeping.

"My citizens must reside where the air is most secure and healthy in this region," he said.

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The mayor has signed an ordinance that requires people to evacuate the 'red zone'. These are the regions where non-researchers officials are prohibited from staying.

There are also 'yellow zones.' These are areas where people can remain but will have to stay on higher floors.

The mayor of the Italian island Vulcano has ordered the evacuation of over 200 people and banned tourists. This was done after there was increased volcanic activity and gases in the area, leading to respiratory problems for people and their pets.

The mayor of the Italian island Vulcano has ordered the evacuation of over 200 people and banned tourists. This was done after there was increased volcanic activity and gases in the area, leading to respiratory problems for people and their pets. The mayor, Marco Giorgianni in a Facebook broadcast said, “Data indicate an increase in gases that create strong concern because they can constitute a threat to public health." Data by Italian National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology revealed that carbon dioxide levels around the volcanic island have risen from 80 tons to 480 tons. This deeply affected oxygen in the air. Mayor Marco revealed that authorities had been tracking gas emissions from the past month and they had risen to a level that it is dangerous for humans, especially at night when they are sleeping. "My citizens must reside where the air is most secure and healthy in this region," he said. Also read | 'We can and we did': Ann Arbor becomes first US city to offer free menstrual products in public bathrooms The mayor has signed an ordinance that requires people to evacuate the 'red zone'. These are the regions where non-researchers officials are prohibited from staying. There are also 'yellow zones.' These are areas where people can remain but will have to stay on higher floors.

Italian island Vulcano orders evacuation of over 200 people due to increased volcanic activity

Parts of Australia's island state of Tasmania entered a three-day snap lockdown and the next 48 hours remain critical, Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Saturday.

Under the restrictions, residents in the southern parts of the state including capital city Hobart, must stay at home unless very limited reasons such as shopping for urgent household supplies within 5 km of home -- only one person from a household at any one time, attending medical or health care appointments, being a permitted worker, or caring for a vulnerable person or for other compassionate reasons, reports Xinhua news agency.

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Addressing the media, Gutwein said the aim of the authorities is to make the lockdown "short and sharp", and committed grants to support low income, casual and self-employed workers who have lost income due to an inability to work.

The snap lockdown on Friday night came after a Covid-positive traveller from the state of New South Wales entered Tasmania without valid border pass and breached the hotel quarantine rules.

Gutwein said he asked Tasmania Police to "consider all avenues" for increasing the punishment on the man who has been fined A$3,000 ($2,225) for the breaches.

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"I have expressed to Tasmania Police that the sum of the fine that this individual has received at the moment simply doesn't appear to be in line with the crime," Gutwein said.

"This is a breach that has brought southern Tasmania to a standstill and I have requested that they consider what other action can be taken against this person."

Parts of Australia's island state of Tasmania entered a three-day snap lockdown and the next 48 hours remain critical, Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Saturday.

Parts of Australia's island state of Tasmania entered a three-day snap lockdown and the next 48 hours remain critical, Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Saturday. Under the restrictions, residents in the southern parts of the state including capital city Hobart, must stay at home unless very limited reasons such as shopping for urgent household supplies within 5 km of home -- only one person from a household at any one time, attending medical or health care appointments, being a permitted worker, or caring for a vulnerable person or for other compassionate reasons, reports Xinhua news agency. Also Read | Protests and blockades greet new Italy Covid rules Addressing the media, Gutwein said the aim of the authorities is to make the lockdown "short and sharp", and committed grants to support low income, casual and self-employed workers who have lost income due to an inability to work. The snap lockdown on Friday night came after a Covid-positive traveller from the state of New South Wales entered Tasmania without valid border pass and breached the hotel quarantine rules. Gutwein said he asked Tasmania Police to "consider all avenues" for increasing the punishment on the man who has been fined A$3,000 ($2,225) for the breaches. Also Read | US to allow fully vaccinated travellers from November 8: White House "I have expressed to Tasmania Police that the sum of the fine that this individual has received at the moment simply doesn't appear to be in line with the crime," Gutwein said. "This is a breach that has brought southern Tasmania to a standstill and I have requested that they consider what other action can be taken against this person."

Australia island state enters snap lockdown

Scientists last month set foot on a tiny island off the coast of Greenland which they say is the world`s northernmost point of land and was revealed by shifting pack ice.

The discovery comes as a battle is looming among Arctic nations the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark and Norway for control of the North Pole some 700 km (435 miles) to the north and of the surrounding seabed, fishing rights and shipping routes exposed by melting ice due to climate change.

"It was not our intention to discover a new island," polar explorer and head of the Arctic Station research facility in Greenland, Morten Rasch, told Reuters. "We just went there to collect samples." 
The scientists initially thought they had arrived at Oodaaq, an island discovered by a Danish survey team in 1978. Only later, when checking the exact location, they realized they had visited another island 780 metres northwest.

"Everybody was happy that we found what we thought was Oodaaq island," said Swiss entrepreneur Christiane Leister, creator of the Leister Foundation that financed the expedition.

"It`s a bit like explorers in the past, who thought they`d landed in a certain place but actually found a totally different place."

The small island, measuring roughly 30 metres across and a peak of about three metres, consists of seabed mud as well as moraine - soil and rock left behind by moving glaciers. The team said they would recommend it is named "Qeqertaq Avannarleq", which means "the northernmost island" in Greenlandic.

Several U.S. expeditions in the area have in recent decades searched for the world`s northernmost island. In 2007, Arctic veteran Dennis Schmitt discovered a similar island close by.

Though it was exposed by shifting pack ice, the scientists said the island`s appearance now was not a direct consequence of global warming, which has been shrinking Greenland`s ice sheet.

Rene Forsberg, professor and head of geodynamics at Denmark`s National Space Institute, said the area north of Greenland has some of the thicket polar sea ice, though he added it was now 2-3 metres thick in summer, compared with 4 metres when he first visited as part of the expedition that discovered Oodaaq in 1978.

Any hope of extending territorial claims in the Arctic depends on whether it is in fact an island or a bank that may disappear again. An island need to remain above sea level at high tide.

"It meets the criteria of an island," said Forsberg. "This is currently the world`s northernmost land."

But Forsberg, an advisor to the Danish government, said it was unlikely to change Denmark`s territorial claim north of Greenland.

"These small island come and go," he said.

The discovery was first reported earlier on Friday by Danish newspaper Weekendavisen.

Scientists last month set foot on a tiny island off the coast of Greenland which they say is the world`s northernmost point of land and was revealed by shifting pack ice.

Scientists last month set foot on a tiny island off the coast of Greenland which they say is the world`s northernmost point of land and was revealed by shifting pack ice. The discovery comes as a battle is looming among Arctic nations the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark and Norway for control of the North Pole some 700 km (435 miles) to the north and of the surrounding seabed, fishing rights and shipping routes exposed by melting ice due to climate change. "It was not our intention to discover a new island," polar explorer and head of the Arctic Station research facility in Greenland, Morten Rasch, told Reuters. "We just went there to collect samples." The scientists initially thought they had arrived at Oodaaq, an island discovered by a Danish survey team in 1978. Only later, when checking the exact location, they realized they had visited another island 780 metres northwest. "Everybody was happy that we found what we thought was Oodaaq island," said Swiss entrepreneur Christiane Leister, creator of the Leister Foundation that financed the expedition. "It`s a bit like explorers in the past, who thought they`d landed in a certain place but actually found a totally different place." The small island, measuring roughly 30 metres across and a peak of about three metres, consists of seabed mud as well as moraine - soil and rock left behind by moving glaciers. The team said they would recommend it is named "Qeqertaq Avannarleq", which means "the northernmost island" in Greenlandic. Several U.S. expeditions in the area have in recent decades searched for the world`s northernmost island. In 2007, Arctic veteran Dennis Schmitt discovered a similar island close by. Though it was exposed by shifting pack ice, the scientists said the island`s appearance now was not a direct consequence of global warming, which has been shrinking Greenland`s ice sheet. Rene Forsberg, professor and head of geodynamics at Denmark`s National Space Institute, said the area north of Greenland has some of the thicket polar sea ice, though he added it was now 2-3 metres thick in summer, compared with 4 metres when he first visited as part of the expedition that discovered Oodaaq in 1978. Any hope of extending territorial claims in the Arctic depends on whether it is in fact an island or a bank that may disappear again. An island need to remain above sea level at high tide. "It meets the criteria of an island," said Forsberg. "This is currently the world`s northernmost land." But Forsberg, an advisor to the Danish government, said it was unlikely to change Denmark`s territorial claim north of Greenland. "These small island come and go," he said. The discovery was first reported earlier on Friday by Danish newspaper Weekendavisen.

Scientists discover ‘world’s northernmost island’ off Greenland’s coast

The world’s northernmost point of land, which is a new island off the coast of Greenland, seems to have been discovered by scientists. It was revealed after the shifting of the ice.&nbsp;

Morten Rasch, who is a polar explorer and head of the Arctic station research facility in Greenland, said “It was not our intention to discover a new island. We just went there to collect samples.”&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;'Milk Crate Challenge' takes over internet, doctors express concern

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Initially, the scientists thought they arrived at Oodaaq island, which was discovered by a Danish survey team in 1978. After checking the exact location later, they realised they had visited another island 780 metres to the north-west.&nbsp;

Swiss entrepreneur Christiane Leister, who is also the creator of the Leister Foundation that financed the expedition, said, “Everybody was happy that we found what we thought was Oodaaq island. It’s a bit like explorers in the past, who thought they’d landed in a certain place but actually found a totally different place.”

