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Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency".

Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president.

A security source in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province told AFP that 11 "terrorists from the Islamic State group" were executed by hanging at a prison in the city of Nasiriyah, "under the supervision of a justice ministry team".

A local medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of 11 executed people.

They were hanged on Monday "under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law", the source added, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

All 11 were from Salahaddin province and the bodies of seven had been returned to their families, the medical official said.

Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences&nbsp;in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group", an offence that carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter.

Iraq has been criticised for trials denounced by rights groups as hasty, with confessions sometimes said to have been obtained under torture.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bidens-iran-oil-sanctions-likely-to-spare-global-market-from-major-disruption-714094">Biden's Iran oil sanctions likely to spare global market from major disruption</a>

Amnesty in a statement on Wednesday condemned the latest hangings for "overly broad and vague terrorism charges".

It said a total of 13 men were executed on Monday, including 11 who had been "convicted on the basis of their affiliation to the so-called Islamic State armed group".

The two others, arrested in 2008, "were convicted of terrorism-related offences under the Penal Code after a grossly unfair trial", Amnesty said citing their lawyer.

The Britain-based rights group denounced "a disturbing lack of transparency regarding executions in Iraq in recent months".

"The Iraqi government must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty entirely," said Razaw Salihy, Iraq researcher at Amnesty.

In late January, UN experts looking into capital punishment in Iraq expressed their "deep concern at reports that Iraq has begun mass executions in its prison system".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka, to sign five MoUs

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The independent experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, mentioned in their statement executions carried out late last year in the same Nasiriyah prison.

The statement said that "13 male Iraqi prisoners -- previously sentenced to death –- were executed on 25 December 2023", calling it "the largest number of convicted prisoners reportedly executed by the Iraqi authorities in one day" since November 16, 2020, when 20 were executed.

The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror.

It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory&nbsp;it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces.

But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency".

Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency". Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president. A security source in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province told AFP that 11 "terrorists from the Islamic State group" were executed by hanging at a prison in the city of Nasiriyah, "under the supervision of a justice ministry team". A local medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of 11 executed people. They were hanged on Monday "under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law", the source added, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. All 11 were from Salahaddin province and the bodies of seven had been returned to their families, the medical official said. Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group", an offence that carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter. Iraq has been criticised for trials denounced by rights groups as hasty, with confessions sometimes said to have been obtained under torture. Also Read: Biden's Iran oil sanctions likely to spare global market from major disruption Amnesty in a statement on Wednesday condemned the latest hangings for "overly broad and vague terrorism charges". It said a total of 13 men were executed on Monday, including 11 who had been "convicted on the basis of their affiliation to the so-called Islamic State armed group". The two others, arrested in 2008, "were convicted of terrorism-related offences under the Penal Code after a grossly unfair trial", Amnesty said citing their lawyer. The Britain-based rights group denounced "a disturbing lack of transparency regarding executions in Iraq in recent months". "The Iraqi government must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty entirely," said Razaw Salihy, Iraq researcher at Amnesty. In late January, UN experts looking into capital punishment in Iraq expressed their "deep concern at reports that Iraq has begun mass executions in its prison system". Watch: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka, to sign five MoUs The independent experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, mentioned in their statement executions carried out late last year in the same Nasiriyah prison. The statement said that "13 male Iraqi prisoners -- previously sentenced to death –- were executed on 25 December 2023", calling it "the largest number of convicted prisoners reportedly executed by the Iraqi authorities in one day" since November 16, 2020, when 20 were executed. The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror. It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces. But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.

Iraq hangs 11 convicted of 'terrorism' in a week, confirms security and health sources

Russia has announced the exchange of at least 50 Children displaced by the country's invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin official Maria Lvova-Belova announced that 29 children are due to go to Ukraine and 19 are to return to Russia.

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia announces exchanging 50 displaced children with Ukraine

The Taliban government has entered its first talks with the United Nations, donors and non-governmental organisations over the impact of climate change in Afghanistan, organisers said Wednesday.

Taliban joins UN climate change talks

Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities on Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

Pro-Palestine Protest at US universities: Hundreds of students arrested across campuses in US

In a race against time, doctors at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute had a patient who was struggling with a combination of heart and kidney failure. But as fate would have hope emerged in the form of a landmark xenotransplantation surgery.

