The BBC’s Nada Tawfik provides an on-the-ground report from Santa Cruz, Jamaica, a region severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The report highlights the critical role of the Jamaican Red Cross in spearheading recovery initiatives. The organization is mobilizing resources and personnel to assist affected communities, focusing on providing essential supplies, medical aid, and shelter. The hurricane has left widespread devastation, with damaged infrastructure and displaced residents. The BBC’s coverage underscores the urgency of the situation and the collaborative efforts between local authorities and international aid organizations to restore normalcy. This report sheds light on the resilience of the Jamaican people and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives post-disaster.
分类： world
-
Russia deploys 170,000 troops for push in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Zelenskyy says
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has deployed approximately 170,000 troops to Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, focusing its efforts on capturing the strategic stronghold of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation in Pokrovsk as “difficult” during a media briefing in Kyiv on Friday. While acknowledging that some Russian units have infiltrated the city, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian forces are systematically eliminating them to preserve personnel. This comes amid Russia’s broader push for a battlefield victory, despite slow and costly progress in terms of troops and equipment. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently claimed significant advances, though these assertions remain unverified. Meanwhile, Ukraine has retaliated by targeting Russian oil facilities, disrupting military logistics and domestic markets. Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraine’s Security Service, reported over 160 successful long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure this year, leading to a 20% drop in domestic oil products and temporarily halting 37% of Russia’s refining capacity. Additionally, Ukraine has destroyed nearly half of Russia’s advanced Pantsir air defense systems and one of its hypersonic missiles, the Oreshnik, which Putin had previously touted as invulnerable. On the humanitarian front, Russian drone strikes have caused significant civilian casualties, with a 30% increase reported this year. The UN has expressed concern over Russia’s near-daily attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, warning of a potential humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. Despite international peace efforts, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with funding for humanitarian operations dwindling from $4 billion in 2022 to $1.1 billion this year.
-
Ekta Diwas: India’s message of unity resonates across the Gulf
Every year on October 31, India commemorates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, honoring the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the visionary leader who unified a fragmented subcontinent into a single nation. This year, as India marks Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the message of unity transcends its borders, resonating deeply across the Gulf region, where shared values of inclusion and collective destiny are woven into the fabric of daily life.
-
Philippines confirms death of Filipino seafarer aboard cruise ship
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has officially confirmed the tragic death of a Filipino crew member aboard the MV Arvia, a passenger cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises. The incident, reported on October 30, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the maritime community. While the exact cause of death remains under investigation, the DMW has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a thorough and transparent inquiry. The department is actively coordinating with the vessel owner and the licensed manning agency responsible for deploying the seafarer. The agency has already notified the deceased’s family and is providing regular updates on the case. The DMW expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing the loss as a significant blow to the maritime sector. The department reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the welfare, safety, and dignity of Filipino workers abroad, particularly during such challenging times. The incident underscores the risks faced by seafarers and highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in the maritime industry.
-
Video: Oman Police arrest 5 members of international drug gang in major bust
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Oman’s Royal Police have successfully arrested five members of an international drug gang. The suspects, all of Asian nationality, were apprehended in coordinated raids across various locations at different times. The operation was led by the General Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in collaboration with the South Al Batinah Police Command. The gang is accused of smuggling drugs into Oman, preparing them for re-export to other countries, and distributing a portion within the Sultanate. A 2.56-minute video released by the police details the meticulous planning and execution of the raids. Authorities noted that the gang attempted to cross into Oman but were intercepted following suspicious activities. This bust follows another major arrest in October, where an Arab national was caught with over 24 kilograms of narcotics on a passenger bus. These operations underscore Oman’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting its borders.
-
Philippines’ Kanlaon Volcano spews ash; alert level 2 remains
The Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island in the Philippines has once again made headlines with its recent ash emission on the morning of October 31, 2025. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the volcano’s summit crater spewed ash for seven minutes starting at 6:30 AM local time. The event produced grayish plumes that rose 250 meters above the crater before drifting northwest, as captured by the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory’s IP camera. This latest activity follows the volcano’s eruption on October 24, which prompted authorities to maintain Alert Level 2, indicating heightened unrest and the potential for sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. Under this alert level, entry into the four-kilometre Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and any aircraft activity near the volcano are strictly prohibited. The ongoing volcanic activity has already displaced thousands of residents earlier this year. In July, over 94,000 individuals across 30 neighbourhoods were affected, with nearly 6,000 seeking refuge in evacuation centres and over 10,600 finding temporary shelter elsewhere. The Philippine government has responded by providing more than Php192.7 million in humanitarian aid to support the affected communities. As the situation remains volatile, residents and authorities are on high alert, with PHIVOLCS continuing to monitor the volcano closely.