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The new island roughly measures around 30 metres (100ft) across and has a peak of about three metres. It also consists of seabed mud as well as moraine – soil and rock left behind by moving glaciers. &nbsp;

According to the team, it should be named “Qeqertaq Avannarleq”, which means “the northernmost island” in Greenlandic.&nbsp;

The world’s northernmost point of land, which is a new island off the coast of Greenland, seems to have been discovered by scientists. It was revealed after the shifting of the ice.

The world’s northernmost point of land, which is a new island off the coast of Greenland, seems to have been discovered by scientists. It was revealed after the shifting of the ice. Morten Rasch, who is a polar explorer and head of the Arctic station research facility in Greenland, said “It was not our intention to discover a new island. We just went there to collect samples.” Watch | 'Milk Crate Challenge' takes over internet, doctors express concern × Initially, the scientists thought they arrived at Oodaaq island, which was discovered by a Danish survey team in 1978. After checking the exact location later, they realised they had visited another island 780 metres to the north-west. Swiss entrepreneur Christiane Leister, who is also the creator of the Leister Foundation that financed the expedition, said, “Everybody was happy that we found what we thought was Oodaaq island. It’s a bit like explorers in the past, who thought they’d landed in a certain place but actually found a totally different place.” Also Read: Hurricane Ida makes landfall in southwest Cuba: Weather service The new island roughly measures around 30 metres (100ft) across and has a peak of about three metres. It also consists of seabed mud as well as moraine – soil and rock left behind by moving glaciers. According to the team, it should be named “Qeqertaq Avannarleq”, which means “the northernmost island” in Greenlandic.

‘World’s northernmost island’ discovered off coast of Greenland by scientists 

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists. &nbsp;

After observing the eruption in the air, the island was discovered by the Japan’s Coast Guard on Sunday, a report in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said.&nbsp;

The island has come up naturally in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 50km south of Minami Ioto, which is the southernmost island of the Ogasawara group.&nbsp;

The new island is crescent-shaped and has a diameter of about 1km, said the coast guard. Taking history as a precedent, its appearance may be ephemeral.&nbsp;

Some islands had formed in 1904, 1914 and 1986 in a similar way in the area but all disappeared due to erosion.&nbsp;

It depends on the material it is formed from. Ash and other fragments are highly unlikely to bear the constant battering of waves, but continued volcanic activity has the power to produce lava flows that eventually form a more durable hard shell.&nbsp;

The latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue, said Japan’s meteorological agency. It has also issued warnings about smoke and large ash deposits in the nearby waters.&nbsp;

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists.

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists. After observing the eruption in the air, the island was discovered by the Japan’s Coast Guard on Sunday, a report in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said. The island has come up naturally in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 50km south of Minami Ioto, which is the southernmost island of the Ogasawara group. The new island is crescent-shaped and has a diameter of about 1km, said the coast guard. Taking history as a precedent, its appearance may be ephemeral. Some islands had formed in 1904, 1914 and 1986 in a similar way in the area but all disappeared due to erosion. It depends on the material it is formed from. Ash and other fragments are highly unlikely to bear the constant battering of waves, but continued volcanic activity has the power to produce lava flows that eventually form a more durable hard shell. The latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue, said Japan’s meteorological agency. It has also issued warnings about smoke and large ash deposits in the nearby waters.

Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan 

Travellers returning to England from the&nbsp;Balearic&nbsp;Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers.

Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented travel to most countries through quarantine and testing rules.

It is slowly lifting restrictions and from July 19 it will allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel without quarantine to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, which are on a red list.

After a travel review, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday (July 14) Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca had been added to the amber list for travel from Monday (July 19), which means that those younger adults who have not yet had both shots would need to quarantine at home for 10 days.

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Shapps said the status of the islands had changed due to a sharp rise in cases. The British Virgin Islands were also moved to amber.

The government also put Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone on to its red list, meaning anyone travelling from there would need to quarantine in a hotel.

"Travel continues to be different from usual, and passengers should check latest travel advice from the Foreign Office and be prepared for longer wait times and more checks during their journey," the government said.

The government is adding Hong Kong and Bulgaria to the green list from July 19, the statement said.

Travellers returning to England from the Balearic Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers.

Travellers returning to England from the Balearic Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers. Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented travel to most countries through quarantine and testing rules. It is slowly lifting restrictions and from July 19 it will allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel without quarantine to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, which are on a red list. After a travel review, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday (July 14) Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca had been added to the amber list for travel from Monday (July 19), which means that those younger adults who have not yet had both shots would need to quarantine at home for 10 days. Also read | I hope you crawl back under the rock, UK PM Johnson condemns racial abuse of England football stars Shapps said the status of the islands had changed due to a sharp rise in cases. The British Virgin Islands were also moved to amber. The government also put Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone on to its red list, meaning anyone travelling from there would need to quarantine in a hotel. "Travel continues to be different from usual, and passengers should check latest travel advice from the Foreign Office and be prepared for longer wait times and more checks during their journey," the government said. The government is adding Hong Kong and Bulgaria to the green list from July 19, the statement said.

UK adds Balearic Islands to amber list in blow to younger tourists

The Ukrainian ambassador to Thailand collapsed and died on Sunday while on a resort island with his family, authorities said.

Andrii Beshta, 44, was declared dead on Lipe Island in southern Satun province, Gov&nbsp;Ekkarat Leesen told The Associated Press.

Police quoted his teenage son, who was staying in the same hotel room, as saying his father vomited and fainted early on Sunday. He said he was feeling fine before. Police said they suspect he may have suffered a heart failure.

Leesen said the body was sent to the police hospital for an autopsy.

Beshta had assumed the post of ambassador in January 2016. He is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons, according to a bio on the embassy's website.

The Ukrainian ambassador to Thailand collapsed and died on Sunday while on a resort island with his family, authorities said. Andrii Beshta, 44, was declared dead on Lipe Island in southern Satun province, Gov Ekkarat Leesen told The Associated Press.

The Ukrainian ambassador to Thailand collapsed and died on Sunday while on a resort island with his family, authorities said. Andrii Beshta, 44, was declared dead on Lipe Island in southern Satun province, Gov Ekkarat Leesen told The Associated Press. Police quoted his teenage son, who was staying in the same hotel room, as saying his father vomited and fainted early on Sunday. He said he was feeling fine before. Police said they suspect he may have suffered a heart failure. Leesen said the body was sent to the police hospital for an autopsy. Beshta had assumed the post of ambassador in January 2016. He is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons, according to a bio on the embassy's website.

Ukrainian ambassador in Thailand dies on resort island

The man dubbed as Italy's Robinson Crusoe is leaving his island after 32 years. The tale of Robinson Crusoe is well familiar. A man who survives on an island all by himself after a shipwreck.

The tale of Mauro Morandi (81) is no less interesting. In 1989, his small boat developed problems at the sea and he had to take refuge on Budelli island, off the coast of Sardinia in Italy. The island has beaches of pink sand! Morandi met the caretaker of the island and got to know that he was about to retire.

He gladly took the job and his life became one with the island. He stayed in a former World War 1 shelter.

For three decades, Mauro Morandi took care of the island, kept its beaches clean and interacted with day-trippers on the island.

But now he has to leave.

The authorities of La Maddalena national park are evicting him. The island is to be converted into a hub of environmental education.

Morandi is expectedly sad but has decided to obey the word of the authorities. He will move into a small apartment in Maddalena, on the outskirts of the town. He is happy that way. He will be able to live life by himself. But there is something more that's important to him.

"I'll still see the sea," he told The Guardian.

The man dubbed as Italy's Robinson Crusoe is leaving his island after 32 years. The tale of Robinson Crusoe is well familiar. A man who survives on an island all by himself after a shipwreck.

The man dubbed as Italy's Robinson Crusoe is leaving his island after 32 years. The tale of Robinson Crusoe is well familiar. A man who survives on an island all by himself after a shipwreck. The tale of Mauro Morandi (81) is no less interesting. In 1989, his small boat developed problems at the sea and he had to take refuge on Budelli island, off the coast of Sardinia in Italy. The island has beaches of pink sand! Morandi met the caretaker of the island and got to know that he was about to retire. He gladly took the job and his life became one with the island. He stayed in a former World War 1 shelter. For three decades, Mauro Morandi took care of the island, kept its beaches clean and interacted with day-trippers on the island. But now he has to leave. The authorities of La Maddalena national park are evicting him. The island is to be converted into a hub of environmental education. Morandi is expectedly sad but has decided to obey the word of the authorities. He will move into a small apartment in Maddalena, on the outskirts of the town. He is happy that way. He will be able to live life by himself. But there is something more that's important to him. "I'll still see the sea," he told The Guardian.

