Natural Disaster News Trending

Russia refuses to give the Kakhovka dam victims UN help

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Massive flooding brought on by a dam break has polluted the water supply, making swimming and eating shellfish prohibited.

Offers by the UN to assist those in Russian-occupied territories impacted by floods from the collapsed Nova Kakhovka Dam have been refused by Moscow.

On June 6, the dam collapsed, sending a flood of water from the Dnipro River on towns throughout southern Ukraine, including areas of the Kherson region that are under Russian occupation.

The floods drove thousands of people to evacuate, devastated houses and agriculture, poisoned drinking water sources, and raised concerns about an impending environmental catastrophe.

The UN called on Russia to follow its commitments under international humanitarian law.

“The UN will continue to do all it can to reach all people – including those suffering as a result of the recent dam destruction – who urgently need life-saving assistance, no matter where they are,” UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine Denise Brown said in a statement on Sunday.

“People in need cannot be denied aid.”

The number of fatalities from the tragedy has increased to 52; according to Russian officials, 35 people died in regions under their control, and the interior ministry of Ukraine, 17 people died and 31 were missing. On both sides, more than 11,000 people have been evacuated.

Having been under Russian control since the beginning of its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine accuses Russia of blowing up the Soviet-era dam.

According to a group of foreign legal experts supporting Ukrainian prosecutors in their investigation, it is “highly likely” that Russian explosives were used to cause the dam to collapse.

Using drone footage and data from local military and political sources, the Associated Press stated that Russia has “the means, motive, and opportunity” to demolish the dam.

Russia has blamed Ukraine for the dam rupture, but the different Russian claims, such as that it was hit by a missile, are insufficient to explain a boom that was so powerful that it was detected by seismic detectors in the area.

When the explosion occurred, Ukraine was getting ready to begin its counteroffensive, and the Dnipro River served as the front line.

As the rising floods quickly engulfed their positions, Bugskiy Gard commander Illia Zelinskyi said, “It’s a regular practise to mine (places) before a retreat.” In this situation, their activities complicated for us a passage of the Dnieper (Dnipro) and disrupted parts of our supply networks.

The explosion appeared to originate from the region where the dam’s machine room was located, Zelinskyi told the news agency. He said that Russian soldiers had been present for some time, as did a senior American official who was acquainted with the intelligence. To discuss sensitive information, the US official spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Photos obtained by the AP from Ukrainian drone footage also showed scores of Russian soldiers tented on a Dnipro bank, seeming at ease as they made their way back and forth to the dam without any protection.

In another image from May 28, a vehicle was parked on the dam with its roof torn open to reveal large barrels, one of which had what seemed to be a land mine attached to the lid and a cable leading to the Russian-controlled side of the river.

While the vehicle bomb alone would not have been sufficient to damage the dam, any explosion coming from the machine room would have been magnified, a Ukrainian special forces communications official told the news agency.

Popular Black Sea bathing beaches in Odesa were already forced to close due to the release of the now-contaminated water, and the consumption of fish and shellfish from unconfirmed sources was outlawed.

The water at Odesa’s beaches has significantly deteriorated, and the city’s government has deemed them unsafe for swimming because of the potential health risks.

Salmonella and other “infectious agents” were detected in water samples last week at dangerously high levels, according to Ukrainian officials. There was also cholera surveillance in place.

On the seabed and in marine animals, harmful chemical concentrations are predicted to rise. Land mines washing up along the shoreline is another worry.

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Vienna Pride parade assault was prevented, according to Austrian police

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According to authorities, three suspected Islamists were detained in Austria for allegedly plotting to assault the annual LGBTQ+ Pride march.

More than 300,000 people attended the march on Saturday in Vienna, the country’s capital.

Young males between the ages of 14 and 20 were among those detained on Saturday in their homes, according to Austrian security authorities.

Although they provided no further information, they did mention that air rifles, knives, and an axe had been seized.

At a press conference on Sunday, Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, the head of Austria’s internal intelligence, announced the arrests.

He said that in order to prevent attendees from feeling concerned, authorities had withheld information about the intended assault until after the procession.

The ultimate aim of terrorism is to instill dread and apprehension among the populace. It’s also our responsibility to prevent that.

The guys, according to Mr. Haijawi-Pirchner, were Austrian citizens with ties to Bosnia and Chechnya. One of the men was previously known to the police owing to prior allegations of terrorism.

