Algeria wildfires: At least 600 families rendered homeless

The fires have killed 65 people in Algeria ALGIERS, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A representative of the Algerian Red Crescent said that “more than 600 families” have been left homeless because of wildfires near the country’s capital.Nafissa Toumi said the fires have killed 65 people in Algeria and have injured…

Chad celebrates 61 years of independence with a military parade

N’DJAMENA, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Chad marks 61 years of independence with a large military parade in N’Djamena in the presence of Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) since the death of his father Idriss Déby Itno in April.The Chadian army, considered as one of…

Sudan to hand former leader Omar al-Bashir, other officials to ICC

Sudan’s former President Omar al-Bashir KHARTOUM, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Sudan will hand over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) several of its former leaders, including deposed autocrat Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for crimes against humanity and war crimes during the conflict in Darfur, the country’s foreign minister said.“The…

How North American cities are bracing for more heatwaves

WASHINGTON, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — This summer’s extreme heatwave in western Canada and the Pacific Northwest was linked to hundreds of deaths. From 25 June to 1 July, over 700 deaths were reported to the British Columbia coroner’s office – three times the normal amount – the majority of which are…

Italy may have registered Europe’s hottest temperature on record

The Mediterranean heatwave has led to the spread of wildfires across southern Italy  ROME, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Italian island of Sicily may have registered the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe – 48.8C (119.8F). Regional authorities reported the reading, which needs to be verified by the World Meteorological Organization…

Shell pays $111m over 1970s oil spill in Nigeria

 ABUJA, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Oil giant Shell will pay a Nigerian community $111m over an oil spill more than 50 years ago. A spokesman said the payment would mark the “full and final settlement” to the Ejama-Ebubu community over a spill during the 1967-70 Biafran War. The company has…

Covid-19: Coronavirus toll at 1000 GMT Thursday

PARIS, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The novel coronavirus has killed at least 4,323,957 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled at 1000 GMT on Thursday. At least 204,685,500 cases of coronavirus have been registered. The vast majority have recovered,…

Covid-19: Spain took the lead on vaccinations in Europe

MADRID, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Spain has become a leader of Europe’s virus vaccination drive against Covid-19, due to a deep trust in the public health system and close-knit family ties that encourage people to get the jab to protect relatives. More than 61 percent of Spain’s population of 47…

Covid-19: Russia posts record daily virus fatalities

MOSCOW, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia on Thursday reported its highest daily coronavirus death toll since the start of the pandemic, as a third wave persists despite an intensifying vaccination drive. A government tally reported 808 fatalities over the past 24 hours — the first time Russia has crossed the…

Morocco, Israel sign deals to mark historic visit

RABAT, Aug 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The foreign ministers of Morocco and Israel signed three accords during the first visit by a top official from the Jewish state since ties were normalised last year. Nasser Bourita and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid signed agreements on political consultations, aviation and culture. Lapid…