Xenotransplantation: Pig kidney transplanted into human

Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight. Watch in for more details!

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India's national security adviser Ajit Doval has met his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev on the sidelines of the BRICS NSA meet in Russia. This was the second meeting this month.

India's NSA Ajit Doval meets Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev

US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday (April 24) was heckled by Columbia University students as pro-Palestine protests continued to spread across various university campuses in the United States.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday (April 24) was heckled by Columbia University students as pro-Palestine protests continued to spread across various university campuses in the United States. Johnson's visit to the university, which he claimed was aimed at supporting Jewish students who had been intimidated by the demonstrators, happened shortly after the deadline to reach an agreement for removing the encampment was extended from Wednesday morning to Friday morning. Republican House Speaker Johnson claimed that Columbia University officials have no control over the situation now. He further asked university president Nemat Shafik to resign. Also Read: Columbia University shifts to virtual classes following on-campus arrests amid anti-Israel protests Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University also demanded Shafik's resignation for allowing a police crackdown on the protests. House Speaker gets booed at press conference, hints at calling National Guard troops In a press conference held at Columbia University along with other Republican lawmakers, Johnson said that the protests were not legally protected free speech. He further stated that Columbia University failed to restore order on campus and protect Jewish students amid increasing concerns about antisemitism on campus. "This is dangerous. We respect free speech, we respect diversity of ideas, but there is a way to do that in a lawful manner and that's not what this is. My message to the students inside the encampment is go back to class and stop the nonsense," said Johnson. "I am here today joining my colleagues and calling on President [Minouche] Shafik to resign if she cannot immediately bring order to this chaos," said the Louisiana Republican to the gathered crowd amid boos and chants of "Mike, you suck", “Free, free Palestine”. and "We can't hear you". The speaker added that he briefly met with Shafik and other top officials to encourage them "to take immediate action and stamp this out." "Our feeling is that they have not acted to restore order on the campus. This is not free expression. This is not First Amendment. They are threatening, intimidating," he said. Watch: Protests grip US universities: Pro-Palestinian protests sweep US campuses Johnson also hinted that the authorities may call National Guard troops to control the situation. Violent clashes erupt between protesters and police amid calls for dispersal Meanwhile, various universities appealed to the protesters to disperse as police clashed with pro-Palestinian student protesters in Texas and California. The police arrested around 20 protesters at the University of Texas campus in Austin and also detained some of them at the University of Southern California. The University of Texas had earlier issued a “Notice of Dispersal Order” for the protesters. The university's faculty members, meanwhile, called the police crackdown a “militarised response” to the protests. “We have witnessed police punching a female student, knocking over a legal observer, dragging a. student over a chain link fence, and violently arresting students for simply standing at the front of the crowd,” read the statement. The police also arrested some pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Southern California after they failed to abide by the orders of dispersal. Some of the protesters even blocked traffic on nearby streets. At least 30 protesters were taken into custody. (With inputs from agencies)

US campus protests: Speaker Johnson heckled by protesters amid encampments and violent clashes

Eleven Republicans, who had allegedly acted as fake electors in the 2020 presidential election by submitting a document to Congress that falsely declared victory of former president Donald Trump over US President Joe Biden in Arizona, were indicted by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Wednesday (April 24).

