A brazen diamond heist at Brussels airport appears to be becoming a near-perfect crime as almost a decade passed and the precious stones still remain missing.

On Wednesday, four more accused were acquitted, making it unclear whether the authorities will ever find the mastermind.

The heist was compared to the Hollywood movie Ocean’s Eleven for such a clinical and clean execution, which left no one hurt.

The court had convicted one person and sentenced him to five years in prison while recovering a small part of the loot which was estimated to be worth $50 million in 2013, and 18 others were acquitted in 2018.

 
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-brussels-suicide-bombing-victim-now-a-paralympian-testifies-569553">First Brussels suicide bombing victim, now a Paralympian, testifies</a>

In its ruling, the Brussels appeals court said that “the elements of the investigation are not sufficiently reliable” and that they were not sufficient for convicting the last four defendants.

In 2013, eight robbers dressed as police personnel entered the Brussels international airport by cutting through the security fences, and walked towards a Swiss-bound plane where people were loading parcels of gems from the nearby Antwerp global diamond hub.

WATCH | EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs meet in Brussels

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-ministers-of-foreign-affairs-meet-in-brussels-564080/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The robbers brandished machine guns at transport security officials and pilots and took away 120 parcels. The robbery took only five minutes and none of the 29 passengers on board the plane were aware of anything that happened.

“There were so many elements that were presented as overwhelming evidence, but after a close look appeared to be deformed, and badly interpreted,” defence lawyer Benjamine Bovy said.

“The mountain gave birth to a mouse,” Bovy added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A brazen diamond heist at Brussels airport appears to be becoming a near-perfect crime as almost a decade passed and the precious stones still remain missing. On Wednesday, four more accused were acquitted, making it unclear whether the authorities will ever find the mastermind.

A brazen diamond heist at Brussels airport appears to be becoming a near-perfect crime as almost a decade passed and the precious stones still remain missing. On Wednesday, four more accused were acquitted, making it unclear whether the authorities will ever find the mastermind. The heist was compared to the Hollywood movie Ocean’s Eleven for such a clinical and clean execution, which left no one hurt. The court had convicted one person and sentenced him to five years in prison while recovering a small part of the loot which was estimated to be worth $50 million in 2013, and 18 others were acquitted in 2018. ALSO READ | First Brussels suicide bombing victim, now a Paralympian, testifies In its ruling, the Brussels appeals court said that “the elements of the investigation are not sufficiently reliable” and that they were not sufficient for convicting the last four defendants. In 2013, eight robbers dressed as police personnel entered the Brussels international airport by cutting through the security fences, and walked towards a Swiss-bound plane where people were loading parcels of gems from the nearby Antwerp global diamond hub. WATCH | EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs meet in Brussels The robbers brandished machine guns at transport security officials and pilots and took away 120 parcels. The robbery took only five minutes and none of the 29 passengers on board the plane were aware of anything that happened. “There were so many elements that were presented as overwhelming evidence, but after a close look appeared to be deformed, and badly interpreted,” defence lawyer Benjamine Bovy said. “The mountain gave birth to a mouse,” Bovy added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A near-perfect crime? Diamonds still missing in Brussels heist as four more acquitted

A Pennsylvanian woman named Patricia Kopta, who disappeared over 30 years ago and was&nbsp;believed to be dead by her family was recently found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico.

According to the missing person flier posted by the Pennsylvania Emergency Response Center, the 83-year-old woman was last seen in 1992 in Pittsburgh, CNN reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During a news conference, her husband Bob Kopta said he reported his wife missing months later in the fall&nbsp;as it&nbsp;was quite regular&nbsp;for his wife to "drop out of sight for short periods."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-serial-killer-patrick-mackay-aka-devils-disciple-may-be-released-soon-heres-all-you-need-to-know-568731">UK serial killer Patrick Mackay a.k.a. ‘Devil's Disciple’ may be released soon. Here's all you need to know</a>

Her family confirmed that they knew that Patricia had been suffering from a mental health condition called "dementia.'

In Pittsburg, she was a well-known street preacher, who used to approach strangers, telling them she had visions of the Virgin Mary and that the world was ending.&nbsp;

She even made several statements to her family saying that she was leaving, and was concerned that she was going to be placed in a care facility in Puerto Rico.&nbsp;

Even her husband recalled&nbsp;how Patricia always talked about going to Puerto Rico to live in a tropical environment.&nbsp;

Police officials said that they were first informed about Patricia when an agent from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and a social worker contacted them last year, saying that they saw her&nbsp;living in an adult care home.

Ross Township Deputy Brian Kohlhepp said, "what they reported to us was that she came into care in 1999, when she was found in need in the streets of Puerto Rico." He added that Patricia refused to discuss her private life or where she came from.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-woman-sets-guinness-world-record-runs-ultramarathon-for-23-consecutive-days-568576">US: Woman sets Guinness World Record; runs ultramarathon for 23 consecutive days</a>

Kohlhepp&nbsp;told CNN that Patricia had no family or connections in Puerto Rico.&nbsp;

The police added that it identified the woman as Patricia, through a nine-month-long process, in which they tried matching&nbsp;her DNA samples to her sister Gloria Smith and her nephew.&nbsp;

Smith said, "we really thought she was dead all those years." She added that she called the adult care home several times but couldn't converse because of her sister's mental health condition.

"We didn’t expect it. It was a very big shock to see – to know that she’s still alive," Smith added. "You know, we’re so happy and I hope I can get down to see her."

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A Pennsylvanian woman named Patricia Kopta, who disappeared over 30 years ago and was believed to be dead by her family was recently found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico.

A Pennsylvanian woman named Patricia Kopta, who disappeared over 30 years ago and was believed to be dead by her family was recently found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico. According to the missing person flier posted by the Pennsylvania Emergency Response Center, the 83-year-old woman was last seen in 1992 in Pittsburgh, CNN reported. During a news conference, her husband Bob Kopta said he reported his wife missing months later in the fall as it was quite regular for his wife to "drop out of sight for short periods." Also read | UK serial killer Patrick Mackay a.k.a. ‘Devil's Disciple’ may be released soon. Here's all you need to know Her family confirmed that they knew that Patricia had been suffering from a mental health condition called "dementia.' In Pittsburg, she was a well-known street preacher, who used to approach strangers, telling them she had visions of the Virgin Mary and that the world was ending. She even made several statements to her family saying that she was leaving, and was concerned that she was going to be placed in a care facility in Puerto Rico. Even her husband recalled how Patricia always talked about going to Puerto Rico to live in a tropical environment. Police officials said that they were first informed about Patricia when an agent from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and a social worker contacted them last year, saying that they saw her living in an adult care home. Ross Township Deputy Brian Kohlhepp said, "what they reported to us was that she came into care in 1999, when she was found in need in the streets of Puerto Rico." He added that Patricia refused to discuss her private life or where she came from. Also read | US: Woman sets Guinness World Record; runs ultramarathon for 23 consecutive days Kohlhepp told CNN that Patricia had no family or connections in Puerto Rico. The police added that it identified the woman as Patricia, through a nine-month-long process, in which they tried matching her DNA samples to her sister Gloria Smith and her nephew. Smith said, "we really thought she was dead all those years." She added that she called the adult care home several times but couldn't converse because of her sister's mental health condition. "We didn’t expect it. It was a very big shock to see – to know that she’s still alive," Smith added. "You know, we’re so happy and I hope I can get down to see her." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

83-year-old Pennsylvania woman missing for three decades and thought to be dead found alive in Puerto Rico

The New York Police have found the body of Samantha Humphrey, a 14-year-old who went missing in November, along the banks of the Mohawk River. According to Police Chief Eric Clifford, someone fishing from the shore of Mohawk discovered Samantha Humphrey's body.

The New York Police have found the body of Samantha Humphrey, a 14-year-old who went missing in November, along the banks of the Mohawk River. According to Police Chief Eric Clifford, someone fishing from the shore of Mohawk discovered Samantha Humphrey's body. Later, the authorities arranged for a State Police airboat to the scene and removed Samantha's body at 4 PM. "It appeared the body had been there a while," said the Police Chief. Initially, Chief Clifford refused to connect the body with Samantha Humphrey's case. However, the Humphrey family confirmed the body found in Mohawk river was Samantha, the NY teen last seen along the riverside a few months ago. The police said autopsy results of Samantha Humphrey's body will not be available until Monday afternoon. Furthermore, the medical examiner's office has not provided any information about the results. Samantha Humphrey's body found in Mohawk river After Samantha Humphrey went missing on November 25, the Schenectady and State Police searched the river for months. The recent discovery of her body prompted dozens of cops to descend to the scene. The Schenectady police restricted the area around the Riverfront Park at the Stockage border, near the Union College crew boathouse. They also shut the waterfront in the East Front street neighbourhoods and Stockade. What happened to Samantha Humphrey? Samantha Humphrey was 14 years old when she went missing. Camera footage captured briefly before midnight of November 25 showed her near the edge of the Mohawk River in Riverfront Park. It was the last proof of her location. Later, a social media post about the discovery of Samantha Humphrey's black and pink coat near the riverside sparked the hunt for the New York high schooler. Her family has also confirmed that the body found in the Mohawk river was of Samantha Humphrey. She left her house on November 25 around 11 PM to meet her ex-boyfriend at Riverfront Park in Schenectady, New York. However, nobody saw her alive again. Her family also tried to raise a fund to hire a private investigator and raise awareness in the community. However, Samantha Humphrey's cause of death remains unknown. The police are waiting for the autopsy results likely to arrive on Monday.

Who was Samantha Humphrey? Missing NY Teen's body found in Mohawk river, Here's all about her missing case

One of China's most high profile tech deal makers is believed to have gone missing and according to reports, Bao Fan company China Renaissance has stated that it has been unable to contact him for the past two days.

China: Bao Fan reportedly missing for past two days

Christian Atsu, Ghana's national football team player, who was reported missing in Turkiye in the aftermath of massive earthquakes that hit the Middle East nation has been found alive inside rubble. The further details about the health of the 31-year-old is not yet known.

He has been playing for Hatayspor in Antakya city in the Turkish Super Lig, since September after stints with Newcastle United, Everton, and Porto. According to several reports the player was believed to be caught in the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Turkiye and Syria on Monday. Newcastle was now eagerly awaiting word of Atsu and had tweeted a message filled with hope.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-witnesses-largest-healthcare-worker-strikes-in-history-of-nhs-559343">Britain witnesses largest healthcare worker strikes in history of NHS</a>

In a tweet, Newcastle wrote, “Praying for some positive news."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Praying for some positive news, <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristianAtsu20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianAtsu20</a>. 🙏🖤🤍 <a href="https://t.co/HQT6yZOmRB">pic.twitter.com/HQT6yZOmRB</a>
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1622581598121082880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Hatayspor player and the club's sports director, Taner Savut, were reported gone missing after club members and other staff members were pulled from the wreckage following the earthquakes, as per Turkish reports.&nbsp;

Atsu played with Newcastle for five seasons after arriving on loan from Chelsea in 2016. During his stint with Newcastle, he assisted the team in regaining Premier League status. Hatayspor's is based out of Antakya, a city in the southern Hatay province of Turkiye, not far from the Syrian border.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiye-earthquake-video-captures-tv-reporter-comforting-young-girl-during-live-report-559333">Turkiye earthquake: Video captures TV reporter comforting young girl during live report</a>

On Sunday, Atsu participated in the match, entering as a substitute and scoring the game-winning goal against Kasimpasa at home. Early on Monday morning, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkiye and northern Syria. The deadly quake was followed by another 7.5-magnitude jolt.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkiye-and-syria-struck-by-powerful-earthquakes-559346">Turkiye and Syria struck by powerful earthquakes</a>

So far, at least 2,300 people are confirmed dead in Turkey and Syria. Thousands of buildings have been brought down to rubble in the two countries.&nbsp;The death toll is expected to rise as many are still believed to be trapped beneath the debris of the crumbled buildings.&nbsp;

Since the earthquake disaster, dozens of nations and organisations have offered to help with rescue operations in northwest Syria and southeast Turkey.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Christian Atsu, Ghana's national football team player, who was reported missing in Turkiye in the aftermath of massive earthquakes that hit the Middle East nation has been found alive inside rubble.