He continued that the so-called Islamic State (IS) has been inciting additional assaults, and Austrian officials were aware of this.

He stated that there have been appeals to carry out attacks in Europe once more, and Europol, the European police group, has recently produced a report to that effect. We treat this matter seriously.

In November 2020, a shooter opened fire in a well-known nightlife district of Vienna, killing four people and injuring 23 others in the country’s latest IS incident.

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Italy prevents Chinese takeover of the large tyre company, Pirelli

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Italy has taken action to prevent a state-owned Chinese corporation from taking over Pirelli, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer.

The choice is a component of the actions the Italian government has announced to safeguard Pirelli’s independence.

Sinochem, a Beijing-controlled chemical juggernaut that has a 37% stake in the 151-year-old Milan-based company Pirelli, is the largest shareholder.

As the US secretary of state visits China, tensions between Beijing and the West are in the spotlight.

Pirelli announced to investors on Sunday that the Italian government had decided that only Camfin, a business owned by Pirelli’s CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera, may propose candidates for the position of chief executive.

Additionally, Pirelli stated that any modifications to the corporation’s corporate governance will be subject to governmental review.

It followed Sinochem’s March announcement that it would be renewing and updating an existing shareholder agreement.

The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni investigated the arrangement in accordance with the “Golden Power Procedure” regulations, which are intended to safeguard companies that are thought to be strategically significant to the country.

Pirelli was sold to a consortium of investors in 2015 for €7.1 billion (£6.1 billion; $7.8 billion), including ChemChina and Camfin. ChemChina merged with state-owned Sinochem six years later. A further 9% of Pirelli is owned by the Silk Road Investment Fund of the Chinese government.

On his penultimate day of a rare trip to China by a senior Washington official, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Beijing.

The timing of Mr. Blinken’s visit coincides with a recent deterioration in ties between China and several Western countries over topics including trade, Taiwan, and security.

Before his arrival, authorities believed there was little hope of a resolution to the numerous disagreements between the two largest economies in the world, including Washington’s efforts to impede China’s computer chip industry’s growth.

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Swiss Referendum: Public Supports Carbon Reductions as Glaciers Melt

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Switzerland’s referendum results show support for a new climate bill aimed at reducing fossil fuel usage and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The government emphasizes the need to protect energy security and the environment as Swiss Alps glaciers rapidly melt. The legislation necessitates a transition from imported oil and gas to renewable energy sources. In the referendum held on Sunday, 59.1% of voters approved the green energy proposals. Critics argued that the measures would lead to increased energy prices. Almost all major Swiss parties, except the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), endorsed the bill.

The SVP triggered the referendum after opposing the government’s suggestions. Currently, Switzerland imports approximately three-quarters of its energy, relying entirely on foreign oil and natural gas. The climate bill commits to providing 2 billion Swiss francs ($2.2 billion; £1.7 billion) in financial support over a decade to encourage the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives to gas or oil heating systems, as well as 1.2 billion Swiss francs to promote green innovation in businesses.

This decision comes as Alpine glaciers face significant threats from rising temperatures caused by climate change, having lost a third of their ice volume between 2001 and 2022. Noted Swiss glaciologist Matthias Huss, who has closely monitored the glaciers’ retreat, expressed his satisfaction on Twitter, describing the referendum outcome as a “strong signal” that climate science arguments were heard. Socialist Party parliamentarian Valerie Piller Carrard hailed it as an “important step for future generations.”

Additionally, voters overwhelmingly supported the implementation of a global minimum tax rate of 15% for multinational corporations in a separate referendum, with 78.5% in favor. Switzerland joined over 140 countries in 2021 by signing an agreement within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to establish a minimum tax rate for large companies.

Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter commended the “very strong acceptance rate” for the constitutional amendment enabling Switzerland’s participation in the agreement. The voter turnout for the referendums stood at approximately 42%.

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Daniel Ellsberg: Pentagon Papers whistleblower dies aged 92

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Daniel Ellsberg, the renowned whistleblower who exposed the truth about US involvement in the Vietnam War through the release of the Pentagon Papers, has passed away at the age of 92. He died at his home in Kensington, California, after battling pancreatic cancer. Ellsberg’s actions in leaking the classified documents in 1971 earned him the nickname “the most dangerous man in America” and led to a significant legal battle with the Nixon administration, as they attempted to prevent the publication of the papers in the New York Times.

