The Cyprus Forestry Department said Monday that a deadly wildfire, the island's worst in decades, was now "under full control".

The blaze, fanned by strong winds, broke out Saturday and swept through parts of the Troodos mountain range, leaving four Egyptian labourers dead, before being reined in by water bombing by Greek and Israeli aircraft.

"The fire that broke out on Saturday... came under full control today Monday, July 5, 2021 at 08:00 am (0500 GMT)," the department said in a statement.

It added that firefighters were still deployed en masse around the village of Arakapas to tackle any potential further outbreaks.

The fire, described as the worst since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, destroyed 50 homes, damaged power lines and forced the evacuation of 10 villages.

It burned an area of about 55 square kilometres covered with forest vegetation and crops.

Four Egyptian labourers died trying to escape the village of Odos.

AFP reporters saw thick gnarled trunks of ancient olive trees reduced to smouldering stumps and grey ash replacing yellowed scrub as far as the eye could see, as well as several burned out homes in Ora village.

A 67-year-old farmer was arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of causing the blaze, a charge he denied.

Police said an eyewitness had seen him leaving Arakapas in his car at the same time the fire started there. He could face charges of recklessly causing four deaths.

More than 600 people from the emergency services and the army were involved in tackling the blaze, with a dozen aircraft and 70 fire trucks as well as a reconnaissance drone, the Forestry Department said.

Aircraft from Israel, Greece and the British bases on Cyprus were also deployed to help.

The Cyprus Forestry Department said Monday that a deadly wildfire, the island's worst in decades, was now "under full control". The blaze, fanned by strong winds, broke out Saturday and swept through parts of the Troodos mountain range, leaving four Egyptian labourers dead, before being reined in by water bombing by Greek and Israeli aircraft.

The Cyprus Forestry Department said Monday that a deadly wildfire, the island's worst in decades, was now "under full control". The blaze, fanned by strong winds, broke out Saturday and swept through parts of the Troodos mountain range, leaving four Egyptian labourers dead, before being reined in by water bombing by Greek and Israeli aircraft. "The fire that broke out on Saturday... came under full control today Monday, July 5, 2021 at 08:00 am (0500 GMT)," the department said in a statement. It added that firefighters were still deployed en masse around the village of Arakapas to tackle any potential further outbreaks. The fire, described as the worst since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, destroyed 50 homes, damaged power lines and forced the evacuation of 10 villages. It burned an area of about 55 square kilometres covered with forest vegetation and crops. Four Egyptian labourers died trying to escape the village of Odos. AFP reporters saw thick gnarled trunks of ancient olive trees reduced to smouldering stumps and grey ash replacing yellowed scrub as far as the eye could see, as well as several burned out homes in Ora village. A 67-year-old farmer was arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of causing the blaze, a charge he denied. Police said an eyewitness had seen him leaving Arakapas in his car at the same time the fire started there. He could face charges of recklessly causing four deaths. More than 600 people from the emergency services and the army were involved in tackling the blaze, with a dozen aircraft and 70 fire trucks as well as a reconnaissance drone, the Forestry Department said. Aircraft from Israel, Greece and the British bases on Cyprus were also deployed to help.

Cyprus says huge forest fire 'under full control' 

Police have fined two men who had to be rescued from an Australian forest after they were chased by a deer while sunbathing naked on a beach and became lost.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The men called for help about 6 pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday after they became lost in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, a police statement said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Unbelievably, we saw two men sunbaking naked on a beach on the South Coast,"&nbsp;Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told reporters.&nbsp;"They were startled by a deer, ran into the national ... Park and got lost."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Their rescue involved police aircraft, the State Emergency Service and ambulance officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The men, aged 30 and 49, were fined 1,000 Australian dollars ($759) each for breaching a stay-home pandemic order that restricted them to Sydney, police said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The younger man was found&nbsp;'naked and carrying a backpack?’&nbsp;while the older man&nbsp;was&nbsp;'partially clothed’," the police statement said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Clearly putting people at risk by leaving home without a proper reason, ... Then getting lost in the national park and diverting important resources away from the health operation, I think they should be embarrassed,"&nbsp;Fuller said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The pair were among 44 people fined by police on Sunday for breaching a public health order after Sydney began a two-week lockdown on Friday due to a new COVID-19 cluster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Police have fined two men who had to be rescued from an Australian forest after they were chased by a deer while sunbathing naked on a beach and became lost. The men called for help about 6 pm on Sunday after they became lost in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, a police statement said.

Police have fined two men who had to be rescued from an Australian forest after they were chased by a deer while sunbathing naked on a beach and became lost. The men called for help about 6 pm on Sunday after they became lost in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, a police statement said. "Unbelievably, we saw two men sunbaking naked on a beach on the South Coast," Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told reporters. "They were startled by a deer, ran into the national ... Park and got lost." Their rescue involved police aircraft, the State Emergency Service and ambulance officers. The men, aged 30 and 49, were fined 1,000 Australian dollars ($759) each for breaching a stay-home pandemic order that restricted them to Sydney, police said on Monday. The younger man was found 'naked and carrying a backpack?’ while the older man was 'partially clothed’," the police statement said. "Clearly putting people at risk by leaving home without a proper reason, ... Then getting lost in the national park and diverting important resources away from the health operation, I think they should be embarrassed," Fuller said. The pair were among 44 people fined by police on Sunday for breaching a public health order after Sydney began a two-week lockdown on Friday due to a new COVID-19 cluster. (With inputs from agencies)

Police rescue spooked nude sunbathers from Australian forest  

In a week, Libya has rescued more than 1,500 would-be migrants off its west coast, a non-governmental organisation said.&nbsp;

"The Libyan coastguard has conducted several rescue operations from a week ago until (Wednesday) and rescued about 1,500 people," Adel al-Idrissi from the International Rescue Committee said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday alone, 240 African migrants were rescued from two boats off the port city of Al-Khums, said Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammed Abdel Aali of the coastguard.&nbsp;

"We encountered difficulties in getting the (migrants from the first boat) on board, but the second group showed less opposition," he said.&nbsp;

Migrants intercepted off the Libyan coast object to being returned to the country, preferring to wait for humanitarian rescue ships.&nbsp;

Despite unabated violence in Libya since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi's regime in 2011, the country remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East and seeking to reach Europe.&nbsp;

International agencies frequently denounce the return to Libya of migrants intercepted at sea due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres.&nbsp;

Veronica Alfonsi, a spokeswoman for the Spanish aid ship Open Arms, confirmed on Wednesday that around 200 people had been returned to Libya.&nbsp;

"Men, women and children taken back to Libya against their will," the charity's founder Oscar Camps said on Twitter.&nbsp;

More than 1,200 migrants and asylum-seekers died while crossing the Mediterranean in 2020, according to the International Organization for Migration.

In a week, Libya has rescued more than 1,500 would-be migrants off its west coast, a non-governmental organisation said. "The Libyan coastguard has conducted several rescue operations from a week ago until (Wednesday) and rescued about 1,500 people," Adel al-Idrissi from the International Rescue Committee said.

In a week, Libya has rescued more than 1,500 would-be migrants off its west coast, a non-governmental organisation said. "The Libyan coastguard has conducted several rescue operations from a week ago until (Wednesday) and rescued about 1,500 people," Adel al-Idrissi from the International Rescue Committee said. On Wednesday alone, 240 African migrants were rescued from two boats off the port city of Al-Khums, said Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammed Abdel Aali of the coastguard. "We encountered difficulties in getting the (migrants from the first boat) on board, but the second group showed less opposition," he said. Migrants intercepted off the Libyan coast object to being returned to the country, preferring to wait for humanitarian rescue ships. Despite unabated violence in Libya since the fall of Moamer Kadhafi's regime in 2011, the country remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East and seeking to reach Europe. International agencies frequently denounce the return to Libya of migrants intercepted at sea due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres. Veronica Alfonsi, a spokeswoman for the Spanish aid ship Open Arms, confirmed on Wednesday that around 200 people had been returned to Libya. "Men, women and children taken back to Libya against their will," the charity's founder Oscar Camps said on Twitter. More than 1,200 migrants and asylum-seekers died while crossing the Mediterranean in 2020, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week

Portugal is confident the European Commission will approve its plan to rescue ailing flag carrier TAP, Finance Minister Joao Leao said in an interview, adding that he expected that green light by the end of March.