Christian Atsu, Ghana's national football team player, who was reported missing in Turkiye in the aftermath of massive earthquakes that hit the Middle East nation has been found alive inside rubble. The further details about the health of the 31-year-old is not yet known. He has been playing for Hatayspor in Antakya city in the Turkish Super Lig, since September after stints with Newcastle United, Everton, and Porto. According to several reports the player was believed to be caught in the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Turkiye and Syria on Monday. Newcastle was now eagerly awaiting word of Atsu and had tweeted a message filled with hope. Also Read | Britain witnesses largest healthcare worker strikes in history of NHS In a tweet, Newcastle wrote, “Praying for some positive news." Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20. 🙏🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/HQT6yZOmRB — Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 6, 2023 × The Hatayspor player and the club's sports director, Taner Savut, were reported gone missing after club members and other staff members were pulled from the wreckage following the earthquakes, as per Turkish reports. Atsu played with Newcastle for five seasons after arriving on loan from Chelsea in 2016. During his stint with Newcastle, he assisted the team in regaining Premier League status. Hatayspor's is based out of Antakya, a city in the southern Hatay province of Turkiye, not far from the Syrian border. Also Read | Turkiye earthquake: Video captures TV reporter comforting young girl during live report On Sunday, Atsu participated in the match, entering as a substitute and scoring the game-winning goal against Kasimpasa at home. Early on Monday morning, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkiye and northern Syria. The deadly quake was followed by another 7.5-magnitude jolt. Watch | Turkiye and Syria struck by powerful earthquakes So far, at least 2,300 people are confirmed dead in Turkey and Syria. Thousands of buildings have been brought down to rubble in the two countries. The death toll is expected to rise as many are still believed to be trapped beneath the debris of the crumbled buildings. Since the earthquake disaster, dozens of nations and organisations have offered to help with rescue operations in northwest Syria and southeast Turkey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Missing Ghana footballer Christian Atsu found alive inside rubble after catastrophic earthquakes hit Turkiye

The mother of a missing woman who vanished more than a month ago with her sex offender boyfriend has issued an emotional open letter to her daughter. Mother of Constance Marten, Virgine de Selliers pledged to stand by her daughter and her grandchild.&nbsp;

Constance, 35 and her partner, Mark Gordon, 48, has been on a run for more than a month now since their car broke down on the M61 on 5 January. Gordon was deported after serving a sentence for raping and beating a woman in her 20s in Florida when he was only 14.&nbsp;

According to reports, the runaway couple is living off-grid as they were seen purchasing equipment from an Argos in London.

Since 5 January, this is the first time that Constance's mother has said anything publicly about her daughter's disappearance.&nbsp;
<img alt="Constance Marten with her child " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ab34f7b-626a-45fb-91e7-1f6de8d65bf0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-02-07T162909.402.png" />
In the letter, Mrs de Selliers writes about accepting her with all heart ready to help her and her granddaughter. She called the letter an, 'Open Letter to My Darling Daughter Constance.'

She then wrote, "I know you well enough; you are focused, intelligent, passionate and complex with so much to offer the world."

"So many of your friends have come forward to say such positive things about you, assuring us of their warmest love and support for you and your family. You have made choices in your personal adult life which have proven to be challenging, however, I respect them, and I know that you want to keep your precious newborn child at all costs. With all that you have gone through this baby cannot be removed from you but instead needs looking after in a kind and warm environment."

"I want to help you and my grandchild. You deserve the opportunity to build a new life, establish a stable family and enjoy the same freedoms that most of us have. Constance, I will do what I can to stand alongside you and my grandchild. You are not alone in this situation. We will support you in whatever way we can. I am ready to do what it takes for you to recover from this awful experience so you can thrive and enjoy motherhood."

"I love you and miss you, Mum xx."

So far, the missing couple has avoided being traced by the police by constantly moving and changing their locations. They also keep their faces covered in all of the CCTV images.&nbsp;

A £10,000 reward is on offer for information that leads to them being found safe. The couple collected a significant amount of cash before they went into hiding. The couple travelled from Bolton to Liverpool, then to Harwich in Essex, then to east London and to Newhaven in Sussex, where they were seen near the ferry port on 8 January.

Marten is from a wealthy aristocratic family and was a promising drama student when she first met Gordon in 2016. Since then the couple has led an isolated life, and in September, when Marten was well into her pregnancy, began moving around rental flats. Gordon on the other hand has served 20 years in prison in the US for rape and battery committed when he was 14. 
&nbsp;

The mother of a missing woman who vanished more than a month ago with her sex offender boyfriend has issued an emotional open letter to her daughter. Mother of Constance Marten, Virgine de Selliers pledged to stand by her daughter and her grandchild.

The mother of a missing woman who vanished more than a month ago with her sex offender boyfriend has issued an emotional open letter to her daughter. Mother of Constance Marten, Virgine de Selliers pledged to stand by her daughter and her grandchild. Constance, 35 and her partner, Mark Gordon, 48, has been on a run for more than a month now since their car broke down on the M61 on 5 January. Gordon was deported after serving a sentence for raping and beating a woman in her 20s in Florida when he was only 14. According to reports, the runaway couple is living off-grid as they were seen purchasing equipment from an Argos in London. Since 5 January, this is the first time that Constance's mother has said anything publicly about her daughter's disappearance. In the letter, Mrs de Selliers writes about accepting her with all heart ready to help her and her granddaughter. She called the letter an, 'Open Letter to My Darling Daughter Constance.' She then wrote, "I know you well enough; you are focused, intelligent, passionate and complex with so much to offer the world." "So many of your friends have come forward to say such positive things about you, assuring us of their warmest love and support for you and your family. You have made choices in your personal adult life which have proven to be challenging, however, I respect them, and I know that you want to keep your precious newborn child at all costs. With all that you have gone through this baby cannot be removed from you but instead needs looking after in a kind and warm environment." "I want to help you and my grandchild. You deserve the opportunity to build a new life, establish a stable family and enjoy the same freedoms that most of us have. Constance, I will do what I can to stand alongside you and my grandchild. You are not alone in this situation. We will support you in whatever way we can. I am ready to do what it takes for you to recover from this awful experience so you can thrive and enjoy motherhood." "I love you and miss you, Mum xx." So far, the missing couple has avoided being traced by the police by constantly moving and changing their locations. They also keep their faces covered in all of the CCTV images. A £10,000 reward is on offer for information that leads to them being found safe. The couple collected a significant amount of cash before they went into hiding. The couple travelled from Bolton to Liverpool, then to Harwich in Essex, then to east London and to Newhaven in Sussex, where they were seen near the ferry port on 8 January. Marten is from a wealthy aristocratic family and was a promising drama student when she first met Gordon in 2016. Since then the couple has led an isolated life, and in September, when Marten was well into her pregnancy, began moving around rental flats. Gordon on the other hand has served 20 years in prison in the US for rape and battery committed when he was 14.

UK: Mother of woman who vanished with her boyfriend wants her back home with newborn baby; pens an open letter

Two hundred asylum-seeking children, including some aged under 16, are missing from temporary hotel accommodation in UK. The government has raised new questions over ministers' handling of migrant arrivals. Watch further to know more.

DROP

UK claims 200 Asylum-seeking children missing, some aged under 16

Julian Sands, a British actor has been missing since last Friday, January 13 in the Southern California mountains, where he was hiking. Search and rescue crews are searching for Sands.

Actor Julian Sands goes missing while hiking the US mountains

Ana Walshe, a woman from Cohasset, US was reported missing three days after New Year's day, the day when Ana was last seen. Following her disappearance, her husband Brian Walshe was arrested for misleading the investigation. Now, the latest updates on the investigation into the matter have put the limelight on Brian Walshe. His recent google search history can help the police to connect the dots and solve the mystery case quickly. Check all the latest about the mysterious disappearance case of Ana Walshe.&nbsp;

<h2>What did Brian Walshe search on google?</h2>

As the investigation proceeded, the disappearance case of US woman Ana Walshe took a disturbing turn. It was revealed that Brian Walshe googled “how to dispose of a 115-pound woman’s body”. Brian made the google search after two days of Ana going missing. According to the police, Ana was described as about 115 pounds or 52kg. He also searched for how to dismember a human body.&nbsp;

<h2>CCTV reveals Brian Walshe buying heavy-duty cleaning supplies&nbsp;</h2>

According to Brian Walshe, he left his house on January 1 and took his son out for ice cream the next day. The specifics, nevertheless, don't match up. Investigations reveal that Brian Walshe visited a Home Depot and spent $450 on mops, tarps, tape, buckets, and other cleaning items. As per the details, he also wore mask and gloves during her visit to the Home Depot.&nbsp;

<h2>Police obtain damaged knife, discovers blood&nbsp;</h2>

Police uncovered a bloodied and broken knife in the basement after obtaining a search warrant. Brian, who pleaded not guilty to misleading police, has not yet been charged with Ana's disappearance. He was under house arrest on charges of fraud in 2018.&nbsp;

<h2>Brian Walshe misled investigation to buy more time&nbsp;</h2>

Prosecutors said Brian, from Massachusetts, gave cops misleading statements about his and his wife’s actions around the time of her disappearance, buying himself ample time to clean up a possible crime scene. On January 1, she was allegedly taking a rideshare from her house to Boston Logan International Airport in an effort to catch an early flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a member of Ana's family who spoke with Cohasset police. However, Walshe did not board any plane this week, according to confirmation from every carrier, said the Cohasset police chief. &nbsp;

Ana Walshe, a woman from Cohasset, US was reported missing three days after New Year's day, the day when Ana was last seen. Following her disappearance, her husband Brian Walshe was arrested for misleading the investigation.

Ana Walshe, a woman from Cohasset, US was reported missing three days after New Year's day, the day when Ana was last seen. Following her disappearance, her husband Brian Walshe was arrested for misleading the investigation. Now, the latest updates on the investigation into the matter have put the limelight on Brian Walshe. His recent google search history can help the police to connect the dots and solve the mystery case quickly. Check all the latest about the mysterious disappearance case of Ana Walshe. What did Brian Walshe search on google? As the investigation proceeded, the disappearance case of US woman Ana Walshe took a disturbing turn. It was revealed that Brian Walshe googled “how to dispose of a 115-pound woman’s body”. Brian made the google search after two days of Ana going missing. According to the police, Ana was described as about 115 pounds or 52kg. He also searched for how to dismember a human body. CCTV reveals Brian Walshe buying heavy-duty cleaning supplies According to Brian Walshe, he left his house on January 1 and took his son out for ice cream the next day. The specifics, nevertheless, don't match up. Investigations reveal that Brian Walshe visited a Home Depot and spent $450 on mops, tarps, tape, buckets, and other cleaning items. As per the details, he also wore mask and gloves during her visit to the Home Depot. Police obtain damaged knife, discovers blood Police uncovered a bloodied and broken knife in the basement after obtaining a search warrant. Brian, who pleaded not guilty to misleading police, has not yet been charged with Ana's disappearance. He was under house arrest on charges of fraud in 2018. Brian Walshe misled investigation to buy more time Prosecutors said Brian, from Massachusetts, gave cops misleading statements about his and his wife’s actions around the time of her disappearance, buying himself ample time to clean up a possible crime scene. On January 1, she was allegedly taking a rideshare from her house to Boston Logan International Airport in an effort to catch an early flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a member of Ana's family who spoke with Cohasset police. However, Walshe did not board any plane this week, according to confirmation from every carrier, said the Cohasset police chief.

Ana Walshe Disappearance Case: This google search from husband, Brian Walshe, reveals disturbing details

Ana Walshe, 39, from Cohasset in Massachusetts, US was reported missing by her husband Brian Walshe. The same day her employer also reported her missing. According to media reports, Ana was reported missing three days after New Year's day, when she was last seen. Massachusetts law enforcement personnel are currently looking for the woman. The Norfolk District Attorney's Office reported on Sunday that police had detained Cohasset resident and Ana's husband, Brian Walshe, 46, on suspicion of misleading the police investigation into the matter.&nbsp;

<h2>Police clear air on Washington travel&nbsp;</h2>

Walshe goes to Washington, D.C. during the week to work for the real estate firm Tishman Speyer, a position she started last year, according to friends who spoke to NewsCenter 5. On January 1, she&nbsp;was allegedly taking a rideshare from her house to Boston Logan International Airport in an effort to catch an early flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a member of Ana's family who spoke with Cohasset police.