Eleven Republicans, who had allegedly acted as fake electors in the 2020 presidential election by submitting a document to Congress that falsely declared victory of former president Donald Trump over US President Joe Biden in Arizona, were indicted by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Wednesday (April 24). The Republicans were charged with conspiracy, fraud and forgery, as per the press release issued by the office of the attorney general. Arizona becomes the fourth state to indict 'fake electors' This made Arizona the fourth state in the United States to levy charges against “fake electors", who had allegedly announced Trump's false victory in their respective states during the 2020 election. Also Read: Biden vows to hold Trump 'accountable' for his role in restricting abortion rights Meanwhile, several of the names were redacted, however, Mayes said that they would be unredacted after "all defendants have been served." The 11 Republicans indicted in Arizona included then-Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward, state legislators Anthony Kern and Jake Hoffman; Michael Ward, Kelli Ward’s husband; Tyler Bowyer, the Republican National Committee's Arizona committeeman and the chief operating officer of the Trump-aligned Turning Point USA; Greg Safsten, the former Arizona GOP executive director; former U.S. Senate candidate Jim Lamon; Robert Montgomery, the former head of the Cochise County GOP; and Republican Party activists Samuel Moorhead, Nancy Cottle and Loraine Pellegrino. In December 2020, these 11 Republicans gathered in Arizona and signed documents which falsely announced Trump's victory in Arizona, while claiming that they were “duly elected and qualified” electors. "Today, Arizona's 11 Republican presidential electors met to cast their votes for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence," wrote the Arizona GOP on X, in December 2020. "With ongoing legal challenges to the 2020 presidential election still being heard in the courts across the country holding hearings on election fraud and voting irregularities, it is imperative that the proper elections are counted by Congress," he added. "We conducted a thorough and professional investigation over the past 13 months into the fake electors scheme in our state," said Mayes, in a video while announcing the charges. Watch: Donald Trump Unclassified Documents Case, Trump ignores advice to return classified documents "I understand for some of you today didn't come fast enough. And I know I'll be criticized by others for conducting this investigation at all. But as I've stated before, and we'll say here again, today, I will not allow American democracy to be undermined," he added. Meanwhile, Trump, his former attorney Rudy Giuliani and his former chief of staff Mark Meadows have been listed as “unindicted co-conspirators” in the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Arizona 2020 ‘fake electors’ case: Jury indicts 11 Republicans for falsely declaring Trump's win

A Polish director best known for his gangster-themed films is all set to unveil a biopic of Russian President Vladimir Putin but with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) twist.

The AI-assisted biopic made by filmmaker Besaleel, aka Patryk Vega, will be premiered on September 26, which encompasses 60 years of Putin’s leadership in a 2.5-hour movie. A 2.5-minute trailer of the movie has been released, showing footage of Putin's childhood, karate practice and confrontations with his predecessor Boris Yeltsin.

Termed as a political thriller by Patryk Vega, the movie was shot by Ukrainian filmmakers during the Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;conflict.

Vega said in a statement the movie was a means of expressing his protest. "I chose to challenge Putin through art, and the camera was my weapon," he was quoted as saying in media reports.

"Americans and even Western Europeans may not fully comprehend Putin. I grew up in Poland. At the same time, I was influenced by the audiovisual culture of Hollywood," he added.

<h2>Summary of the movie</h2>

The movie begins with Putin being abused by his father in his early years. Then, Putin joins the KGB, the former Soviet intelligence agency, where he works in the KGB branch in Dresden. Then, the film shows him getting involved in quasi-criminal activities as deputy mayor of St Petersburg.

The movie also throws&nbsp;light on Putin’s political career, with a promise to provide insights into the 2024 presidential elections.

To add to the film’s authenticity, Vega collaborated with Ukrainian filmmakers to shoot real-time events, explosions and combat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBkNzHt92FAxXH-TgGHaBkDtkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-to-exchange-48-children-claims-moscow-kyiv-refuses-to-confirm-714748" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-to-exchange-48-children-claims-moscow-kyiv-refuses-to-confirm-714748&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBkNzHt92FAxXH-TgGHaBkDtkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Ukraine refuses to confirm Russia claims of exchange of 48 children</a>

The movie has been made&nbsp;over a period of&nbsp;three years, with inputs from people who have first-hand experience of talking with the Russian leader.

Vega states, "I wanted the saints and evil in my film to fit perfectly into the ragged world of tormented Russian souls on the streets of St Petersburg."

Watch:&nbsp;India's NSA Ajit Doval meets Russia counterpart Nikolai Patrushev on sidelines of BRICS NSA meet

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The film will be released in 35 nations, including in USA and India, and is projected to reach over 3 billion people.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Polish director best known for his gangster-themed films is all set to unveil a biopic of Russian President Vladimir Putin but with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) twist.