The government unveiled its overhaul plan last month, proposing 2,000 job cuts by 2022 and pay cuts of up to 25%, while saying the airline would need around 2 billion euros ($2.46 billion) in extra funds with state guarantees to cover financing needs until 2024.

The stakes are high: if the EU executive rejects Lisbon`s proposal, TAP would have to immediately repay a 1.2 billion euro rescue loan agreed in June, which could lead to its insolvency.

Leao told Reuters that, as part of the rescue plan, the government envisaged converting that loan to equity, which could raise the government`s stake in the airline to about 90%. The government was not contemplating asking private bond holders to take a haircut on payments to ensure TAP`s financial viability, but had not yet ruled it out either.

"The main concern of the plan is that to make the firm sustainable," Leao told Reuters.

Formal negotiations with the European Commission formally started this month, he said, adding: "We expect in the first quarter to have the plan approved."

"We are proposing that a big part of this (1.2 billion euro) loan is converted from loans to equity, so that the financial indicators of the firm improve," Leao said.

The Portuguese government currently has a 72.5% stake in the company. Leao said "one possibility" was to turn the whole loan into equity, which he estimated could boost that stake to around 90%.

He stressed that "the support measures by the government are limited in time," adding that the aim was that TAP would eventually return to financing itself on the markets.

"It is important for the firm to live by itself ... so that as soon as possible, if possible starting next year or later on, the firm can stop having to be financed by the state."

Asked if the ailing carrier should aim to do so on a standlone basis or strike an alliance with another air carrier, he said: "it might be interesting to have another player to also help TAP to make sure the firm becomes competitive and profitable."

TAP reported losses of more than 700 million euros for the first nine months of 2020.

Asked if there could be a haircut on the 725 million euros of debt held by TAP`s bondholders, he responded: "so far, is not in the plan, but that is a discussion we need to have with the European Commission to make sure that all stakeholders are involved".

Portugal is confident the European Commission will approve its plan to rescue ailing flag carrier TAP, Finance Minister Joao Leao said in an interview, adding that he expected that green light by the end of March.

Portugal is confident the European Commission will approve its plan to rescue ailing flag carrier TAP, Finance Minister Joao Leao said in an interview, adding that he expected that green light by the end of March. The government unveiled its overhaul plan last month, proposing 2,000 job cuts by 2022 and pay cuts of up to 25%, while saying the airline would need around 2 billion euros ($2.46 billion) in extra funds with state guarantees to cover financing needs until 2024. The stakes are high: if the EU executive rejects Lisbon`s proposal, TAP would have to immediately repay a 1.2 billion euro rescue loan agreed in June, which could lead to its insolvency. Leao told Reuters that, as part of the rescue plan, the government envisaged converting that loan to equity, which could raise the government`s stake in the airline to about 90%. The government was not contemplating asking private bond holders to take a haircut on payments to ensure TAP`s financial viability, but had not yet ruled it out either. "The main concern of the plan is that to make the firm sustainable," Leao told Reuters. Formal negotiations with the European Commission formally started this month, he said, adding: "We expect in the first quarter to have the plan approved." "We are proposing that a big part of this (1.2 billion euro) loan is converted from loans to equity, so that the financial indicators of the firm improve," Leao said. The Portuguese government currently has a 72.5% stake in the company. Leao said "one possibility" was to turn the whole loan into equity, which he estimated could boost that stake to around 90%. He stressed that "the support measures by the government are limited in time," adding that the aim was that TAP would eventually return to financing itself on the markets. "It is important for the firm to live by itself ... so that as soon as possible, if possible starting next year or later on, the firm can stop having to be financed by the state." Asked if the ailing carrier should aim to do so on a standlone basis or strike an alliance with another air carrier, he said: "it might be interesting to have another player to also help TAP to make sure the firm becomes competitive and profitable." TAP reported losses of more than 700 million euros for the first nine months of 2020. Asked if there could be a haircut on the 725 million euros of debt held by TAP`s bondholders, he responded: "so far, is not in the plan, but that is a discussion we need to have with the European Commission to make sure that all stakeholders are involved".

Portugal confident it will get EU green light for TAP rescue plan in Q1

Two rescued manatees were released back into the sea off the Florida Keys on Wednesday (May 20) after having been rehabilitated by rescue volunteers.

Rescued manatees released after rehab

One year old orphan bears Bradley and Cooper were released into the wild on Saturday (May 2) after being trained on how to make it on their own.

Young orphan bears released from sanctuary into the wild in Greece

An emaciated lion in Colombia was transported on Thursday (February 27) to be closer to its 'mother' in a bid to save his life. Jupiter was rescued at a young age from a circus after a life of abuse. Following his rescue, Jupiter was dubbed the 'kissing lion' after video of him hugging his carer Ana Julia Torres went viral in 2011.

Malnourished lion returns to woman who rescued him from circus abuse

Activists from the Sea Shepherd conservation organization on Friday (February 21) rescued a Humpback whale that was caught in illegal fishing nets in Mexico's upper Sea of Cortes.

Whale rescued from illegal fishing net in Mexico's Sea of Cortes

Rescuers worked by hand to clear debris from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-eight-as-heavy-rains-hit-typhoon-battered-eastern-japan-258223">landslide triggered by heavy rains</a> in central Japan on Saturday, as the toll from the storms rose to 10 dead with a further three people reportedly missing.

Aerial footage showed emergency workers removing wreckage from two houses that were swept away in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo, just two weeks after a deadly typhoon barrelled through the area.

Nine people were killed by landslides and floods in the region, including two elderly men found dead in submerged cars, officials and news reports said.

A woman in her 40s was found dead near the coast in eastern Fukushima, according to a fire department official.

Police divers were deployed to search for those unaccounted for, with public broadcaster NHK putting the number of missing at three.

Thousands of people were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-hit-areas-in-japan-brace-for-heavy-rains-60000-advised-to-evacuate-258034">forced to spend the night in Narita airport</a> after train services were suspended, it added.

"Water was flowing in my garden like a river," a 75-year-old man told NHK. "Rain was heavier than during the typhoon."

Two weeks ago, Typhoon Hagibis slammed into the east coast of Japan, killing more than 80 people. Many river banks and levees that were breached during Hagibis have yet to be repaired.

The rescue effort received some relief when the Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded warnings of landslides and floods as rains eased on Saturday morning in many regions.

Non-mandatory evacuation orders were also lifted in many areas, although 1,800 people were still in shelters, NHK reported.

Rescuers worked by hand to clear debris from a landslide triggered by heavy rains in central Japan on Saturday, as the toll from the storms rose to 10 dead with a further three people reportedly missing.

Rescuers worked by hand to clear debris from a landslide triggered by heavy rains in central Japan on Saturday, as the toll from the storms rose to 10 dead with a further three people reportedly missing. Aerial footage showed emergency workers removing wreckage from two houses that were swept away in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo, just two weeks after a deadly typhoon barrelled through the area. Nine people were killed by landslides and floods in the region, including two elderly men found dead in submerged cars, officials and news reports said. A woman in her 40s was found dead near the coast in eastern Fukushima, according to a fire department official. Police divers were deployed to search for those unaccounted for, with public broadcaster NHK putting the number of missing at three. Thousands of people were forced to spend the night in Narita airport after train services were suspended, it added. "Water was flowing in my garden like a river," a 75-year-old man told NHK. "Rain was heavier than during the typhoon." Two weeks ago, Typhoon Hagibis slammed into the east coast of Japan, killing more than 80 people. Many river banks and levees that were breached during Hagibis have yet to be repaired. The rescue effort received some relief when the Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded warnings of landslides and floods as rains eased on Saturday morning in many regions. Non-mandatory evacuation orders were also lifted in many areas, although 1,800 people were still in shelters, NHK reported.