Walshe did not board any plane this week, according to confirmation from every carrier, said the police chief. She&nbsp;had a trip scheduled on January 3 from Boston to Washington, but Quigley claimed she did not travel on that flight either. Washington townhouse's search by the Metropolitan Police Department also turned up no trace of Walshe.

<h2>Strange coincidence, Fire breaks out at Ana's former home</h2>

On Friday, a fire broke out in Walshe's former house at 725 Jerusalem Road in Cohasset while police looked for her. Three people and an infant all left the house safely, according to the authorities. Quigley confirmed the link and said that the fire and any potential connection to Walshe's disappearance will be looked into, describing it as a very unusual coincidence.

<h2>Husband arrested for misleading the investigation,&nbsp;</h2>

As he misled investigators looking into Ana's disappearance, her husband was taken into custody. On Monday, Brian Walshe is expected to be arraigned in Quincy District Court. For selling two phoney Andy Warhol artworks, Brian Walshe was accused with fraud in 2018 by the US District Court. He had been placed under home confinement while awaiting punishment after entering a guilty plea to various crimes in 2021.

<h2>Who is Ana Walshe?&nbsp;</h2>

Ana Walshe is a 39-year-old woman from Cohasset in Massachusetts, US. She and her husband along with their three boys live together. Ana's boys are between the ages of 2 and 6. As far as Ana's appearance quoted by multiple media outlets is concerned, Walshe is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs around 115 pounds. She has olive skin, brown eyes, and brown hair, and according to the police, her accent has an eastern European accent.

<h2>Rideshare companies, home security cameras: No trace of Ana so far&nbsp;</h2>

A family member told police that they last saw Walshe at her Cohasset home between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on New Year's Day. Police chief Quigley also said Walshe's cellphone has been off since 1 January and that her credit and debit cards have been inactive since New Year's Day as well.

<h2>Search is still on&nbsp;</h2>

A local police squad and the Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team spent the majority of Friday scouring the area close to her&nbsp;house. During the night, the search was called off, which was then picked back up in the morning. For the second day in a row, 20 officers from the MSP Special Emergency Response Team, a specialist force trained in search and rescue operations, along with three K-9 teams and the State Police Air Wing Unit, looked for Walshe near his house in the woods but found no trace of her.&nbsp;

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Ana Walshe, 39, from Cohasset in Massachusetts, US was reported missing by her husband Brian Walshe. The same day her employer also reported her missing. According to media reports, Ana was reported missing three days after New Year's day, when she was last seen.

Ana Walshe, 39, from Cohasset in Massachusetts, US was reported missing by her husband Brian Walshe. The same day her employer also reported her missing. According to media reports, Ana was reported missing three days after New Year's day, when she was last seen. Massachusetts law enforcement personnel are currently looking for the woman. The Norfolk District Attorney's Office reported on Sunday that police had detained Cohasset resident and Ana's husband, Brian Walshe, 46, on suspicion of misleading the police investigation into the matter. Police clear air on Washington travel Walshe goes to Washington, D.C. during the week to work for the real estate firm Tishman Speyer, a position she started last year, according to friends who spoke to NewsCenter 5. On January 1, she was allegedly taking a rideshare from her house to Boston Logan International Airport in an effort to catch an early flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a member of Ana's family who spoke with Cohasset police. Walshe did not board any plane this week, according to confirmation from every carrier, said the police chief. She had a trip scheduled on January 3 from Boston to Washington, but Quigley claimed she did not travel on that flight either. Washington townhouse's search by the Metropolitan Police Department also turned up no trace of Walshe. Strange coincidence, Fire breaks out at Ana's former home On Friday, a fire broke out in Walshe's former house at 725 Jerusalem Road in Cohasset while police looked for her. Three people and an infant all left the house safely, according to the authorities. Quigley confirmed the link and said that the fire and any potential connection to Walshe's disappearance will be looked into, describing it as a very unusual coincidence. Husband arrested for misleading the investigation, As he misled investigators looking into Ana's disappearance, her husband was taken into custody. On Monday, Brian Walshe is expected to be arraigned in Quincy District Court. For selling two phoney Andy Warhol artworks, Brian Walshe was accused with fraud in 2018 by the US District Court. He had been placed under home confinement while awaiting punishment after entering a guilty plea to various crimes in 2021. Who is Ana Walshe? Ana Walshe is a 39-year-old woman from Cohasset in Massachusetts, US. She and her husband along with their three boys live together. Ana's boys are between the ages of 2 and 6. As far as Ana's appearance quoted by multiple media outlets is concerned, Walshe is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs around 115 pounds. She has olive skin, brown eyes, and brown hair, and according to the police, her accent has an eastern European accent. Rideshare companies, home security cameras: No trace of Ana so far A family member told police that they last saw Walshe at her Cohasset home between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on New Year's Day. Police chief Quigley also said Walshe's cellphone has been off since 1 January and that her credit and debit cards have been inactive since New Year's Day as well. Search is still on A local police squad and the Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team spent the majority of Friday scouring the area close to her house. During the night, the search was called off, which was then picked back up in the morning. For the second day in a row, 20 officers from the MSP Special Emergency Response Team, a specialist force trained in search and rescue operations, along with three K-9 teams and the State Police Air Wing Unit, looked for Walshe near his house in the woods but found no trace of her.

EXPLAINED: The strange disappearance of Ana Walshe, the woman who went missing from Cohasset, US

Southern Philippines witnessed heavy rains on Christmas day, followed by floods. Due to this, the number of deaths reported in the region has increased to 13. Although&nbsp;flash floods have started to subside, authorities continue to search for the 23 missing people.&nbsp;

The cause of death in most cases was drowning from flash floods after two days of heavy downpours. According to the national disaster agency, evacuation centres in the Philippines have given shelter to more than 45,000 people, Reuters news agency reported.&nbsp;

The heavy torrential rains in the Philippines resulted in the cancellation of Christmas due to&nbsp;clogged roads caused by overflowing streams. Coast guards and the police waded through waist-deep waters and carried residents along landslide-hit areas, as shown on social media platforms.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/philippines-floods-forces-evacuation-of-tens-of-thousands-on-christmas-day-546736">Philippines floods force evacuation of tens of thousands on Christmas day</a>

As the population of the Philippines is majorly Catholic, Christmas is the most important holiday for the nation. The collision of warm and cold clouds caused rain clouds to form in the southern Philippines.&nbsp;

Emeterio Roa, the mayor of Clarin town, believes that the most damage has been to livestock as the floods have swept adult animals with them.&nbsp;

The Philippines records more than 20 tropical storms every year. The archipelago of more than 7,600 islands witnesses adverse weather conditions, especially the monsoon rains that cause landslides and floods and ruin crops.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;At least 13 people have been killed in Philippine floods

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-13-people-have-been-killed-in-philippine-floods-546931/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Philippine Red Cross has shared a video of their search and rescue teams deployed during the heavy floods. So far, they have saved at least 176 citizens.&nbsp;

Before this, the Philippines experienced extreme weather conditions in October 2022. A severe tropical storm, accompanied by heavy torrential rains across Visayas and Luzon, killed around 160 people. Likewise, a more disastrous typhoon&nbsp;hit the southeastern nation in April 2022. During the storm, several villages experienced extreme torrential rainfalls and heavy floods. It caused 214 fatalities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Southern Philippines witnessed heavy rains on Christmas day, followed by floods. Due to this, the number of deaths reported in the region has increased to 13. Although flash floods have started to subside, authorities continue to search for the 23 missing people.

Southern Philippines witnessed heavy rains on Christmas day, followed by floods. Due to this, the number of deaths reported in the region has increased to 13. Although flash floods have started to subside, authorities continue to search for the 23 missing people. The cause of death in most cases was drowning from flash floods after two days of heavy downpours. According to the national disaster agency, evacuation centres in the Philippines have given shelter to more than 45,000 people, Reuters news agency reported. The heavy torrential rains in the Philippines resulted in the cancellation of Christmas due to clogged roads caused by overflowing streams. Coast guards and the police waded through waist-deep waters and carried residents along landslide-hit areas, as shown on social media platforms. Also read| Philippines floods force evacuation of tens of thousands on Christmas day As the population of the Philippines is majorly Catholic, Christmas is the most important holiday for the nation. The collision of warm and cold clouds caused rain clouds to form in the southern Philippines. Emeterio Roa, the mayor of Clarin town, believes that the most damage has been to livestock as the floods have swept adult animals with them. The Philippines records more than 20 tropical storms every year. The archipelago of more than 7,600 islands witnesses adverse weather conditions, especially the monsoon rains that cause landslides and floods and ruin crops. Watch| At least 13 people have been killed in Philippine floods The Philippine Red Cross has shared a video of their search and rescue teams deployed during the heavy floods. So far, they have saved at least 176 citizens. Before this, the Philippines experienced extreme weather conditions in October 2022. A severe tropical storm, accompanied by heavy torrential rains across Visayas and Luzon, killed around 160 people. Likewise, a more disastrous typhoon hit the southeastern nation in April 2022. During the storm, several villages experienced extreme torrential rainfalls and heavy floods. It caused 214 fatalities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Philippines floods: Death toll rises to 13 with 23 missing

Researchers from Yale University have found in a report sponsored by the US&nbsp;State Department that hundreds of people were jailed or went missing in the Kherson region of Ukraine this year while it was under Russian control and that many may have been tortured, reported Reuters.

Despite its disgusting and desperate methods, Russia "must halt these operations and withdraw its forces to end a needless war that it cannot and will not win – no matter how despicable and desperate its tactics," the State Department stated in a statement regarding the findings.&nbsp;

The study&nbsp;details the detentions and disappearances of 226 persons in Kherson between March and October, of whom a quarter are said to have been tortured and five of whom passed away while being held or shortly after.

Kherson, located in an enclave on the west bank of the Dnipro River, is the sole regional capital Ukraine has retaken since the invasion in February, when Russia withdrew its forces from there last week.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peta-says-king-charles-iii-bans-foie-gras-at-all-royal-residences-535463">PETA says King Charles III bans foie gras at all royal residences</a>

The Conflict Observatory, a State Department-funded initiative that was started in May to gather and examine proof of war crimes and other potential atrocities committed by Russia&nbsp;in Ukraine, is a partnership between the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, which produced the report, and other organisations.&nbsp;

Russia denies that its soldiers have carried out atrocities or targeted people.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Researchers from Yale University have found in a report sponsored by the US State Department that hundreds of people were jailed or went missing in the Kherson region of Ukraine this year while it was under Russian control and that many may have been tortured, reported Reuters.

Researchers from Yale University have found in a report sponsored by the US State Department that hundreds of people were jailed or went missing in the Kherson region of Ukraine this year while it was under Russian control and that many may have been tortured, reported Reuters. Despite its disgusting and desperate methods, Russia "must halt these operations and withdraw its forces to end a needless war that it cannot and will not win – no matter how despicable and desperate its tactics," the State Department stated in a statement regarding the findings. The study details the detentions and disappearances of 226 persons in Kherson between March and October, of whom a quarter are said to have been tortured and five of whom passed away while being held or shortly after. Kherson, located in an enclave on the west bank of the Dnipro River, is the sole regional capital Ukraine has retaken since the invasion in February, when Russia withdrew its forces from there last week. Also Read: PETA says King Charles III bans foie gras at all royal residences The Conflict Observatory, a State Department-funded initiative that was started in May to gather and examine proof of war crimes and other potential atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine, is a partnership between the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, which produced the report, and other organisations. Russia denies that its soldiers have carried out atrocities or targeted people. (with inputs from agencies)

Hundreds were detained, 226 went missing from Kherson in Ukraine: US Report

Zulfiqar Khan's loved ones had just about started enjoying the Masai Mara through his Instagram photos when their joy was abruptly cut short. Since July of this year, the Mumbai-born, veteran of the entertainment world has been reported missing in Nairobi, Kenya.

