News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Philippines death toll continues to rise

The Philippines government says the official death toll from typhoon Haiyan now stands at over 3600, one week after the storm struck central areas of the country. The toll is expected to rise further, as efforts continue to reach communities affected by the disaster and distribute aid to survivors. UN official Mark McCarthy says the relief operation is now picking up pace. “It’s been really difficult logistically, there’s still bodies on the way to the airport, it’s a very difficult environment. But things are starting to move out. There’s a lot of materials coming in now, so it’s going to get really busy.”

Austrians charged over child pornography ring

63 Austrians are reported to have been charged in connection with a Canadian based child pornography ring, which was broken up by police yesterday. Pornographic films were allegedly produced in Toronto and then distributed globally. It's thought to be one of the largest operations of its kind ever uncovered, with almost 350 people charged worldwide and hundreds of children rescued from exploitation.

Syria chemical weapons plan to be finalised

The International Chemical Weapons Watchdog, the OPCW, is meeting today in The Hague to finalise plans for destroying Syria's stockpile of chemical and nerve agents. The first phase of the operation, rendering manufacturing equipment inoperable, has been completed. OPCW spokesman Christian Chartier says the next phase is already well underway. “We have reached a 52 percent destruction rate, knowing that Syria is to destroy the totality of the unsealed munitions by 31 January 2014.”

Japan drastically reduces emissions target

Japan has significantly cut its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020. The Japanese government says it will now aim to cap emissions at 3 percent above 1990 levels, compared to its initial target of a 25 percent reduction. Japan has been forced to burn more CO2 producing fossil fuels, with its nuclear power stations offline following the disaster at Fukushima.

Obama apologises for healthcare rollout

US president Barak Obama has announced a one year reprieve for people forced to cancel health insurance policies, because they don't meet the minimum requirements of his new healthcare law. Speaking at the White House, Obama apologised for the rollout of the new scheme, known colloquially as Obamacare, which has been plagued by problems. “My pledge to the American people is that we’re going to solve the problems that are there. We’re going to get it right and the affordable care act is going to work for the American people.”

Migrants drown off the coast of Greece

The authorities in Greece say 12 suspected migrants have drowned and 15 were rescued, after their boat capsized in the Ionian Sea, near the island of Lefkada. It's thought that the overcrowded boat was trying to reach Italy.

The weather

Overcast and wet conditions will dominate today, with the chance of sunshine in the west. Top temperatures will range from 1 to 9 degrees.

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