Rescuers hunt for missing people as landslides, floods kill ten in Japan

Firefighters were searching for at least nine people missing after a seven-story residential building collapsed in northeast Brazil on Tuesday, officials said.

Nine people have been pulled alive from the wreckage of the building in Fortaleza, capital of Ceara state, after it imploded, sending thick clouds of dust into the air.

Among those rescued was architecture student David Sampaio, who was located after sending a selfie to his WhatsApp chat group showing himself smiling and with his thumb up while trapped under the rubble.

State governor Camilo Santana said no one had been found dead so far, correcting earlier firefighter reports of one fatality. A spokesman confirmed to AFP late Tuesday that rescuers had not found any bodies.

Eighteen people were believed to have been in or near the building when it collapsed.

"So far, nine victims have been rescued alive," said a joint statement by Ceara's government and the Fortaleza mayor's office.

It was not immediately clear what caused the building to collapse at around 1330 GMT, when most residents would have been at work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The president of the Regional Council of Engineering and Agriculture of Ceara, Emanuel Maia Mota, said the building "was undergoing renovations", without giving more details.

Piles of debris wrapped in a cloud of dust were seen in images broadcast on local TV minutes after the collapse of the building, which is surrounded by houses and other seemingly modern properties.

Building collapses in Brazil tend to happen in poor neighbourhoods, known as favelas, where illegal construction is rampant.

But the building was in Dionisio Torres, an upscale neighbourhood of Fortaleza, and close to Iracema Beach, one of the main attractions in the area.

In April, 24 people were killed when two buildings in a favela in Rio de Janeiro collapsed after several days of heavy rains.

Firefighters were searching for at least nine people missing after a seven-story residential building collapsed in northeast Brazil on Tuesday, officials said. Nine people have been pulled alive from the wreckage of the building in Fortaleza, capital of Ceara state, after it imploded, sending thick clouds of dust into the air.

Firefighters were searching for at least nine people missing after a seven-story residential building collapsed in northeast Brazil on Tuesday, officials said. Nine people have been pulled alive from the wreckage of the building in Fortaleza, capital of Ceara state, after it imploded, sending thick clouds of dust into the air. Among those rescued was architecture student David Sampaio, who was located after sending a selfie to his WhatsApp chat group showing himself smiling and with his thumb up while trapped under the rubble. State governor Camilo Santana said no one had been found dead so far, correcting earlier firefighter reports of one fatality. A spokesman confirmed to AFP late Tuesday that rescuers had not found any bodies. Eighteen people were believed to have been in or near the building when it collapsed. "So far, nine victims have been rescued alive," said a joint statement by Ceara's government and the Fortaleza mayor's office. It was not immediately clear what caused the building to collapse at around 1330 GMT, when most residents would have been at work. The president of the Regional Council of Engineering and Agriculture of Ceara, Emanuel Maia Mota, said the building "was undergoing renovations", without giving more details. Piles of debris wrapped in a cloud of dust were seen in images broadcast on local TV minutes after the collapse of the building, which is surrounded by houses and other seemingly modern properties. Building collapses in Brazil tend to happen in poor neighbourhoods, known as favelas, where illegal construction is rampant. But the building was in Dionisio Torres, an upscale neighbourhood of Fortaleza, and close to Iracema Beach, one of the main attractions in the area. In April, 24 people were killed when two buildings in a favela in Rio de Janeiro collapsed after several days of heavy rains.

Rescuers search for nine missing in Brazil building collapse

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-throws-life-out-of-gear-in-patna-17-dead-252694">death toll</a> due to incessant <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/floods-hit-normal-life-as-floodwater-swamps-roads-in-india-252770">rainfall and flood</a> in different areas of the state has risen to 29, officials said on Monday.

According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, till now, 29 people have died in the state due to rainfall.

The state government has requested the Indian Air Force (IAF) for two helicopters for lifting and airdropping food packets and medicines, in the flood-affected areas of the region.

Dewatering machines have also been sought by state to provide relief in the flood-affected areas.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday afternoon visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue.

The Chief Minister first visited the Dak Bungalow Chauraha.

He then visited Gandhi Maidan, Exhibition road, Kankarbagh Road, NMCH, Agamkuan bridge and Anishabad which are severely waterlogged.

Earlier while speaking to media in Patna, the Chief Minister said, "There has been heavy rainfall in some areas since yesterday and water in Ganga River is rising constantly. But there are proper arrangements and administration is at the spot and making all the efforts to help people."

According to the India Meteorological Department, Patna will receive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-predicts-heavy-rainfall-over-bihar-sikkim-252670">more rainfall</a> for the next few days accompanied by thunderstorms.

The death toll due to incessant rainfall and flood in different areas of the state has risen to 29, officials said on Monday. According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, till now, 29 people have died in the state due to rainfall.

The death toll due to incessant rainfall and flood in different areas of the state has risen to 29, officials said on Monday. According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, till now, 29 people have died in the state due to rainfall. The state government has requested the Indian Air Force (IAF) for two helicopters for lifting and airdropping food packets and medicines, in the flood-affected areas of the region. Dewatering machines have also been sought by state to provide relief in the flood-affected areas. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday afternoon visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue. The Chief Minister first visited the Dak Bungalow Chauraha. He then visited Gandhi Maidan, Exhibition road, Kankarbagh Road, NMCH, Agamkuan bridge and Anishabad which are severely waterlogged. Earlier while speaking to media in Patna, the Chief Minister said, "There has been heavy rainfall in some areas since yesterday and water in Ganga River is rising constantly. But there are proper arrangements and administration is at the spot and making all the efforts to help people." According to the India Meteorological Department, Patna will receive more rainfall for the next few days accompanied by thunderstorms.

Bihar: Death toll due to incessant rains, flood rises to 29

Floods&nbsp;triggered by torrential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-predicts-heavy-rainfall-over-bihar-sikkim-252670">rains</a> have inundated houses, swamped&nbsp;roads, and paralysed&nbsp;normal&nbsp;life&nbsp;in&nbsp;India's northern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar states on Sunday (September 29).

Scores of people in Bihar's capital city, Patna were rendered homeless by the&nbsp;floods&nbsp;as water inundated their houses and forced them to wade through waist-deep water with their belongings clenched in their hands.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge

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At least 17 people have been killed in the region due to flash&nbsp;floods, local media reports said on Saturday (September 28).

Water-logged&nbsp;roads&nbsp;have made emergency services like ambulances inaccessible in the region, owing to which, a man was seen carrying a body on a cart.

An administrative official said rescue forces have been posted to evacuate stranded locals and around 8000-9000 people have been evacuated.

"SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams have been posted here.

Almost 8000-9000 people have been evacuated today since morning," said District Magistrate, Patna, Kumar Ravi.

In the temple city of Varanasi, water-logging affected commuters.

Uttar Pradesh has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-after-heavy-rains-fish-swim-into-bihar-hospital-icu-155484">witnessed constant rainfall</a> in the recent few days and water from the rain-swollen rivers have reached the low-lying residential areas inundating houses and property.

India's monsoon usually starts retreating at the start of September but has been delayed by a month this year. Intense rainfall in many parts of the country has triggered&nbsp;floods&nbsp;that have swamped cane and rice fields and caused deaths in some cases.

Floods triggered by torrential rains have inundated houses, swamped roads, and paralysed normal life in India's northern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar states on Sunday (September 29).