His family has pleaded with the Indian government to step in and guarantee the safe return of a former Indian journalist who vanished in Kenya months ago. Zulfikar Ahmad Khan served as the Chief Operating Officer of Balaji Telefilms in many other countries, according to a press release made by his family and friends. He hasn't been in touch since the third week of July, when he was in Kenya.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bomb-threat-call-received-for-delhi-bound-flight-from-moscow-probe-underway-525266">Bomb threat on Delhi-bound flight from Moscow turns out to be hoax</a>

"It's been almost 80 days now and yet no one has any idea about his whereabouts. Local police in Kenya are clueless. They have been asked by the High Court of the land to produce Zulfi but they have no idea where he is," stated the press release.

The company where Mr. Khan started his career, Star India, later promoted him to Senior Vice-President of Advertising Sales. He oversaw Star India channels like Star Plus, Star Gold, Star Sports, National Geographic, and Channel V.

Separately, reports on Mr. Khan in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-billionaire-philanthropist-mackenzie-scott-donates-15-million-to-help-provide-affordable-glasses-525143">Kenyan</a> media have hinted that he was a "cyber security expert."

Khan, a former student of St. John's School in Nainital and Hansraj College in New Delhi, is an ardent sportsman, foodie, traveller, climber, and explorer.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Zulfiqar Khan's loved ones had just about started enjoying the Masai Mara through his Instagram photos when their joy was abruptly cut short. Since July of this year, the Mumbai-born, veteran of the entertainment world has been reported missing in Nairobi, Kenya.

Zulfiqar Khan's loved ones had just about started enjoying the Masai Mara through his Instagram photos when their joy was abruptly cut short. Since July of this year, the Mumbai-born, veteran of the entertainment world has been reported missing in Nairobi, Kenya. His family has pleaded with the Indian government to step in and guarantee the safe return of a former Indian journalist who vanished in Kenya months ago. Zulfikar Ahmad Khan served as the Chief Operating Officer of Balaji Telefilms in many other countries, according to a press release made by his family and friends. He hasn't been in touch since the third week of July, when he was in Kenya. Also read | Bomb threat on Delhi-bound flight from Moscow turns out to be hoax "It's been almost 80 days now and yet no one has any idea about his whereabouts. Local police in Kenya are clueless. They have been asked by the High Court of the land to produce Zulfi but they have no idea where he is," stated the press release. The company where Mr. Khan started his career, Star India, later promoted him to Senior Vice-President of Advertising Sales. He oversaw Star India channels like Star Plus, Star Gold, Star Sports, National Geographic, and Channel V. Separately, reports on Mr. Khan in the Kenyan media have hinted that he was a "cyber security expert." Khan, a former student of St. John's School in Nainital and Hansraj College in New Delhi, is an ardent sportsman, foodie, traveller, climber, and explorer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former COO of Balaji Telefilms missing in Kenya; family seeks help from government

At least about 21 people have died and two others are missing in Southern Iran due to floods. According to reports, heavy rains have caused havoc in southern Iran.

Heavy rains affect southern Iran; at least 21 dead & 2 missing

An engineering vessel that was 160 nautical miles southwest of Hong Kong "suffered substantial damage and broke into two pieces" and the 30-member crew abandoned the ship leaving more than two dozen crew members unaccounted for after their ship broke into two during a typhoon in the South China Sea on Saturday, with rescuers scrambling to find them, according to the Hong Kong Government Flying Service, as reported by AFP.

Three people had been rescued as of 3:00 pm local time (0700 GMT) and were taken to hospital for treatment, authorities said. Dramatic footage provided by Hong Kong authorities showed a person being airlifted onto a helicopter while waves crashed over the deck of the semi-submerged ship below. The three survivors said other crew members may have been swept away by waves before the first helicopter arrived, according to a government statement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protest-photos-that-will-leave-you-speechless-493911#south-african-fiasco-493902">In Pics: Protest photos that will leave you speechless</a>

Typhoon Chaba earlier formed in the central part of the South China Sea and on Saturday afternoon made landfall in Guangdong province in southern China. Rescuers in Hong Kong were notified of the incident at 7:25 am local time (2325 GMT on Friday) and found the ship near Chaba's centre, where harsh weather conditions and nearby wind farms made the operation "more difficult and dangerous".

The ship's location recorded wind speeds of 144 kilometres per hour and waves that were 10 metres high, authorities said. The Government Flying Service dispatched two sorties of fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopter sorties, with mainland Chinese authorities also dispatching a rescue boat. Rescuers said they would increase the search area "due to the large number of people missing" and extend the operation into the night if conditions allowed.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

An engineering vessel that was 160 nautical miles southwest of Hong Kong "suffered substantial damage and broke into two pieces" and the 30-member crew abandoned the ship leaving more than two dozen crew members unaccounted for after their ship broke into two during a typhoon in the South China Sea on Saturday, with rescuers scrambling to find them, according to the Hong Kong Government Flying Service, as reported by AFP.

An engineering vessel that was 160 nautical miles southwest of Hong Kong "suffered substantial damage and broke into two pieces" and the 30-member crew abandoned the ship leaving more than two dozen crew members unaccounted for after their ship broke into two during a typhoon in the South China Sea on Saturday, with rescuers scrambling to find them, according to the Hong Kong Government Flying Service, as reported by AFP. Three people had been rescued as of 3:00 pm local time (0700 GMT) and were taken to hospital for treatment, authorities said. Dramatic footage provided by Hong Kong authorities showed a person being airlifted onto a helicopter while waves crashed over the deck of the semi-submerged ship below. The three survivors said other crew members may have been swept away by waves before the first helicopter arrived, according to a government statement. Also Read: In Pics: Protest photos that will leave you speechless Typhoon Chaba earlier formed in the central part of the South China Sea and on Saturday afternoon made landfall in Guangdong province in southern China. Rescuers in Hong Kong were notified of the incident at 7:25 am local time (2325 GMT on Friday) and found the ship near Chaba's centre, where harsh weather conditions and nearby wind farms made the operation "more difficult and dangerous". The ship's location recorded wind speeds of 144 kilometres per hour and waves that were 10 metres high, authorities said. The Government Flying Service dispatched two sorties of fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopter sorties, with mainland Chinese authorities also dispatching a rescue boat. Rescuers said they would increase the search area "due to the large number of people missing" and extend the operation into the night if conditions allowed. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South China Sea typhoon Chaba breaks ship in two, dozens missing

Brazilian police have recovered human remains in their search for missing UK journalist and Brazilian expert after a suspect confessed to burying the two missing men. However, identity of human remains yet to be determined.

Brazil: Police find remains in search for UK Journalist, suspect confesses to burying 2 men

Finally, the police made some headway in the search for the missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira. The belongings of the scribe and his companion have been found by the search teams, said Brazilian police on Sunday. Since last week, the duo had been missing in the Amazon rainforest. The clothing, which belonged to Pereira, has been found along with his health identification card, a backpack with Phillips’ clothes and the boots of both men, said police in a statement. The Equinox backpack, which contained clothes and a laptop, was discovered being tied to a half-sunken tree trunk in the area where the duo was last seen on Sunday, a fireman leading a search team told media. &nbsp;

To find the missing men, around 150 soldiers had been deployed via riverboats. They are also interviewing locals. Indigenous search teams are also looking for the pair for a week.&nbsp;The two men seemed to have gone on a reporting trip in the remote jungle area, where the world's largest number of uncontacted indigenous people reside. In this lawless region, cocaine-smuggling gangs, miners, illegal loggers, etc flourish. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1%3C/div"></iframe>

Earlier, police in Brazil said on Friday that search teams have found "apparently human" remains in the river where the British reporter was seen last in the Amazon rainforest. This may be one of the biggest breaks yet in the investigation.&nbsp;Federal police said that the "organic material" was being sent for forensic analysis. Blood found on a suspect's boat, which will be compared with genetic material from journalist Dom Phillips, will also be sent for forensic analysis. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Finally, the police made some headway in the search for the missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira. The belongings of the scribe and his companion have been found by the search teams, said Brazilian police on Sunday.

Finally, the police made some headway in the search for the missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira. The belongings of the scribe and his companion have been found by the search teams, said Brazilian police on Sunday. Since last week, the duo had been missing in the Amazon rainforest. The clothing, which belonged to Pereira, has been found along with his health identification card, a backpack with Phillips’ clothes and the boots of both men, said police in a statement. The Equinox backpack, which contained clothes and a laptop, was discovered being tied to a half-sunken tree trunk in the area where the duo was last seen on Sunday, a fireman leading a search team told media. To find the missing men, around 150 soldiers had been deployed via riverboats. They are also interviewing locals. Indigenous search teams are also looking for the pair for a week. The two men seemed to have gone on a reporting trip in the remote jungle area, where the world's largest number of uncontacted indigenous people reside. In this lawless region, cocaine-smuggling gangs, miners, illegal loggers, etc flourish. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Earlier, police in Brazil said on Friday that search teams have found "apparently human" remains in the river where the British reporter was seen last in the Amazon rainforest. This may be one of the biggest breaks yet in the investigation. Federal police said that the "organic material" was being sent for forensic analysis. Blood found on a suspect's boat, which will be compared with genetic material from journalist Dom Phillips, will also be sent for forensic analysis. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Missing British reporter, companion’s belongings found in Brazil, say cops

A British Journalist was reported missing on Sunday after he ventured into the Amazon rainforest. The family of the 57-year-old man, Dom Phillips, has called for the British and Brazilian authorities in London to conduct a deeper search to find the man, reports AFP.

Dom Phillips, a contributor to the Guardian, and Bruno Pereira, a specialist in indigenous peoples, ventured into the Amazon rainforest and allegedly went missing in the Javari Valley in Amazonas state, located in the West of the Amazon basin, near Peru.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazilian-army-in-search-of-missing-british-journalist-in-amazon-486287">Brazilian Army in search of missing British journalist in Amazon</a>

The region is experiencing an upsurge in armed violence because of the presence of miners, gold diggers, poachers, and drug traffickers.

In a gathering of close to 30 people in front of the Brazil embassy in London, the man's sister Sian Phillips in a statement to the media, asked, "Where is Dom Phillips? Where is Bruno Pereira?"

Watch |&nbsp;Brazilian Army in search of missing British journalist in Amazon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazilian-army-in-search-of-missing-british-journalist-in-amazon-486287/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sian Phillips blames the Brazilian authorities for their delayed response to the situation, but she claims to have hope that the two men will be found soon.&nbsp;

"We want the UK authorities to put pressure on the Brazilian government. We want to carry on with the search. We want to find out what is happening to them, and we want anyone responsible for any criminal act to be brought to justice. We want a persistent deep, and open investigation," AFP quoted Sian Phillips.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-marine-debris-plagues-guanabara-bay-fishermen-turn-to-ocean-cleaning-486174">Exclusive: Marine debris plagues Guanabara Bay, fishermen turn to ocean cleaning</a>

In a region where trafficking is widespread, the Brazilian authorities are still hopeful of finding the two men alive; however, they have not ruled out any form of outcome, including that of a homicide.

Paul Sherwood, Dom Phillips' brother-in-law, told AFP, "We've been assured that everything has been done that can be done."

Several eminent personalities, activists, and human rights groups have rallied to the cause and have urged Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to deepen the search.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A British Journalist was reported missing on Sunday after he ventured into the Amazon rainforest. The family of the 57-year-old man, Dom Phillips, has called for the British and Brazilian authorities in London to conduct a deeper search to find the man, reports AFP.

