General elections are scheduled to be held in Panama on 5 May 2024.Due to constitutional term limits, incumbent president Laurentino Cortizo is ineligible for a second consecutive term. Watch in for more details!

Panamaniams vote for five Presidential frontrunners | Mulino surges ahead in early vote count

Three bodies were found in Mexico's Baja California state, the FBI informed on Friday (May 3), where two Australians and an American went missing last week during a surfing trip in an area hit by cartel violence.

"We confirm that three individuals were found deceased in Santo Tomas, Baja California," read a statement from the FBI's office in San Diego, California. The police, however, refrained from providing identities of the victims.&nbsp;

Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter were missing since April 27. The brothers were on vacation near the coastal city of Ensenada in the northwestern state of Baja California.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestine-protests-graduation-ceremonies-at-universities-may-see-walkouts-717878">Pro-Palestine protests: Graduation ceremonies at universities may see walkouts</a>

However, Debra Robinson, the mother of the brothers, posted on Facebook that they never reached their intended accommodation. The bodies were found by the FBI in Santo Tomas, roughly 30 miles southeast of Ensenada.

Baja California state authorities said on Thursday that three Mexican nationals were being questioned in connection with the disappearances.

"A white pickup vehicle was located, as well as other evidence," the state prosecutor's office said in a statement.

The investigation was coordinated with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Australian and US consulates, it noted. &nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterised the disappearances as truly concerning.

"We certainly hope that these brothers are found safely, but there is real concern about the fact that they've gone missing," he told Australian television.

After the bodies were discovered, local surfers assembled in Ensenada, the nearest city, and staged a protest over&nbsp;a lack of safety in the state.

"They only wanted to surf - we demand safe beaches," said a sign held by one woman.

Some of them later took part in a 'paddle-out' ceremony in remembrance of the three men, forming a circle with their boards in the sea and throwing flowers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-indian-nationals-arrested-in-killing-of-khalistan-separatist-nijjar-717886">Three Indian nationals arrested in killing of Khalistan separatist Nijjar</a>

Baja California, known for its inviting beaches, is also one of Mexico's most violent states due to the organised crime groups.

In November 2015, two other Australian surfers, Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman, were murdered and their bodies burnt&nbsp;while travelling in the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three bodies were found in Mexico's Baja California state, the FBI informed on Friday (May 3), where two Australians and an American went missing last week during a surfing trip in an area hit by cartel violence.

Three bodies were found in Mexico's Baja California state, the FBI informed on Friday (May 3), where two Australians and an American went missing last week during a surfing trip in an area hit by cartel violence. "We confirm that three individuals were found deceased in Santo Tomas, Baja California," read a statement from the FBI's office in San Diego, California. The police, however, refrained from providing identities of the victims. Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter were missing since April 27. The brothers were on vacation near the coastal city of Ensenada in the northwestern state of Baja California. Also read: Pro-Palestine protests: Graduation ceremonies at universities may see walkouts However, Debra Robinson, the mother of the brothers, posted on Facebook that they never reached their intended accommodation. The bodies were found by the FBI in Santo Tomas, roughly 30 miles southeast of Ensenada. Baja California state authorities said on Thursday that three Mexican nationals were being questioned in connection with the disappearances. "A white pickup vehicle was located, as well as other evidence," the state prosecutor's office said in a statement. The investigation was coordinated with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Australian and US consulates, it noted. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterised the disappearances as truly concerning. "We certainly hope that these brothers are found safely, but there is real concern about the fact that they've gone missing," he told Australian television. After the bodies were discovered, local surfers assembled in Ensenada, the nearest city, and staged a protest over a lack of safety in the state. "They only wanted to surf - we demand safe beaches," said a sign held by one woman. Some of them later took part in a 'paddle-out' ceremony in remembrance of the three men, forming a circle with their boards in the sea and throwing flowers. Also read: Three Indian nationals arrested in killing of Khalistan separatist Nijjar Baja California, known for its inviting beaches, is also one of Mexico's most violent states due to the organised crime groups. In November 2015, two other Australian surfers, Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman, were murdered and their bodies burnt while travelling in the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa. (With inputs from agencies)

Authorities locate bodies of missing Australian, American tourists in Mexico's Baja California

Rwandan government has said that it cannot guarantee how many people it can accommodate in the country under Sunak's deportation scheme. Watch in for more details!

