分类： society

In a devastating turn of events, an avalanche struck the base camp of Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal on Monday morning, claiming the lives of seven climbers. The incident occurred at an altitude of 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), where the climbers were caught off guard by the sudden natural disaster. Snowstorms initially hindered rescue efforts, but by Tuesday, improved weather conditions allowed a helicopter to reach the site, enabling rescuers to begin the grim task of recovering bodies from the ice and snow. Among the victims were two Nepali mountain guides, while the identities of the remaining four remain unknown. At least three bodies were recovered by Tuesday afternoon, though it remains uncertain when they will be transported from the mountain. Four injured climbers were airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment, including two French nationals. Isabelle Solange Thaon, 54, one of the survivors, recounted the harrowing experience, expressing gratitude for her survival but mourning the loss of her husband, Christian Manfred, who tragically succumbed to the avalanche. Mount Yalung Ri, a 5,600-meter (18,370-foot) peak, is typically considered suitable for novice mountaineers, making this tragedy all the more shocking.

A long-standing family dispute over the legacy of Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, has reignited following the government’s decision to preserve his former residence as a national monument. The announcement, made on Monday, has drawn sharp criticism from Lee’s youngest son, Lee Hsien Yang, who accused the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) of disregarding his father’s wishes. The heritage advisory body deemed the house at 38 Oxley Road to be of “national significance,” citing its role in pivotal decisions that shaped Singapore’s independence. Acting Culture Minister David Neo emphasized the importance of preserving this historic site for future generations. However, Lee Hsien Yang, who owns the property, argued that his father consistently opposed the preservation of his home as a monument, even stipulating its demolition in his final will. The younger Lee has been locked in a public feud with his older brother, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, since their father’s death in 2015. Lee Hsien Yang and his sister, Lee Wei Ling, have accused their brother of abusing his political influence to block the demolition. The government has issued a written notice of its intent to acquire the property and transform it into a public space, possibly a heritage park, while removing traces of the family’s private living spaces. Meanwhile, Lee Hsien Yang, who claims to be a political refugee after receiving asylum in the U.K., faces investigations over allegations of providing false evidence in judicial proceedings related to his father’s will.

The shared cultural and ancestral ties between Taiwan and mainland China were highlighted during a recent visit by Taiwan compatriots to Qingshan Temple in Hui’an county, Quanzhou, Fujian province. The event underscored the deep-rooted connections that bind people across the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing their shared belief in the goddess Mazu and common ancestry in Fujian province. Approximately 80% of Taiwan’s population traces their lineage to Fujian, which lies just across the narrow strait from Taiwan. Lin Ming-cong, head of an association of relatives of patriots in Taiwan who fought against Japanese occupation, remarked, ‘We speak the same dialect and worship the same goddess, which shows that we share the same roots and are one family.’ His family, originally from Pinghe county in Zhangzhou, Fujian, migrated to Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and later thrived there. In Taiwan, numerous groups have been established to unite descendants of Fujian, fostering mutual support and strengthening ties among clan relatives on both sides of the Strait. This cultural and familial bond serves as a powerful reminder of the unity and shared heritage that transcend political divisions.

Three detainees in the UK, held on remand for alleged offenses linked to Palestine Action activities, have initiated a hunger strike to protest what they describe as “systematic abuse” by prison authorities. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) revealed on Sunday that Qesser Zurah and Amu Gibb began a rolling hunger strike at HMP Bronzefield by refusing food. Huba Muraisi, detained at HMP New Hall, joined the protest on Monday. PFP anticipates more participants in the coming days but refrained from disclosing exact numbers due to fears of further targeting by authorities. Muraisi, a Yemeni national with family in Gaza, is part of the Filton 24, a group arrested on terrorism charges in August 2024 for targeting an Israeli arms company’s research hub in Bristol. Although the charges are now non-terror-related, the Crown Prosecution Service plans to argue a “terrorism connection” in court, potentially worsening their sentences. All Filton 24 defendants have been denied bail and held beyond the UK’s standard 182-day pre-trial custody limit. PFP claims Muraisi has faced severe restrictions, including privacy violations, limited access to books and visits, and forced segregation. Her hijab, a kuffiyeh used during prayers, was reportedly removed by prison security. Muraisi was transferred to HMP Newhall, far from her family and support network. Qesser was allegedly confined to her cell after announcing her hunger strike, with guards threatening disciplinary action. The strike follows the Home Secretary’s failure to address their demands for bail and an end to prison interference with communications. In July, Palestine Action was banned and classified as a terrorist organization, leading to increased restrictions on detainees’ post, calls, and visits. This prompted a previous hunger strike by detainee T Hoxha in August.

As autumn unfolds, the desert poplar forests of Shaya county in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have transformed into a breathtaking golden landscape, attracting visitors from far and wide. Located on the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, Shaya county boasts one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved desert poplar forests, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. The trees, with their sturdy and twisted trunks, line the banks of the Tarim River, resembling strokes of calligraphy. Under the warm autumn sun, their leaves shimmer in the wind, creating a mesmerizing symphony of colors. This seasonal spectacle has not only highlighted the region’s natural beauty but also boosted local tourism, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the serene charm of Xinjiang’s autumnal wilderness.