A British Journalist was reported missing on Sunday after he ventured into the Amazon rainforest. The family of the 57-year-old man, Dom Phillips, has called for the British and Brazilian authorities in London to conduct a deeper search to find the man, reports AFP. Dom Phillips, a contributor to the Guardian, and Bruno Pereira, a specialist in indigenous peoples, ventured into the Amazon rainforest and allegedly went missing in the Javari Valley in Amazonas state, located in the West of the Amazon basin, near Peru. Also read | Brazilian Army in search of missing British journalist in Amazon The region is experiencing an upsurge in armed violence because of the presence of miners, gold diggers, poachers, and drug traffickers. In a gathering of close to 30 people in front of the Brazil embassy in London, the man's sister Sian Phillips in a statement to the media, asked, "Where is Dom Phillips? Where is Bruno Pereira?" Watch | Brazilian Army in search of missing British journalist in Amazon Sian Phillips blames the Brazilian authorities for their delayed response to the situation, but she claims to have hope that the two men will be found soon. "We want the UK authorities to put pressure on the Brazilian government. We want to carry on with the search. We want to find out what is happening to them, and we want anyone responsible for any criminal act to be brought to justice. We want a persistent deep, and open investigation," AFP quoted Sian Phillips. Also read | Exclusive: Marine debris plagues Guanabara Bay, fishermen turn to ocean cleaning In a region where trafficking is widespread, the Brazilian authorities are still hopeful of finding the two men alive; however, they have not ruled out any form of outcome, including that of a homicide. Paul Sherwood, Dom Phillips' brother-in-law, told AFP, "We've been assured that everything has been done that can be done." Several eminent personalities, activists, and human rights groups have rallied to the cause and have urged Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to deepen the search. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Family of a British journalist who has gone missing in Amazon calls for deeper search

At least 106 people have died and 10 are still missing in Brazil, the government said on Tuesday, as heavy rains tore through urban towns in the northeastern part of the country for a sixth consecutive day. 
 
The governor of the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Paulo Camara, in an interview with local media, said the government`s priority was to find those still missing amid mudslides and major flooding. 
 
"We will not stop until we find all those missing. This is a fundamental point at the moment," Camara said. 
 
The National Civil Defense said on Twitter that an alert was in place for the "very high" possibility of more flooding in Pernambuco, including its capital, Recife. 
 
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited the state on Tuesday and flew over the affected areas. He promised to send help and resources to families who had been impacted. 
 
It is the fourth major flooding event in five months, underlining a lack of urban planning in low-income neighborhoods throughout much of Brazil, where shantytowns are often built on hillsides prone to collapse. 
 
In late December and early January, dozens were killed and tens of thousands were displaced when rains hammered Bahia state, also located in northeastern Brazil. At least another 18 died during floods in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo later in January, while torrential downpours in Rio de Janeiro state killed over 230 the following month. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

At least 106 people have died and 10 are still missing in Brazil, the government said on Tuesday, as heavy rains tore through urban towns in the northeastern part of the country for a sixth consecutive day.

At least 106 people have died and 10 are still missing in Brazil, the government said on Tuesday, as heavy rains tore through urban towns in the northeastern part of the country for a sixth consecutive day. The governor of the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Paulo Camara, in an interview with local media, said the government`s priority was to find those still missing amid mudslides and major flooding. "We will not stop until we find all those missing. This is a fundamental point at the moment," Camara said. The National Civil Defense said on Twitter that an alert was in place for the "very high" possibility of more flooding in Pernambuco, including its capital, Recife. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited the state on Tuesday and flew over the affected areas. He promised to send help and resources to families who had been impacted. It is the fourth major flooding event in five months, underlining a lack of urban planning in low-income neighborhoods throughout much of Brazil, where shantytowns are often built on hillsides prone to collapse. In late December and early January, dozens were killed and tens of thousands were displaced when rains hammered Bahia state, also located in northeastern Brazil. At least another 18 died during floods in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo later in January, while torrential downpours in Rio de Janeiro state killed over 230 the following month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Death toll in Brazilian floods rises to 106, 10 still missing

At least 13 people were killed and four others went missing after a tourist boat capsized due to bad weather off the coast of Hoi An, officials have revealed said. A local border guard said among the missing were two children.

"Chances of them being found alive are small," he said.

The vessel was returning to Hoi An from Cu Lao Cham island, which happens to be popular various water sports including diving, snorkelling.

It was carrying 39 local tourists and crew members.&nbsp;

Due to fading light, rescue efforts had to be suspended. Local Communist Party chief Nguyen Sinh, while speaking to AFP said,&nbsp;"We cannot do anything further as it is too dark. We will resume the search at first light tomorrow morning for the other four people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiplying-by-the-hour-un-warns-of-escalating-refugee-crisis-amid-ukraine-invasion-456764">Also read |&nbsp;'Multiplying by the hour..': UN warns of escalating refugee crisis amid Ukraine invasion</a>

Vietnam's domestic tourism industry rebooted in early February. Earlier, it was shut because of strict coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions.

In early February, it opened most of its schools to welcome 17 million students across the country. The country's health ministry announced plans to start vaccinating children five years and older against Covid.&nbsp;

Most of the Covid curbs in the country were lifted in October.&nbsp;

Vietnam has by far gone through four coronavirus waves of increasing scale, complication and infectivity.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 13 people were killed and four others went missing after a tourist boat capsized due to bad weather off the coast of Hoi An, officials have revealed said.

At least 13 people were killed and four others went missing after a tourist boat capsized due to bad weather off the coast of Hoi An, officials have revealed said. A local border guard said among the missing were two children. "Chances of them being found alive are small," he said. The vessel was returning to Hoi An from Cu Lao Cham island, which happens to be popular various water sports including diving, snorkelling. It was carrying 39 local tourists and crew members. Due to fading light, rescue efforts had to be suspended. Local Communist Party chief Nguyen Sinh, while speaking to AFP said, "We cannot do anything further as it is too dark. We will resume the search at first light tomorrow morning for the other four people." Also read | 'Multiplying by the hour..': UN warns of escalating refugee crisis amid Ukraine invasion Vietnam's domestic tourism industry rebooted in early February. Earlier, it was shut because of strict coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions. In early February, it opened most of its schools to welcome 17 million students across the country. The country's health ministry announced plans to start vaccinating children five years and older against Covid. Most of the Covid curbs in the country were lifted in October. Vietnam has by far gone through four coronavirus waves of increasing scale, complication and infectivity. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 13 dead, four missing after tourist boat capsizes off central Vietnam

French adventurer Jean-Jacques Savin has disappeared while attempting to row solo across the Atlantic, according to a statement Sunday from the Portuguese navy, which said his boat was found overturned Saturday near the Azores.

Savin’s support team initially said that he had died and that his “lifeless” body was found in the boat by Portuguese officials.

But later Sunday the Portuguese navy said Savin’s boat had been found, but not his body. “The search for the man ended at the end of the day yesterday, without it being possible to find the victim,” the navy said in a statement. “One of the merchant ships collected a waterproof bag that contained the navigator’s identification documents.”

The navy also said that “a warning” remained in effect for ships sailing in the area to be “aware of the possibility of sighting the castaway.”

Savin, 75, activated distress beacons Thursday night and early Friday, according to the statement from his support team, which was posted on his Facebook page.

Portuguese maritime authorities had located Savin’s boat, l’Audacieux (“the Audacious”), Saturday, the statement said.

“For 24 hours, we were in a state of great anxiety,” the support team said in the earlier statement. “We were hoping for a glimmer of hope, and even for good news. Unfortunately, this time the ocean was stronger than our friend, who loved navigation and the sea so much.”

On Sunday evening, the team posted a statement from Manon Savin, Savin’s daughter, which said “To date we have no official confirmation from the Portuguese maritime authorities.”

Savin began his journey from southern Portugal on Jan. 2 and posted several updates on Facebook.

On Jan. 7, the sixth day of the voyage, he described the sea as “very strong” and said that it “felt like a roller coaster.” On Jan. 10, he had traveled about 163 miles, which he said was “a good start!”

On Jan. 19, Savin posted his last diary entry on Facebook.

“I’ve run into some problems in the last 10 or so days,” he wrote. “The solar collector (which should recharge the battery of my water desalination system) has stopped working. I have been forced to use my manual desalinator, but that takes all my physical energy.

“Rest assured,” he added, “I’m not in danger!”

He was heading to the Azores, the Portuguese archipelago, he said.

“There’s a beautiful marina with an airport next door,” he wrote. “Everything I need is there.

“Despite the current difficulties of strong swells and winds, it has become easier as the wind pushes me toward the archipelago,” he wrote, adding, “Despite it all, I will absolutely not give up!”

Savin, who turned 75 during this voyage, hailed from the oyster farming town of Arès, in southwestern France. He was a former military parachutist, pilot and park ranger in Africa who did not settle quietly into his golden years.

By the time he was 71, Savin had already sailed solo across the Atlantic four times.

In 2018, he crossed the Atlantic again, this time in an orange barrel-shaped capsule that he said he had built himself. A New York Times report described the capsule, which was about 10 feet long and 6 feet 8 inches wide, as “smaller than a pickup and held upright by a concrete ballast.”

He completed the journey in 127 days. In an interview afterward, Savin described his time at sea as “complete freedom.”

“It’s hard to convey,” he said. “No one tells you what to do. There are no rules. It’s freedom.”

Though he was skilled, and was equipped with sophisticated navigation and communication tools, that voyage was not without its challenges, he conceded. “Twice, I almost collided with large ships,” he said.

But still, Savin found plenty of time to luxuriate in the opportunities the sea afforded him. He passed the time, he said, by reading, writing in his journal, swimming and diving beneath the barrel to catch fish.

“I had a lot of time to write my book,” he said. “I played a lot of bluegrass on my mandolin.”

French adventurer Jean-Jacques Savin has disappeared while attempting to row solo across the Atlantic, according to a statement Sunday from the Portuguese navy, which said his boat was found overturned Saturday near the Azores.

French adventurer Jean-Jacques Savin has disappeared while attempting to row solo across the Atlantic, according to a statement Sunday from the Portuguese navy, which said his boat was found overturned Saturday near the Azores. Savin’s support team initially said that he had died and that his “lifeless” body was found in the boat by Portuguese officials. But later Sunday the Portuguese navy said Savin’s boat had been found, but not his body. “The search for the man ended at the end of the day yesterday, without it being possible to find the victim,” the navy said in a statement. “One of the merchant ships collected a waterproof bag that contained the navigator’s identification documents.” The navy also said that “a warning” remained in effect for ships sailing in the area to be “aware of the possibility of sighting the castaway.” Savin, 75, activated distress beacons Thursday night and early Friday, according to the statement from his support team, which was posted on his Facebook page. Portuguese maritime authorities had located Savin’s boat, l’Audacieux (“the Audacious”), Saturday, the statement said. “For 24 hours, we were in a state of great anxiety,” the support team said in the earlier statement. “We were hoping for a glimmer of hope, and even for good news. Unfortunately, this time the ocean was stronger than our friend, who loved navigation and the sea so much.” On Sunday evening, the team posted a statement from Manon Savin, Savin’s daughter, which said “To date we have no official confirmation from the Portuguese maritime authorities.” Savin began his journey from southern Portugal on Jan. 2 and posted several updates on Facebook. On Jan. 7, the sixth day of the voyage, he described the sea as “very strong” and said that it “felt like a roller coaster.” On Jan. 10, he had traveled about 163 miles, which he said was “a good start!” On Jan. 19, Savin posted his last diary entry on Facebook. “I’ve run into some problems in the last 10 or so days,” he wrote. “The solar collector (which should recharge the battery of my water desalination system) has stopped working. I have been forced to use my manual desalinator, but that takes all my physical energy. “Rest assured,” he added, “I’m not in danger!” He was heading to the Azores, the Portuguese archipelago, he said. “There’s a beautiful marina with an airport next door,” he wrote. “Everything I need is there. “Despite the current difficulties of strong swells and winds, it has become easier as the wind pushes me toward the archipelago,” he wrote, adding, “Despite it all, I will absolutely not give up!” Savin, who turned 75 during this voyage, hailed from the oyster farming town of Arès, in southwestern France. He was a former military parachutist, pilot and park ranger in Africa who did not settle quietly into his golden years. By the time he was 71, Savin had already sailed solo across the Atlantic four times. In 2018, he crossed the Atlantic again, this time in an orange barrel-shaped capsule that he said he had built himself. A New York Times report described the capsule, which was about 10 feet long and 6 feet 8 inches wide, as “smaller than a pickup and held upright by a concrete ballast.” He completed the journey in 127 days. In an interview afterward, Savin described his time at sea as “complete freedom.” “It’s hard to convey,” he said. “No one tells you what to do. There are no rules. It’s freedom.” Though he was skilled, and was equipped with sophisticated navigation and communication tools, that voyage was not without its challenges, he conceded. “Twice, I almost collided with large ships,” he said. But still, Savin found plenty of time to luxuriate in the opportunities the sea afforded him. He passed the time, he said, by reading, writing in his journal, swimming and diving beneath the barrel to catch fish. “I had a lot of time to write my book,” he said. “I played a lot of bluegrass on my mandolin.”