UK: Rwanda readying facilities for accommodations, to accept just 'thousands' of migrants

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in Eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strip's Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. The order comes after a night of intense Israeli bombardment on Rafah. Hours after Hamas rockets killed three IDF soldiers. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Israel urges Gazans to move to expanded humanitarian area

After routing the Tories in the local elections, the labour party is now eyeing the UK's General Election. To achieve this goal on one hand they're planning to target the south of England while on the other they're making amends to their stand on the war in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

UK: Labour party says its advancing in Tory heartland in the south

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fears that Britain is headed towards a hung Parliament. Sunak has urged his cabinet to come together in the face of mounting Labour popularity. Watch in for more details!

UK: PM Rishi Sunak fears Britain may be headed towards a hung parliament

On Sunday, the Hezbollah staged its biggest attack so far on Israel firing more than 60 rockets at Northern Israel. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Hezbollah claims to fire dozens of Katyusha rockets, stages its biggest attack

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in Eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strip's Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. The order comes after a night of intense Israeli bombardment on Rafah. Hours after hamas rockets killed three IDF soldiers. What will be the implications of this latest flare-up? Sergej Sumlenny, Defense Expert and Director of the European Resilience Initiative Center, joins us to discuss.

Israel tells Gazans to leave Eastern Rafah

The UAE recently experienced heavy rainfall, -which has increased the risk of mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water and damp areas. The UAE will intensify efforts to eradicate mosquito hotspots and minimise its infestation in various locations across the country.

Dubai Rains: Authorities step up drive to control spread of mosquitoes post heavy rains

Israel's retaliatory strike hits Gaza's southern city of Rafah. The war in Gaza is showing no signs of stopping hours after Hamas Rockets killed three IDF soldiers, Israel retaliated by striking Gaza's Southernmost city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warns of Rafah operation

Local authorities and volunteers rescued residents stranded in the flooded town of Canoas, southern Brazil. The devastating floods killed at least 78.

Brazil Floods: At least 78 killed, more than 115,000 displaced

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strips Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel tells Gazans to leave eastern Rafah

US Corn and Soybean futures spiked to their highest levels in 2024. The culprit? Climate change. But what impact will the price rises have on the consumer? That's what this report decodes.

Food commodity prices spike, why now?

The death caused by flooding and other consequences of the heavy rain battering Kenya has risen to 288. The torrential rains that have caused widespread flooding and landslides across Kenya. Watch in for more details!

Kenya Floods: Death toll from floods rise to 288, deluge destroys homes, roads & bridges

All educational institutions including schools and colleges will remain closed in India's Northeastern state, Manipur on May 6th and 7th. DIue to intense rainfall in the region this action has been taken.

India: Rain causes havoc in Manipur; school, colleges to remain closed amid heavy rainfall

Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a keenly watched trip to Europe for his first stop Xi has arrived in Paris. This is the Chinese President's first visit to the region after the COVID pandemic as Beijing looks for greater trade and strategic ties with the region.

Xi Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit, mark  60 years of China-France diplomatic ties

Chinese President Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit; Ukraine, trade & investment top agenda

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's retaliatory strike hits Gaza's southern city of Rafah. The war in Gaza is showing no signs of stopping hours after Hamas Rockets killed three IDF soldiers, Israel retaliated by striking Gaza's Southernmost city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Netanyahu brushes off international pressure on war; says 'never again is now'

On Election Commission of India's invitation, 75 International visitors from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of 23 countries arrive to watch the world's largest elections unfold. Watch in for more details!

India Elections: 75 delegates from 23 countries to observe Lok Sabha Polls

Police arrived on the University of South Carolina (USC) campus Sunday morning and cleared away a pro-Palestinian encampment after the school issued a warning to demonstrators.

According to Annenberg Media student reporters, the campus was closed as more than 100 police officers dressed in riot gear encircled the campsite.

This came after the USC official account posted a warning on X early morning, that read, "If you are in the centre of campus, please leave. People who don't leave will be arrested."

