[Summary News] Rising Death Toll in Nepal Floods, Japan Faces Extreme Weather, and the Passing of King Harald V of Norway > 월드뉴스

The death toll in Nepal from recent flash floods has reached 543, with over 1,500 individuals still reported missing, according to the disaster authority. Chinese state media confirmed five fatalities in Tibet, bringing the total number of deaths to at least 543. Rescue operations were briefly halted due to an overflowing river, but efforts resumed as more than 90,000 people are estimated to be affected by the floods. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced a $5 million humanitarian aid package for Nepal, including support for the World Food Programme. Rescue teams have successfully saved 117 tourists, including nationals from India, China, South Korea, Italy, and the United States, as aid officials express concerns over potential secondary flooding.

Rescue operations in Nepal's Rasuwa district were temporarily suspended due to the overflow of a debris dam, raising fears of additional flooding. The confirmed death toll has risen to 469, with over 1,300 people still unaccounted for in Nepal and Tibet. The floods, triggered by the collapse of a glacier, have devastated infrastructure, including power stations and roads. The situation worsened as a barrier lake formed, prompting Chinese rescue teams to withdraw to safety. In Bidur, a town heavily impacted by the floods, survivors recounted harrowing experiences of clinging to trees and buildings as floodwaters surged.

Japan has experienced extreme rainfall, particularly in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, following a deluge in mid-August. In Himi, Toyama, 361.5mm of rain fell within 24 hours, leading to flash floods and landslides. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level rain warnings, prompting evacuations of hundreds of thousands of residents. Meanwhile, Typhoon Saudel impacted southern regions, bringing winds of 100 mph and heavy rainfall. In Europe, severe storms have also caused significant damage, including a tornado in France and hailstorms in Spain, attributed to a combination of weather systems and climate conditions.

King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, as confirmed by the royal palace in Oslo. He passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital, with his son, King Haakon VIII, set to succeed him. The news has prompted national mourning, with flags lowered to half-mast and church bells ringing throughout the country. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed deep sadness over the king's passing, acknowledging his commitment to the Norwegian people over three decades of reign. King Harald had been in declining health, having undergone treatment for various medical issues in recent years.

Russia has warned it could retaliate against the UK for its support of Ukraine, following a visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that Britain would provide Kyiv with access to classified technology to produce long-range cruise missiles. In response to the escalating tensions, a UK Ministry of Defence official reaffirmed support for Ukraine. The CIA director's visit was reportedly aimed at warning Russia against attacking NATO, amid concerns of a potential Russian escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Father Dionysios Tabakis, a Greek Orthodox priest and experimental musician, has issued a statement clarifying his views on homosexuality amidst scrutiny over past comments. He expressed support for love and empathy towards all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, while also stating that his views align with traditional Orthodox teachings. Tabakis's previous blog posts had drawn criticism for derogatory remarks about homosexuality. He emphasized the need for acceptance and love for those who have faced rejection, while maintaining that sin exists within the context of freedom.

Ratko Mladić, the Serbian general known as the "Butcher of Bosnia," has died in prison in The Hague while serving a life sentence for genocide. Mladić was convicted for orchestrating the massacre of over 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica during the Bosnian War. His death was confirmed by the UN tribunal, which stated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding it would be conducted. Mladić was infamous for his role in ethnic cleansing and had been in declining health prior to his death, which has reignited discussions about his legacy and the atrocities committed during the war.

Former President Donald Trump has characterized CIA Director John Ratcliffe's recent unannounced visit to Moscow as "semi-routine," dismissing speculation about its significance. Ratcliffe's trip, the first by a CIA director since 2021, is believed to have included warnings to Russia against potential aggression towards NATO. While the Kremlin confirmed Ratcliffe's visit, it did not disclose details about his discussions. Trump emphasized efforts to end the war in Ukraine, despite ongoing tensions between the US and Russia following Trump's controversial policies regarding Iran and NATO.