A Polish director best known for his gangster-themed films is all set to unveil a biopic of Russian President Vladimir Putin but with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) twist. The AI-assisted biopic made by filmmaker Besaleel, aka Patryk Vega, will be premiered on September 26, which encompasses 60 years of Putin’s leadership in a 2.5-hour movie. A 2.5-minute trailer of the movie has been released, showing footage of Putin's childhood, karate practice and confrontations with his predecessor Boris Yeltsin. Termed as a political thriller by Patryk Vega, the movie was shot by Ukrainian filmmakers during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Vega said in a statement the movie was a means of expressing his protest. "I chose to challenge Putin through art, and the camera was my weapon," he was quoted as saying in media reports. "Americans and even Western Europeans may not fully comprehend Putin. I grew up in Poland. At the same time, I was influenced by the audiovisual culture of Hollywood," he added. Summary of the movie The movie begins with Putin being abused by his father in his early years. Then, Putin joins the KGB, the former Soviet intelligence agency, where he works in the KGB branch in Dresden. Then, the film shows him getting involved in quasi-criminal activities as deputy mayor of St Petersburg. The movie also throws light on Putin’s political career, with a promise to provide insights into the 2024 presidential elections. To add to the film’s authenticity, Vega collaborated with Ukrainian filmmakers to shoot real-time events, explosions and combat. Also read: Ukraine refuses to confirm Russia claims of exchange of 48 children The movie has been made over a period of three years, with inputs from people who have first-hand experience of talking with the Russian leader. Vega states, "I wanted the saints and evil in my film to fit perfectly into the ragged world of tormented Russian souls on the streets of St Petersburg." Watch: India's NSA Ajit Doval meets Russia counterpart Nikolai Patrushev on sidelines of BRICS NSA meet × The film will be released in 35 nations, including in USA and India, and is projected to reach over 3 billion people. (With inputs from agencies)

Polish director to release AI-assisted Putin biopic in bid to ‘challenge him through art’

Russia-Ukraine war | US official: Long-range missile secretly shipped to Kyiv

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US down Houthi anti-ship missile | Venice locals protest entry fee

It's a double court day for former President Donald Trump today, the hush money trial here in New York it's entering its third day while the US Supreme Court is also hearing an argument in Washington over the former President's immunity bid in the federal election case. Watch in for more details!

US top court hears Trump's bid for immunity from prosecution

As per reports Donald Trump will possibly be returning to the White House in November and US allies are bracing for it. Nations are ready to engage with a Republican Presidential hopeful trying to defend or Advance their interests. Watch in for more details!

US Elections 2024: US allies bracing for Donald Trump's return?

John Lennon's long-lost 'Beatles' guitar will be auctioned on May 29 at Hard Rock Cafe in New York. Watch to know more.

John Lennon's lost guitar found after 50yrs; to be auctioned

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive ahead of expected tough talks.

A day before meeting Beijing's top brass, Blinken visited the bustling metropolis of Shanghai where he sampled local food, watched a basketball game and strolled along the city's famous Bund promenade on the busy Huangpu River.

Visiting the local Communist Party leader in a reception room with sweeping views of the Shanghai skyline, Blinken said President Joe Biden was committed to "direct and sustained" dialogue between the world's two largest economies after years of mounting tension.

"I think it's important to underscore the value — in fact, the necessity -- of direct engagement, of speaking to each other, laying out our differences, which are real, seeking to work through them," Blinken said.

"We have an obligation for our people — indeed an obligation to the world -- to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly," Blinken said.

The Chinese Communist Party secretary for Shanghai, Chen Jining, welcomed Blinken partly in English and spoke of the importance of US businesses to the city.

"Whether we choose cooperation or confrontation affects the well-being of both peoples, both countries and the future of humanity," Chen told him.

Shanghai, the country's financial capital, is often a stepping stone to power in China, with President Xi Jinping previously serving in the city.&nbsp;

China has not announced plans for Blinken to meet Xi, although on Blinken's last visit in June they saw each other in a meeting announced at the last minute.

Blinken, the first US Secretary of State in 14 years to visit Shanghai, opened his trip Wednesday evening at a restaurant serving steamed buns.&nbsp;

Sporting a tieless suit, he ate with his senior staff outside on wooden chairs in a shopping arcade as curious onlookers snapped pictures.