Over an hour later, the university announced in another post that the campsite had been evacuated. "The camp at UPC has been removed. "The campus remains closed," the USC Twitter account tweeted on X.

Joel Curran, Senior Vice President of Communications, said in a statement, "Earlier today, the University of Southern California Department of Public Safety (DPS) successfully removed the illegal encampment rebuilt on the university's campus. It was necessary to request the Los Angeles Police Department to respond to provide security as this was carried out peacefully. No arrests have been reported. We want to thank LAPD for assisting DPS in clearing the encampment and restoring normalcy for students and community as quickly and safely as possible. We will share more information with our community later today."

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidRjlcNc0Qy0rI" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/police-remove-hijab-of-student-protestor-at-arizona-state-university-amid-gaza-protests-sparks-backlash-717151" target="_blank">Police remove hijab of student protester at Arizona State University, trigger backlash</a>

This comes after the school issued a warning to protesters that their encampment breached school regulations and must be removed.

According to livestream footage from student journalists, the campsite had dispersed as police drew a line to take remaining protesters away and prevent them from re-entering the area. The campsite had restarted after the LAPD detained 93 individuals on April 24.&nbsp;

Student demonstrations have taken place at USC, in response to the war in Gaza and the administration's decision to postpone the valedictorian's commencement speech, which expressed solidarity for Palestinians. The institution made the decision in mid-April, citing safety concerns after receiving threats. Some Jewish organisations had questioned the student's selection as a speaker. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Police arrived on the University of South Carolina (USC) campus Sunday morning and cleared away a pro-Palestinian encampment after the school issued a warning to demonstrators.

Police arrived on the University of South Carolina (USC) campus Sunday morning and cleared away a pro-Palestinian encampment after the school issued a warning to demonstrators. According to Annenberg Media student reporters, the campus was closed as more than 100 police officers dressed in riot gear encircled the campsite. This came after the USC official account posted a warning on X early morning, that read, "If you are in the centre of campus, please leave. People who don't leave will be arrested." Over an hour later, the university announced in another post that the campsite had been evacuated. "The camp at UPC has been removed. "The campus remains closed," the USC Twitter account tweeted on X. Joel Curran, Senior Vice President of Communications, said in a statement, "Earlier today, the University of Southern California Department of Public Safety (DPS) successfully removed the illegal encampment rebuilt on the university's campus. It was necessary to request the Los Angeles Police Department to respond to provide security as this was carried out peacefully. No arrests have been reported. We want to thank LAPD for assisting DPS in clearing the encampment and restoring normalcy for students and community as quickly and safely as possible. We will share more information with our community later today." Also read: Police remove hijab of student protester at Arizona State University, trigger backlash This comes after the school issued a warning to protesters that their encampment breached school regulations and must be removed. According to livestream footage from student journalists, the campsite had dispersed as police drew a line to take remaining protesters away and prevent them from re-entering the area. The campsite had restarted after the LAPD detained 93 individuals on April 24. Student demonstrations have taken place at USC, in response to the war in Gaza and the administration's decision to postpone the valedictorian's commencement speech, which expressed solidarity for Palestinians. The institution made the decision in mid-April, citing safety concerns after receiving threats. Some Jewish organisations had questioned the student's selection as a speaker. (With inputs from agencies)

Police clear pro-Palestinian encampment from USC campus, no arrests reported

Russia unintentionally bombed its area near the Ukrainian border while launching strikes on the city of Kharkiv, and it's not the first time it has done so, according to sources.

On Saturday, open-source intelligence accounts and Ukraine-aligned media reported that a Russian aircraft conducting guided glide-bomb attacks in the northeastern Ukrainian city Kharkiv mistakenly released munitions on Belgorod. This city has experienced significant spillover from the ongoing conflict.

Russia has admitted to attacking parts of eastern Ukraine that it controls as well as its territory. Former interior ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko said that a guided bomb "fell right on a residential sector and exploded." Russia had launched "almost 70 guided aerial bombs against our border communities and positions at the front" the day before, according to a statement made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.