Italy's 'Robinson Crusoe' to leave his island after 32 years

The late Prince Philip maintained a respectful 50-year relationship with an indigenous group in the island nation of Vanuatu that venerated him based on their shared respect for tradition, in contrast to his history of racially insensitive remarks.&nbsp;

The veneration of Philip, who died on Friday at the age of 99, by people on Tanna Island in Vanuatu was one of the more curious aspects of the life of the former husband to the British Queen Elizabeth II.&nbsp;

The villagers' special interest in the late Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, manifested itself in daily prayers for his blessing of their banana and yam crops and the posting of photos in village homes, including one from 1980 of him in a suit holding a club made and sent to London by the islanders.&nbsp;

Their reverence was related to Philip's love of custom and an ancient prophesy, according to Sydney-based anthropologist Kirk Huffman, who spent 18 years in Vanuatu, including 12 as the curator for its national museum. &nbsp;

"His thing was the promotion of respect for tradition and that's I think one of the things that really clicked with them. These people are really very strong respecters of tradition, they follow a very ancient philosophical tradition," he said.&nbsp;

Despite the well-documented occasions of Philip uttering racially and culturally insensitive remarks, Huffman noted they maintained a long-standing relationship.&nbsp;

"In this case, he has been incredibly respectful, very sympathetic, he’s communicated with them, he's sent them gifts, they have sent him gifts, really since the 1970s," he said.&nbsp;

The veneration of Philip stemmed from a local legend of the pale-skinned son of a local mountain god, who ventured across the seas to look for a rich and powerful woman to marry.&nbsp;

Anthropologists believe Philip, who fitted the bill by marrying the Queen, became linked to the legend in the 1960s when Vanuatu was an Anglo-French colony known as the New Hebrides. &nbsp;

Villagers at the time were likely to have seen portraits of Philip and Elizabeth at government offices and police stations run by colonial officials before he visited the island with the Queen in 1974.&nbsp;

With his passing, their honour of Prince Philip is unlikely to cease although it may change form, Huffman said. However, it is too early to know what the group will make of his death, since there is limited access to electricity and mobile phones on the island.&nbsp;

Since their belief system is not tied to the monarchy, how they may take to Prince Charles, who two members of the group met in the capital of Port-Vila several years ago, is up to them, he said. &nbsp;

At the time, Prince Charles drank Kava, a highly intoxicating local beverage, with one, while the other gave him a gift for his father, Huffman said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The late Prince Philip maintained a respectful 50-year relationship with an indigenous group in the island nation of Vanuatu that venerated him based on their shared respect for tradition, in contrast to his history of racially insensitive remarks.

The late Prince Philip maintained a respectful 50-year relationship with an indigenous group in the island nation of Vanuatu that venerated him based on their shared respect for tradition, in contrast to his history of racially insensitive remarks. The veneration of Philip, who died on Friday at the age of 99, by people on Tanna Island in Vanuatu was one of the more curious aspects of the life of the former husband to the British Queen Elizabeth II. The villagers' special interest in the late Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, manifested itself in daily prayers for his blessing of their banana and yam crops and the posting of photos in village homes, including one from 1980 of him in a suit holding a club made and sent to London by the islanders. Their reverence was related to Philip's love of custom and an ancient prophesy, according to Sydney-based anthropologist Kirk Huffman, who spent 18 years in Vanuatu, including 12 as the curator for its national museum. "His thing was the promotion of respect for tradition and that's I think one of the things that really clicked with them. These people are really very strong respecters of tradition, they follow a very ancient philosophical tradition," he said. Despite the well-documented occasions of Philip uttering racially and culturally insensitive remarks, Huffman noted they maintained a long-standing relationship. "In this case, he has been incredibly respectful, very sympathetic, he’s communicated with them, he's sent them gifts, they have sent him gifts, really since the 1970s," he said. The veneration of Philip stemmed from a local legend of the pale-skinned son of a local mountain god, who ventured across the seas to look for a rich and powerful woman to marry. Anthropologists believe Philip, who fitted the bill by marrying the Queen, became linked to the legend in the 1960s when Vanuatu was an Anglo-French colony known as the New Hebrides. Villagers at the time were likely to have seen portraits of Philip and Elizabeth at government offices and police stations run by colonial officials before he visited the island with the Queen in 1974. With his passing, their honour of Prince Philip is unlikely to cease although it may change form, Huffman said. However, it is too early to know what the group will make of his death, since there is limited access to electricity and mobile phones on the island. Since their belief system is not tied to the monarchy, how they may take to Prince Charles, who two members of the group met in the capital of Port-Vila several years ago, is up to them, he said. At the time, Prince Charles drank Kava, a highly intoxicating local beverage, with one, while the other gave him a gift for his father, Huffman said. (With inputs from agencies)

Prince Philip's islander devotees inspired by shared respect for tradition 

A Japanese bulk carrier that struck a coral reef off Mauritius and has leaked at least an estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil passed an annual inspection in March without any problems

Your Story: Why the Mauritius oil spill is dangerous | Japanese ship | Marine Ecosystem

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to Indian Ocean Island countries of Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka

MALDIVES&nbsp; 
 
When it comes to the Maldives, India has been helping develop large as well as number of community development projects. In terms of large projects, India will be part of building up International Cricket stadium, expansion of Hanimadhoo Airport, Gulhuifalhu Port project, Cancer Hospital under its 800 million dollar line of credit. It is also helping in the construction of new Institute for Security &amp; Law Enforcement Studies (ISLES) and restoring the iconic Friday Mosque in Male also known as Hukuru Miskiy.

When it comes to community projects, 18 other projects are ongoing/completed under a 50 crore grant.&nbsp;

The streets of the national capital Male are lit up with LED lights supplied by India. India is also helping in modernization of the defence capabilities of the country and had earlier gifted a Made-in-India Fast Interceptor Craft ‘Kaamiyaab’ in Dec 2019.

On COVID crisis, Maldives has been the biggest beneficiary of India's COVID assistance. India sent 2 consignments of medicines, a 14-member Rapid Response Team, about 600 tons of food supplies under its Mission SAGAR to the country.

MAURITIUS

When it comes to Mauritius, India is the largest development partner for Mauritius with extensive focus on people-oriented projects. 5 mammoth infrastructure projects have been completed in the country under India's Special Economic Package (SEP) of $ 353 million announced in 2016. 4 projects have been completed which are-- Metro Express Project at the cost of $ 275 million with Phase 1 being completed, Supreme Court Building at the cost of $ 30million, New ENT Hospital at the cost of &nbsp;USD 14 million, e-Tablets worth $ 14 million. Work is underway on the Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million.&nbsp;

On defence partnership under India’s ITEC programme in FY 2018-19, 210 civilian and 169 defence slots were offered. Mauritius is also the largest beneficiary of Africa Scholarships under IAFS with 97 ICCR scholarships extended annually for higher education in India.&nbsp;

India has announced Lines of Credit (LOC) worth USD 600 million at concessional terms for Mauritius with a priority focus on developmental projects. It has extended assistance in Health care sector for construction of a Renal Unit and construction of 4 Mediclinics and 2 Area Health Centres AHCs (USD 12 million).

Currently, India is working on Metro Express Project Phase 2, 956 units of Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million, Construction of Civil Service College, Renal Unit and 4 Med clinics and 2 AHCs.

When it comes to COVID assistance, India was the first to send a medical consignment to Mauritius to deal with the Covid pandemic. This included Hydrocloroquine (HCQ) tablet and other essential medicines which included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines. Along with this India sent a dedicated Medical Assistance Team to supplement local government’s efforts against Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
SRI LANKA

When it comes to Sri Lanka, India’s total development assistance portfolio in Sri Lanka exceeds USD 3.45 billion, of which USD 560 million is in the form of grant assistance. &nbsp;Focus ranges from capacity-building to human resources development to connectivity to infrastructure development in all the provinces in Sri Lanka. The areas include cultural conservation like restoration of Thiruketheeswaram temple to the construction of iconic landmarks like Jaffna Cultural Centre to enhancing connectivity like restoration of railway lines.

Its Housing Project to construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka is well known as is India’s flagship and largest grant assistance project in Sri Lanka. Over 48,600 houses have been constructed so far and 10,000 houses are planned to be constructed for the Indian-origin Tamil population in the upcountry region.

In terms of health infrastructure, nation-wide Emergency Ambulance Service with 297 ambulances was established under Indian grant assistance. Started in two provinces initially, it was expanded to all the 9 provinces following demand from other areas. The Ambulances played a useful role in saving lives in the aftermath of the Easter terror bombing in Sri Lanka in April 2019.

India has gifted a 150-bed hospital in Dickoya in Central province, a 200-bed ward complex at the General Hospital in Vavuniya, Northern Province, and upgraded medical facilities in 3 hospitals in the Northern Province. Currently, India is constructing a Surgical Unit in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital in the Eastern Province.

On the connectivity front, India has helped restore arterial railway lines, which sustained heavy damage in Tsunami in 2004. New Delhi reconnected northern Sri Lanka with the rest of the country by restoring railway lines, establishing signaling systems and supplying rolling stocks, this after a gap of 25 years. India is also helping in the development of Kankesanthurai harbor in the northern tip. Air connectivity from Chennai to Jaffna was restored after a gap of more than 3 decades with the commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna in November 2019.

In November 2019, during the visit of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to India Indian PM announced two new Lines of Credit for USD 400 million for infrastructure development and USD 50 million for security and counter-terrorism. This is in addition to the USD 100 million LOC offered in 2018 for undertaking solar projects in Sri Lanka.

When it comes to Covid Assistance, India has supported the efforts of Sri Lanka in its fight against COVID 19 by providing them four consignments of Covid-19 related essential life-saving medicines and equipment in April and May 2020. India was the first to send medicines to Sri Lanka.

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to Indian Ocean Island countries of Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka MALDIVES When it comes to the Maldives, India has been helping develop large as well as number of community development projects.