Blinken then went to a basketball stadium, watching a nail-biting playoff game between the Shanghai Sharks and Zhejiang Golden Bulls until the end.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive ahead of expected tough talks.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive ahead of expected tough talks. A day before meeting Beijing's top brass, Blinken visited the bustling metropolis of Shanghai where he sampled local food, watched a basketball game and strolled along the city's famous Bund promenade on the busy Huangpu River. Visiting the local Communist Party leader in a reception room with sweeping views of the Shanghai skyline, Blinken said President Joe Biden was committed to "direct and sustained" dialogue between the world's two largest economies after years of mounting tension. "I think it's important to underscore the value — in fact, the necessity -- of direct engagement, of speaking to each other, laying out our differences, which are real, seeking to work through them," Blinken said. "We have an obligation for our people — indeed an obligation to the world -- to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly," Blinken said. The Chinese Communist Party secretary for Shanghai, Chen Jining, welcomed Blinken partly in English and spoke of the importance of US businesses to the city. "Whether we choose cooperation or confrontation affects the well-being of both peoples, both countries and the future of humanity," Chen told him. Shanghai, the country's financial capital, is often a stepping stone to power in China, with President Xi Jinping previously serving in the city. China has not announced plans for Blinken to meet Xi, although on Blinken's last visit in June they saw each other in a meeting announced at the last minute. Blinken, the first US Secretary of State in 14 years to visit Shanghai, opened his trip Wednesday evening at a restaurant serving steamed buns. Sporting a tieless suit, he ate with his senior staff outside on wooden chairs in a shopping arcade as curious onlookers snapped pictures. Blinken then went to a basketball stadium, watching a nail-biting playoff game between the Shanghai Sharks and Zhejiang Golden Bulls until the end.

Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences 'responsibly'

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US down Houthi anti-ship missile - Venice locals protest entry fee - Spain's opposition slams PM Sanchez - Bangladesh repatriates Myanmar troops - Stoltenberg takes to the skies

Stoltenberg takes to the skies | Israel readies for Rafah assault

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: England child alcohol use tops global chart says WHO Report. Emperor penguins perish as ice melts to new lows says study. Watch in for more details!

England child alcohol use tops global chart: WHO Report

New York's top court reportedly overturned Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction on Thursday, April 25. "We conclude that the trial court erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts against persons other than the complainants of the underlying crimes," the court's 4-3 judgement stated, according to AP News.

Harvey Weinstein case: Court overturns Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes convictions

With less than two months to go for elections, the political parties in South Africa have begun campaigning in full swing. This time, however, the ruling party African National Congress (ANC) is under heavy pressure.

South Africa election campaign heats up, President Cyril Ramaphosa campaigns for ANC

At least 155 people have died in Tanzania as torrential rains linked to El Nino triggered flooding and landslides, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said Thursday.

Tanzania and other countries in East Africa -- a region highly vulnerable to climate change -- have been pounded by heavier than usual rainfall during the current rainy season, with dozens of deaths also reported in Kenya.

Majaliwa said more than 51,000 households and 200,000 people have been affected by the rains, with 155 fatalities and 236 people injured.

"The heavy El Nino rains, accompanied by strong winds, floods, and landslides in various parts of the country, have caused significant damage," Majaliwa told parliament in Tanzania's capital Dodoma.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-at-least-six-killed-30-injured-in-massive-fire-in-bihars-patna-nearly-railway-station-714877">Video: At least 6 killed, 30 injured in massive fire near railway station in Bihar's Patna</a>

"These include loss of life, destruction of crops, homes, citizens' property, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways," he added.

El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern typically associated with increased heat worldwide, as well as drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains elsewhere, and can have a devastating impact in East Africa.

In Burundi, one of the poorest countries on the planet, around 96,000 people have been displaced by months of relentless rains.

In addition, about 45 people have been killed in Kenya since the start of the rainy season in March, including 13 who lost their lives in flash floods in the capital Nairobi this week.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-restricts-kotak-mahindra-bank-no-new-customers-via-online-mobile-banking-halts-credit-card-issuance-714615">RBI bars Kotak Mahindra Bank from issuing credit cards; Bank's share price falls more than 11%</a>

Kenyan President William Ruto convened an emergency multi-agency meeting Thursday to respond to the crisis after torrential rains triggered floods that caused chaos across the city, blocking roads and bridges and engulfing homes in slum districts.

