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Tragic Landslide in Ethiopia Claims Over 150 Lives

A devastating landslide in Ethiopia has claimed over 150 lives, leaving communities in shock. This tragic event highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable regions. Stay informed about the latest updates.

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Tragic Landslide in Southwestern Ethiopia Claims Over 150 Lives

In a devastating incident on Monday, a landslide in a village in southwestern Ethiopia resulted in the deaths of more than 150 individuals. The disaster struck after days of heavy rainfall, which caused several homes to be engulfed by mud. Those who rushed to assist in the rescue efforts were themselves caught in a subsequent landslide about an hour later.

The first landslide hit the village in the Geze district between 8:30 and 9 a.m. on Monday, according to Habtamu Fetena, the head of the local government’s emergency response team. Nearly 300 residents from two nearby villages flocked to the scene to lend a helping hand, digging through the mud with their bare hands in a desperate search for survivors.

Tragically, just an hour later, without any warning, a second wave of mud cascaded down the hillside, burying many of those who were attempting to rescue their neighbors. “They had no clue that the ground beneath them was about to collapse,” Mr. Fetena lamented.

The initial landslide claimed entire families as mud surged down the slope, while the second landslide took the lives of numerous individuals, including teachers and healthcare workers. Notably, the local administrative leader was also among the deceased, having rushed to the scene to aid in the rescue efforts. Although most of the casualties were men, pregnant women and children were also tragically affected, according to Mr. Fetena.

A man is seen using his hands to search for survivors and victims in the aftermath of the landslide.

The death toll is anticipated to rise as rescue teams continue to pull victims from the mud. As of Tuesday afternoon, only ten individuals had been rescued alive from the debris, officials reported.

This largely rural region had been battered by days of heavy rain, which not only hampered rescue efforts but also saturated the ground, leading to multiple landslides. The affected village is located in an area that is increasingly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. In recent years, East Africa has faced increasingly severe weather patterns, including prolonged droughts followed by intense storms, as highlighted by the United Nations. Alarmingly, a third of the countries deemed most vulnerable to climate change are situated in southern and eastern Africa.

The area where the landslides occurred is inaccessible to heavy machinery, forcing villagers and rescue workers to rely on manual labor to dig through the mud. Gripping images from the scene reveal a gaping scar on the hillside where mud had cascaded down, with rescuers knee-deep in mud using hoes, shovels, and even their bare hands to search for the missing.

According to another local administrator, Dagmawi Ayele, the region has faced similar disasters in the past. While some villages were relocated following previous calamities, he noted that landslides are now occurring in areas previously thought to be safe.

A video released by the local government captures the heartbreak of survivors in the aftermath of the catastrophic landslide.

World

Dominique Pelicot Testifies in Harrowing Rape Trial

Join us as Dominique Pelicot courageously testifies in a harrowing rape trial, shedding light on the complexities of trauma and justice. Her powerful story raises crucial questions about the legal system and the importance of support for survivors.

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Dominique Pelicot Takes the Stand in Shocking Rape Trial

In a courtroom drama that has captivated France and garnered international attention, Dominique Pelicot, the man at the center of a harrowing rape trial, finally addressed the court. With tears streaming down his face, he recounted how his wife had been instrumental in helping him cope with a tumultuous past marked by trauma. He revealed that he had endured a sexual assault at the tender age of nine while hospitalized, and he also witnessed a gang rape during his teenage years while working as an apprentice electrician on a construction site.

“She didn’t deserve this, I acknowledge that,” Mr. Pelicot stated, his voice barely audible as he struggled to convey his emotions. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the courtroom fell silent, straining to catch his every word.

Now 71 years old, Mr. Pelicot faces serious allegations of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, whom he has been married to for half a century, over a span of nearly ten years. Prosecutors contend that he used drugs to render her comatose, allowing him to rape her repeatedly. Furthermore, authorities allege that he went so far as to invite numerous men into their home, facilitating a nightmarish scenario where they, too, engaged in the assault of his wife.