-
Kuwait: Resident arrested with 10 kgs of pure drugs worth nearly 170,000 dinars
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Kuwaiti authorities have arrested an Asian resident in the Al-Mangaf area for possessing 10 kilograms of pure narcotics. The seizure, conducted by the General Directorate for Drug Control, included six kilograms of pure heroin and four kilograms of shabu (crystal meth), with an estimated market value of 170,000 Kuwaiti dinars (over Dh2 million). This operation underscores Kuwait’s intensified efforts to combat the illegal drug trade. Police investigations revealed that the suspect was receiving instructions from abroad and utilized a social media platform’s location-sharing feature to coordinate deliveries to pre-determined locations. Authorities have urged residents to report suspicious activities through official channels, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in these efforts. This arrest follows another recent raid on October 24, where Kuwaiti authorities uncovered a marijuana cultivation farm in the Sabah Al-Salem area, seizing 27 marijuana seedlings, one kilogram of processed marijuana, 50 grams of seeds, and two precision scales. These operations highlight Kuwait’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes through continuous field monitoring and enforcement.
-
Umrah visa rules: Saudi Arabia to change validity soon, reports say
Saudi Arabia is set to implement significant changes to its Umrah visa regulations in response to the growing number of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom. According to reports from Al Arabiya.net, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has decided to reduce the validity of Umrah visas from three months to one month from the date of issuance. This new rule, which will take effect next week, aims to better manage the influx of pilgrims during the cooler months when travel to the region increases. Additionally, visas will be automatically canceled if pilgrims fail to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issuance. However, the permitted duration of stay for pilgrims remains unchanged at three months upon arrival. The decision comes as the Kingdom has already issued over four million Umrah visas since the start of the new season in early June, marking a record high. Ahmed Bajafar, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, explained that the changes are designed to prevent overcrowding in Makkah and Medina, where many pilgrims also visit the Prophet Mohammad’s mosque. Earlier in October, Saudi Arabia introduced stricter Umrah rules, including mandatory pre-booking of accommodation and transport verification through the Nusuk or Masar platforms. The Kingdom has also clarified that holders of all visa types are permitted to perform Umrah during their stay.
-
At least 49 dead as Hurricane Melissa wreaks destruction across Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, has left a devastating mark across the Caribbean, claiming at least 49 lives and causing widespread destruction. The hurricane made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Tuesday, marking the strongest storm to directly hit the island since 1988. With wind speeds far exceeding the threshold for the highest hurricane classification, Melissa tied as the second-strongest Atlantic hurricane on record. The storm’s slow movement exacerbated its impact, leading to prolonged torrential rains and severe flooding. In Haiti, which was not directly hit, at least 30 deaths were reported, with 20 people still missing. Jamaica’s information minister confirmed 19 fatalities, while hundreds of thousands remain without power, and infrastructure lies in ruins. The Bahamas and Cuba also faced significant damage, with Cuba evacuating 735,000 residents. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes to warming ocean waters caused by climate change. Caribbean leaders have called for reparations from wealthy, high-polluting nations to address the escalating crisis. The U.S. has pledged immediate humanitarian aid, with search and rescue teams en route to Jamaica. Recovery efforts are underway, but the region faces a long road to rebuilding.
-
King Charles strips brother Andrew of royal titles, Windsor mansion
In a decisive move, King Charles III has stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal titles and ordered him to vacate his residence at Windsor Castle. The announcement, made on October 30, 2025, follows renewed allegations of sexual assault against Andrew, linked to the infamous Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew will now be referred to as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, marking the formal removal of his princely status. Additionally, he has been instructed to relocate to private accommodations as soon as possible. The decision underscores the monarchy’s commitment to distancing itself from the ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew, who has consistently denied the accusations. The palace emphasized its sympathy for victims of abuse, stating, ‘Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.’ The move comes days after the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, which detailed her allegations of being trafficked by Epstein to engage in sexual encounters with Andrew. Giuffre, who tragically took her own life in April 2025, had previously settled a civil case against Andrew in 2022. Public outrage has intensified following revelations about Andrew’s minimal rent payments for his Windsor residence and his associations with Epstein and other convicted offenders. The decision to revoke Andrew’s titles and evict him from Royal Lodge reflects the monarchy’s efforts to address public discontent and uphold its reputation.