Floods triggered by torrential rains have inundated houses, swamped roads, and paralysed normal life in India's northern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar states on Sunday (September 29). Scores of people in Bihar's capital city, Patna were rendered homeless by the floods as water inundated their houses and forced them to wade through waist-deep water with their belongings clenched in their hands. Watch Video: Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge × At least 17 people have been killed in the region due to flash floods, local media reports said on Saturday (September 28). Water-logged roads have made emergency services like ambulances inaccessible in the region, owing to which, a man was seen carrying a body on a cart. An administrative official said rescue forces have been posted to evacuate stranded locals and around 8000-9000 people have been evacuated. "SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams have been posted here. Almost 8000-9000 people have been evacuated today since morning," said District Magistrate, Patna, Kumar Ravi. In the temple city of Varanasi, water-logging affected commuters. Uttar Pradesh has witnessed constant rainfall in the recent few days and water from the rain-swollen rivers have reached the low-lying residential areas inundating houses and property. India's monsoon usually starts retreating at the start of September but has been delayed by a month this year. Intense rainfall in many parts of the country has triggered floods that have swamped cane and rice fields and caused deaths in some cases.

Floods hamper normal life as floodwater swamps roads in India

Seven members of a Philippine "dragon boat" team were killed Wednesday when their boat capsized off the island of Boracay as they trained for an international race, rescuers and colleagues said.

Large waves swamped and overturned the wooden boat off one of the world's most famous tropical holiday resorts, killing four male and three female rowers at sunrise, they added.

"There are many rocks in the area so it's possible that they hit their head on them," local disaster officer Catherine Ong Fulgencio told AFP by telephone, explaining why they did not survive even though they could swim.

Fourteen other team members, including a Chinese and a Russian woman, were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment, Fulgencio added.

The Filipino victims were training for the Kaohsiung City Cup scheduled for the southern Taiwanese city in November, said team member Remedy Aquino, who was not aboard the boat.

Dragon boat racing is a popular sport in the Philippines and many parts of Asia, where 20 paddlers sitting two abreast atop a long wooden 12-metre (39-foot) boat sandwiched by a cox who steers the vessel from the rear and a drummer in front.

Seven members of a Philippine "dragon boat" team were killed Wednesday when their boat capsized off the island of Boracay as they trained for an international race, rescuers and colleagues said.

Seven members of a Philippine "dragon boat" team were killed Wednesday when their boat capsized off the island of Boracay as they trained for an international race, rescuers and colleagues said. Large waves swamped and overturned the wooden boat off one of the world's most famous tropical holiday resorts, killing four male and three female rowers at sunrise, they added. "There are many rocks in the area so it's possible that they hit their head on them," local disaster officer Catherine Ong Fulgencio told AFP by telephone, explaining why they did not survive even though they could swim. Fourteen other team members, including a Chinese and a Russian woman, were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment, Fulgencio added. The Filipino victims were training for the Kaohsiung City Cup scheduled for the southern Taiwanese city in November, said team member Remedy Aquino, who was not aboard the boat. Dragon boat racing is a popular sport in the Philippines and many parts of Asia, where 20 paddlers sitting two abreast atop a long wooden 12-metre (39-foot) boat sandwiched by a cox who steers the vessel from the rear and a drummer in front.

Seven rowers die in training accident off top Philippine resort

In wake of the warnings issued by the India Meteorology Department (IMD) for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-237689"> heavy rainfall </a>in the region, the district police on Monday directed the forces to help the people living along the banks of rivers in moving to safer places.

"Since we have received a warning for heavy rainfall, there is a possibility that the water levels of the rivers in the region may go up. We have issued directions to our teams to help people living along the banks in avoiding the flood-like situation by helping them move to safer places," Arun Mohan Joshi, Senior Superintendent of Police said.

The police personnel in various areas are in all readiness to face any untoward situation.

The disaster relief teams have been instructed to keep their equipment ready to address any issues in the near future.

In the wake of heavy rains and cloud burst in the hilly areas here, the Ganges was flowing barely 10 centimetres below the danger level mark here on August 9.

The danger level mark is 339.50 metres and the Ganges is flowing at 339.40 metres mark.

If the river flows above the danger mark, it could prove dangerous to the plains.&nbsp;

In wake of the warnings issued by the India Meteorology Department (IMD) for heavy rainfall in the region, the district police on Monday directed the forces to help the people living along the banks of rivers in moving to safer places.

In wake of the warnings issued by the India Meteorology Department (IMD) for heavy rainfall in the region, the district police on Monday directed the forces to help the people living along the banks of rivers in moving to safer places. "Since we have received a warning for heavy rainfall, there is a possibility that the water levels of the rivers in the region may go up. We have issued directions to our teams to help people living along the banks in avoiding the flood-like situation by helping them move to safer places," Arun Mohan Joshi, Senior Superintendent of Police said. The police personnel in various areas are in all readiness to face any untoward situation. The disaster relief teams have been instructed to keep their equipment ready to address any issues in the near future. In the wake of heavy rains and cloud burst in the hilly areas here, the Ganges was flowing barely 10 centimetres below the danger level mark here on August 9. The danger level mark is 339.50 metres and the Ganges is flowing at 339.40 metres mark. If the river flows above the danger mark, it could prove dangerous to the plains.

Uttarakhand: Police direct forces to help people in case of heavy rainfall

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rescued 156 people apart from airlifting relief material and rescue personnel to flood-affected areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra since August 4, the South Western Air Command (SWAC) said on Sunday.

"South Western Air Command has flown 74 sorties, rescued 156 people, including women and children, airlifted 23 tonnes of relief material and 124 personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army and Naval rescue teams," a SWAC statement said.

The command has pressed eight helicopters into service for rescue and relief operations and to provide assistance to different agencies.

"To provide assistance in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rescue-and-relief-work-beefs-up-as-rains-wreak-havoc-in-india-241982"> prevailing flood situation</a> in Gujarat and Maharashtra, South Western Air Command has deployed 8 helicopters. So far all rescue requirements for marooned people have been completed successfully," SWAC chief Air Marshal HS Arora said.

He said the Air Force was "committed to meet all demands and save the lives of our citizens".

The IAF's medium-lift helicopters and transport aircraft have been operating from various Air Force and civil airfields for positioning life-saving relief materials and rescue teams in the affected areas in the two states.

The SWAC began its operations on August 4 when it rescued 45 people from Navsari area near Surat.

"From August 6, relief and rescue missions in Maharashtra commenced in full swing, especially at Kolhapur," the statement said.

The Air Force also carried out rescue missions in Jodia and Pittar areas near Jamnagar in Gujarat where two Mi-17 helicopters were pressed into action to rescue 29 marooned people.

Several parts of the country including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Karanataka have been reeling under floods following heavy rains.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rescued 156 people apart from airlifting relief material and rescue personnel to flood-affected areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra since August 4, the South Western Air Command (SWAC) said on Sunday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rescued 156 people apart from airlifting relief material and rescue personnel to flood-affected areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra since August 4, the South Western Air Command (SWAC) said on Sunday. "South Western Air Command has flown 74 sorties, rescued 156 people, including women and children, airlifted 23 tonnes of relief material and 124 personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army and Naval rescue teams," a SWAC statement said. The command has pressed eight helicopters into service for rescue and relief operations and to provide assistance to different agencies. "To provide assistance in the prevailing flood situation in Gujarat and Maharashtra, South Western Air Command has deployed 8 helicopters. So far all rescue requirements for marooned people have been completed successfully," SWAC chief Air Marshal HS Arora said. He said the Air Force was "committed to meet all demands and save the lives of our citizens". The IAF's medium-lift helicopters and transport aircraft have been operating from various Air Force and civil airfields for positioning life-saving relief materials and rescue teams in the affected areas in the two states. The SWAC began its operations on August 4 when it rescued 45 people from Navsari area near Surat. "From August 6, relief and rescue missions in Maharashtra commenced in full swing, especially at Kolhapur," the statement said. The Air Force also carried out rescue missions in Jodia and Pittar areas near Jamnagar in Gujarat where two Mi-17 helicopters were pressed into action to rescue 29 marooned people. Several parts of the country including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Karanataka have been reeling under floods following heavy rains.