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to Indian Ocean Island countries of Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka MALDIVES When it comes to the Maldives, India has been helping develop large as well as number of community development projects. In terms of large projects, India will be part of building up International Cricket stadium, expansion of Hanimadhoo Airport, Gulhuifalhu Port project, Cancer Hospital under its 800 million dollar line of credit. It is also helping in the construction of new Institute for Security & Law Enforcement Studies (ISLES) and restoring the iconic Friday Mosque in Male also known as Hukuru Miskiy. When it comes to community projects, 18 other projects are ongoing/completed under a 50 crore grant. The streets of the national capital Male are lit up with LED lights supplied by India. India is also helping in modernization of the defence capabilities of the country and had earlier gifted a Made-in-India Fast Interceptor Craft ‘Kaamiyaab’ in Dec 2019. On COVID crisis, Maldives has been the biggest beneficiary of India's COVID assistance. India sent 2 consignments of medicines, a 14-member Rapid Response Team, about 600 tons of food supplies under its Mission SAGAR to the country. MAURITIUS When it comes to Mauritius, India is the largest development partner for Mauritius with extensive focus on people-oriented projects. 5 mammoth infrastructure projects have been completed in the country under India's Special Economic Package (SEP) of $ 353 million announced in 2016. 4 projects have been completed which are-- Metro Express Project at the cost of $ 275 million with Phase 1 being completed, Supreme Court Building at the cost of $ 30million, New ENT Hospital at the cost of USD 14 million, e-Tablets worth $ 14 million. Work is underway on the Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million. On defence partnership under India’s ITEC programme in FY 2018-19, 210 civilian and 169 defence slots were offered. Mauritius is also the largest beneficiary of Africa Scholarships under IAFS with 97 ICCR scholarships extended annually for higher education in India. India has announced Lines of Credit (LOC) worth USD 600 million at concessional terms for Mauritius with a priority focus on developmental projects. It has extended assistance in Health care sector for construction of a Renal Unit and construction of 4 Mediclinics and 2 Area Health Centres AHCs (USD 12 million). Currently, India is working on Metro Express Project Phase 2, 956 units of Social Housing project being built at the cost of $ 20 million, Construction of Civil Service College, Renal Unit and 4 Med clinics and 2 AHCs. When it comes to COVID assistance, India was the first to send a medical consignment to Mauritius to deal with the Covid pandemic. This included Hydrocloroquine (HCQ) tablet and other essential medicines which included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines. Along with this India sent a dedicated Medical Assistance Team to supplement local government’s efforts against Covid-19 pandemic. SRI LANKA When it comes to Sri Lanka, India’s total development assistance portfolio in Sri Lanka exceeds USD 3.45 billion, of which USD 560 million is in the form of grant assistance. Focus ranges from capacity-building to human resources development to connectivity to infrastructure development in all the provinces in Sri Lanka. The areas include cultural conservation like restoration of Thiruketheeswaram temple to the construction of iconic landmarks like Jaffna Cultural Centre to enhancing connectivity like restoration of railway lines. Its Housing Project to construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka is well known as is India’s flagship and largest grant assistance project in Sri Lanka. Over 48,600 houses have been constructed so far and 10,000 houses are planned to be constructed for the Indian-origin Tamil population in the upcountry region. In terms of health infrastructure, nation-wide Emergency Ambulance Service with 297 ambulances was established under Indian grant assistance. Started in two provinces initially, it was expanded to all the 9 provinces following demand from other areas. The Ambulances played a useful role in saving lives in the aftermath of the Easter terror bombing in Sri Lanka in April 2019. India has gifted a 150-bed hospital in Dickoya in Central province, a 200-bed ward complex at the General Hospital in Vavuniya, Northern Province, and upgraded medical facilities in 3 hospitals in the Northern Province. Currently, India is constructing a Surgical Unit in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital in the Eastern Province. On the connectivity front, India has helped restore arterial railway lines, which sustained heavy damage in Tsunami in 2004. New Delhi reconnected northern Sri Lanka with the rest of the country by restoring railway lines, establishing signaling systems and supplying rolling stocks, this after a gap of 25 years. India is also helping in the development of Kankesanthurai harbor in the northern tip. Air connectivity from Chennai to Jaffna was restored after a gap of more than 3 decades with the commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna in November 2019. In November 2019, during the visit of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to India Indian PM announced two new Lines of Credit for USD 400 million for infrastructure development and USD 50 million for security and counter-terrorism. This is in addition to the USD 100 million LOC offered in 2018 for undertaking solar projects in Sri Lanka. When it comes to Covid Assistance, India has supported the efforts of Sri Lanka in its fight against COVID 19 by providing them four consignments of Covid-19 related essential life-saving medicines and equipment in April and May 2020. India was the first to send medicines to Sri Lanka.

India reaches out to Indian Ocean island countries on Covid crisis, infrastructure development

Located 275 kilometres north of Male, Kulhudhuffushi is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division. Now officially declared a ''city'', the island is famous for its mangroves and is even its name draws inspiration from the natural bounty.&nbsp;

The economic capital of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-rising-militancy-problem-government-trying-to-repatriate-orphans-from-syria-270077">Northern Maldives</a>,&nbsp;Kulhudhuffushi is known as the heart of the north.

A favourite amongst the tourists, the city is also famous for shark fishing, boat building, and coir rope production. 
 
The population of the island touched the 10,000 mark in November last year.

According to the Decentralisation Act of Maldives, a council must be declared a city if its population exceeds that number.

So, starting January 1, 2020, Kulhudhuffushi was declared a city, as announced by the president of the country, Ibrahim Solih.

<img alt="Kulhudhuffushi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0cc72db3-abd1-4226-94d2-3b612ed722c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_9.jpg" /> 
Image: Aerial view of Kulhudhuffushi, courtesy - Twitter user&nbsp;@heevesnuve

As per the law, the city will now elect a seven-member council, with all the residents coming together to elect their mayor.

The island has not really had a friendly history with the central government of Maldives. In the 1940s, the residents of Kulhudhuffushi rebelled against the Male government.

According to them, the government was being unjust to the people of the north.&nbsp;

However, the island city is now equipped with modern facilities including education and healthcare.

The newly announced city also received its own airport in August last year.

Effectively, Kulhudhuffushi is now the fourth city of the archipelago of Maldives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-on-same-page-future-of-ties-bright-former-president-mohamed-nasheed-268232">India, Maldives on same page; future of ties 'bright': Former President&nbsp;Mohamed Nasheed</a>

Located 275 kilometres north of Male, Kulhudhuffushi is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division. Now officially declared a ''city'', the island is famous for its mangroves and is even its name draws inspiration from the natural bounty.

Located 275 kilometres north of Male, Kulhudhuffushi is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division. Now officially declared a ''city'', the island is famous for its mangroves and is even its name draws inspiration from the natural bounty. The economic capital of Northern Maldives, Kulhudhuffushi is known as the heart of the north. A favourite amongst the tourists, the city is also famous for shark fishing, boat building, and coir rope production. The population of the island touched the 10,000 mark in November last year. According to the Decentralisation Act of Maldives, a council must be declared a city if its population exceeds that number. So, starting January 1, 2020, Kulhudhuffushi was declared a city, as announced by the president of the country, Ibrahim Solih. Image: Aerial view of Kulhudhuffushi, courtesy - Twitter user @heevesnuve As per the law, the city will now elect a seven-member council, with all the residents coming together to elect their mayor. The island has not really had a friendly history with the central government of Maldives. In the 1940s, the residents of Kulhudhuffushi rebelled against the Male government. According to them, the government was being unjust to the people of the north. However, the island city is now equipped with modern facilities including education and healthcare. The newly announced city also received its own airport in August last year. Effectively, Kulhudhuffushi is now the fourth city of the archipelago of Maldives. Also read: India, Maldives on same page; future of ties 'bright': Former President Mohamed Nasheed

Kulhudhuffushi crosses 10,000 resident mark, becomes Maldives' fourth city

The death toll from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-kills-3-in-philippines-hundreds-of-flights-halted-265967">a typhoon</a> that hit provinces south of the Philippine capital rose to 10, disaster agencies said on Wednesday, pointing to precautions and compulsory evacuations as key in preventing more casualties.

Typhoon Kammuri, the 20th to enter the Philippines this year, hit land on Monday night, prompting forced evacuation of thousands of residents and cancellation of hundreds of flights. It also disrupted the schedule for some events in the Southeast Asian Games, which the Philippines is hosting until Dec. 11.

Five people died in the central Bicol region, including three who drowned, a local disaster agency said in a report. Five more were killed in a region south of the capital.

Around 345,000 people are still in evacuation centres, awaiting authorities' clearance for them to return home, disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal told broadcaster ANC.

"The storm left the usual damage of major storms such as fallen trees, ruined roofs of houses and some government facilities," Timbal said. Officials said forced evacuations and preparations prevented greater loss of life.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-over-two-lakh-evacuated-as-typhoon-kammuri-pounds-philippines-closes-manila-airport-265891">Sustained winds of Kammuri weakened to 100 kilometres per hour</a>, with gusts of up to 125 kph&nbsp;as it heads towards the South China Sea. It is set to leave the Philippines on Wednesday night, the state weather bureau said.

An average of 20 typhoons annually hit the Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands.

The death toll from a typhoon that hit provinces south of the Philippine capital rose to 10, disaster agencies said on Wednesday, pointing to precautions and compulsory evacuations as key in preventing more casualties.

