Floods In Somalia Displace 250,000
Heavy rains in Somalia killed 10 and displaced more than 250,000. In addition, it destroyed infrastructure and livelihoods in the African country. East Africa has been experiencing heavy rains, experts say, with floods forcing families from their homes. For instance, in a town in central Somalia, a river overflowed and killed 10 people when a boat capsized trying to rescue stranded residents, residents said.
“Higher than usual rains are expected to continue through November and December, leading to more floods and conditions for disease,” the International Rescue Committee said in a statement. “Recovery from these weather conditions may take years.”
Millions Of Gas Masks Distributed In Delhi
Delhi officials handed out millions of gas masks to students after declaring Delhi’s air too toxic. A Supreme Court-mandated panel imposed several restrictions in the city and two neighboring states, as air quality deteriorated to “severe” levels. In addition, city schools closed until next Tuesday.
All construction in the city stopped. Plus, officials banned fireworks. Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the city had turned into a “gas chamber”. The city also introduced a program to cut down on traffic pollution. Currently, only cars with odd or even-numbered license plates can drive on given days.
Iraqis Pour Into Streets
Iraqi’s poured into the streets of Baghdad for the biggest anti-government protest since Saddam Hussein. Currently, they are demanding the root-and-branch downfall of the political elite. By Friday afternoon, tens of thousands had packed the square, condemning people they see as corrupt. Protests have been relatively peaceful during the day. However, they become more violent after dark as police use tear gas and rubber bullets to battle “revolutionary” youths.
5 Spanish Men Acquitted Of Gang-rape
A Barcelona court’s decision to acquit five men accused of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl has provoked outrage. The court ruled out rape because the victim was in an “unconscious state”. They also said the accused had not used violence or intimidation. A review is currently taking place in Spain to further decide whether or not to base rape cases on a woman’s explicit consent to sex.
Lebanon Uber Driver Receives Death Sentence
A Lebanese court sentenced Uber driver Tariq Houshieh to death on Friday for the murder of British embassy worker Rebecca Dykes in December 2017. Houshieh confessed to raping and strangling Dykes, who worked at the embassy for Britain’s Department for International Development. Lebanese judges routinely call for death sentences in cases of murder. However, the country has an unofficial moratorium and has not carried out an execution since 2004.