French adventurer attempting to row solo across the Atlantic is missing

At least 8 people have been killed and 12 went missing as torrential rains hit the Indian city of Andhra Pradesh. A downpour of up to 20cm was recorded in three Rayalaseema districts and one south coastal district in the Indian state.&nbsp;

The air force, SDRF, and fire services are all pitching in to help with flood relief and rescue efforts.

Indian PM Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as he inquired about the situation and expressed his sympathies.&nbsp;

Residents of Andhra Pradesh have been cut off as heavy downpours led to swollen rivers and rivulets. In some regions, roads have turned into canals sweeping away the vehicles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-rains-kill-at-least-14-in-indias-chennai-rescue-work-underway-428490#flights-cancelled-and-delayed-428487">Also read |&nbsp;Heavy rains kill at least 14 in India's Chennai, rescue work underway</a>

As a result of torrential rains, the South Central Railway cancelled 11 passengers and Express trains. Five were partially cancelled and 27 were diverted through other routes. One train was also rescheduled.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Massive floods in Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rains lashing parts of the region including Tirupathi. This scary visual is from Vasantanagar where an entire building was washed away by the overflowing Swarnamukhi river. Stay safe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chitoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chitoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TirupatiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TirupatiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/JGd5gO9buz">pic.twitter.com/JGd5gO9buz</a>
— Revathi (@revathitweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/revathitweets/status/1461556728642740224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Massive floods in Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rains lashing parts of the region including Tirupathi. This scary visual is from Vasantanagar where an entire building was washed away by the overflowing Swarnamukhi river. Stay safe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chitoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chitoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TirupatiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TirupatiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/JGd5gO9buz">pic.twitter.com/JGd5gO9buz</a>
— Revathi (@revathitweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/revathitweets/status/1461556728642740224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Never ever seen scenes from temple town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh after heavy rains lashed Chittoor district, causing massive flooding. <a href="https://t.co/8JG4Np9ovP">pic.twitter.com/8JG4Np9ovP</a>
— vramakanth (@vramakanth3) <a href="https://twitter.com/vramakanth3/status/1461691146518740993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ten people were reported to be stranded in the neighbouring Anantapuramu district. They were then rescued by Indian Air Force personnel, who specially flew in from Yelahanka Air Force Station in Karnataka. The team also carried out a lifting operation using a Mi-17 helicopter.

PM Modi assured that the Centre will provide all sorts of support. "Spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM @ysjagan Garu on the situation in the wake of heavy rainfall in parts of the state. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for everyone’s well-being and safety," he tweeted.

In the Kadapa district, 33 relief camps were opened with 1,200 people being lodged. SDRF, police and fire Services personnel have rescued tens of people from the deadly floods.

Climate change has triggered extreme climate conditions in different parts of world. A few days before&nbsp;heavy rain pounded&nbsp;India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The state capital Chennai also flooded in several areas, bringing normal life to a standstill as water entered buildings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-25-dead-after-heavy-rains-spark-landslides-in-indian-state-of-kerala-421650">Also read |&nbsp;At least 25 dead after heavy rains spark landslides in Indian state of Kerala</a>

The arrival of flights in Chennai was been suspended in view of showers and heavy winds though departures continued.

Many parts of the state capital Chennai, which is India's auto manufacturing centre, were waterlogged and government officials used pumps to drain some communities that had been stranded waist-deep.

India's northeast monsoon usually runs from October to December, bringing heavy rain, particularly to the south.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 8 people have been killed and 12 went missing as torrential rains hit the Indian city of Andhra Pradesh. A downpour of up to 20cm was recorded in three Rayalaseema districts and one south coastal district in the Indian state.

At least 8 people have been killed and 12 went missing as torrential rains hit the Indian city of Andhra Pradesh. A downpour of up to 20cm was recorded in three Rayalaseema districts and one south coastal district in the Indian state. The air force, SDRF, and fire services are all pitching in to help with flood relief and rescue efforts. Indian PM Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as he inquired about the situation and expressed his sympathies. Residents of Andhra Pradesh have been cut off as heavy downpours led to swollen rivers and rivulets. In some regions, roads have turned into canals sweeping away the vehicles. Also read | Heavy rains kill at least 14 in India's Chennai, rescue work underway As a result of torrential rains, the South Central Railway cancelled 11 passengers and Express trains. Five were partially cancelled and 27 were diverted through other routes. One train was also rescheduled. Massive floods in Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rains lashing parts of the region including Tirupathi. This scary visual is from Vasantanagar where an entire building was washed away by the overflowing Swarnamukhi river. Stay safe #Chitoor #TirupatiRains #AndhraFloods pic.twitter.com/JGd5gO9buz — Revathi (@revathitweets) November 19, 2021 × Massive floods in Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rains lashing parts of the region including Tirupathi. This scary visual is from Vasantanagar where an entire building was washed away by the overflowing Swarnamukhi river. Stay safe #Chitoor #TirupatiRains #AndhraFloods pic.twitter.com/JGd5gO9buz — Revathi (@revathitweets) November 19, 2021 × Never ever seen scenes from temple town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh after heavy rains lashed Chittoor district, causing massive flooding. pic.twitter.com/8JG4Np9ovP — vramakanth (@vramakanth3) November 19, 2021 × Ten people were reported to be stranded in the neighbouring Anantapuramu district. They were then rescued by Indian Air Force personnel, who specially flew in from Yelahanka Air Force Station in Karnataka. The team also carried out a lifting operation using a Mi-17 helicopter. PM Modi assured that the Centre will provide all sorts of support. "Spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM @ysjagan Garu on the situation in the wake of heavy rainfall in parts of the state. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for everyone’s well-being and safety," he tweeted. In the Kadapa district, 33 relief camps were opened with 1,200 people being lodged. SDRF, police and fire Services personnel have rescued tens of people from the deadly floods. Climate change has triggered extreme climate conditions in different parts of world. A few days before heavy rain pounded India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The state capital Chennai also flooded in several areas, bringing normal life to a standstill as water entered buildings. Also read | At least 25 dead after heavy rains spark landslides in Indian state of Kerala The arrival of flights in Chennai was been suspended in view of showers and heavy winds though departures continued. Many parts of the state capital Chennai, which is India's auto manufacturing centre, were waterlogged and government officials used pumps to drain some communities that had been stranded waist-deep. India's northeast monsoon usually runs from October to December, bringing heavy rain, particularly to the south. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 8 dead, 12 missing after torrential rains hit Indian state of Andhra Pradesh

At least 11 of 17 trekkers including tourists, porters and guides were reported dead on Friday after going missing on Monday in Uttarakhand due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather. &nbsp;&nbsp;

They had lost their way in the bad weather. The Indian Air Force is currently conducting a massive rescue operation in the area. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-ensure-afghan-territory-is-not-used-to-attack-any-country-say-jaishankar-uk-counterpart-423172" hreflang="en">Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart</a>

The survivors were given first aid at Harsil and the sent to District Hospital, Uttarkashi. For the rest of the trekkers, the rescue operation will be conducted on Saturday, said sources. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two members of the team were rescued on Thursday. They were hurt and are currently undergoing treatment, said an official. They had gone missing during a trek to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh via Harsil in Uttarkashi.&nbsp;

Uttarkashi’s search and rescue teams spotted five bodies of trekkers on Thursday. Two members of the team were also found dead in Himachal Pradesh, said Uttarkashi district disaster management officer Devendra Patwal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-ambulance-service-employed-to-rescue-people-from-remote-areas-in-himalayan-uttarakhand-state-423163" hreflang="en">Air ambulance service employed to rescue people from remote areas in Himalayan Uttarakhand state</a>

Search is still going on for the two missing members of the team with the help of a helicopter, Colonel Rajendra Prasad of 9 Bihar Regiment said. &nbsp;

The team, which consisted of eight trekkers, went missing on a trek to Chitkul recently. In the team, one person was from Delhi and the rest were from West Bengal and three cooks were also there. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least 11 of 17 trekkers including tourists, porters and guides were reported dead on Friday after going missing on Monday in Uttarakhand due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather.

At least 11 of 17 trekkers including tourists, porters and guides were reported dead on Friday after going missing on Monday in Uttarakhand due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather. They had lost their way in the bad weather. The Indian Air Force is currently conducting a massive rescue operation in the area. Also Read: Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart The survivors were given first aid at Harsil and the sent to District Hospital, Uttarkashi. For the rest of the trekkers, the rescue operation will be conducted on Saturday, said sources. Two members of the team were rescued on Thursday. They were hurt and are currently undergoing treatment, said an official. They had gone missing during a trek to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh via Harsil in Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi’s search and rescue teams spotted five bodies of trekkers on Thursday. Two members of the team were also found dead in Himachal Pradesh, said Uttarkashi district disaster management officer Devendra Patwal. Also Read: Air ambulance service employed to rescue people from remote areas in Himalayan Uttarakhand state Search is still going on for the two missing members of the team with the help of a helicopter, Colonel Rajendra Prasad of 9 Bihar Regiment said. The team, which consisted of eight trekkers, went missing on a trek to Chitkul recently. In the team, one person was from Delhi and the rest were from West Bengal and three cooks were also there. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues

At least 48 people have died and 31 others went missing in Nepal's flood and landslides triggered by incessant rains from Sunday, Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Similarly, thousands of farmers across the country have lost their crops to rains this year. Destruction of the paddy crop is a major setback for Nepal's overall economy. Paddy alone contributes around 7 per cent to the national gross domestic product and is the major income source for more than half of the population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-in-indias-northern-states-claims-46-lives-alert-sounded-in-southern-kerala-state-422189">Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state</a>

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has called an emergency Cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation created by the rain, floods, and landslides. As many as 11 districts of the country reported deaths and missing people, according to the Home Ministry.

Some bridges collapsed and highways were obstructed. Some cities and airports are inundated and in some districts, some human settlements were submerged under the floods. Local authorities have shifted some settlements to safe places in some districts to save people from the flood and landslides.

Several districts of the country have been hit hard by the unexpected autumn rain. According to Nepali Airlines officials, at least 100 domestic flights scheduled for an operation to and from the capital, Kathmandu were suspended on Wednesday owing to bad weather conditions. This is the highest number of flight suspensions recorded in a single day in recent times as air carriers could not operate services to various hilly as well as plain areas due to incessant rains and bad weather conditions.

The Home Ministry said that 31 people are still missing in landslides and floods in several parts of the country and search and rescue operation is underway.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-floods-kill-16-in-indias-uttarakhand-422018">Heavy rains, floods kill 16 in India's Uttarakhand</a>

The sudden and extreme rainfall in the third week of October, has left experts wondering-and worried-how climate change is impacting the economy and livelihoods of the people.

Nepal's economic well-being is intimately linked with the rainy season. Water from the skies is the lifeblood of Nepal's Rs 4.26 trillion economy which is farm-dependent, as nearly two-thirds of the farmlands are rain-fed. A large part of the country gets nearly 80 percent of its annual rainfall during the four months-June to September. Given the above-normal rainfall this year, Nepal was expecting a bumper harvest.

Paddy is transplanted in Nepal in June and harvested in October. But the rain this time in the third week of October is set to spell disaster.

Political parties leaders have called on the government to provide relief and compensate the farmers affected by the rain, floods, and landslide.

Experts had warned of extreme weather events when Nepal received above-normal rainfall in June, the month monsoon entered the country. Nepali authorities, however, failed to forewarn farmers of possible rains in October, the month paddy is harvested.The monsoon usually lasts until September 23 in Nepal.

Days after the monsoon clouds arrived, torrential rains started wreaking havoc across the country, unleashing floods and landslides and the rains have not stopped yet.

The first month of the season showed that most parts of the country received rainfall above the average for the month of July, which triggered massive flooding and landslides in the country.

After reports of loss of lives, property, and paddy in various parts of the country, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday expressed his concerns.

"I have instructed the Home Ministry to rescue and provide relief to those who have been affected by floods, landslides, and inundations in the far west and other parts of the country," Deuba wrote on Twitter.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there is a possibility of rainfall until Thursday. The department has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderbolts in few places in Province 1, Province 2, Lumbini, Karnali, and Gandaki provinces.