Five persons were injured in an explosion that occurred in the city of Belgorod on Saturday, according to Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region. He stated that there were no casualties and that 30 houses and 10 automobiles had been destroyed, but he did not provide any more details on the explosion's cause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/germany-accuses-russia-of-cyberattacks-summons-envoy-moscow-denies-involvement-717850" hreflang="en">Germany accuses Russia of cyberattacks, summons envoy; Moscow denies involvement</a>

In recent months, Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, has been bombarded with Russian glide bombs. Moscow has been hitting targets on the front lines using modified bombs from the Soviet period that are equipped with wings and navigation devices. In recent days, several strikes, including those using guided aircraft bombs, have been recorded by Ukrainian officials in Kharkiv.

Astra, an independent media organisation in Russia, revealed in April that Moscow had unintentionally launched a Kh-59 missile on a village in the Belgorod region.

Russia accidentally attacked Petropavlovka, a village in the Voronezh region, in January. The defence ministry stated at the time that an "abnormal discharge of aircraft ammunition" happened above the settlement, according to official media. A few days later, an official stationed in Moscow said that one of its aircraft had unintentionally dropped an FAB-250 bomb on Rubizhne, in Ukraine's annexed Luhansk region. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Russia unintentionally bombed its area near the Ukrainian border while launching strikes on the city of Kharkiv, and it's not the first time it has done so, according to sources.

Russia unintentionally bombed its area near the Ukrainian border while launching strikes on the city of Kharkiv, and it's not the first time it has done so, according to sources. On Saturday, open-source intelligence accounts and Ukraine-aligned media reported that a Russian aircraft conducting guided glide-bomb attacks in the northeastern Ukrainian city Kharkiv mistakenly released munitions on Belgorod. This city has experienced significant spillover from the ongoing conflict. Russia has admitted to attacking parts of eastern Ukraine that it controls as well as its territory. Former interior ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko said that a guided bomb "fell right on a residential sector and exploded." Russia had launched "almost 70 guided aerial bombs against our border communities and positions at the front" the day before, according to a statement made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday. Five persons were injured in an explosion that occurred in the city of Belgorod on Saturday, according to Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region. He stated that there were no casualties and that 30 houses and 10 automobiles had been destroyed, but he did not provide any more details on the explosion's cause. Also read: Germany accuses Russia of cyberattacks, summons envoy; Moscow denies involvement In recent months, Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, has been bombarded with Russian glide bombs. Moscow has been hitting targets on the front lines using modified bombs from the Soviet period that are equipped with wings and navigation devices. In recent days, several strikes, including those using guided aircraft bombs, have been recorded by Ukrainian officials in Kharkiv. Astra, an independent media organisation in Russia, revealed in April that Moscow had unintentionally launched a Kh-59 missile on a village in the Belgorod region. Russia accidentally attacked Petropavlovka, a village in the Voronezh region, in January. The defence ministry stated at the time that an "abnormal discharge of aircraft ammunition" happened above the settlement, according to official media. A few days later, an official stationed in Moscow said that one of its aircraft had unintentionally dropped an FAB-250 bomb on Rubizhne, in Ukraine's annexed Luhansk region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Not the first time: Russia bombs own territory near Ukraine border

At least nine people, including seven children, were killed on Friday in a strike on a displacement camp in the eastern&nbsp;Congolese city of Goma, a local official and a military spokesman said.

It was not immediately clear what kind of explosive device was used or who was responsible for the attack.

A two-year offensive by the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 has moved closer to Goma in recent months, prompting thousands to seek refuge in the city from surrounding areas.

President Felix Tshisekedi, who has been abroad for several weeks, decided to return to&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;over the weekend following the attack, the presidency said.

Dedesi Mitima, the head of the Lac Vert district where the incident occurred, told Reuters he had seen the bodies of seven children and two men at the camp.

Several other people were wounded and the death toll could rise further, Mitima added.

A civil society leader in Goma, Marrion Ngavho, said three bombs fell on the camp.

"We have already registered 13 dead, including women and children. There are also around 30 people wounded," he said.

Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Njike Kaiko, a spokesman for the Democratic Republic of&nbsp;Congo's (DRC) army in the region, said the strike had come in retaliation for earlier DRC attacks on Rwandan army positions which he said had destroyed arms and ammunition. He gave no details about the attack on the camp.