The death toll from a typhoon that hit provinces south of the Philippine capital rose to 10, disaster agencies said on Wednesday, pointing to precautions and compulsory evacuations as key in preventing more casualties. Typhoon Kammuri, the 20th to enter the Philippines this year, hit land on Monday night, prompting forced evacuation of thousands of residents and cancellation of hundreds of flights. It also disrupted the schedule for some events in the Southeast Asian Games, which the Philippines is hosting until Dec. 11. Five people died in the central Bicol region, including three who drowned, a local disaster agency said in a report. Five more were killed in a region south of the capital. Around 345,000 people are still in evacuation centres, awaiting authorities' clearance for them to return home, disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal told broadcaster ANC. "The storm left the usual damage of major storms such as fallen trees, ruined roofs of houses and some government facilities," Timbal said. Officials said forced evacuations and preparations prevented greater loss of life. Sustained winds of Kammuri weakened to 100 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 125 kph as it heads towards the South China Sea. It is set to leave the Philippines on Wednesday night, the state weather bureau said. An average of 20 typhoons annually hit the Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands.

Philippines: Typhoon Kammuri kills ten

Hurricane Humberto knocked out power lines in Bermuda on Wednesday night, plunging nearly the whole Atlantic archipelago into darkness, as the storm whipped the British territory with powerful winds and heavy rain.

Even as Hurricane Humberto was moving away, Miami-based US&nbsp;National Hurricane Center forecast a prolonged period of dangerous winds through Thursday and warned that dangerous breaking waves could lead to coastal flooding overnight.

More than 28,000 homes and businesses had lost electricity by early evening, according to electricity company Belco.

Flights were cancelled and some residents in the capital, Hamilton, covered windows with wooden planks and metal sheeting.

Belco said it would begin restoring power on Thursday morning.

Bermudan officials warned residents to stay off roads and prepare for possible tornadoes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-1-million-told-to-evacuate-homes-as-hurricane-florence-bears-down-on-us-east-coast-164990">hurricane</a> picked up forward speed and weather conditions worsened.

The officials also reported that people who had sought refuge in an emergency housing shelter at a public high school had to be relocated after windows were damaged.

James Dodgson, director of the Bermuda Weather Service, said conditions were already worsening.

"I can't even rule out some isolated tornadoes. We have a very serious situation as we have a very big hurricane moving by to our north," he told a news conference.

On Wednesday, the storm's eye was located to the west of the archipelago, which lies about 650 miles (1,050 km) east of the United States.

The storm packed 120 mile-per-hour (193 kph) winds and picked up speed during the afternoon, moving at 20 mph (31 kph). Humberto was a Category 3 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, the NHC said.

Bermuda National Disaster Coordinator Steve Cosham warned that the storm could topple trees and rip down power lines, while tornadoes could damage buildings.

Resident Saivo Goater placed boards across the sliding glass doors of his two-story dwelling, remembering back-to-back hurricanes in 2014 that ripped off parts of his roof.

"I don't want to go through that again," Goater said. "It's better to be safe than sorry."

Officials ended government ferry services and were closing a major road leading to the airport on Wednesday evening. They also opened a shelter at a high school with room for 100 people.

Schools were closed and ambulances on standby, a witness said.

The Atlantic storm season has picked up pace in recent weeks.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-storm-hits-hurricane-ravaged-bahamas-could-become-tropical-storm-249408">Bahamas</a> is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, and the remnants of Tropical Depression Imelda have moved inland across the Gulf Coast of Texas and southeastern Louisiana as it weakened, bringing warnings of flash floods and heavy rains.

Hurricane Humberto knocked out power lines in Bermuda on Wednesday night, plunging nearly the whole Atlantic archipelago into darkness, as the storm whipped the British territory with powerful winds and heavy rain.

Hurricane Humberto knocked out power lines in Bermuda on Wednesday night, plunging nearly the whole Atlantic archipelago into darkness, as the storm whipped the British territory with powerful winds and heavy rain. Even as Hurricane Humberto was moving away, Miami-based US National Hurricane Center forecast a prolonged period of dangerous winds through Thursday and warned that dangerous breaking waves could lead to coastal flooding overnight. More than 28,000 homes and businesses had lost electricity by early evening, according to electricity company Belco. Flights were cancelled and some residents in the capital, Hamilton, covered windows with wooden planks and metal sheeting. Belco said it would begin restoring power on Thursday morning. Bermudan officials warned residents to stay off roads and prepare for possible tornadoes as the hurricane picked up forward speed and weather conditions worsened. The officials also reported that people who had sought refuge in an emergency housing shelter at a public high school had to be relocated after windows were damaged. James Dodgson, director of the Bermuda Weather Service, said conditions were already worsening. "I can't even rule out some isolated tornadoes. We have a very serious situation as we have a very big hurricane moving by to our north," he told a news conference. On Wednesday, the storm's eye was located to the west of the archipelago, which lies about 650 miles (1,050 km) east of the United States. The storm packed 120 mile-per-hour (193 kph) winds and picked up speed during the afternoon, moving at 20 mph (31 kph). Humberto was a Category 3 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, the NHC said. Bermuda National Disaster Coordinator Steve Cosham warned that the storm could topple trees and rip down power lines, while tornadoes could damage buildings. Resident Saivo Goater placed boards across the sliding glass doors of his two-story dwelling, remembering back-to-back hurricanes in 2014 that ripped off parts of his roof. "I don't want to go through that again," Goater said. "It's better to be safe than sorry." Officials ended government ferry services and were closing a major road leading to the airport on Wednesday evening. They also opened a shelter at a high school with room for 100 people. Schools were closed and ambulances on standby, a witness said. The Atlantic storm season has picked up pace in recent weeks. The Bahamas is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, and the remnants of Tropical Depression Imelda have moved inland across the Gulf Coast of Texas and southeastern Louisiana as it weakened, bringing warnings of flash floods and heavy rains.

Large parts of Bermuda plunged into darkness as Hurricane Humberto whips island

Bahamians who lost everything in the devastating passage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-dorian-dorian-weakens-as-it-heads-east-florida-248306">Hurricane Dorian </a>were scrambling Saturday to escape the worst-hit islands by sea or by air, after the historically powerful storm left at least 43 people dead with officials fearing a "significantly" higher toll.

A loosely coordinated armada of passenger planes, helicopters and both private and government boats and ships -- including redirected cruise liners -- was converging on the horribly battered Abaco Islands, the epicenter of the vast storm's destruction, to help with the evacuation.

In Freeport, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-try-to-flee-hurricane-devastated-bahamas-islands-248148">thousands of people</a>, many still disoriented by the week's events, were lining up at the port in hopes of boarding a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship offering free passage to Florida.

More than 260 Abacos residents arrived Friday in largely spared Nassau on a government-chartered ferry, with a second en route.

Residents described brutal conditions facing those still on the islands. They said the smell of yet-to-be recovered bodies, along with rapidly mounting piles of garbage, was oppressive and unsanitary.

Hundreds or even thousands of people were still missing, officials said, and rescuers continued picking through jumbled mountains of debris in search of survivors. Morticians with body bags and refrigeration units were beginning to arrive.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the death toll -- 35 so far in the Abacos and eight in Grand Bahama -- was likely to climb "significantly."

In a statement Friday evening, he called the loss of life "catastrophic and devastating."

The final death toll "will be staggering," Health Minister Duane Sands said earlier.

UN relief officials said more than 70,000 people -- virtually the entire population of Grand Bahama and Abaco -- were in need of assistance after the storm reduced homes and businesses to matchsticks.

The US Coast Guard, Britain's Royal Navy and private organizations have been helping evacuate island residents to Nassau, but relief efforts have been severely hampered by damaged airport runways, piers and docks.

'It's not right'

Chamika Durosier was waiting early Saturday at the Abaco airport. The island, she said, was unsafe.

"The home that we were in fell on us," she said. "We had to crawl -- got out crawling. By the grace of God we are alive."

She described the increasingly desperate plight of those left behind.&nbsp;

"It's been almost a week and people are still here. People have no food. People have no water, and it's not right. They should have been gone.

"Dead bodies are still around and it's not sanitary."

Those who have made it to safety awaited news of loved ones.

Diane Forbes, newly arrived at a gymnasium serving as a shelter in Nassau, was desperately searching for her two sons among some 200 evacuees. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, when last she heard from them, her sons told her that "they were hungry, and the scent of the bodies, the dead, was really getting to them."&nbsp;

Dorian, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane when it raked through the Bahamas last weekend, was buffeting southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, on Saturday with tropical storm-force winds, the National Hurricane Center said at 11:00 am (1500 GMT).&nbsp;

The Canadian Hurricane Centre predicted a landfall near Halifax later in the day and issued hurricane warnings for parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.&nbsp;

Earlier, Dorian brought flooding and widespread power outages but no major damage to the coastal Carolinas and Virginia.&nbsp;

In the Bahamas, the scene was very different.

With thousands of people left homeless, many were growing frustrated at the slow speed of relief and evacuation efforts.

"There's no gas station, no food stores, my job is gone," said Melanie Lowe of Marsh Harbour, whose house was partially destroyed. She survived the storm packed in a two-bedroom apartment with 16 other people.

First steps to rebuild

As survivors began the first steps of rebuilding, arrangements were being made to care for the dead and account for the missing.

Mortuary workers in white hazmat suits, blue gloves and masks could be seen in Marsh Harbour carrying corpses in green body bags and loading them onto flatbed trucks.