Despite facing espionage charges, Ellsberg was eventually cleared, and his actions had a profound impact on public opinion regarding the Vietnam War. The Pentagon Papers revealed government deceptions and contributed to the eventual end of the war, as well as playing a role in President Nixon’s downfall. Ellsberg’s courageous act set a precedent for future whistleblowers and established a protection for freedom of the press under the First Amendment.

Throughout his life, Ellsberg remained a vocal critic of government overreach and military interventions. His decision to leak the Pentagon Papers was motivated by his belief that the public’s awareness of the truth could help bring an end to the war. He continued his advocacy for government accountability and transparency in subsequent years, inspiring subsequent whistleblowers like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden.

In recent interviews, even while battling pancreatic cancer, Ellsberg emphasized the importance of whistleblowing and the potential impact it can have in situations where the stakes are high. He believed that even in the face of significant risks, exposing the truth was an obligation when the survival of civilization and the well-being of billions of people were at stake.

Daniel Ellsberg’s legacy as a truth-teller, anti-war activist, and champion of whistleblowers will be remembered by many. His courageous actions and unwavering commitment to revealing the truth have had a lasting impact on government transparency and the public’s right to know.

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Putin confirms the transfer of nuclear weapons to Belarus during the Ukraine war

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Vladimir Putin has announced that an initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons has been deployed in Belarus, emphasizing that they would only be utilized if Russia’s territory or sovereignty faced threats. The US government has stated that there are no indications suggesting Russia’s intention to employ nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

Belarus, a crucial ally of Russia, served as a launchpad for Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February the previous year. Putin confirmed that the transfer of tactical nuclear warheads would be completed by the end of the summer, highlighting that it was a measure of “containment” to deter those considering a strategic defeat against Russia. These tactical nuclear weapons are designed for limited strikes and battlefield use, targeting specific areas without causing extensive radioactive fallout.

Putin is set to meet with African leaders in St. Petersburg following their visit to Kyiv as part of a peace initiative. However, while they were in the city, it came under Russian missile attack. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa called for de-escalation and peaceful negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the need to diplomatically isolate Russia and condemned its invasion. Putin reiterated his belief that Ukraine’s counter-offensive would not succeed and suggested that the country was running out of military equipment. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister reported advances in recapturing territory in the south of the country.

Putin also addressed economic matters, claiming that Western sanctions failed to isolate Russia and instead facilitated expansion in trade with “the markets of the future.” He praised new partnerships with Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries as reliable and responsible.

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Greece boat disaster: Officials deny coastguard rope led to migrant tragedy

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Greek officials have denied reports suggesting that a migrant boat capsized off the south coast due to a rope attached by coastguards. Although 78 people have been confirmed dead, including possibly 100 children, the government spokesman clarified that a rope was used by the coastguard to approach the fishing boat a few hours before it sank.

However, there was no attempt to tow or tether the boat for an extended period. The coastguard’s timeline and account have been challenged by an organization that was in contact with people on the fishing boat, claiming that they urgently requested help.

The Greek government denies using a mooring rope, as reported by a Greek newspaper, and maintains that no request for assistance was made by the crew. Survivors and witnesses have given conflicting accounts, with some suggesting that a rope may have caused the boat to capsize. The coastguard spokesperson reiterated that there was no intention to moor the boat.

Nine people have been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking. The tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of migration through Greece, a key entry point to the European Union for refugees and migrants from various regions.

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US Citizen Arrested Following Lethal Assault at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

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A young woman, aged 21, has lost her life after being assaulted and thrown from a hill at the renowned Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany on Wednesday.

According to prosecutors, the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, passed away during the night after being forcibly pushed 50 meters down a gorge. Another woman, aged 22 and a friend of the deceased, suffered severe injuries when she attempted to intervene and was also pushed by the attacker. Law enforcement officials have apprehended a male US citizen in connection with the incident.

The 30-year-old suspect, whose name has not been disclosed by the police, initially fled the scene but was later captured following an extensive manhunt involving over 25 vehicles. He is currently in custody at a police station in Fuessen, located near Bavaria state. Reports suggest that the man met the victims, who are believed to be American citizens, on a trail close to the Marienbrücke bridge—a popular viewpoint for tourists visiting the castle. Under false pretenses of a challenging path to the bridge, he led them onto a hidden trail and subsequently carried out the assault.

