Update: Saudi crown prince called Trump, expressed condolences over Florida base shooting

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman RIYADH/WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump and expressed his condolences and support for the families of the victims of the Florida naval base shooting, according to the state news agency. The crown prince also…

Update: Day 5 of public transport chaos as French strike bites

Public transport in France was crippled for a fourth day Sunday as the government prepared to respond to anger over pension reforms PARIS, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — French commuters and tourists braced for a fifth day of public transport chaos Monday as the government prepared to respond to widespread anger…

Australia braces for more fires as extreme temperatures predicted

Smoke of fire rise next to firefighting vehicles as bushfires burn in Newnes Plateau, New South Wales SYDNEY, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of firefighters were fortifying containment lines on Monday as temperatures were forecast to soar, increasing the danger of a fresh wave of bushfires across Australia’s east coast.…

Tourists stranded as storms batter New Zealand

WELLINGTON, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Almost 1,000 tourists were stranded in New Zealand’s South Island on Monday after wild storms cut highways, washed away bridges and flooded the rugged landscape. Meteorologists said up to 400mm of rain was dumped on the South Island over 24 hours by a severe weather…

Update: At least 1 dead after New Zealand’s White Island volcano erupts

WELLINGTON, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least one person was killed when New Zealand’s White Island volcano erupted suddenly on Monday, leaving authorities scrambling to treat the injured and find those unaccounted for. New Zealand police said more fatalities were likely.  Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the volcanic island –…

Iran unveils budget of ‘resistance’ against US sanctions

President Rouhani TEHRAN, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a “budget of resistance” against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States. “Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions,”…

Asia: Health experts warn of emerging threat of Nipah virus

LONDON, Dec 9 (NNN-CNA) — A deadly virus called Nipah carried by bats has already caused human outbreaks across South and South East Asia and has “serious epidemic potential”, global health and infectious disease specialists said). The virus, identified in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore, has sparked outbreaks with mortality…

Rwanda begins vaccinating against Ebola

KIGALI, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) –Rwanda on Sunday started a voluntary Ebola vaccination programme at its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly virus from its neighbour.All countries in high-risk areas, even if not hit by Ebola, had been advised by…

Uganda landslides: More bodies recovered as toll increases to 13

KAMPALA, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eight more bodies have been recovered in Bududa and Sironko districts following landslides in Uganda’s Bugisu sub-region triggered by heavy rains, bringing the death toll so far to 13.The search and rescue team led by police and Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) retrieved the bodies…

Finland picks youngest-ever prime minister

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin HELSINKI, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Finland’s Social Democrats elected a 34-year-old former transport minister to the post of prime minister on Sunday, making her the youngest head of government in the country’s history. Sanna Marin narrowly won Sunday’s vote to replace outgoing leader Antti Rinne,…