News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

US aid increase for Philippines

The United States says it is increasing relief operations to typhoon victims in the Philippines to an unprecedented level. An aircraft carrier and two cruisers have been sent to the disaster area, with 5,000 sailors and more than 80 aircraft to boost search-and-rescue operations and aid deliveries. Around 11 million people have been affected by the typhoon with some survivors in the worst affected areas yet to receive any aid at all.

Rising ocean acidity “catastrophic”

Scientists say the world's oceans are becoming acidic at an unprecedented rate. A new report released by the United Nations says ocean acidity will have increased to a level by the end of this century that 30% of ocean species may not survive. The over 500 scientists involved in the report say ocean acidity is clearly caused by human emissions of carbon dioxide. Dr David Gibbons: “The impact of ocean acidification is going to be absolutely catastrophic. As the oceans become more acidic, animals like plankton and molluscs and crustaceans will find it harder and harder to create shells, and without shells they can’t exist.”

Sri Lanka rejects abuse allegations

The president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has rejected accusations of human rights abuse in his country ahead of a summit of 53 Commonwealth nations in Colombo. A United Nations report alleged mass killing of civilians in the final phase of the war against Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009, and there are continuing allegations of torture and the disappearance of activists. The leaders of Canada, India and Mauritius are boycotting the summit.

Iraqi Shi’ite pilgrims targeted

In Iraq, a suicide bomber has attacked a Shi'ite Muslim religious ritual in the city of al-Sadiya, killing at least 30 people and wounding over 60. The attack came on the final day of the Ashura ritual.

Egypt and Russia hold talks

The foreign minister of Egypt, Nabil Fahmy, and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, have opened high-level talks in Cairo. Egypt’s relations with the United States have been strained since the army overthrew Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July.

Wulff trial opens

The trial has opened in Hanover of Germany’s former president Christian Wulff on corruption charges. Wulff is accused of accepting hospitality from a film producer in return for favours. He denies the allegations.

Eurozone recovery falters

The latest figures from Eurostat show growth in the eurozone slowed to 0.1% in the July-to-September period, down from 0.3% in the previous quarter. France's economy contracted 0.1%, while Germany slowed to 0.3% growth.

The weather

Some sunny spells but mainly overcast or foggy with rain moving in from the west. Top temperatures 1 to ten degrees.

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