Air Force rescues 156 people from flood-affected areas in Gujarat, Maharashtra

Chinese firefighters have rescued a three-year-old boy from a four-meter-deep well with a diameter of only 30-centimeter in Heze City of east China's Shandong Province. Watch this video to know more.

China: Firefighters rescued toddler from abandoned well

The story of the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their coach who were trapped for two weeks in a cave in northern Thailand last year will be told by the United States-based media platform Netflix following a deal between several producers announced in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Netflix to stream story of Thai youth soccer team's dramatic rescue from cave

A dog that was rescued by oil rig workers more than 200 kilometers (125 miles) off the coast of Thailand, was in good health on Wednesday and is set to be adopted by one of its rescuers.

Dog pulled from Gulf of Thailand to be adopted by rescuer

A rescue operation to save hundreds of dogs in South Korea from the slaughterhouse began Wednesday, as pressure mounts on the country to end its custom of killing canines for meat.

About one million dogs are eaten a year in South Korea, often as a summertime delicacy, with the greasy red meat — invariably boiled for tenderness — believed to increase energy.

But the tradition has earned criticism abroad and has declined as the nation increasingly embraces the idea of dogs as pets instead of livestock, with eating them now something of a taboo among young South Koreans.

The two-week rescue operation by animal protection group Humane Society International (HSI) will save about 200 canines at a dog farm in Hongseong county, 150 kilometres south of Seoul.

The dogs will then be sent to Canada and the United States for rehoming.&nbsp;

"These dogs are no different from any other dogs. Once they receive some tender loving care that they deserve and that they need," Kelly O'Meara, an HSI official, told AFP.

The farm was the 14th complex shut down by the group since 2015. &nbsp;

The organisation said it has rescued around 1,600 dogs during that time, with farmers given support to move into other lines of work. One transformed his dog meat business into a blueberry farm.

Lee Sang-gu, the owner of the Hongseong farm, said he decided to change his business because it was "not profitable anymore", noting even his family members were against eating dog. &nbsp;

According to a survey in 2017, 70 per cent of South Koreans do not eat dog, but far fewer — about 40 per cent — believe the practice should be banned.&nbsp;

It also found 65 per cent support raising and slaughtering dogs under more humane conditions.

The country's largest canine slaughterhouse complex in Seongnam city, south of Seoul, was dismantled in November. Activists who visited found electrocution equipment and a pile of dead dogs abandoned on the floor.

There are currently no laws on how to treat or slaughter canines for meat in South Korea. While farmers have urged Seoul to include dogs under livestock welfare regulations, animal rights groups oppose doing so, seeking complete abolition instead.

A rescue operation to save hundreds of dogs in South Korea from the slaughterhouse began Wednesday, as pressure mounts on the country to end its custom of killing canines for meat.

A rescue operation to save hundreds of dogs in South Korea from the slaughterhouse began Wednesday, as pressure mounts on the country to end its custom of killing canines for meat. About one million dogs are eaten a year in South Korea, often as a summertime delicacy, with the greasy red meat — invariably boiled for tenderness — believed to increase energy. But the tradition has earned criticism abroad and has declined as the nation increasingly embraces the idea of dogs as pets instead of livestock, with eating them now something of a taboo among young South Koreans. The two-week rescue operation by animal protection group Humane Society International (HSI) will save about 200 canines at a dog farm in Hongseong county, 150 kilometres south of Seoul. The dogs will then be sent to Canada and the United States for rehoming. "These dogs are no different from any other dogs. Once they receive some tender loving care that they deserve and that they need," Kelly O'Meara, an HSI official, told AFP. The farm was the 14th complex shut down by the group since 2015. The organisation said it has rescued around 1,600 dogs during that time, with farmers given support to move into other lines of work. One transformed his dog meat business into a blueberry farm. Lee Sang-gu, the owner of the Hongseong farm, said he decided to change his business because it was "not profitable anymore", noting even his family members were against eating dog. According to a survey in 2017, 70 per cent of South Koreans do not eat dog, but far fewer — about 40 per cent — believe the practice should be banned. It also found 65 per cent support raising and slaughtering dogs under more humane conditions. The country's largest canine slaughterhouse complex in Seongnam city, south of Seoul, was dismantled in November. Activists who visited found electrocution equipment and a pile of dead dogs abandoned on the floor. There are currently no laws on how to treat or slaughter canines for meat in South Korea. While farmers have urged Seoul to include dogs under livestock welfare regulations, animal rights groups oppose doing so, seeking complete abolition instead.

Rescue of 200 dogs destined for slaughterhouse begins in South Korea

Five people have been killed by a gas explosion in an unused coal mine in South Africa's eastern province of Mpumalanga and several others remain trapped, police said on Thursday.

State broadcaster SABC said about 20 people were still stuck underground at the mine in Middleburg.

Rescue efforts were hampered by dangerously high levels of toxic gas underground, SABC said.

The mine is owned by Tegeta Resources and Exploration, which is undergoing creditor protection after its owners, the Gupta brothers, found it difficult to continue doing business in South Africa following corruption allegations against them.

Several people had entered the mine on Wednesday afternoon to steal copper wires that supply electricity for lighting and ventilation when a gas pipe exploded, police spokesman Leonard Hlati said.

"The mine is wired with copper. They were going for copper," Hlati said.

Copper is often stolen from disused mines in South Africa and sold for scrap.

The Gupta brothers, their lawyers and officials from their firms and family representatives could not be reached for comment about the mine incident.

The brothers - who headed what was one of the country's biggest conglomerates - were accused of unduly influencing former president Jacob Zuma over political appointments and winning contracts.

Zuma and the Guptas deny any wrongdoing.

Five people have been killed by a gas explosion in an unused coal mine in South Africa's eastern province of Mpumalanga and several others remain trapped, police said on Thursday.

Five people have been killed by a gas explosion in an unused coal mine in South Africa's eastern province of Mpumalanga and several others remain trapped, police said on Thursday. State broadcaster SABC said about 20 people were still stuck underground at the mine in Middleburg. Rescue efforts were hampered by dangerously high levels of toxic gas underground, SABC said. The mine is owned by Tegeta Resources and Exploration, which is undergoing creditor protection after its owners, the Gupta brothers, found it difficult to continue doing business in South Africa following corruption allegations against them. Several people had entered the mine on Wednesday afternoon to steal copper wires that supply electricity for lighting and ventilation when a gas pipe exploded, police spokesman Leonard Hlati said. "The mine is wired with copper. They were going for copper," Hlati said. Copper is often stolen from disused mines in South Africa and sold for scrap. The Gupta brothers, their lawyers and officials from their firms and family representatives could not be reached for comment about the mine incident. The brothers - who headed what was one of the country's biggest conglomerates - were accused of unduly influencing former president Jacob Zuma over political appointments and winning contracts. Zuma and the Guptas deny any wrongdoing.

Five killed in South African coal mine gas explosion

At least 28 Haitians have drowned off the coast of Abaco in the Bahamas, officials said Sunday, the latest tragedy at sea for migrants seeking to leave the Caribbean's poorest economy.

"Thus far, a total of 17 persons have been rescued alive and 28 bodies have been recovered from the water" after two days of dive operations, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force said.

The incident unfolded Saturday when the ship carrying the Haitians sank near Fowl Cay, six miles off the coast of Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Fifteen survivors and 13 dead bodies were recovered Saturday in a joint mission between the RBDF and US Coast Guard. On Sunday, two more survivors were found alive on a nearby cay in addition to 15 bodies in the sunken vessel.

In a tweet, the US embassy in Haiti described the ship as a vessel trafficking people out of Haiti, adding: "No journey is worth risking lives - please urge families and communities: Illegal migrant &amp; smuggling operations are dangerous and frequently end in tragedy."