Congo's government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, in a message on X, also blamed the Tutsi-led M23 for Friday's attack.

Opposition leaders condemned the attack on X, calling on the international community to back&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;and act against Rwanda's military involvement in the country.

The&nbsp;Congolese government, U.N. officials and Western powers have repeatedly accused Rwanda of providing support for the M23. Rwanda denies this.

An M23 leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, also writing on X, accused the&nbsp;Congolese authorities of deliberately attacking the camp in an attempt to "manipulate" the international community.

The&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;branch of medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it had to stop a distribution round and halt medical consultations on Friday morning because of rising insecurity.

MSF&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;"condemns the increasingly regular use of heavy artillery in the immediate proximity of displacement camps around Goma," it posted on X.

The United Nations' peacekeeping mission in&nbsp;Congo, MONUSCO, also condemned the bombing in a statement and called on&nbsp;Congolese authorities to prosecute perpetrators.

In February, a strike blasted a crater into the ground in the same Lac Vert neighbourhood. Nobody was hurt in that attack, but it underscored the seriousness of the threat to Goma, a strategic urban hub in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC.

<h2 data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" data-rc-highlight="headline" dir="auto" title="Rwanda denies its troops attacked displaced persons camp in DR Congo">Rwanda denies its troops attacked displaced persons camp in DR&nbsp;Congo</h2>

Rwanda on Saturday denied U.S. accusations that its forces attacked a displaced persons' camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and instead blamed militias it said were supported by the Congolese military for the assault.

The U.S. strongly condemned Friday's attack which killed at least nine people, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

The attack was mounted from positions held by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, the U.S. statement said. The U.S. is "gravely concerned about the recent RDF and M23 expansion" in eastern Congo, it said.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo denied the RDF was behind the attack and instead blamed it on militias supported by the Congolese military.

"The RDF, a professional army, would never attack an IDP (displaced persons). Look to the lawless FDLR and Wazalendo supported by the FARDC (Congolese military) for this kind of atrocity," she said in a post on X.

At least nine people, including seven children, were killed on Friday in a strike on a displacement camp in the eastern Congolese city of Goma, a local official and a military spokesman said.

At least nine people, including seven children, were killed on Friday in a strike on a displacement camp in the eastern Congolese city of Goma, a local official and a military spokesman said. It was not immediately clear what kind of explosive device was used or who was responsible for the attack. A two-year offensive by the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 has moved closer to Goma in recent months, prompting thousands to seek refuge in the city from surrounding areas. President Felix Tshisekedi, who has been abroad for several weeks, decided to return to Congo over the weekend following the attack, the presidency said. Dedesi Mitima, the head of the Lac Vert district where the incident occurred, told Reuters he had seen the bodies of seven children and two men at the camp. Several other people were wounded and the death toll could rise further, Mitima added. A civil society leader in Goma, Marrion Ngavho, said three bombs fell on the camp. "We have already registered 13 dead, including women and children. There are also around 30 people wounded," he said. Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Njike Kaiko, a spokesman for the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) army in the region, said the strike had come in retaliation for earlier DRC attacks on Rwandan army positions which he said had destroyed arms and ammunition. He gave no details about the attack on the camp. Congo's government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, in a message on X, also blamed the Tutsi-led M23 for Friday's attack. Opposition leaders condemned the attack on X, calling on the international community to back Congo and act against Rwanda's military involvement in the country. The Congolese government, U.N. officials and Western powers have repeatedly accused Rwanda of providing support for the M23. Rwanda denies this. An M23 leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, also writing on X, accused the Congolese authorities of deliberately attacking the camp in an attempt to "manipulate" the international community. The Congo branch of medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it had to stop a distribution round and halt medical consultations on Friday morning because of rising insecurity. MSF Congo "condemns the increasingly regular use of heavy artillery in the immediate proximity of displacement camps around Goma," it posted on X. The United Nations' peacekeeping mission in Congo, MONUSCO, also condemned the bombing in a statement and called on Congolese authorities to prosecute perpetrators. In February, a strike blasted a crater into the ground in the same Lac Vert neighbourhood. Nobody was hurt in that attack, but it underscored the seriousness of the threat to Goma, a strategic urban hub in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC. Rwanda denies its troops attacked displaced persons camp in DR Congo Rwanda on Saturday denied U.S. accusations that its forces attacked a displaced persons' camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and instead blamed militias it said were supported by the Congolese military for the assault. The U.S. strongly condemned Friday's attack which killed at least nine people, the U.S. State Department said in a statement. The attack was mounted from positions held by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, the U.S. statement said. The U.S. is "gravely concerned about the recent RDF and M23 expansion" in eastern Congo, it said. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo denied the RDF was behind the attack and instead blamed it on militias supported by the Congolese military. "The RDF, a professional army, would never attack an IDP (displaced persons). Look to the lawless FDLR and Wazalendo supported by the FARDC (Congolese military) for this kind of atrocity," she said in a post on X.

