分类： society

Central Vietnam is grappling with unprecedented flooding triggered by relentless heavy rains, which have submerged homes, farmland, and iconic tourist destinations, including the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An. According to Vietnam’s meteorological department, Hue recorded a staggering 1,085.8 millimeters (42 inches) of rainfall within 24 hours by late Monday, marking the highest volume ever documented in the country. The Perfume River in Hue surged to 4.62 meters (15 feet), while waist-deep floods engulfed Hoi An’s ancient town, forcing tourists to evacuate by boat. Persistent rainfall and water releases from hydroelectric dams caused the Hoai River to rise nearly 2 meters (6.5 feet), exacerbating the crisis. State media reported that 32 of Hue’s 40 residential areas were inundated, with residents resorting to boats to navigate submerged streets. The floods also disrupted the train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stranding thousands of passengers. In a bid to safeguard infrastructure, Vietnam’s railways deployed 19 train carriages loaded with 980 tonnes (1,080 U.S. tons) of heavy stones to stabilize a bridge at risk of being swept away. The Australian nonprofit Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation highlighted that approximately 1,000 people in rural Thua Thien Hue province, including 200 children, are isolated and in urgent need of assistance due to flooding and landslides. Meteorologists had earlier warned of severe rainfall, floods, and landslides as storm Fengshen approached. Experts attribute the intensification of such storms to global warming, which fuels tropical storms with warmer oceans, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and altered precipitation patterns across East Asia. Vietnam, one of the world’s most flood-prone nations, faces heightened risks with nearly half its population residing in vulnerable areas.

In a bold move to tackle the persistent air pollution crisis, Indian authorities conducted a cloud-seeding experiment over New Delhi on Tuesday. The initiative aimed to induce rainfall and alleviate the city’s hazardous smog levels, which have sparked widespread public discontent. A specialized aircraft dispersed chemicals into the clouds above select areas of the capital, hoping to trigger precipitation that would cleanse the atmosphere. Despite these efforts, air quality monitors classified the city’s pollution levels as “very poor,” underscoring the severity of the issue. Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique used in drought-prone regions like the western United States and the United Arab Emirates, remains a contentious solution due to its uncertain efficacy. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa revealed that the trial was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, with additional experiments planned in the coming days. He anticipated localized rainfall in the following hours, though experts remain skeptical about the long-term impact of such measures. New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. A recent report by IQAir, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database, identified six Indian cities among the top ten most polluted globally, with New Delhi topping the list as the most polluted capital. The city’s air quality deteriorates annually during winter due to crop residue burning in neighboring states, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollutants. While authorities have implemented measures such as construction bans, restrictions on diesel generators, and the deployment of anti-smog guns, critics argue that these are temporary fixes. Krishna Achuta Rao, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, emphasized that cloud seeding offers only a fleeting respite and fails to address the root causes of pollution. He advocated for stringent laws targeting emissions from industries, vehicles, and construction activities as the only viable long-term solution. “Cloud seeding is not a cure for pollution. It merely creates the illusion of action,” Rao stated.

Across China, communities and organizations came together to celebrate the Chongyang Festival, a traditional holiday dedicated to honoring the elderly. This year’s festivities, which culminated on October 29, 2025, were marked by a series of events aimed at promoting respect and care for senior citizens. In Xinghua city, East China’s Jiangsu province, legal professionals took to public parks to educate older adults on legal rights and protections related to elderly care. The Chongyang Festival, also known as Seniors’ Day in modern China, underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering intergenerational harmony and addressing the needs of its aging population. The celebrations included cultural performances, health check-ups, and community gatherings, reflecting the deep-rooted values of filial piety and social responsibility. These activities not only brought joy to seniors but also raised awareness about the importance of supporting the elderly in society.