The RBDF added that this year alone, some 300 Haitians had been apprehended for illegal entry during four separate incidents.

In a country where more than 60 per cent of the population lives on less than two dollars a day, there are frequent attempts to reach the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos illegally.

In recent years, thousands of young Haitians have migrated to Chile or Brazil, countries where visas are more easily obtained.

Although Haitians historically have gone to the United States, and to Florida in particular, the flow of migrants has shifted to Canada and other neighbouring countries.

Since a devastating earthquake in 2010, about 60,000 Haitians have found temporary protected status in the United States.

US President Donald Trump's administration announced in 2017 it was terminating the program but the decision has been challenged in several court cases.

At least 28 Haitians have drowned off the coast of Abaco in the Bahamas, officials said Sunday, the latest tragedy at sea for migrants seeking to leave the Caribbean's poorest economy.

At least 28 Haitians have drowned off the coast of Abaco in the Bahamas, officials said Sunday, the latest tragedy at sea for migrants seeking to leave the Caribbean's poorest economy. "Thus far, a total of 17 persons have been rescued alive and 28 bodies have been recovered from the water" after two days of dive operations, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force said. The incident unfolded Saturday when the ship carrying the Haitians sank near Fowl Cay, six miles off the coast of Marsh Harbour, Abaco. Fifteen survivors and 13 dead bodies were recovered Saturday in a joint mission between the RBDF and US Coast Guard. On Sunday, two more survivors were found alive on a nearby cay in addition to 15 bodies in the sunken vessel. In a tweet, the US embassy in Haiti described the ship as a vessel trafficking people out of Haiti, adding: "No journey is worth risking lives - please urge families and communities: Illegal migrant & smuggling operations are dangerous and frequently end in tragedy." The RBDF added that this year alone, some 300 Haitians had been apprehended for illegal entry during four separate incidents. In a country where more than 60 per cent of the population lives on less than two dollars a day, there are frequent attempts to reach the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos illegally. In recent years, thousands of young Haitians have migrated to Chile or Brazil, countries where visas are more easily obtained. Although Haitians historically have gone to the United States, and to Florida in particular, the flow of migrants has shifted to Canada and other neighbouring countries. Since a devastating earthquake in 2010, about 60,000 Haitians have found temporary protected status in the United States. US President Donald Trump's administration announced in 2017 it was terminating the program but the decision has been challenged in several court cases.

28 Haitians dead after ship sinks off Bahamas: Officials

In pics: Meghalaya Miners' Rescue Operation

The Italian interior minister on Tuesday again rejected authorizing the docking of a ship belonging to a German NGO with 33 migrants on board who were recently rescued in the central Mediterranean.

Matteo Salvini said that Italy has previously allowed 700,000 people to land, but now other countries, such as Germany, Spain, the Netherlands or France, should, in turn, contribute to this issue.

The non-profit, Sea-Watch, once again requested a port to dock and appealed for help from the German government, while weather conditions were worsening and the ship was still waiting for a country to take charge of the 33 rescued people, including 3 teenagers, 3 children and 4 women.

The rescued migrants come mostly from Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Libya, according to the NGO.

For the time being, the Sea-Watch 3 vessel remained in the rescue zone of Malta, which has yet to authorize the landing.

The Italian interior minister on Tuesday again rejected authorizing the docking of a ship belonging to a German NGO with 33 migrants on board who were recently rescued in the central Mediterranean.

The Italian interior minister on Tuesday again rejected authorizing the docking of a ship belonging to a German NGO with 33 migrants on board who were recently rescued in the central Mediterranean. Matteo Salvini said that Italy has previously allowed 700,000 people to land, but now other countries, such as Germany, Spain, the Netherlands or France, should, in turn, contribute to this issue. The non-profit, Sea-Watch, once again requested a port to dock and appealed for help from the German government, while weather conditions were worsening and the ship was still waiting for a country to take charge of the 33 rescued people, including 3 teenagers, 3 children and 4 women. The rescued migrants come mostly from Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Libya, according to the NGO. For the time being, the Sea-Watch 3 vessel remained in the rescue zone of Malta, which has yet to authorize the landing.

Italy refuses port to NGO vessel with 33 rescued migrants on board

At least 13 Nepalese women, who were allegedly being trafficked on the pretext of jobs, were rescued from hotels in India by an NGO and have been brought back to the country.

Maiti India, an NGO has brought eight women from Bangalore and five from Ahmedabad to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-student-bus-plunges-inro-gorge-23-dead-185781">Kathmandu </a>on Tuesday, Balkrishna Pandey, a representative of the organisation, said.

The Nepalese women aged between 17 and 40 were rescued from various places, including hotels in India.&nbsp;

These women were taken by brokers to different parts of Indian cities in the pretext of providing them with attractive jobs, according to Pandey.&nbsp;

The women have been handed over to the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, Pandey told PTI.

Annually tens of thousands of Nepalese women are being flown mainly to India with the promise of lucrative jobs.&nbsp;

At least 13 Nepalese women, who were allegedly being trafficked on the pretext of jobs, were rescued from hotels in India by an NGO and have been brought back to the country.

At least 13 Nepalese women, who were allegedly being trafficked on the pretext of jobs, were rescued from hotels in India by an NGO and have been brought back to the country. Maiti India, an NGO has brought eight women from Bangalore and five from Ahmedabad to Kathmandu on Tuesday, Balkrishna Pandey, a representative of the organisation, said. The Nepalese women aged between 17 and 40 were rescued from various places, including hotels in India. These women were taken by brokers to different parts of Indian cities in the pretext of providing them with attractive jobs, according to Pandey. The women have been handed over to the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, Pandey told PTI. Annually tens of thousands of Nepalese women are being flown mainly to India with the promise of lucrative jobs.

At least 13 Nepalese women rescued from India

Another incident made headlines suggesting the gravity of the man-caused threat to the environment. According to reports, a group of birdwatchers spotted a stork in the national capital with a plastic ring around its beak. The bird was not able to eat due to a trapped beak for nearly 5 days.

As per reports, the bird was spotted on June 7 and was finally rescued on June 13. It&nbsp;released into the wild after being kept under observation for some time&nbsp;

The rubber stopper, which accidentally got stuck around the stork's beak, could have come from a bottle or a can, experts note.&nbsp;

Black-necked storks figure on the Red List suggesting their 'near-threatened' status. The birds inhabit wetlands and prey on fish and snails.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZTMdzp8ugXo" width="560"></iframe>

Plastic pollution is one of the major threats to the environment. This year's theme during the World Environment Day called for curbing plastic pollution and mitigating use of plastic articles.&nbsp;

According to a study published in the journal Science in 2015, every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the oceans "which would be equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world," as mentioned on an online portal, Plastic Pollution.

Plastic waste poses a severe threat to the environment, marine life, the flora and fauna as well as to human health. The incident of a humble stork's ordeal was just one of the many examples that call for substantial change.&nbsp;

Black-necked storks figure on the Red List suggesting their 'near-threatened' status

Another incident made headlines suggesting the gravity of the man-caused threat to the environment. According to reports, a group of birdwatchers spotted a stork in the national capital with a plastic ring around its beak. The bird was not able to eat due to a trapped beak for nearly 5 days. As per reports, the bird was spotted on June 7 and was finally rescued on June 13. It released into the wild after being kept under observation for some time The rubber stopper, which accidentally got stuck around the stork's beak, could have come from a bottle or a can, experts note. Black-necked storks figure on the Red List suggesting their 'near-threatened' status. The birds inhabit wetlands and prey on fish and snails. Plastic pollution is one of the major threats to the environment. This year's theme during the World Environment Day called for curbing plastic pollution and mitigating use of plastic articles. According to a study published in the journal Science in 2015, every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the oceans "which would be equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world," as mentioned on an online portal, Plastic Pollution. Plastic waste poses a severe threat to the environment, marine life, the flora and fauna as well as to human health. The incident of a humble stork's ordeal was just one of the many examples that call for substantial change.

