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Severe Flooding and Typhoon Yagi’s Impact in Northern Vietnam

Explore the devastating effects of Typhoon Yagi and severe flooding in Northern Vietnam. Learn about the impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment, as well as ongoing recovery efforts in the region.

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Severe Flooding and Typhoon Aftermath in Northern Vietnam

Severe Flooding and Typhoon Aftermath in Northern Vietnam

A devastating bridge collapse and the tragic loss of a passenger bus occurred in northern Vietnam on Monday as the region continued to experience heavy rainfall from the remnants of Typhoon Yagi. This catastrophic weather event has already claimed at least 59 lives across Southeast Asia, as reported by state media.

Initially, nine fatalities were reported during the typhoon’s impact when it made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday, bringing with it winds that reached up to 149 kilometers per hour before it weakened into a tropical depression. However, subsequent flooding and landslides have led to the tragic deaths of an additional 50 individuals. The water levels in several rivers throughout northern Vietnam have reached alarming heights, raising concerns about further disasters.

On Monday morning, a passenger bus carrying 20 individuals was swept away by a landslide into a flooded stream in the mountainous province of Cao Bang. Efforts to rescue those on board were hampered by additional landslides that blocked access to the site of the incident.

In nearby Phu Tho province, rescue operations were ongoing following the collapse of a steel bridge over the swollen Red River. Reports indicate that 10 cars, trucks, and two motorbikes plunged into the river as a result. So far, three individuals have been rescued and transported to a hospital, but 13 others remain unaccounted for.

Typhoon Yagi, known as one of the most powerful typhoons to strike Vietnam in decades, wreaked havoc upon its arrival. After making landfall on Saturday, it quickly downgraded to a tropical depression, but the national meteorological agency continues to issue warnings about the potential for further floods and landslides due to ongoing heavy rains.

In the picturesque town of Sa Pa, a landslide claimed the lives of six people, including an infant, while injuring nine others. Over the course of the weekend, state media reported a total of 21 deaths and at least 299 injuries related to the severe weather.

As the rain continued to fall on Monday morning, the skies over the capital city, Hanoi, remained overcast. City workers were tirelessly clearing debris from uprooted trees, fallen billboards, and toppled electricity poles. The northwest region of Vietnam is still experiencing heavy rainfall, with forecasts indicating that accumulations could exceed 40 centimeters in certain areas.

Agricultural Impact

The impact of Typhoon Yagi has been felt far and wide, with at least three million residents losing access to electricity in Quang Ninh and Haiphong provinces. The extent of power restoration remains uncertain. These two provinces serve as vital industrial hubs, hosting numerous factories that contribute to exports, including the electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast and suppliers for Apple.

Factory workers reported that many industrial parks were submerged, and several factory roofs were severely damaged or blown away. In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Haiphong city on Sunday and approved an emergency recovery package worth $4.62 million (€4.18 million).

Moreover, Typhoon Yagi has inflicted significant damage on agricultural land, affecting nearly 116,192 hectares primarily dedicated to rice cultivation. Prior to its landfall in Vietnam, the typhoon was responsible for at least 20 fatalities in the Philippines and three in China.

Experts warn that storms like Typhoon Yagi are becoming increasingly potent due to climate change. Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore, noted that warmer ocean waters provide additional energy to intensify storms, leading to stronger winds and heavier rainfall.

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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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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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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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