At least nine killed in strike on displacement camp in eastern Congo

Heavy rains battering Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have killed 39 people, local authorities said on Friday, and the death toll is expected to rise as dozens still have not been accounted for.

Rio Grande do Sul's civil defense authority said 68 people were still missing and at least 24,000 had been displaced as the storms affected more than half of the 497 cities in the state, which borders Uruguay and Argentina.

"These numbers can still materially change over the following days as we gain access to more regions", Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-accuses-david-cameron-of-direct-escalation-over-arms-for-ukraine-717866">Kremlin accuses David Cameron of 'direct escalation' over arms for Ukraine</a>

In several towns, streets essentially turned into rivers, with roads and bridges destroyed. The storm also triggered landslides and the partial collapse of a dam structure at a small hydroelectric power plant.

A second dam in the city of Bento Goncalves is also at risk of collapsing, authorities said, ordering people who live nearby to evacuate.

In Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, the Guaiba river broke its banks, and flooded streets blocked access to the city's historic central neighborhoods.

The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rains and others of drought.

Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change.

Heavy rains had already hit Rio Grande do Sul last September, as an extratropical cyclone caused floods that killed more than 50 people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrike-in-syria-mistakenly-killed-civilian-pentagon-admits-717577">US airstrike in Syria mistakenly killed civilian, not al Qaeda leader, Pentagon admits</a>

That came after more than two years of a persistent drought due to the La Nina phenomenon, with only scarce showers.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva traveled to the state on Thursday to visit affected locations and discuss rescue efforts with the governor.

Back in Brasilia, Lula vowed on Friday that his government would support local rescue and reconstruction efforts.

Heavy rains battering Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have killed 39 people, local authorities said on Friday, and the death toll is expected to rise as dozens still have not been accounted for.

Heavy rains battering Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have killed 39 people, local authorities said on Friday, and the death toll is expected to rise as dozens still have not been accounted for. Rio Grande do Sul's civil defense authority said 68 people were still missing and at least 24,000 had been displaced as the storms affected more than half of the 497 cities in the state, which borders Uruguay and Argentina. "These numbers can still materially change over the following days as we gain access to more regions", Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite told reporters. Also read: Kremlin accuses David Cameron of 'direct escalation' over arms for Ukraine In several towns, streets essentially turned into rivers, with roads and bridges destroyed. The storm also triggered landslides and the partial collapse of a dam structure at a small hydroelectric power plant. A second dam in the city of Bento Goncalves is also at risk of collapsing, authorities said, ordering people who live nearby to evacuate. In Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, the Guaiba river broke its banks, and flooded streets blocked access to the city's historic central neighborhoods. The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rains and others of drought. Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change. Heavy rains had already hit Rio Grande do Sul last September, as an extratropical cyclone caused floods that killed more than 50 people. Also read: US airstrike in Syria mistakenly killed civilian, not al Qaeda leader, Pentagon admits That came after more than two years of a persistent drought due to the La Nina phenomenon, with only scarce showers. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva traveled to the state on Thursday to visit affected locations and discuss rescue efforts with the governor. Back in Brasilia, Lula vowed on Friday that his government would support local rescue and reconstruction efforts.

Rains in southern Brazil kill at least 39, some 70 still missing

Writing letters from behind the bars, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan is driven by political anger after February's widely criticised polls.

Pakistan: Imran Khan writes from jail, attacks Army Chief Asim Munir; 'if  anything happens to me..'

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