Watch: After nearly 5 days of ordeal, stork with plastic ring around beak gets rescued

Brazil's first lady Marcela Temer leapt fully clothed into a lake at the presidential palace to rescue her pet dog -- then got roasted on social media.

The 34-year-old former beauty queen jumped into the lake after her Jack Russell named Picoly went after some ducks but struggled to get back out.

Although the drama occurred on April 22, it only became public this week.

Brazilian media and Twitter wits mocked the first lady's heroics, making the incident a top trending topic late Monday.

Given that her husband Michel Temer is the most unpopular president on record in Brazilian history, leftist blogger Leonardo Stoppa joked that Marcela's aim was not to save the dog but the duck.

"She despaired, because she saw one of Temer's few voters," he said in a YouTube broadcast.

Michel Temer, who is more than four decades older than his wife and embroiled in multiple corruption investigations, took another hit from blogger Jose Simao, who tweeted: "Marcela's dog tried to commit suicide! It couldn't put up with Temer!"

Referencing comparisons between Temer and vampires -- a jibe that took centre stage at this year's Rio carnival -- one tweeter said he wasn't surprised Marcela cared so much about animals.

"It's obvious," he wrote. "Because she married a BAT."

The 34-year-old former beauty queen, Marcela Temer, jumped into the lake after her Jack Russell named Picoly went after some ducks but struggled to get back out

Brazil's first lady Marcela Temer leapt fully clothed into a lake at the presidential palace to rescue her pet dog -- then got roasted on social media. The 34-year-old former beauty queen jumped into the lake after her Jack Russell named Picoly went after some ducks but struggled to get back out. Although the drama occurred on April 22, it only became public this week. Brazilian media and Twitter wits mocked the first lady's heroics, making the incident a top trending topic late Monday. Given that her husband Michel Temer is the most unpopular president on record in Brazilian history, leftist blogger Leonardo Stoppa joked that Marcela's aim was not to save the dog but the duck. "She despaired, because she saw one of Temer's few voters," he said in a YouTube broadcast. Michel Temer, who is more than four decades older than his wife and embroiled in multiple corruption investigations, took another hit from blogger Jose Simao, who tweeted: "Marcela's dog tried to commit suicide! It couldn't put up with Temer!" Referencing comparisons between Temer and vampires -- a jibe that took centre stage at this year's Rio carnival -- one tweeter said he wasn't surprised Marcela cared so much about animals. "It's obvious," he wrote. "Because she married a BAT."

Brazil first lady jumps into lake to rescue dog, gets roasted on social media

A 13-year-old girl was stripped and molested in Bihar's Jehanabad district on Sunday. The attack was filmed.&nbsp;

The video of the attack was posted on social media and has since been widely shared.&nbsp;

No one can be seen in the video coming to the girl's rescue.&nbsp;

In the video, the girl is seen trying to fight off her attackers as they laugh at her and tear her clothes off.&nbsp;

ANI reported Patna Zonal IG Nayyar Hasnain Khan as saying four people have been arrested in connection with the case.&nbsp;

"Faces of two people have been matched with people in the video and other two were making the clip. Other 4-5 people have been named by them," he added.&nbsp;

News reports said police were conducting door-to-door searches in the area. The attack had taken place in Bihar's Ramdani village near Bharthua town.&nbsp;

The reports said police were able to zero in on the attackers from a motorcycle seen in the video.&nbsp;

The cellphone on which the attack was filmed has also been recovered by police.&nbsp;

The reports quoted police as saying most of the attackers looked like they were in their teens.&nbsp;

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4 people arrested in connection with the case. Faces of two people have been matched with people in the video & other two were making the clip.Other 4-5 people have been named by them. Search operation is underway: Nayyar Hasnain Khan, Patna Zonal IG on Jehanabad molestation case <a href="https://t.co/FA9fU6ySIE">pic.twitter.com/FA9fU6ySIE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990845190322774016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A First Investigation Report has been registered under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The video of the attack was posted on social media and has since been widely shared

A 13-year-old girl was stripped and molested in Bihar's Jehanabad district on Sunday. The attack was filmed. The video of the attack was posted on social media and has since been widely shared. No one can be seen in the video coming to the girl's rescue. In the video, the girl is seen trying to fight off her attackers as they laugh at her and tear her clothes off. ANI reported Patna Zonal IG Nayyar Hasnain Khan as saying four people have been arrested in connection with the case. "Faces of two people have been matched with people in the video and other two were making the clip. Other 4-5 people have been named by them," he added. News reports said police were conducting door-to-door searches in the area. The attack had taken place in Bihar's Ramdani village near Bharthua town. The reports said police were able to zero in on the attackers from a motorcycle seen in the video. The cellphone on which the attack was filmed has also been recovered by police. The reports quoted police as saying most of the attackers looked like they were in their teens. 4 people arrested in connection with the case. Faces of two people have been matched with people in the video & other two were making the clip.Other 4-5 people have been named by them. Search operation is underway: Nayyar Hasnain Khan, Patna Zonal IG on Jehanabad molestation case pic.twitter.com/FA9fU6ySIE — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × A First Investigation Report has been registered under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Bihar: 13-year-old girl stripped, molested by gang of teens. Attack filmed, no one comes to her rescue

A 16-day-old boy was today snatched by a monkey from his home in Odisha's Cuttack district, prompting authorities to launch a massive search operation.

The baby was sleeping next to his mother at their home in Talabasta village when the monkey snatched him, sources in the forest department, which is involved in the rescue mission, said.

The mother saw the monkey fleeing with her baby and raised an alarm. Thereafter, the villagers reported the incident to the authorities.

Forest department and fire services personnel reached the village and launched a massive operation to trace the baby.

A forest department official engaged in the rescue operation said, "As the child has trouble crying, we cannot hear his voice. It has, therefore, become difficult for us to trace him in the forest."

He said 30 forest department personnel in three teams led by Sangram Keshari Mohanty, the ranger of the Damapada Forest Range, are combing the nearby forest along with the villagers.

Several persons were injured in attacks by monkeys in the area a few days ago. Locals alleged inaction on the part of the forest department despite repeated complaints in this regard.&nbsp;

The baby was sleeping next to his mother at their home in Talabasta village when the monkey snatched him

A 16-day-old boy was today snatched by a monkey from his home in Odisha's Cuttack district, prompting authorities to launch a massive search operation. The baby was sleeping next to his mother at their home in Talabasta village when the monkey snatched him, sources in the forest department, which is involved in the rescue mission, said. The mother saw the monkey fleeing with her baby and raised an alarm. Thereafter, the villagers reported the incident to the authorities. Forest department and fire services personnel reached the village and launched a massive operation to trace the baby. A forest department official engaged in the rescue operation said, "As the child has trouble crying, we cannot hear his voice. It has, therefore, become difficult for us to trace him in the forest." He said 30 forest department personnel in three teams led by Sangram Keshari Mohanty, the ranger of the Damapada Forest Range, are combing the nearby forest along with the villagers. Several persons were injured in attacks by monkeys in the area a few days ago. Locals alleged inaction on the part of the forest department despite repeated complaints in this regard.

Odisha: Monkey flees with 16-day-old baby, search operation launched

A pair of Australian swimmers on Thursday became the first people to be rescued in the ocean by a drone when the aerial lifesaver dropped a safety device to distressed teens caught in rough seas.

Australia is leading the use of the technology in surf lifesaving, with dozens of drones being trialled on beaches around the country.

In what is believed to be a world-first drone surf rescue, two boys on Thursday got caught in three-metre (10-foot) swells while swimming off Lennox Head in New South Wales, near the border with Queensland.

Beachgoers onshore raised the alarm to the lifeguards who then alerted the drone pilot, and the aerial lifesaver was deployed in moments.