Indian authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations and closed schools as Cyclone Montha approaches the eastern coastline. The severe cyclonic storm, currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh late Tuesday. With winds predicted to reach 90-110 kph (55-68 mph), the storm has prompted the issuance of red alerts—the highest weather warning level—for 19 districts in Andhra Pradesh. Neighboring states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka, are also bracing for moderate to heavy rainfall. Disaster teams have evacuated 38,000 people from low-lying areas to relief camps, with an estimated 4 million residents in vulnerable zones. Andhra Pradesh has prepared 1,906 relief camps and 364 school shelters to accommodate evacuees from 1,238 at-risk villages. Schools and colleges remain closed until Wednesday, and fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. Train and flight services have been partially disrupted. In Odisha, around 32,000 people have been relocated to relief camps. Climate scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms to global warming, which fuels warmer oceans and more extreme weather patterns. India, one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, is also among the most vulnerable regions to climate impacts. The 2023 cyclone season was particularly devastating, claiming 523 lives and causing $2.5 billion in damages. Tropical cyclones, known as hurricanes or typhoons in other regions, are among the most destructive natural disasters, especially in densely populated coastal areas. As global warming continues to escalate, the frequency and severity of such events are expected to rise, posing significant challenges for vulnerable regions like South Asia.

The Australian government has denied a visa to Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde, preventing him from competing in the upcoming Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited van de Velde’s criminal record as the primary reason for the decision. Van de Velde, 31, was convicted in 2016 of raping a 12-year-old girl in Britain and served 13 months of a four-year prison sentence. Despite his return to professional sports in 2018, his participation in international events has remained controversial. Van de Velde acknowledged the likelihood of visa rejection, stating that he and his team had anticipated the outcome. His ban also sidelines his teammate Alexander Brouwer, as the pair cannot compete without him. The decision aligns with Australia’s stringent visa policies, which include a “character test” to bar individuals deemed a risk to public safety. This move follows recent high-profile visa denials, including those of U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West). Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee emphasized the focus on delivering a successful event, highlighting the participation of nine Australian teams. Van de Velde’s case has reignited debates about the eligibility of athletes with criminal records in international sports.

The much-anticipated ‘Emirates Loves India’ community celebration at Zabeel Park in the UAE faced an unexpected setback as authorities were compelled to close the gates early due to safety concerns. The event, which aimed to celebrate the cultural ties between Emiratis and the Indian community, drew an overwhelming crowd, prompting organisers to take precautionary measures. Despite opening in the afternoon with cars queuing from 1pm, many visitors arriving later were turned away by security personnel. Heavy patrols were deployed throughout the park to ensure crowd safety. In the aftermath, organisers issued a public apology to those unable to attend, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming response and understanding of the situation. The event, which featured performances by renowned artists like Neha Kakkar and Mika Singh, as well as yoga guru Baba Ramdev, showcased the vibrant creativity and rich talent of the Indian community in the UAE. Attendees enjoyed a lively mix of folk dances, traditional fashion, handmade crafts, and popular Indian dishes, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated friendship and cultural harmony. However, for many like Damodar Basnet, Parvati Jishi, and Jamuna KC, the day ended in disappointment as they were unable to enter the venue due to the overwhelming crowd. Organisers acknowledged the challenges faced and reiterated their commitment to ensuring safety in future events.

Since early October, Indian authorities have intensified a controversial campaign targeting Muslim communities across several states. Thousands of Muslims have been arrested, numerous buildings demolished, and internet services shut down in predominantly Muslim neighborhoods. The catalyst for this crackdown appears to be the widespread display of the phrase “I Love Muhammad” on banners, T-shirts, and social media, which authorities claim threatens public order. However, human rights activists argue that these actions are part of a broader, systemic effort to suppress India’s Muslim minority. According to the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), over 4,500 Muslims have been charged, and 265 arrested nationwide, with 89 arrests occurring in Bareilly alone. The first incident occurred on September 4 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, during Milad-un-Nabi, a festival celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. A group of Muslims installed an illuminated sign reading “I Love Muhammad,” which some Hindus deemed provocative. This minor dispute quickly escalated into a national controversy, with young Muslims across India taking to the streets to assert their faith. Authorities responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, including arrests, property demolitions, and internet blackouts. Critics, including Aakar Patel of Amnesty International, have condemned these actions as violations of constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and due process. The situation has raised concerns about India’s commitment to secularism and religious freedom, particularly under the Modi government, which has been accused of promoting Hindu nationalism. With state elections approaching, observers warn that such crackdowns may intensify, further marginalizing India’s Muslim population.