President Donald Trump offered US support, adding in a video statement on Twitter, that "any cruise ship companies willing to act as stationary housing, etc., I am sure would be appreciated!"&nbsp;

The cruise ship Celebrity Equinox rerouted a planned trip with passengers on board to bring 10,000 sandwiches to the Bahamas, NBC said.

Royal Caribbean said its fleet would deliver thousands of meals and supplies, Fox's Tampa Bay affiliate reported.

At the Abaco airport on Saturday, Tanya McDermott was waiting with her husband and young son for a plane to Nassau. Their home was badly damaged.

With the injured given priority on outbound flights, the McDermotts waited.

"We are going to wait around all day if we have to," Tanya McDermott said.

"We are going to hope for the best."

Bahamians who lost everything in the devastating passage of Hurricane Dorian were scrambling Saturday to escape the worst-hit islands by sea or by air, after the historically powerful storm left at least 43 people dead with officials fearing a "significantly" higher toll.

Bahamians who lost everything in the devastating passage of Hurricane Dorian were scrambling Saturday to escape the worst-hit islands by sea or by air, after the historically powerful storm left at least 43 people dead with officials fearing a "significantly" higher toll. A loosely coordinated armada of passenger planes, helicopters and both private and government boats and ships -- including redirected cruise liners -- was converging on the horribly battered Abaco Islands, the epicenter of the vast storm's destruction, to help with the evacuation. In Freeport, thousands of people, many still disoriented by the week's events, were lining up at the port in hopes of boarding a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship offering free passage to Florida. More than 260 Abacos residents arrived Friday in largely spared Nassau on a government-chartered ferry, with a second en route. Residents described brutal conditions facing those still on the islands. They said the smell of yet-to-be recovered bodies, along with rapidly mounting piles of garbage, was oppressive and unsanitary. Hundreds or even thousands of people were still missing, officials said, and rescuers continued picking through jumbled mountains of debris in search of survivors. Morticians with body bags and refrigeration units were beginning to arrive. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the death toll -- 35 so far in the Abacos and eight in Grand Bahama -- was likely to climb "significantly." In a statement Friday evening, he called the loss of life "catastrophic and devastating." The final death toll "will be staggering," Health Minister Duane Sands said earlier. UN relief officials said more than 70,000 people -- virtually the entire population of Grand Bahama and Abaco -- were in need of assistance after the storm reduced homes and businesses to matchsticks. The US Coast Guard, Britain's Royal Navy and private organizations have been helping evacuate island residents to Nassau, but relief efforts have been severely hampered by damaged airport runways, piers and docks. 'It's not right' Chamika Durosier was waiting early Saturday at the Abaco airport. The island, she said, was unsafe. "The home that we were in fell on us," she said. "We had to crawl -- got out crawling. By the grace of God we are alive." She described the increasingly desperate plight of those left behind. "It's been almost a week and people are still here. People have no food. People have no water, and it's not right. They should have been gone. "Dead bodies are still around and it's not sanitary." Those who have made it to safety awaited news of loved ones. Diane Forbes, newly arrived at a gymnasium serving as a shelter in Nassau, was desperately searching for her two sons among some 200 evacuees. On Tuesday, when last she heard from them, her sons told her that "they were hungry, and the scent of the bodies, the dead, was really getting to them." Dorian, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane when it raked through the Bahamas last weekend, was buffeting southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, on Saturday with tropical storm-force winds, the National Hurricane Center said at 11:00 am (1500 GMT). The Canadian Hurricane Centre predicted a landfall near Halifax later in the day and issued hurricane warnings for parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Earlier, Dorian brought flooding and widespread power outages but no major damage to the coastal Carolinas and Virginia. In the Bahamas, the scene was very different. With thousands of people left homeless, many were growing frustrated at the slow speed of relief and evacuation efforts. "There's no gas station, no food stores, my job is gone," said Melanie Lowe of Marsh Harbour, whose house was partially destroyed. She survived the storm packed in a two-bedroom apartment with 16 other people. First steps to rebuild As survivors began the first steps of rebuilding, arrangements were being made to care for the dead and account for the missing. Mortuary workers in white hazmat suits, blue gloves and masks could be seen in Marsh Harbour carrying corpses in green body bags and loading them onto flatbed trucks. President Donald Trump offered US support, adding in a video statement on Twitter, that "any cruise ship companies willing to act as stationary housing, etc., I am sure would be appreciated!" The cruise ship Celebrity Equinox rerouted a planned trip with passengers on board to bring 10,000 sandwiches to the Bahamas, NBC said. Royal Caribbean said its fleet would deliver thousands of meals and supplies, Fox's Tampa Bay affiliate reported. At the Abaco airport on Saturday, Tanya McDermott was waiting with her husband and young son for a plane to Nassau. Their home was badly damaged. With the injured given priority on outbound flights, the McDermotts waited. "We are going to wait around all day if we have to," Tanya McDermott said. "We are going to hope for the best."

Amid fears of far higher Dorian death toll, islanders scramble to leave

A large&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;of&nbsp;Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.&nbsp;

Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days.

More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on&nbsp;Evia, Greece's second-largest&nbsp;island, where a monastery had already been evacuated.

It generated thick&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;that blanketed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-51-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-athens-knocks-out-phone-service-237149">the capital,&nbsp;Athens</a>, some 110 kilometres away.

The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said.

Greek&nbsp;TV showed thick, dark&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds.

A local mayor told state TV ERT the&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti.

No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening.

Greece often faces&nbsp;wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week.&nbsp;

Environmental campaigners see increased&nbsp;wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming.

Last year, a&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near&nbsp;Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames. Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other Greek regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days. More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on Evia, Greece's second-largest island, where a monastery had already been evacuated. It generated thick smoke that blanketed the capital, Athens, some 110 kilometres away. The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said. Greek TV showed thick, dark smoke blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds. A local mayor told state TV ERT the wildfire had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti. No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening. Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week. Environmental campaigners see increased wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming. Last year, a wildfire killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

Wildfire rages on Greek island Evia, smoke reaches Athens

The French island of Mont Saint-Michel was evacuated earlier today after a man threatened the police.&nbsp;

According to reports, a witness&nbsp;had heard a man uttering threats at the site in the northwestern region of Normandy.&nbsp;

"For security reasons and in order to clear up any doubt, since we don't know his aim, I`ve decided to evacuate the Mont," district prefect Jean-Marc Sabathe noted.

Saint Michael's Mount is an island in Normandy, France located at the mouth of the Couesnon River. Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay are listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

According to reports, a witnessed had heard a man uttering threats at the site

The French island of Mont Saint-Michel was evacuated earlier today after a man threatened the police. According to reports, a witness had heard a man uttering threats at the site in the northwestern region of Normandy. "For security reasons and in order to clear up any doubt, since we don't know his aim, I`ve decided to evacuate the Mont," district prefect Jean-Marc Sabathe noted. Saint Michael's Mount is an island in Normandy, France located at the mouth of the Couesnon River. Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay are listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (With inputs from Reuters)

French officials evacuate Mont Saint-Michel over threats

The UN's top court said Thursday it will hold hearings in June into Malaysia's request to overturn its ruling in a decades-old dispute with Singapore over a tiny but strategic island.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) "will hold public hearings in the case concerning the revision of the judgement of 23 May 2008 in the case concerning sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh."

Four days of audiences will be held starting on June 11 in the imposing tribunal housed in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ added in a statement.

Malaysia lodged its case in February 2017, calling for the court to overturn its 2008 ruling granting its neighbour sovereignty over the disputed rocky outcrop.

Kuala Lumpur maintained new documents had been discovered in British archives backing its territorial claim to the islet.

Malaysia calls the island Pulau Batu Puteh, while Singapore dubs it Pedra Branca (white rock).

The island is in a strategically important position, 7.7 nautical miles (14 kilometres) off Johor on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea.

Singapore had operated the Horsburgh Lighthouse on the granite island for more than 130 years without protest from its neighbour.

But in a map of its maritime boundaries drawn up in 1980, Kuala Lumpur staked its claim to the islet.

After years of failed negotiations, the parties turned to ICJ, which in 2008 ruled the island belonged to Singapore.&nbsp

Another rocky outcrop called Middle Rocks was found to belong to Malaysia, while a low-tide bank called South Ledge was deemed to be in overlapping territorial waters.

But in its 2017 filing, Malaysia asked the court to revise that judgement based on the discovery of three documents in the British national archives between August 2016 and late January 2017.

They included internal correspondence from the Singapore colonial authorities in 1958, a British naval incident report from 1958 and a map from the 1960s.

Kuala Lumpur maintained these documents showed that "officials at the highest levels in the British colonial and Singaporean administration appreciated that Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh did not form part of Singapore's sovereign territory," according to the ICJ.

Under the court's rules, states can ask for a judgement to be revised if new facts come to light within 10 years of the first ruling.

In a separate filing, Malaysia has also asked for an interpretation of the 2008 ruling, saying despite having formed a joint committee with Singapore the two countries have failed to delimit their maritime borders in the area.

