Central Vietnam is reeling from a devastating natural disaster as heavy rains earlier this week have led to catastrophic floods and landslides, claiming the lives of at least 90 people, according to state media reports on Sunday. The disaster prevention agency highlighted the widespread destruction caused by the deluges, which have compounded the region’s woes after it was recently battered by record-breaking floods and the powerful Typhoon Kalmaegi. The relentless rains triggered multiple landslides, particularly in the Central Highlands, submerging railway lines and roads and leaving thousands stranded. Vietnam, one of the world’s most flood-prone nations, faces heightened risks with nearly half its population residing in high-risk areas. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of such disasters to a warming climate, which is exacerbating storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, making floods and landslides more destructive.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Ukraine-born sumo wrestler Aonishiki is the first from his country to win a top championship
In a groundbreaking achievement, Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki Arata has become the first from his country to secure an elite-level sumo championship. The historic victory came on Sunday during the Kyushu tournament in western Japan, where Aonishiki triumphed over Hoshoryu, a top-ranked Mongolian wrestler, in the decisive match. Hoshoryu, alongside Japan-born Onosato, is one of the most prominent figures in Japan’s national sport. Aonishiki, born Danilo Yavhushyshyn, left Ukraine over three and a half years ago following Russia’s full-scale invasion. At just 21 years old, he has rapidly ascended the ranks in the sumo world. His journey to Japan began in 2019 after forming a friendship with a Japanese wrestler during a tournament. Aonishiki’s success adds to the legacy of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers, including Mongolians and Hawaiians, who have excelled in the sport. Ukraine, known for its strong Olympic wrestling tradition, last celebrated a gold medal with Zhan Beleniuk in Greco-Roman wrestling at the delayed Tokyo 2021 Games.
-
Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at premiere banned from Singapore
An Australian man, Johnson Wen, 26, has been deported and permanently banned from Singapore after he breached security and grabbed Hollywood star Ariana Grande during the Asian premiere of *Wicked: For Good* in Singapore on November 13. The incident occurred when Wen pushed past photographers and charged at Grande, who was attending the event. Co-star Cynthia Erivo intervened, wrestling Wen away from Grande to ensure her safety. Wen was subsequently sentenced to nine days in prison for public nuisance and barred from re-entering Singapore, as confirmed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Wen has a history of disrupting celebrity events, including jumping on stage at a Katy Perry concert in Sydney earlier this year. His actions during the Singapore premiere sparked widespread outrage, with many expressing concern for Grande, who has previously spoken about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
During the trial, it was revealed that Wen had attempted to intrude on the premiere twice. After his first attempt was thwarted by security, he made a second effort to jump the barricades but was detained. Wen later posted videos online, thanking Grande for ‘letting him on the carpet’ and claiming he was ‘free.’ However, he was arrested the following day and pleaded guilty to charges of public nuisance.
District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as ‘attention-seeking’ and emphasized that his actions were not without consequences. Grande has not publicly commented on the incident, but Erivo spoke to NBC, stating that her primary concern was ensuring Grande’s safety. ‘I’m sure he didn’t mean us harm, but you never know with those things, and I wanted to make sure that she was OK. That was my first instinct,’ Erivo said.
-
Vietnam floods leave at least 90 dead and 12 missing
Vietnam is reeling from catastrophic floods triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, resulting in at least 90 fatalities and 12 individuals reported missing. The deluge has caused widespread destruction, damaging 186,000 homes and sweeping away over three million livestock. Preliminary estimates suggest the economic toll runs into hundreds of millions of pounds. The mountainous province of Dak Lak has borne the brunt of the disaster, with over 60 deaths recorded since November 16, according to AFP. This calamity follows closely on the heels of typhoons Kalmaegi and Bualoi, which struck Vietnam in rapid succession in recent months. As of Sunday morning, approximately 258,000 people were left without electricity, and critical transportation routes, including major highways and railway lines, were rendered impassable. In response, the Vietnamese government has deployed military and police forces to aid the hardest-hit regions, particularly in the provinces of Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, attending the G20 summit in South Africa, convened an emergency virtual meeting to coordinate relief efforts. Rainfall in some areas exceeded 1.5 meters (5 feet), with certain locations surpassing a staggering 5.2 meters, a record not seen since 1993. While forecasts predict a respite from the rain in the coming days, scientists warn that Vietnam’s vulnerability to extreme weather events has been exacerbated by human-induced climate change, intensifying the frequency and strength of typhoons.
-
Muthusamy and Verreynne’s unbroken stand frustrates India on day two of second test
GUWAHATI, India — South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne showcased remarkable resilience on the second day of the second cricket test against India, forging an unbroken 70-run partnership for the seventh wicket. The duo’s steadfast performance propelled South Africa to 316-6 by the tea interval at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Resuming from an overnight score of 247-6, Muthusamy and Verreynne batted through the morning session on a placid pitch, thwarting India’s attempts to dismantle the Proteas’ lower order. Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 56, his third test half-century, while Verreynne contributed 38 not out. Their partnership was pivotal in stabilizing South Africa’s innings after a challenging first day. India’s hopes for a breakthrough were dashed when Ravindra Jadeja’s appeal for leg before wicket against Muthusamy was overturned upon review, revealing the ball had grazed the batter’s glove. On the opening day, wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav had claimed 3-48, restricting South Africa to 247-6. Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 49, but the Proteas lost four wickets in the final session, relinquishing their earlier advantage. Play was halted late in the afternoon due to poor light. South Africa, having won the first test in Kolkata by 30 runs, are now vying for their first series victory on Indian soil since 2000-01.
