Millions affected by huge floods in South Asia
Massive floods have swept over parts of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh in recent days, hurting millions of people and killing scores of animals. Large-scale rescue operations are beginning, with authorities diverting people to shelters and delivering food and supplies to stranded families. Heavy rain has caused major rivers such as the Brahmaputra and the Koshi, which flow through multiple nations, to overflow their banks. Floods and landslides are widespread during South Asia’s monsoon season, which accounts for up to 90% of total annual rainfall.
However, experts think the problem has gotten worse in recent years due to climate change. Over the weekend, authorities in Nepal reported 14 deaths since Thursday, with critical roadways and bridges swept away by surging rivers. Authorities predict that this year’s monsoon has killed over 40 people. They have asked inhabitants in the country’s southeast to remain vigilant since the Koshi River, which flows through Nepal and India, is flowing above the danger level.
Texas prepares for devastating storm Beryl
According to the National Hurricane Centre, the US state of Texas is bracing for the arrival of Storm Beryl, which has intensified into a hurricane once again. Forecasters warn the storm will bring damaging winds, storm surges, and up to 25cm (10 inches) of rain when it hits land early Monday local time.
Some of the state’s main ports have shuttered to prepare, and residents have been warned of widespread power shortages.
Beryl killed at least ten people in the Caribbean before being downgraded to a tropical storm as it struck Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
More than a million Texans were issued a hurricane warning ahead of the storm’s arrival.
It is forecast to make landfall between Galveston and Corpus Christi, with Category 2 winds of up to 177km/h (110mph).
Even if it isn’t as powerful as it was in the Caribbean, authorities warn that it could bring significant power outages and disruption in Texas, as far inland as Houston.
Following the election loss, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal will propose his resignation
France’s Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday after his party failed to secure a majority in parliamentary elections.
However, he said that if his resignation is accepted, he is prepared to stay in office “as long as duty demands,” with the Paris Olympics starting in three weeks.
Boeing pleaded guilty to a criminal fraud allegation
Boeing has decided to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge after the United States determined that the firm breached a reform agreement following two disastrous 737 Max plane accidents that killed 346 passengers and crew. The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced that the plane manufacturer had also agreed to pay a criminal fine of $243.6 million (£190 million).
However, the families of those who perished on the planes five years ago have slammed it as a “sweetheart deal” that would allow Boeing to dodge full responsibility for their deaths. By pleading guilty, Boeing would avoid the spectacle of a criminal trial, which victims’ relatives have been demanding.
Since two almost identical 737 Max aeroplane disasters in 2018 and 2019, the firm has been embroiled in a safety scandal. It resulted in the plane being grounded globally for more than a year. In 2021, prosecutors accused Boeing of one count of conspiracy to cheat regulators, charging that it misled the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about its MCAS flight control system, which was involved in both crashes.
It agreed not to prosecute Boeing if the corporation paid a fine and satisfactorily completed three years of intensified monitoring and reporting. However, in January, shortly before the term was set to expire, a door panel on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 burst off shortly after takeoff, forcing the aeroplane to land.
No one was wounded in the incident, but it raised questions about Boeing’s efforts to improve its safety and quality records. In May, the Department of Justice announced that Boeing had breached the conditions of the deal, paving the way for prosecution.