At least 48 people have died and 31 others went missing in Nepal's flood and landslides triggered by incessant rains from Sunday, Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs said.

At least 48 people have died and 31 others went missing in Nepal's flood and landslides triggered by incessant rains from Sunday, Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs said. Similarly, thousands of farmers across the country have lost their crops to rains this year. Destruction of the paddy crop is a major setback for Nepal's overall economy. Paddy alone contributes around 7 per cent to the national gross domestic product and is the major income source for more than half of the population. Also read | Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has called an emergency Cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation created by the rain, floods, and landslides. As many as 11 districts of the country reported deaths and missing people, according to the Home Ministry. Some bridges collapsed and highways were obstructed. Some cities and airports are inundated and in some districts, some human settlements were submerged under the floods. Local authorities have shifted some settlements to safe places in some districts to save people from the flood and landslides. Several districts of the country have been hit hard by the unexpected autumn rain. According to Nepali Airlines officials, at least 100 domestic flights scheduled for an operation to and from the capital, Kathmandu were suspended on Wednesday owing to bad weather conditions. This is the highest number of flight suspensions recorded in a single day in recent times as air carriers could not operate services to various hilly as well as plain areas due to incessant rains and bad weather conditions. The Home Ministry said that 31 people are still missing in landslides and floods in several parts of the country and search and rescue operation is underway. Also read | Heavy rains, floods kill 16 in India's Uttarakhand The sudden and extreme rainfall in the third week of October, has left experts wondering-and worried-how climate change is impacting the economy and livelihoods of the people. Nepal's economic well-being is intimately linked with the rainy season. Water from the skies is the lifeblood of Nepal's Rs 4.26 trillion economy which is farm-dependent, as nearly two-thirds of the farmlands are rain-fed. A large part of the country gets nearly 80 percent of its annual rainfall during the four months-June to September. Given the above-normal rainfall this year, Nepal was expecting a bumper harvest. Paddy is transplanted in Nepal in June and harvested in October. But the rain this time in the third week of October is set to spell disaster. Political parties leaders have called on the government to provide relief and compensate the farmers affected by the rain, floods, and landslide. Experts had warned of extreme weather events when Nepal received above-normal rainfall in June, the month monsoon entered the country. Nepali authorities, however, failed to forewarn farmers of possible rains in October, the month paddy is harvested.The monsoon usually lasts until September 23 in Nepal. Days after the monsoon clouds arrived, torrential rains started wreaking havoc across the country, unleashing floods and landslides and the rains have not stopped yet. The first month of the season showed that most parts of the country received rainfall above the average for the month of July, which triggered massive flooding and landslides in the country. After reports of loss of lives, property, and paddy in various parts of the country, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday expressed his concerns. "I have instructed the Home Ministry to rescue and provide relief to those who have been affected by floods, landslides, and inundations in the far west and other parts of the country," Deuba wrote on Twitter. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there is a possibility of rainfall until Thursday. The department has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderbolts in few places in Province 1, Province 2, Lumbini, Karnali, and Gandaki provinces.

48 died, 31 missing in Nepal's flood and landslides

Three more bodies were recovered from Koottikkal in Kerala's Kottayam district on Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, which has pushed the death toll in the state to nine, officials said.

State ministers K Rajan, Roshy Augustine and VN Vasavan participated in a review meeting to assess the situation arising due to heavy rains in the state, at Mundakkayam in Kottayam this morning.

In view of the red alert for rainfall and possible flooding and waterlogging in several districts of Kerala, a total of 11 teams of the National Disaster Relief Teams (NDRF) have been deployed to the state in coordination with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).

A total of 33 people including eight women and seven children have been rescued so far, according to the NDRF.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-people-dead-a-dozen-reported-missing-as-rains-lash-kerala-421366">Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala</a>

Early this morning a team of the NDRF conducted rescue operation in Kokkayar, Idukki where a landslide occurred yesterday.

Rescue operations were also conducted in and around Ernakulam district and in Vaipur, RanniTaluk in Pathanamthitta district.

According to the Met department there will be isolated heavy rain in parts of the state over the next 24 hours starting October 17.

The India Meterological Department today said that the low-pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala has become less marked and there is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall at many places with only isolated heavy rainfall over the state during next 24 hours and further decrease thereafter.

On Saturday, four people were killed in Kottayam district while two casualties have been reported in Idukki district.

Idduki and Kottayam districts in Central and South Kerala bore the brunt of the heavy rains that have been lashing the state since Friday with many people feared missing in landslides. Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents.&nbsp;

Three more bodies were recovered from Koottikkal in Kerala's Kottayam district on Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, which has pushed the death toll in the state to nine, officials said.

Three more bodies were recovered from Koottikkal in Kerala's Kottayam district on Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, which has pushed the death toll in the state to nine, officials said. State ministers K Rajan, Roshy Augustine and VN Vasavan participated in a review meeting to assess the situation arising due to heavy rains in the state, at Mundakkayam in Kottayam this morning. In view of the red alert for rainfall and possible flooding and waterlogging in several districts of Kerala, a total of 11 teams of the National Disaster Relief Teams (NDRF) have been deployed to the state in coordination with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). A total of 33 people including eight women and seven children have been rescued so far, according to the NDRF. Also Read | Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala Early this morning a team of the NDRF conducted rescue operation in Kokkayar, Idukki where a landslide occurred yesterday. Rescue operations were also conducted in and around Ernakulam district and in Vaipur, RanniTaluk in Pathanamthitta district. According to the Met department there will be isolated heavy rain in parts of the state over the next 24 hours starting October 17. The India Meterological Department today said that the low-pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala has become less marked and there is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall at many places with only isolated heavy rainfall over the state during next 24 hours and further decrease thereafter. On Saturday, four people were killed in Kottayam district while two casualties have been reported in Idukki district. Idduki and Kottayam districts in Central and South Kerala bore the brunt of the heavy rains that have been lashing the state since Friday with many people feared missing in landslides. Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents.

Kerala Rains: Death toll reaches 9

Florida police and the FBI are searching for the fiancé of the missing woman, Gabby Petito, after his family told the officials that they had not seen him in three days, further deepening the mystery surrounding the 22-year-old woman.

Petito and her boyfriend Brian Laundrie had been on a “van life” trip across the south-western US, living in their vehicle.

The case has been drawing attention across the US, partly due to Petito’s large following on Instagram. Her last post was dated August 25.

Petito’s family reported her missing on September 11, 10 days after Laundrie returned to Florida without her.

“The attorney for the Laundrie family called FBI investigators Friday night indicating the family would like to talk about the disappearance of their son. The family now claims that they have not seen Brian since Tuesday of this week,” Josh Taylor of the North Port Police Department said in a statement.

On Saturday, police searched a vast wildlife reserve near the Gulf coast for Laundrie, who they said was a person of interest in the case but was not wanted for any crime.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabby-petito-mystery-deepens-as-us-girl-22-goes-missing-on-a-road-trip-with-fiance-413698">Gabby Petito: Mystery deepens as US girl, 22, goes missing on a road trip with fiancé</a>

Dozens of North Port police officers, FBI agents and members of other law enforcement agencies searched the 24,000-acre Carlton reserve in the Sarasota area.

“His family says they believe he entered the area earlier this week,” North Port police tweeted.

Police said Laundrie’s family told officers they had not seen him since Tuesday, but had not told authorities he was missing for three days.

The conversation on Friday evening, police said, was the first time they had spoken to Laundrie’s family in detail, and came at the family’s request.

An attorney for the family called FBI investigators and said they wanted to talk, police said.

In a separate statement, police said the investigation was now a “multiple missing persons” case, they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Florida police and the FBI are searching for the fiancé of the missing woman, Gabby Petito, after his family told the officials that they had not seen him in three days, further deepening the mystery surrounding the 22-year-old woman.

Florida police and the FBI are searching for the fiancé of the missing woman, Gabby Petito, after his family told the officials that they had not seen him in three days, further deepening the mystery surrounding the 22-year-old woman. Petito and her boyfriend Brian Laundrie had been on a “van life” trip across the south-western US, living in their vehicle. The case has been drawing attention across the US, partly due to Petito’s large following on Instagram. Her last post was dated August 25. Petito’s family reported her missing on September 11, 10 days after Laundrie returned to Florida without her. “The attorney for the Laundrie family called FBI investigators Friday night indicating the family would like to talk about the disappearance of their son. The family now claims that they have not seen Brian since Tuesday of this week,” Josh Taylor of the North Port Police Department said in a statement. On Saturday, police searched a vast wildlife reserve near the Gulf coast for Laundrie, who they said was a person of interest in the case but was not wanted for any crime. Also read | Gabby Petito: Mystery deepens as US girl, 22, goes missing on a road trip with fiancé Dozens of North Port police officers, FBI agents and members of other law enforcement agencies searched the 24,000-acre Carlton reserve in the Sarasota area. “His family says they believe he entered the area earlier this week,” North Port police tweeted. Police said Laundrie’s family told officers they had not seen him since Tuesday, but had not told authorities he was missing for three days. The conversation on Friday evening, police said, was the first time they had spoken to Laundrie’s family in detail, and came at the family’s request. An attorney for the family called FBI investigators and said they wanted to talk, police said. In a separate statement, police said the investigation was now a “multiple missing persons” case, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI, Florida police on hunt for Gabby Petito’s fiancé after family says he is ‘missing’

About 150 students are missing after armed men raided a boarding school in Nigeria's Kaduna state, a parent and an administrator said on Monday, and police said they were in hot pursuit alongside military personnel. 
 
The attack on the Bethel Baptist High School is the 10th mass school kidnapping since December in northwest Nigeria, which authorities have attributed to armed bandits seeking ransom payments. 
 
Dozens of distraught parents gathered at the school compound, some weeping and crying out, standing in groups awaiting news. Discarded sandals lay strewn nearby. Dormitories containing metal bunk beds and cupboards were deserted. 
 
"May God take away their tears and the suffering that they will face in the hands of the kidnappers," said a woman pointing at a hole in the school's perimeter from where the attackers entered. 
 
His voice breaking, parent John Evans said he had recently told his daughter that God would protect her while she studied at the school. 
 
"Just this morning at about 6, I received a phone call that they have entered the school...kidnappers, that all our children are packed (taken), including my daughter," he said. "We rushed down here, we confirmed that they are all packed." 
 
Police said gunmen shooting wildly attacked overnight and overpowered the school's security guards, taking an unspecified number of students into a nearby forest. A police statement said 26 people including a female teacher had been rescued. 
 
Reverend John Hayab, a founder of the school, said about 25 students had managed to escape while the school`s other students remained missing. 
 
Roughly 180 students attended the school and were in the process of sitting exams, according to Hayab, whose 17-year-old son escaped, and parent, Hassana Markus, whose daughter was among those missing. 
 
Local residents, who declined to be identified, said that security officials had cordoned off the school after the attack, which took place between 11 pm&nbsp;on Sunday and 4 am&nbsp;on Monday morning. 
 
Kaduna authorities ordered the immediate closure of Bethel Baptist and 12 other schools in the area after Monday's kidnapping, without saying when they may reopen. 
 
Armed men, known locally as bandits, have made an industry of kidnapping students for ransom in northwest Nigeria, with Kaduna state particularly hard hit. They have taken nearly 1,000 people from schools since December last year, more than 150 of whom remain missing. 
 
Kidnappers have also targeted roads, private residents and even hospitals; in the early morning hours of Sunday, gunmen abducted six people including a 1-year-old child from a hospital in Kaduna state. 
 
In February, President Muhammadu Buhari urged state governments "to review their policy of rewarding bandits with money and vehicles," warning that the policy might boomerang disastrously. The unrest has become a political problem for Buhari, a retired general and former military ruler, who has faced mounting criticism over prominent attacks by the gangs. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

About 150 students are missing after armed men raided a boarding school in Nigeria's Kaduna state, a parent and an administrator said on Monday, and police said they were in hot pursuit alongside military personnel.