The ICJ will also hold four days of hearings on this filing between June 18 to 22. 
&nbsp

The International Court of Justice said it would hold hearings in the matter in June

The UN's top court said Thursday it will hold hearings in June into Malaysia's request to overturn its ruling in a decades-old dispute with Singapore over a tiny but strategic island. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) "will hold public hearings in the case concerning the revision of the judgement of 23 May 2008 in the case concerning sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh." Four days of audiences will be held starting on June 11 in the imposing tribunal housed in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the ICJ added in a statement. Malaysia lodged its case in February 2017, calling for the court to overturn its 2008 ruling granting its neighbour sovereignty over the disputed rocky outcrop. Kuala Lumpur maintained new documents had been discovered in British archives backing its territorial claim to the islet. Malaysia calls the island Pulau Batu Puteh, while Singapore dubs it Pedra Branca (white rock). The island is in a strategically important position, 7.7 nautical miles (14 kilometres) off Johor on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea. Singapore had operated the Horsburgh Lighthouse on the granite island for more than 130 years without protest from its neighbour. But in a map of its maritime boundaries drawn up in 1980, Kuala Lumpur staked its claim to the islet. After years of failed negotiations, the parties turned to ICJ, which in 2008 ruled the island belonged to Singapore. Another rocky outcrop called Middle Rocks was found to belong to Malaysia, while a low-tide bank called South Ledge was deemed to be in overlapping territorial waters. But in its 2017 filing, Malaysia asked the court to revise that judgement based on the discovery of three documents in the British national archives between August 2016 and late January 2017. They included internal correspondence from the Singapore colonial authorities in 1958, a British naval incident report from 1958 and a map from the 1960s. Kuala Lumpur maintained these documents showed that "officials at the highest levels in the British colonial and Singaporean administration appreciated that Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh did not form part of Singapore's sovereign territory," according to the ICJ. Under the court's rules, states can ask for a judgement to be revised if new facts come to light within 10 years of the first ruling. In a separate filing, Malaysia has also asked for an interpretation of the 2008 ruling, saying despite having formed a joint committee with Singapore the two countries have failed to delimit their maritime borders in the area. The ICJ will also hold four days of hearings on this filing between June 18 to 22.

Malaysia, Singapore to fight over island at UN top court

A decision by the Philippines to close the holiday hotspot of Boracay, which President Rodrigo Duterte has called a "cesspool", prompted airlines Thursday to cut back flights to the island, while business groups called for the decision to be reconsidered.

The abrupt presidential order to close Boracay to tourism for six months from April 26, aimed at rescuing the once idyllic island from ruin, was issued Wednesday.

Cebu Pacific, the dominant domestic carrier, said it cancelled 14 daily round-trip flights to Caticlan and Kalibo, Boracay's two main gateways, from April 26 to October 25, while Philippine Airlines said it would scale down services to the airports and add flights to other destinations.

Discovery World Corp, which operates an 88-room resort in Boracay, said Thursday that the closure would have a significant impact on its financial health, citing the resort's large contribution to revenue. The company`s shares dropped 7.5 per cent on Thursday.

The Philippine tourism minister, Wanda Teo, said Thursday that businesses and visitors to the crowded 10-square-kilometre (4-sq-mile) island would have to make a sacrifice.

"If you close one establishment but open another, tourists will still come. All establishments, whether compliant or not, will be closed," Teo told ANC news channel. "Everyone must sacrifice here."

The tourism industry urged a less drastic approach to rehabilitating the island and to delay the planned closure.

Jose Clemente, president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, said businesses were aware of Duterte's planned cleanup, but hoped for a partial or phased closure, and more time to adjust.

"We are a bit depressed right now in the industry," he said. "I really feel for the people in Boracay," he added. "They really need to find ways to be employed, or at least keep their head above water for the next six months."

Located off the northern tip of the central island of Panay, Boracay's white sand, lively night scene and abundant water sports attracted nearly 2 million visitors last year, with the largest contingents coming from China and South Korea.

In closing the island to visitors, Duterte, known for his no-nonsense style, was responding to numerous government inspections following his criticism in February of sanitary conditions on the island.

Duterte was furious about sewage problems stemming from inadequate treatment systems and unrestrained development of businesses, which in many cases were operating without permits.&nbsp

It is not immediately clear what the government plans to do during the closure and what the rehabilitation of the island might entail. A six-month closure could shave 0.1 per cent off the country's gross domestic product, according to a government estimate on Tuesday.

Wastewater management is expected to be the priority after inspections discovered businesses releasing untreated sewage into the sea.

Boracay is one of 7,300 islands in the archipelago nation and hosts 1,800 businesses, including global hotel chains like Shangri-La and Movenpick, and locally listed companies Megaworld Corp and Manila Water.

Philippine Airlines said it supported the government's decision.&nbsp

"We fully support the government's intention to make Boracay fully safe and environmentally friendly," said Jaime Bautista, the airline's president.

Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offered customers full refunds or flights elsewhere and said they would still operate a limited number of flights to Caticlan and Kalibo airports to serve residents, which number about 50,000.&nbsp

Airlines offer around 1.2 million seats from Boracay's Caticlan airport annually, nearly three-quarters from the capital Manila, data from Aviation Consultants show.

"Cebu Pacific with some 323,000 odd seats a year from the Island would be the largest carrier disrupted," said John Grant, director of JG Aviation Consultants.

Discovery World said it has started to refund customer deposits, rebooking them to future dates or to its resort on the island of Palawan.

"Our plan is to downsize to a skeletal team for the upkeep and maintenance of the resort during the period," it said in a statement, referring to the Boracay facility.

The abrupt presidential order to close Boracay to tourism for six months from April 26 aimed at rescuing the once idyllic island from ruin

A decision by the Philippines to close the holiday hotspot of Boracay, which President Rodrigo Duterte has called a "cesspool", prompted airlines Thursday to cut back flights to the island, while business groups called for the decision to be reconsidered. The abrupt presidential order to close Boracay to tourism for six months from April 26, aimed at rescuing the once idyllic island from ruin, was issued Wednesday. Cebu Pacific, the dominant domestic carrier, said it cancelled 14 daily round-trip flights to Caticlan and Kalibo, Boracay's two main gateways, from April 26 to October 25, while Philippine Airlines said it would scale down services to the airports and add flights to other destinations. Discovery World Corp, which operates an 88-room resort in Boracay, said Thursday that the closure would have a significant impact on its financial health, citing the resort's large contribution to revenue. The company`s shares dropped 7.5 per cent on Thursday. The Philippine tourism minister, Wanda Teo, said Thursday that businesses and visitors to the crowded 10-square-kilometre (4-sq-mile) island would have to make a sacrifice. "If you close one establishment but open another, tourists will still come. All establishments, whether compliant or not, will be closed," Teo told ANC news channel. "Everyone must sacrifice here." The tourism industry urged a less drastic approach to rehabilitating the island and to delay the planned closure. Jose Clemente, president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, said businesses were aware of Duterte's planned cleanup, but hoped for a partial or phased closure, and more time to adjust. "We are a bit depressed right now in the industry," he said. "I really feel for the people in Boracay," he added. "They really need to find ways to be employed, or at least keep their head above water for the next six months." Located off the northern tip of the central island of Panay, Boracay's white sand, lively night scene and abundant water sports attracted nearly 2 million visitors last year, with the largest contingents coming from China and South Korea. In closing the island to visitors, Duterte, known for his no-nonsense style, was responding to numerous government inspections following his criticism in February of sanitary conditions on the island. Duterte was furious about sewage problems stemming from inadequate treatment systems and unrestrained development of businesses, which in many cases were operating without permits. It is not immediately clear what the government plans to do during the closure and what the rehabilitation of the island might entail. A six-month closure could shave 0.1 per cent off the country's gross domestic product, according to a government estimate on Tuesday. Wastewater management is expected to be the priority after inspections discovered businesses releasing untreated sewage into the sea. Boracay is one of 7,300 islands in the archipelago nation and hosts 1,800 businesses, including global hotel chains like Shangri-La and Movenpick, and locally listed companies Megaworld Corp and Manila Water. Philippine Airlines said it supported the government's decision. "We fully support the government's intention to make Boracay fully safe and environmentally friendly," said Jaime Bautista, the airline's president. Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offered customers full refunds or flights elsewhere and said they would still operate a limited number of flights to Caticlan and Kalibo airports to serve residents, which number about 50,000. Airlines offer around 1.2 million seats from Boracay's Caticlan airport annually, nearly three-quarters from the capital Manila, data from Aviation Consultants show. "Cebu Pacific with some 323,000 odd seats a year from the Island would be the largest carrier disrupted," said John Grant, director of JG Aviation Consultants. Discovery World said it has started to refund customer deposits, rebooking them to future dates or to its resort on the island of Palawan. "Our plan is to downsize to a skeletal team for the upkeep and maintenance of the resort during the period," it said in a statement, referring to the Boracay facility.

Airlines cut back flights as Philippine holiday hotspot prepares for closure

An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the quake, which hit at a depth of 61 km (38 miles), about 128 km (80 miles) east of the island's key city of Davao.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage

An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the quake, which hit at a depth of 61 km (38 miles), about 128 km (80 miles) east of the island's key city of Davao.

Philippines: Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 strikes off Mindanao

Bangladesh is not expecting much help from foreign donors as it forges ahead with plans to relocate 100,000 Rohingya refugees to an uninhabited island, an undertaking that does not yet have a timeline, a state minister said in an interview.

The minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed Shahriar Alam, told on Friday that Bangladesh was paying the entire roughly $280 million to build homes and fortify the muddy island in the Bay of Bengal from cyclones and that it was mulling a formal request for international funds.&nbsp

No refugees who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar would be moved there against their will, he added.&nbsp

Some 700,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed the border from Myanmar's Rakhine state since August, and are in cramped camps at Cox's Bazar. Because a repatriation deal between the neighbouring countries has been delayed, Bangladesh aims to prepare new homes on the nearby island, called Bhasan Char, before the onset of seasonal monsoon rains that could come in late April.