Overall, 51 men, including Mr. Pelicot, are on trial concurrently, primarily facing charges related to the aggravated rape of Ms. Pelicot. Among them, one individual has already pleaded guilty to similar crimes, admitting to drugging his own wife to assault her and inviting Mr. Pelicot to partake in the horrific act while she was incapacitated.

Mr. Pelicot’s unexpected testimony came after a tumultuous start to the trial. Just a week in, he was stricken with severe health issues that forced him to miss four consecutive days in court. The head judge ultimately decided to postpone proceedings, as Mr. Pelicot was diagnosed with kidney stones, a kidney infection, and prostate complications, adding yet another layer of complexity to this already harrowing case.

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World

Meta Bans Russian State Media Outlets from Social Media Platforms

Explore the implications of Meta’s decision to ban Russian state media outlets from its social media platforms. Understand the impact on information dissemination and the ongoing battle against misinformation in the digital landscape.

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Meta Imposes Global Ban on Russian State Media Outlets

In a significant move, Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has announced the prohibition of Russian state media outlets, including RT (Russia Today) and Rossiya Segodnya, from all its social media platforms. The decision stems from the company’s concerns regarding the deceptive strategies employed by these media organizations to execute covert influence operations across the internet.

Meta made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the ban will be enforced worldwide across its various platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The rollout of this ban is expected to take place over the coming days.

Statement from Meta

A spokesperson for Meta elaborated on the decision, stating, “After careful consideration, we have expanded our ongoing enforcement actions against Russian state media outlets. As a result, Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other affiliated entities are now banned from our applications globally due to their involvement in foreign interference activities.”

For further insights into this development, watch the video in the player above.

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World

Trump Recalls Alleged Assassination Attempt While Golfing

Explore Donald Trump’s chilling recollection of an alleged assassination attempt he experienced while enjoying a round of golf. Delve into the tense moments and his reflections on safety, fame, and the unpredictability of public life.

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In a recent interview on the social media platform X, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recounted a harrowing incident he claims to have experienced while playing golf. Trump described how, during a peaceful Sunday morning round with friends, the tranquility of the day was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire in the air.

“It was a beautiful day, everything was just perfect,” Trump reflected. “Then all of a sudden, we heard shots being fired—probably around four or five in total.” He went on to explain that a Secret Service agent was the first to spot the suspect, who was allegedly armed with an AK-47, a powerful assault rifle.

“The agent saw the barrel of the weapon and immediately took action, returning fire at the barrel and aiming in the direction of the bushes,” Trump detailed. “I would have loved to have sunk that last putt, but we decided it was best to leave the scene promptly.”

Trump expressed his gratitude towards the agents and a vigilant civilian who aided in tracking down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended following a high-speed chase.

Suspect Faces Multiple Federal Gun Charges

The FBI has identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, accusing him of targeting Trump during his time at the golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to an FBI report, Routh had allegedly hidden among the hedges of the golf course for an astonishing 12 hours. Authorities discovered an SKS-style assault rifle, a GoPro camera, and a bag of food at the scene.

The 58-year-old Routh is now facing two serious federal gun charges. If convicted on both counts, he could face a combined maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Notably, neither of the charges is directly related to an assassination attempt. The first charge pertains to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction, which carries a potential 15-year sentence, a fine of $250,000 (€225,000), and three years of supervised release.

The second charge involves possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which could result in a five-year prison term, the same financial penalties, and also three years of supervised release. As the investigation continues, additional charges could be forthcoming.

While the motive behind Routh’s actions remains unclear, his digital footprint reveals strong political affiliations, particularly concerning issues surrounding Ukraine and China. Routh consistently expressed support for Ukraine across various social media platforms, even claiming to have orchestrated a recruitment scheme for international volunteers aiming to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. This behavior has been denounced by Ukrainian soldiers and members of the International Legion, who disavowed Routh’s actions and motives.

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