&quot;I was able to launch it, fly it to the location, and drop the pod all in about one to two minutes,&quot; lifeguard supervisor Jai Sheridan told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

&quot;On a normal day that would have taken our lifeguards a few minutes longer to reach the members of the public.&quot;

Other than a little weary from their experience the pair were reportedly unharmed.

Along with their ability to spot swimmers in trouble and deliver life-saving devices faster than traditional lifesaving techniques, like launching surfboards or rubber dinghies, drones are being used in Australia to spot underwater predators like sharks and jellyfish.

Artificial intelligence is being developed using thousands of images captured by a drone camera to build an algorithm that can identify different ocean objects.

The software can differentiate between sea creatures, like sharks which it can recognise with more than 90 percent accuracy, compared to about 16 percent with the naked eye.

Some beaches in Australia have shark nets, but a government report last year called for their phasing out in favour of exploring a range of alternatives, including sonar technology and aerial patrols.

The inquiry found that nets did not guarantee public safety any more than other deterrents but caused significant damage to marine life.

Beachgoers onshore raised the alarm to the lifeguards who then alerted the drone pilot, and the aerial lifesaver was deployed in moments

A pair of Australian swimmers on Thursday became the first people to be rescued in the ocean by a drone when the aerial lifesaver dropped a safety device to distressed teens caught in rough seas. Australia is leading the use of the technology in surf lifesaving, with dozens of drones being trialled on beaches around the country. In what is believed to be a world-first drone surf rescue, two boys on Thursday got caught in three-metre (10-foot) swells while swimming off Lennox Head in New South Wales, near the border with Queensland. Beachgoers onshore raised the alarm to the lifeguards who then alerted the drone pilot, and the aerial lifesaver was deployed in moments. "I was able to launch it, fly it to the location, and drop the pod all in about one to two minutes," lifeguard supervisor Jai Sheridan told the Gold Coast Bulletin. "On a normal day that would have taken our lifeguards a few minutes longer to reach the members of the public." Other than a little weary from their experience the pair were reportedly unharmed. Along with their ability to spot swimmers in trouble and deliver life-saving devices faster than traditional lifesaving techniques, like launching surfboards or rubber dinghies, drones are being used in Australia to spot underwater predators like sharks and jellyfish. Artificial intelligence is being developed using thousands of images captured by a drone camera to build an algorithm that can identify different ocean objects. The software can differentiate between sea creatures, like sharks which it can recognise with more than 90 percent accuracy, compared to about 16 percent with the naked eye. Some beaches in Australia have shark nets, but a government report last year called for their phasing out in favour of exploring a range of alternatives, including sonar technology and aerial patrols. The inquiry found that nets did not guarantee public safety any more than other deterrents but caused significant damage to marine life.

In world first, drone rescues 2 swimmers off Australian beach

Five people have been rescued after two cargo ships collided off the coast of China&#39;s southern Guangdong province, but seven crew members are still &quot;trapped&quot; inside a cabin, state media said Tuesday.

The five rescued from a sunken ship cabin on Tuesday afternoon told rescue staff that the other seven were trapped inside and still alive, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The collision occurred at about 3:00 am on Monday near the Pearl River estuary.&nbsp;

One ship carrying over 5,000 tons of steel managed to make it to shore, but the second ship carrying 5,000 tons of sand sank after the collision, the Guangzhou maritime search and rescue centre said on Monday.

Two crew members from the sunken ship and all eleven sailors from the steel ship were initially rescued on Monday.

Some 300 people, including more than 20 divers, were participating in search efforts Tuesday.&nbsp;Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, according to Xinhua.&nbsp;

The collision occurred at about 3:00 am on Monday near the Pearl River estuary

Five people have been rescued after two cargo ships collided off the coast of China's southern Guangdong province, but seven crew members are still "trapped" inside a cabin, state media said Tuesday. The five rescued from a sunken ship cabin on Tuesday afternoon told rescue staff that the other seven were trapped inside and still alive, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The collision occurred at about 3:00 am on Monday near the Pearl River estuary. One ship carrying over 5,000 tons of steel managed to make it to shore, but the second ship carrying 5,000 tons of sand sank after the collision, the Guangzhou maritime search and rescue centre said on Monday. Two crew members from the sunken ship and all eleven sailors from the steel ship were initially rescued on Monday. Some 300 people, including more than 20 divers, were participating in search efforts Tuesday. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, according to Xinhua.

Seven 'trapped' after cargo ships collide off south China

The first of the two Indian Air Force C-17s evacuating Indian citizens from war-torn South Sudan landed in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala early this morning. There were 156 people on board, including nine women and children, and two Nepalese citizens.&nbsp; 
 
The plane deboarded a number of evacuees at Thiruvananthapuram, and then continued on to Delhi.&nbsp; 
 
The evacuation -- called Sankat Mochan or &quot;rescue from danger&quot; -- is being headed by India&#39;s minister of state for external affairs General (retd) VK Singh. 
 
A second C-17 is also expected. Both flights took off from Juba, the South Sudanese capital.&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The flight from South Sudan has landed in Delhi. My colleague Shri Vijay Goyal is at the airport to receive them. /1
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/753819071536214016">July 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
 
In a tweet, Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said both aircraft will be flying to Delhi via Thiruvananthapuram. 
 
The official spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs (MEA), Vikas Swarup, tweeted that the first aircraft is carrying 143 Indian citizens on board, including 10 women and three infants. 
 
The second aircraft, India&#39;s ambassador to South Sudan Srikumar Sen has reportedly said,&nbsp;is carrying the rest. There were some 600 Indian citizens in South Sudan when the conflict broke out, of which about 300 had registered for the evacuation.&nbsp; 
 
The mass evacuation reportedly faced a hurdle. Some Indian citizens in South Sudan reportedly refused to leave the country, after having registered for the evacuation and despite Swaraj appealing to Indian citizens to leave the country. Swaraj had also tweeted that should the situation deteriorate, the government would not be able to get them out.&nbsp; 
 
South Sudan&#39;s President Salva Kiir called a ceasefire on Monday after five days of intense fighting in Juba between troops loyal to him and those loyal to his deputy, vice president Riek Machar. The fighting, which broke out last Thursday, left more than a 150 dead and countless more injured. 
 
(ANI &amp; PTI)

The C-17 landed in Thiruvananthapuram, deboarded evacuees, and continued on to Delhi

The first of the two Indian Air Force C-17s evacuating Indian citizens from war-torn South Sudan landed in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala early this morning. There were 156 people on board, including nine women and children, and two Nepalese citizens. The plane deboarded a number of evacuees at Thiruvananthapuram, and then continued on to Delhi. The evacuation -- called Sankat Mochan or "rescue from danger" -- is being headed by India's minister of state for external affairs General (retd) VK Singh. A second C-17 is also expected. Both flights took off from Juba, the South Sudanese capital. The flight from South Sudan has landed in Delhi. My colleague Shri Vijay Goyal is at the airport to receive them. /1 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 15, 2016 In a tweet, Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said both aircraft will be flying to Delhi via Thiruvananthapuram. The official spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs (MEA), Vikas Swarup, tweeted that the first aircraft is carrying 143 Indian citizens on board, including 10 women and three infants. The second aircraft, India's ambassador to South Sudan Srikumar Sen has reportedly said, is carrying the rest. There were some 600 Indian citizens in South Sudan when the conflict broke out, of which about 300 had registered for the evacuation. The mass evacuation reportedly faced a hurdle. Some Indian citizens in South Sudan reportedly refused to leave the country, after having registered for the evacuation and despite Swaraj appealing to Indian citizens to leave the country. Swaraj had also tweeted that should the situation deteriorate, the government would not be able to get them out. South Sudan's President Salva Kiir called a ceasefire on Monday after five days of intense fighting in Juba between troops loyal to him and those loyal to his deputy, vice president Riek Machar. The fighting, which broke out last Thursday, left more than a 150 dead and countless more injured. (ANI & PTI)

First rescue flight from South Sudan lands with 156 on board

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