"We don't have a timeline because it's a lot of money," Alam said at Bangladesh's United Nations office in New York. "We are so far building it with our own finances. I am not very hopeful about how much funds the international community will be able to raise."

The latest wave of refugees joined about 300,000 Rohingya already in Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest and most crowded countries, who fled previous bouts of violence.&nbsp

A UN coordination branch has separately requested $951 million for immediate relief.&nbsp

Alam pointed to blueprints of construction on the island 30 km (21 miles) from the mainland and said one plan could be to bring potential donors there.&nbsp

He brushed off as "misunderstandings" concerns raised by humanitarian groups such as Amnesty International that the silt island was vulnerable to flooding. "Some people raised concerns about Bhasan Char (but) there is absolutely no reason to be concerned because we are building an embankment," he said.&nbsp

Bangladesh sees the island as a temporary arrangement for refugees but has given conflicting signals on how much freedom they would have to leave once there.&nbsp

Alam said Bangladesh shared the building designs with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which suggested "we engage people, countries and organizations to come help and contribute" to the cost. "We are yet to do it," the minister said. "We haven't decided on that."&nbsp

Mohammed Shahriar Alam told that Bangladesh was paying the entire roughly $280 million to build homes and fortify the muddy island in the Bay of Bengal from cyclones

Bangladesh is not expecting much help from foreign donors as it forges ahead with plans to relocate 100,000 Rohingya refugees to an uninhabited island, an undertaking that does not yet have a timeline, a state minister said in an interview. The minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed Shahriar Alam, told on Friday that Bangladesh was paying the entire roughly $280 million to build homes and fortify the muddy island in the Bay of Bengal from cyclones and that it was mulling a formal request for international funds. No refugees who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar would be moved there against their will, he added. Some 700,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed the border from Myanmar's Rakhine state since August, and are in cramped camps at Cox's Bazar. Because a repatriation deal between the neighbouring countries has been delayed, Bangladesh aims to prepare new homes on the nearby island, called Bhasan Char, before the onset of seasonal monsoon rains that could come in late April. "We don't have a timeline because it's a lot of money," Alam said at Bangladesh's United Nations office in New York. "We are so far building it with our own finances. I am not very hopeful about how much funds the international community will be able to raise." The latest wave of refugees joined about 300,000 Rohingya already in Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest and most crowded countries, who fled previous bouts of violence. A UN coordination branch has separately requested $951 million for immediate relief. Alam pointed to blueprints of construction on the island 30 km (21 miles) from the mainland and said one plan could be to bring potential donors there. He brushed off as "misunderstandings" concerns raised by humanitarian groups such as Amnesty International that the silt island was vulnerable to flooding. "Some people raised concerns about Bhasan Char (but) there is absolutely no reason to be concerned because we are building an embankment," he said. Bangladesh sees the island as a temporary arrangement for refugees but has given conflicting signals on how much freedom they would have to leave once there. Alam said Bangladesh shared the building designs with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which suggested "we engage people, countries and organizations to come help and contribute" to the cost. "We are yet to do it," the minister said. "We haven't decided on that."

Bangladesh sees little foreign funds for Rohingya refugee island: State minister

The Rohingyas are rapidly crossing over from Bangladesh and settling in West Bengal's 24 Parganas districts, home ministry sources said on Tuesday.

The sources, quoting a report sent to the home ministry by intelligence agencies, said that the number of Rohingya migrants in 24 Parganas of West Bengal has surged from 29 to over 100 in just about a month.

The report also said that 40 groups have been identified who are helping the Rohingyas to relocate to West Bengal from all other parts of India like Jammu and Hyderabad. These groups, the report said, are raising funds to carry out this migration.

These groups have held more than 50 meetings on the issue, the report said.&nbsp;

New houses are being constructed in India's eastern state which borders Bangladesh the groups involved in the relocation process are asking the villagers living in 24 Parganas to donate their lands for the purpose of building these houses.

Intelligence agencies have raised concerns in the report saying that efforts are being made by certain agencies to help these Rohingyas gain India's citizenship.

The report also said that 40 groups have been identified who are helping the Rohingyas to relocate to West Bengal from all other parts of India like Jammu and Hyderabad.

The Rohingyas are rapidly crossing over from Bangladesh and settling in West Bengal's 24 Parganas districts, home ministry sources said on Tuesday. The sources, quoting a report sent to the home ministry by intelligence agencies, said that the number of Rohingya migrants in 24 Parganas of West Bengal has surged from 29 to over 100 in just about a month. The report also said that 40 groups have been identified who are helping the Rohingyas to relocate to West Bengal from all other parts of India like Jammu and Hyderabad. These groups, the report said, are raising funds to carry out this migration. These groups have held more than 50 meetings on the issue, the report said. New houses are being constructed in India's eastern state which borders Bangladesh the groups involved in the relocation process are asking the villagers living in 24 Parganas to donate their lands for the purpose of building these houses. Intelligence agencies have raised concerns in the report saying that efforts are being made by certain agencies to help these Rohingyas gain India's citizenship.

Rohingyas gravitate towards West Bengal, more than 100 resettle in a month: Home Ministry report

A powerful tropical storm that lashed the island of Madagascar has left 20 people dead and affected 19,000 more, according to an official toll.

The storm also closed several national highways that were flooded by the heavy rain, the country&#39;s disaster management office said late Monday.

In a previous toll late Sunday it said 17 people had died and 15,000 had been affected.

Storm Eliakim slammed into the northeastern Masoala peninsula on Friday before barrelling south down the coast. By Monday it had moved away from the Indian Ocean island and &quot;presents no more danger&quot;.

Madagascar, one of the world&#39;s poorest countries, is frequently hit by cyclones and tropical storms.

In January, cyclone Ava claimed 51 lives and in March last year at least 78 people perished in cyclone Enawo.

The storm also closed several national highways that were flooded by the heavy rain

A powerful tropical storm that lashed the island of Madagascar has left 20 people dead and affected 19,000 more, according to an official toll. The storm also closed several national highways that were flooded by the heavy rain, the country's disaster management office said late Monday. In a previous toll late Sunday it said 17 people had died and 15,000 had been affected. Storm Eliakim slammed into the northeastern Masoala peninsula on Friday before barrelling south down the coast. By Monday it had moved away from the Indian Ocean island and "presents no more danger". Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries, is frequently hit by cyclones and tropical storms. In January, cyclone Ava claimed 51 lives and in March last year at least 78 people perished in cyclone Enawo.

20 dead as powerful storm hits Madagascar

Sixteen people, including at least five children, drowned on Saturday when the small boat they on capsized in the Aegean Sea, Greek coast guard officials said.&nbsp;

The incident occurred off Greece&rsquo;s Agathonisi island, which is close to the Turkish coast. The nationality of the victims was not immediately known.

Saturday&rsquo;s incident was thought to be the highest death toll of migrants trying to reach outlying Greek islands for months.

Greek authorities said they believed there were 22 people on the boat. Greek coast guard vessels assisted by helicopters were searching for survivors.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We can&rsquo;t tolerate (losing) children in the Aegean Sea ... the solution is to protect people, to implement safe procedures and safe routes for migrants and refugees, to hit the human trafficking circuits,&rdquo; Greek migration minister Dimitris Vitsas said in a press release.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants arrived in Greece and further west in 2015 from Turkey, making the short but precarious crossing. Hundreds died in the attempt.&nbsp;

Following a 2016 agreement between the European Union and Turkey, the numbers have diminished.

Under that deal, anyone who arrives on Greek islands must be returned to Turkey unless they qualify for asylum. But procedures can take several months, leading to overcrowded conditions on the islands.

Two more migrants were killed and seven more were injured on Saturday, in a separate incident in northern Greece, when their driver lost control of a vehicle during a car chase with the police, a police official told Reuters.&nbsp;

Greek authorities said they believed there were 22 people on the boat. Greek coast guard vessels assisted by helicopters were searching for survivors.

Sixteen people, including at least five children, drowned on Saturday when the small boat they on capsized in the Aegean Sea, Greek coast guard officials said. The incident occurred off Greece’s Agathonisi island, which is close to the Turkish coast. The nationality of the victims was not immediately known. Saturday’s incident was thought to be the highest death toll of migrants trying to reach outlying Greek islands for months. Greek authorities said they believed there were 22 people on the boat. Greek coast guard vessels assisted by helicopters were searching for survivors. “We can’t tolerate (losing) children in the Aegean Sea ... the solution is to protect people, to implement safe procedures and safe routes for migrants and refugees, to hit the human trafficking circuits,” Greek migration minister Dimitris Vitsas said in a press release. Hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants arrived in Greece and further west in 2015 from Turkey, making the short but precarious crossing. Hundreds died in the attempt. Following a 2016 agreement between the European Union and Turkey, the numbers have diminished. Under that deal, anyone who arrives on Greek islands must be returned to Turkey unless they qualify for asylum. But procedures can take several months, leading to overcrowded conditions on the islands. Two more migrants were killed and seven more were injured on Saturday, in a separate incident in northern Greece, when their driver lost control of a vehicle during a car chase with the police, a police official told Reuters.

At least 16 dead as migrant boat sinks off Greek island

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