Coronavirus: Whole world ‘must take action’, warns WHO

The new coronavirus has spread across China and to at least 16 countries globally GENEVA, Jan 31 (NNN-AGENCIES) —The “whole world needs to be on alert” to fight the coronavirus, the head of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Programme has said. Dr Mike Ryan praised China’s response to the deadly outbreak, saying:…

China virus death toll rises to 170, more than 1,700 new cases

WUHAN (China), Jan 31 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The nationwide death toll fromChina’s viral epidemic has leapt to 170, the government said,with more than 1,700 new infections confirmed. Thirty-seven of the 38 new deaths came in hard-hit Hubei province, theepicentre of a contagion that is causing mounting global fear. Another death occurred…

Suspension of Libyan oil exports costs 500 mln USD: NOC

TRIPOLI, Jan 30 (NNN-Xinhua) — The suspension of oil exports due to the closure of oil fields and ports has cost more than 500 million U.S. dollars so far, Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) said. “On 28 January 2020, oil production reached 288,181 barrels per day. Total value of losses…

77 migrants, rescued at sea, brought to Malta

Migrants wait to disembark in Floriana, Malta VALLETTA, Jan 30 (NNN-Xinhua) — A total 77 migrants rescued by the humanitarian vessel Alan Kurdi were brought to Malta on Wednesday evening. The migrants were transferred to an Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat and disembarked at Malta army’s Hay Wharf base…

Somali, US forces destroy al-Shabaab camp in southern region

MOGADISHU, Jan 30 (NNN-Xinhua) — Somali and US forces destroyed an al-Shabaab camp in an airstrike Wednesday in the militants’ stronghold in the southern region. No civilians has been killed or wounded in the attack after the allied forces stepped up military operations in and around al-Shabaab-controlled town of Jilib,…

Nigeria closes shop over coronavirus seafood fears

The FCCPC said they made the discovery during a “surprise” inspection. ABUJA, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The consumer protection agency in Nigeria says it has closed down a supermarket selling “illegally imported seafood and meat” in the capital, Abuja, over ongoing fears about the spread of coronavirus. The Federal Competition…

Diarrhea kills 15 people in central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Jan 30 (NNN-XINHUA) — An outbreak of acute watery diarrhea has killed 15 people in Somalia’s central region of Hiraan, an official said. HirShabelle State health minister Abdi Mo’alim Mohamed told reporters that acute watery diarrhea broke out in BeledWeyne town causing deaths. “Acute Watery Diarrhoea killed up to…

Libya: UN-backed forces claim downed drone as Turkish support arrives

TRIPOLI, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Forces aligned with Libya’s UN-backed government said they had shot down a drone operated by their rivals, suggesting a strengthening of air defenses as they receive accelerated military support from Turkey. The drone was shot down just east of Misrata, a key source of military…

Central African Republic: Militia infighting kill around 40

BANGUI, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Militia infighting in Central African Republic (CAR) killed around 40 people over the weekend and forced several hundred from their homes, local authorities said. The bloodshed was some of the worst since armed groups agreed a peace deal last February. That was meant to bring…

Brazil: More torrential rain raises death toll to 54

BELO HORIZONTE (Brazil), Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Another torrentialdownpour left the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte paralyzed, withruined cars abandoned on streets cake with mud, as the death toll from days of violent weather reached 54. Another 47,000 people across Minas Gerais, the southeastern state where the city is located,…