-
Northern Warriors beat Gladiators in Abu Dhabi T10
The Northern Warriors secured a commanding 6-wicket victory against the Deccan Gladiators in the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, chasing down a target of 88 runs with 10 balls to spare. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Warriors, who had managed only one victory in their first three matches. Their top-order batsmen rose to the occasion, delivering a much-needed boost to their campaign. In other matches of the day, Vista Riders edged out Aspin Stallions by six runs, while Quetta Qavalary dominated the UAE Bulls with a 9-wicket win. The Gladiators, batting first, faced early setbacks as Trent Boult dismissed Nicholas Pooran and David Wiese in quick succession. Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s resilient 58 off 31 balls provided some stability, but frequent wickets at the other end limited their total to 87/7. The Warriors’ chase was spearheaded by Johnson Charles, who smashed 41 off 17 balls, setting the tone for the innings. Despite a mid-innings slowdown, Thisara Perera and Azmatullah Omarzai ensured a comfortable finish, sealing the victory in 8.2 overs and handing the reigning champions a decisive defeat.
-
‘Tragic loss’: Indian Air Force pays tribute to fighter pilot killed in Dubai Airshow crash
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has paid heartfelt tribute to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically lost his life during a devastating crash at the Dubai Airshow on Friday. Syal, a highly skilled and dedicated fighter pilot, was flying the India-produced Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas when the accident occurred. His mortal remains were repatriated to India on Saturday, marking a somber moment for the nation. The IAF described Syal as a ‘thorough professional’ who served with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and an unyielding sense of duty. In a statement posted on X, the IAF expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Syal’s dignified persona and the immense respect he earned throughout his life of service. The crash, which took place around 2:10 pm during an eight-minute aerial display, has left the aviation community in shock. Syal, hailing from Himachal Pradesh, was honored by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and Indian Embassy representatives during a solemn send-off. The IAF has pledged to stand in solidarity with Syal’s family during this time of profound grief, vowing to honor his legacy of courage, devotion, and honor.
-
Hidden in plain sight – Mumbai’s glorious Art Deco legacy at 100
The Art Deco movement, which first captivated the world at the 1925 Paris Exposition, has left an indelible mark on Mumbai’s architectural landscape. Celebrating its centenary, this iconic style—characterized by geometric patterns, sweeping curves, and nautical motifs—symbolized a bold departure from traditional designs, embodying the optimism and modernity of the post-war era. Mumbai, often dubbed the ‘Art Deco capital of the world,’ boasts one of the largest collections of such buildings, rivaling even Miami. From the iconic Marine Drive seafront to the grandeur of Liberty and Eros cinemas, the city’s embrace of Art Deco reflects its unique blend of global influences and local sensibilities. The style was introduced during colonial rule by India’s first generation of home-grown architects, who adapted it by incorporating native elements like Mughal lattice screens and maritime inspirations. Despite its cultural significance, Mumbai’s Art Deco heritage faces threats from rapid urbanization and real estate pressures. Organizations like the Art Deco Mumbai Trust are working tirelessly to preserve these architectural gems, offering restoration consultancies and raising awareness about their historical value. Meanwhile, designers like Nidhi Tekwani are reimagining Art Deco for contemporary living, ensuring its relevance in a city that continues to evolve at breakneck speed.
-
UAE launches $1 billion AI for Development initiative in Africa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a groundbreaking $1 billion initiative, titled ‘AI for Development,’ aimed at fostering artificial intelligence (AI) projects across African nations. Announced by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during the G20 summit in South Africa, this initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to drive economic and social progress in developing regions. The program will focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, improving government services, and boosting productivity levels across the continent. The initiative will be spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), a division of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in collaboration with the Emirates Agency for International Aid. This institutional partnership reflects the UAE’s strategic vision to empower developing countries by integrating AI into their development frameworks. Sheikh Khaled emphasized the UAE’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth through innovative financing solutions and international cooperation. The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in enabling African nations to harness the transformative potential of AI, thereby contributing to comprehensive and inclusive development.
-
Israel faces ‘mental health tsunami’ after two years of war, report finds
Israel is grappling with a severe mental health crisis, described as a “mental health tsunami” by Yedioth Ahronoth. Since the events of 7 October 2023, the nation has witnessed a sharp increase in mental health issues, with two million people requiring support. A coalition of eight major mental health organizations has issued an urgent warning to the government, labeling the situation as an “outbreak of mental illness unprecedented in its depth and scope.” The crisis has been exacerbated by a severe shortage of therapists and support services, leading to widespread psychological distress across Israeli society. The prolonged conflict and trauma have left many struggling with depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and exhaustion. Families and communities are being severely affected, with experts warning that the crisis has not yet peaked. Data from Yedioth Ahronoth reveals alarming statistics: diagnoses of depression and anxiety in 2024 doubled compared to 2013, while PTSD diagnoses rose by 70 percent monthly from October 2023 to the end of 2024. Nearly half of Israelis report symptoms of persistent grief, and calls to mental health helplines have increased sixfold. A study by Clalit Health Services and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute found that 50 percent of those affected by the 7 October attacks are still struggling, with one in five people in the general population suffering severe functional impairment due to mental health issues. The Israeli Ministry of Health has announced a national rescue plan, estimated to cost 1.7 billion shekels ($517 million), which includes doubling the number of psychologists, improving salaries, upgrading psychiatric wards, and expanding home-based and community services. However, senior clinicians stress that extensive reforms are needed to address the crisis effectively.