About 150 students are missing after armed men raided a boarding school in Nigeria's Kaduna state, a parent and an administrator said on Monday, and police said they were in hot pursuit alongside military personnel. The attack on the Bethel Baptist High School is the 10th mass school kidnapping since December in northwest Nigeria, which authorities have attributed to armed bandits seeking ransom payments. Dozens of distraught parents gathered at the school compound, some weeping and crying out, standing in groups awaiting news. Discarded sandals lay strewn nearby. Dormitories containing metal bunk beds and cupboards were deserted. "May God take away their tears and the suffering that they will face in the hands of the kidnappers," said a woman pointing at a hole in the school's perimeter from where the attackers entered. His voice breaking, parent John Evans said he had recently told his daughter that God would protect her while she studied at the school. "Just this morning at about 6, I received a phone call that they have entered the school...kidnappers, that all our children are packed (taken), including my daughter," he said. "We rushed down here, we confirmed that they are all packed." Police said gunmen shooting wildly attacked overnight and overpowered the school's security guards, taking an unspecified number of students into a nearby forest. A police statement said 26 people including a female teacher had been rescued. Reverend John Hayab, a founder of the school, said about 25 students had managed to escape while the school`s other students remained missing. Roughly 180 students attended the school and were in the process of sitting exams, according to Hayab, whose 17-year-old son escaped, and parent, Hassana Markus, whose daughter was among those missing. Local residents, who declined to be identified, said that security officials had cordoned off the school after the attack, which took place between 11 pm on Sunday and 4 am on Monday morning. Kaduna authorities ordered the immediate closure of Bethel Baptist and 12 other schools in the area after Monday's kidnapping, without saying when they may reopen. Armed men, known locally as bandits, have made an industry of kidnapping students for ransom in northwest Nigeria, with Kaduna state particularly hard hit. They have taken nearly 1,000 people from schools since December last year, more than 150 of whom remain missing. Kidnappers have also targeted roads, private residents and even hospitals; in the early morning hours of Sunday, gunmen abducted six people including a 1-year-old child from a hospital in Kaduna state. In February, President Muhammadu Buhari urged state governments "to review their policy of rewarding bandits with money and vehicles," warning that the policy might boomerang disastrously. The unrest has become a political problem for Buhari, a retired general and former military ruler, who has faced mounting criticism over prominent attacks by the gangs. (With inputs from agencies)

Some 150 students missing after gunmen raid Nigerian school: Report

At least three people were found dead and more than 100 were missing after torrential rains triggered landslides in the central Japanese city of Atami over the weekend, a local official and media said on Monday. 
 
A person was confirmed dead, bringing the death toll to three with 113 people still missing in the seaside city of Atami 90 km (60 miles) southwest of Tokyo, spokesman Hiroki Onuma said, after floods, landslides and cascading mud collapsed and half-submerged houses on Saturday. 
 
The third person killed after the landslides was a woman, Kyodo news agency said. 
 
The torrential rains and landslides are a reminder of the natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcano eruptions and tsunami, that haunt Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics beginning this month. 
 
The landslides, which affected about 130 buildings, occurred around 10:30 am&nbsp;(0130 GMT) on Saturday in Atami, which is home to hot spring resorts and sits on a steep slope into a bay. 
 
The water, mud and debris are thought to have flowed along a river for about 2 km to the sea, local media said.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three people were found dead and more than 100 were missing after torrential rains triggered landslides in the central Japanese city of Atami over the weekend, a local official and media said on Monday.

At least three people were found dead and more than 100 were missing after torrential rains triggered landslides in the central Japanese city of Atami over the weekend, a local official and media said on Monday. A person was confirmed dead, bringing the death toll to three with 113 people still missing in the seaside city of Atami 90 km (60 miles) southwest of Tokyo, spokesman Hiroki Onuma said, after floods, landslides and cascading mud collapsed and half-submerged houses on Saturday. The third person killed after the landslides was a woman, Kyodo news agency said. The torrential rains and landslides are a reminder of the natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcano eruptions and tsunami, that haunt Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics beginning this month. The landslides, which affected about 130 buildings, occurred around 10:30 am (0130 GMT) on Saturday in Atami, which is home to hot spring resorts and sits on a steep slope into a bay. The water, mud and debris are thought to have flowed along a river for about 2 km to the sea, local media said. (With inputs from agencies)

Three dead, 113 missing in Japan after heavy rains trigger landslides

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis, NHK added, as it broadcast Twitter footage of floods that destroyed homes swept away debris. 
 
Social media images showed partially submerged cars and rescue workers wading through waist-high water with a small life raft. 
 
The rainfall deluging the city since Friday has already exceeded average July levels for the prefectures of Shizuoka, where Atami is located, and neighbouring Kanagawa, NHK said.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis, NHK added, as it broadcast Twitter footage of floods that destroyed homes swept away debris. Social media images showed partially submerged cars and rescue workers wading through waist-high water with a small life raft. The rainfall deluging the city since Friday has already exceeded average July levels for the prefectures of Shizuoka, where Atami is located, and neighbouring Kanagawa, NHK said.

Torrential rains in Japan unleash landslides, 20 missing: Report

A 35-day manhunt in Belgium that involved helicopters, armored vehicles, 400 soldiers and police officers, as well as reinforcements from Germany and the Netherlands, culminated Sunday in the discovery of a body believed to be that of a missing soldier with links to the far right.

The body was found in a forest where the soldier, Jürgen Conings, 46, disappeared more than a month ago after threatening the government and virologists responsible for the country’s response to the coronavirus, the federal prosecutor said. At the time, the soldier was armed with four rocket launchers, a submachine gun and a semi-automatic pistol that he had taken from an army depot.

The prosecutor said an initial investigation indicated the body belonged to Conings, a shooting instructor who in February was classified as a high-level threat to national security. He appears to have shot himself, authorities said.

In a letter to his girlfriend around the time he disappeared on May 17, Conings wrote that he would not give up without a fight.

“The so-called political elite and now virologists decide how you and I should live,” he wrote. The virologists and the government “have taken everything away from us,” he said. “I don’t care if I die or not.”

The soldier’s disappearance came at a time of frustration in Belgium over pandemic restrictions and the economic damage from them. The country has had a relatively large number of COVID-19 deaths per capita and has imposed one of the longest lockdowns in Europe.

The far-right camp in Belgium has used the pandemic to inflame public anger at the government. Reports from state security agencies warned as early as last spring of “the emergence of various right-wing extremist individuals and groups spreading conspiracy theories” about COVID-19.

Conings’ links to far-right extremists were under investigation by the federal prosecutor.

Before the soldier disappeared, he went to the house of Marc Van Ranst, a top virologist active in Belgium’s COVID-19 response, and waited outside for him to return home from work. But Van Ranst had taken his first afternoon off in 16 months and was already home.

It was not the first time Conings had threatened Van Ranst, a well-known public health figure in Belgium. Van Ranst had also drawn the ire of the far right for speaking out against racism and xenophobia.

After the soldier went missing, Belgian authorities placed Van Ranst and his family in a safe location. When the body was discovered Sunday, Van Ranst, who was celebrating his 56th birthday in hiding, told the local news media that he hoped to “get back to normal life soon.”

Although he said he had little sympathy for Conings, he expressed condolences to the soldier’s family.

Conings joined the military at 18. But after making racist comments and threats, he lost his security clearance last year and was demoted, Belgian authorities said.

Even though the security services listed the soldier as a “potentially dangerous extremist,” Belgium’s defense minister said in a parliamentary hearing that Conings had an access card to an ammunition depot after his demotion.

Belgium is divided linguistically and politically between the wealthy Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north and the poorer French-speaking Wallonia in the south. Each has its own government and political landscape, and centrist politicians face pressure from the far left and the far right.

The challenge is particularly prominent in Flanders, which is home to Conings and Van Ranst as well as two right-wing parties. One of them, Vlaams Belang, a Flemish ultranationalist, anti-immigration party, has gained significant support in recent years.

After Conings’ disappearance, 45,000 people joined a Facebook group called “All united behind Jürgen,” before Facebook blocked it. On Telegram, the encrypted messaging app, about 3,300 users have been exchanging messages of solidarity in a group called “As one man behind Jürgen!”

But when the Facebook group called for demonstrations in support of Conings near his hometown a week later, only about 350 people turned up.

The long, unsuccessful manhunt had become the source of bitter jokes in a country roughly the size of the state of Maryland. Last week, police discovered a backpack containing ammunition they believe belonged to Conings.

“That place had been searched before, but the backpack was possibly overlooked then,” the federal prosecutor’s office told local media.

A 35-day manhunt in Belgium that involved helicopters, armored vehicles, 400 soldiers and police officers, as well as reinforcements from Germany and the Netherlands, culminated Sunday in the discovery of a body believed to be that of a missing soldier with links to the far right.

A 35-day manhunt in Belgium that involved helicopters, armored vehicles, 400 soldiers and police officers, as well as reinforcements from Germany and the Netherlands, culminated Sunday in the discovery of a body believed to be that of a missing soldier with links to the far right. The body was found in a forest where the soldier, Jürgen Conings, 46, disappeared more than a month ago after threatening the government and virologists responsible for the country’s response to the coronavirus, the federal prosecutor said. At the time, the soldier was armed with four rocket launchers, a submachine gun and a semi-automatic pistol that he had taken from an army depot. The prosecutor said an initial investigation indicated the body belonged to Conings, a shooting instructor who in February was classified as a high-level threat to national security. He appears to have shot himself, authorities said. In a letter to his girlfriend around the time he disappeared on May 17, Conings wrote that he would not give up without a fight. “The so-called political elite and now virologists decide how you and I should live,” he wrote. The virologists and the government “have taken everything away from us,” he said. “I don’t care if I die or not.” The soldier’s disappearance came at a time of frustration in Belgium over pandemic restrictions and the economic damage from them. The country has had a relatively large number of COVID-19 deaths per capita and has imposed one of the longest lockdowns in Europe. The far-right camp in Belgium has used the pandemic to inflame public anger at the government. Reports from state security agencies warned as early as last spring of “the emergence of various right-wing extremist individuals and groups spreading conspiracy theories” about COVID-19. Conings’ links to far-right extremists were under investigation by the federal prosecutor. Before the soldier disappeared, he went to the house of Marc Van Ranst, a top virologist active in Belgium’s COVID-19 response, and waited outside for him to return home from work. But Van Ranst had taken his first afternoon off in 16 months and was already home. It was not the first time Conings had threatened Van Ranst, a well-known public health figure in Belgium. Van Ranst had also drawn the ire of the far right for speaking out against racism and xenophobia. After the soldier went missing, Belgian authorities placed Van Ranst and his family in a safe location. When the body was discovered Sunday, Van Ranst, who was celebrating his 56th birthday in hiding, told the local news media that he hoped to “get back to normal life soon.” Although he said he had little sympathy for Conings, he expressed condolences to the soldier’s family. Conings joined the military at 18. But after making racist comments and threats, he lost his security clearance last year and was demoted, Belgian authorities said. Even though the security services listed the soldier as a “potentially dangerous extremist,” Belgium’s defense minister said in a parliamentary hearing that Conings had an access card to an ammunition depot after his demotion. Belgium is divided linguistically and politically between the wealthy Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north and the poorer French-speaking Wallonia in the south. Each has its own government and political landscape, and centrist politicians face pressure from the far left and the far right. The challenge is particularly prominent in Flanders, which is home to Conings and Van Ranst as well as two right-wing parties. One of them, Vlaams Belang, a Flemish ultranationalist, anti-immigration party, has gained significant support in recent years. After Conings’ disappearance, 45,000 people joined a Facebook group called “All united behind Jürgen,” before Facebook blocked it. On Telegram, the encrypted messaging app, about 3,300 users have been exchanging messages of solidarity in a group called “As one man behind Jürgen!” But when the Facebook group called for demonstrations in support of Conings near his hometown a week later, only about 350 people turned up. The long, unsuccessful manhunt had become the source of bitter jokes in a country roughly the size of the state of Maryland. Last week, police discovered a backpack containing ammunition they believe belonged to Conings. “That place had been searched before, but the backpack was possibly overlooked then,” the federal prosecutor’s office told local media.

After 35-day manhunt for missing far-right soldier, body is found in Belgium

missing

Missing, News on Missing, stories on Missing, articles on Missing, Missing stories at Wion, Missing news, Missing latest news