The Bavarian police stated that the assailant choked the 22-year-old woman when she attempted to intervene and then pushed her down a steep slope. They suspect that there was also an attempted sexual offense against the 21-year-old victim. The woman who survived the attack is currently in serious condition but responsive. The suspect appeared before the Kempten District Court, where the investigating judge issued an arrest warrant, leading to his detention.

Senior public prosecutor Thomas Hormann noted that the investigation is still in its early stages. Neuschwanstein Castle, located approximately 126km (78 miles) from Munich, is a highly popular tourist destination, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. Constructed in the 19th century, the castle was intended to serve as the residence of the regional rulers, although it was never inhabited.

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Ukraine war: Mystery over Chechen commander reported wounded in Ukraine

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A senior Chechen commander and member of the Russian parliament, Adam Delimkhanov, has been reported wounded in Ukraine. Delimkhanov is a close ally of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Initially, Kadyrov described him as “incommunicado” and appealed to Ukrainian intelligence for help in finding him. Delimkhanov had previously commanded Chechen forces during Russia’s fight to seize the Ukrainian port of Mariupol in 2022.

Russian military TV channel Zvezda reported that Delimkhanov was “alive but wounded,” countering social media reports of his death. Ukrainian sources mentioned an unconfirmed attack on the Chechen Akhmat paramilitary in the city of Prymorsk, far from the front lines. However, fellow MP Dmitry Kuznetsov quoted Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, who had spoken to Delimkhanov and confirmed that he was “alive and well.”

Ramzan Kadyrov offered a reward for help in finding Delimkhanov but later retracted his earlier comments, claiming his ally was “not even wounded” and accusing Ukrainians of spreading lies. Kadyrov released a video to support his claims, but inconsistencies were found, suggesting possible manipulation.

Delimkhanov debunked rumors about his health on social media, and on the following day, he reposted Kadyrov’s video. The Kremlin expressed concern over the reported injuries and awaited clarification on the situation. Another military figure, Maj Gen Sergei Goryachev, was also reportedly killed in a missile strike, but there has been no official confirmation.

Several Russian generals have been killed since the beginning of the invasion, but if Goryachev’s death is confirmed, he would be the first high-ranking military fatality in a year.

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Tragic Greece Boat Disaster Claims 78 Lives with Hundreds Missing

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A fishing boat incident off the coast of southern Greece has claimed the lives of at least 78 individuals, while over 100 people have been rescued. Survivors’ accounts suggest that the boat may have been overcrowded, with reports indicating that as many as 750 people, including 100 children, were crammed onboard.

Greek authorities have declared it one of the largest migrant tragedies in the country’s history and have declared three days of mourning. Although authorities claim their offers of assistance were declined, they are facing criticism for not doing enough to aid the distressed individuals.

The boat sank in the early hours of Wednesday, approximately 80km (50 miles) southwest of Pylos. Frontex, the EU’s border agency, had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon and promptly alerted Greek and Italian authorities. Notably, it has been reported that no life jackets were being worn by those onboard. The timeline provided by the Greek coastguard reveals that initial contact was made at 14:00 on Tuesday, but no distress signal was issued.

The Greek shipping ministry made repeated attempts to communicate with the boat, which stated its intention to sail to Italy. A Maltese-flagged ship provided food and water around 18:00, followed by another vessel supplying water three hours later. Shortly before 02:00 on Wednesday, the boat reported an engine malfunction, and shortly thereafter, it capsized, sinking within 10 to 15 minutes. Strong winds complicated the subsequent search and rescue operation. The boat is believed to have been en route from Libya to Italy, primarily carrying men in their 20s.

Survivors, who were treated for hypothermia and minor injuries, estimated that there were between 500 and 750 people onboard. Regional health director Yiannis Karvelis described the situation as an unprecedented tragedy due to the boat’s excessive overcrowding. One survivor informed a doctor that there were approximately 100 children in the hold. The nationality of the victims has not been disclosed. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed condolences for the lives lost during her visit to rescued survivors.

Each year, numerous individuals lose their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean, highlighting the dangers of irregular migration. Greece has emphasized the need for a comprehensive EU migration policy to ensure assistance and protection for those truly in need, rather than leaving the fate of vulnerable individuals in the hands of smugglers.

As a primary entry point for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Greece has faced significant challenges in managing migration flows. In recent times, the Greek government faced criticism for allegedly forcibly expelling migrants at sea. According to UN data, over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with Italy receiving the majority.

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