Kenyans have been warned to stay on alert, with the forecast for more heavy rains across the country, while officials said people living in the most vulnerable areas would be relocated.

"The government... will do whatever it takes, apply all the required resources in terms of money and personnel to make sure that lives are not lost and the people of Kenya are protected from this disaster," Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told a press briefing.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tibet-celebrates-panchem-lamas-birthday-urges-his-release-714936">Tibet celebrates Panchem Lama's birthday, urges his release</a>

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Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian response agency OCHA said in an update this week that in Somalia, the Gu (April to June) rains are intensifying with flash floods reported since April 19.

It said four people have been reportedly killed at least 134 families or more than 800 people affected or displaced across the country.

Late last year more than 300 people died in torrential rains and floods in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia just as as the region was trying to recover from its worst drought in four decades that left millions of people hungry.

From October 1997 to January 1998, massive floods caused more than 6,000 deaths in five countries in the region.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in March that El Nino, which peaked in December, was one of the five strongest ever recorded.

Though the weather pattern is now gradually weakening, its impact will continue over the coming months by fuelling the heat trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, it said.

Therefore "above normal temperatures are predicted over almost all land areas between March and May", the WMO said in a quarterly update.

At least 155 people have died in Tanzania as torrential rains linked to El Nino triggered flooding and landslides, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said Thursday. Tanzania and other countries in East Africa -- a region highly vulnerable to climate change -- have been pounded by heavier than usual rainfall during the current rainy season, with dozens of deaths also reported in Kenya.

At least 155 people have died in Tanzania as torrential rains linked to El Nino triggered flooding and landslides, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said Thursday. Tanzania and other countries in East Africa -- a region highly vulnerable to climate change -- have been pounded by heavier than usual rainfall during the current rainy season, with dozens of deaths also reported in Kenya. Majaliwa said more than 51,000 households and 200,000 people have been affected by the rains, with 155 fatalities and 236 people injured. "The heavy El Nino rains, accompanied by strong winds, floods, and landslides in various parts of the country, have caused significant damage," Majaliwa told parliament in Tanzania's capital Dodoma. Also Read | Video: At least 6 killed, 30 injured in massive fire near railway station in Bihar's Patna "These include loss of life, destruction of crops, homes, citizens' property, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways," he added. El Nino is a naturally occurring climate pattern typically associated with increased heat worldwide, as well as drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains elsewhere, and can have a devastating impact in East Africa. In Burundi, one of the poorest countries on the planet, around 96,000 people have been displaced by months of relentless rains. In addition, about 45 people have been killed in Kenya since the start of the rainy season in March, including 13 who lost their lives in flash floods in the capital Nairobi this week. Also Read | RBI bars Kotak Mahindra Bank from issuing credit cards; Bank's share price falls more than 11% Kenyan President William Ruto convened an emergency multi-agency meeting Thursday to respond to the crisis after torrential rains triggered floods that caused chaos across the city, blocking roads and bridges and engulfing homes in slum districts. Kenyans have been warned to stay on alert, with the forecast for more heavy rains across the country, while officials said people living in the most vulnerable areas would be relocated. "The government... will do whatever it takes, apply all the required resources in terms of money and personnel to make sure that lives are not lost and the people of Kenya are protected from this disaster," Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told a press briefing. Watch | Tibet celebrates Panchem Lama's birthday, urges his release × Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian response agency OCHA said in an update this week that in Somalia, the Gu (April to June) rains are intensifying with flash floods reported since April 19. It said four people have been reportedly killed at least 134 families or more than 800 people affected or displaced across the country. Late last year more than 300 people died in torrential rains and floods in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia just as as the region was trying to recover from its worst drought in four decades that left millions of people hungry. From October 1997 to January 1998, massive floods caused more than 6,000 deaths in five countries in the region. The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in March that El Nino, which peaked in December, was one of the five strongest ever recorded. Though the weather pattern is now gradually weakening, its impact will continue over the coming months by fuelling the heat trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, it said. Therefore "above normal temperatures are predicted over almost all land areas between March and May", the WMO said in a quarterly update.

At least 155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains lash East Africa

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