News

Typhoon Uwan Batters Philippines, Causing Widespread DestructionManila, 10 Nov (ONA) --- Typhoon Uwan continued to batter large areas of the Philippines, causing widespread destruction and road closures. The Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that 31 roads in eight regions were impassable due to landslides and flooding caused by the typhoon. The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon mobilized all available resources to reopen the affected roads, emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure rescue, relief, and transportation ...

UN Refugee Agency: Climate Change Forced Millions to FleeGeneva, 10 Nov (ONA) --- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) confirmed that the consequences of climate change have already displaced millions of people worldwide. In a report released ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, the UNHCR said that over the past decade, weather-related disasters have caused approximately 250 million internal displacements – equivalent to more than 67,000 displacements every day. The report explained that three-quarters of those displaced by conflict live in ...

Death Toll from Philippine Typhoon Rises to 46Manila, 5 Nov (ONA) --- Philippine authorities announced that the death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi has risen to 46, including six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed during the powerful storm, which brought torrential rains and flooding to the central Philippines. The Philippine Army said in a statement that the helicopter crashed while on a rescue mission. The bodies of the crew members have been recovered. The crash occurred approximately 270 km from Cebu Island, the most affected area. Although Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, ...

Initiative in AI & Art Announced to Enhance Learning and CreativityMuscat, 3 Nov (ONA) — Oman development and investment company "Ominvest," in cooperation with Bait Al Zubair Foundation, has announced a pioneering program that merges art and artificial intelligence. This initiative falls within the two institutions' focus on the education sector, enhancing learning, and building a generation that is knowledgeable, productive, and aligned with the objectives of "Oman Vision 2040" concerning digital transformation.The qualitative initiative, titled "Future Frames," focuses on combining ...

Hurricane Melissa Paralyzes Jamaica, Delivering Catastrophic Blow to Economy, Infrastructure Kingston, 29 Oct (ONA) --- Jamaica faces a monumental recovery effort after Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm in its modern history, carved a path of destruction across the island nation. The Category 5 hurricane has crippled critical infrastructure, inundated communities, and brought economic activity to a standstill. Initial assessments indicate approximately 75% of the population is without electricity, with severe flooding and wind damage widespread, particularly in ...

Jamaica Braces for Unprecedented Impact as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Approaches Kingston, 27 Oct (ONA) --- Jamaica is on high alert for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa, which intensified into a maximum-category Category 5 storm early today. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns the system poses a severe threat of catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surges, and devastating flooding to the island nation. Authorities have expressed grave concern that Hurricane Melissa could be the most powerful storm on record to make landfall in Jamaica. The ...

Comet "Lemon" Spotted in Omani Skies Muscat, 21 Oct (ONA) --- The Oman Society of Astronomy and Space has successfully observed and photographed Comet Lemon (C/2025 A6) from skies across the Sultanate of Oman, marking a rare celestial event considered among the most significant astronomical phenomena of 2025. Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, clarified that this observation forms part of the Society's ongoing efforts to monitor and document notable astronomical occurrences. He noted that the ...

Over 22,000 Evacuated due to Tropical Storm Ramil in the PhilippinesManila, 19 Oct (ONA) --- Authorities in the Philippines announced the evacuation of more than 22,000 people in Luzon Island due to Tropical Storm Ramil, which brought heavy rains and strong winds across the southern and central parts of the island. The Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 22,311 people were evacuated from Calabarzon and Bicol, where local governments implemented preemptive measures before Ramil made landfall. The storm also disrupted transportation operations ...

Ten Fatalities in Indonesian Oil Tanker Blaze during Maintenance Operations Jakarta, 16 Oct (ONA) --- A fire aboard an oil tanker undergoing maintenance near Singapore has resulted in ten fatalities and twenty-one injuries, Indonesian authorities confirmed today. The incident occurred aboard the MT Federal II at approximately 4:30 AM local time while the vessel was docked at a shipyard on Batam Island in western Indonesia. Police Chief reported that emergency response teams contained the blaze within one hour of its outbreak in the ship's engine room. Preliminary ...

Flooding, Transport Chaos as Storm Alice Batters SpainMadrid, 14 Oct (ONA) --- Storm Alice has unleashed torrential rains and flash floods across eastern Spain, forcing thousands to evacuate and causing major disruption to air, road, and rail transport. In Catalonia, Valencia, and Ibiza, heavy downpours inundated streets, stranded motorists, and led to widespread flight cancellations along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The national meteorological agency, AEMET, issued a red alert for parts of Valencia, warning that up to 100 millimeters of rainfall could occur within an hour. Civil ...

Death Toll from Floods in Mexico Rises to 41Mexico City, 12 Oct (ONA) --- The death toll from flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in Mexico over recent days has risen to 41, with widespread damage and large numbers of displaced and affected residents. Mexico's Civil Protection authorities reported that torrential rains struck 31 of the country's 32 states, causing floods that submerged whole villages, washed away roads, and triggered landslides in multiple locations. The central state of Hidalgo was among the hardest hit, reporting at least 22 fatalities and damage to approximately 1,000 ...

15 Killed in Landslide in Northern IndiaNew Delhi, 8 Oct (ONA) --- At least 15 people were killed due to landslide caused by heavy rains that swept away their bus in northern India. Local authorities reported that the accident occurred in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, noting that rescue workers and villagers at the scene are continuing to search for survivors. Last week's heavy rains caused landslides and floods in Darjeeling, northeastern India, destroying approximately 5% of the region's famous tea plantations. The floods also washed away numerous roads, destroyed more than 500 ...

5 Died, 8 Injured in Traffic Accident in Central ChinaBeijing, 5 Oct (ONA) --- Five people died and eight others injured in a traffic accident in central China. Xinhua News Agency, citing local police in Hubei Province, reported that a traffic accident occurred in Wangying Township, Lichuan City, killing five people and injuring eight others. Preliminary investigations indicate that none of the injured are in critical condition.--- ...

3 Died as Severe Storms Sweep Across EuropeEuropean Capitals, 5 Oct (ONA) --- Three people died as powerful storms swept across several European countries today, causing widespread disruption to air, sea, and land transportation. The storm continued moving eastward from the British Isles toward France and Germany, amid warnings of strong winds and high tides. Local authorities in France announced the deaths of two people as a result of the effects of Storm Amy. The French Meteorological administration has raised the alert level to orange in six northern departments in anticipation of heavy ...

42 Died Due to Landslides and Floods in Nepal Amid Heavy RainsKathmandu, 5 Oct (ONA) --- At least 42 people have died in Nepal due to landslides and floods triggered by heavy rains over the past 36 hours, authorities reported today. A Nepal Police spokesperson confirmed that 18 of the fatalities occurred in the eastern district of Ilam near the Indian border, while three others died from lightning strikes in southern Nepal. Local officials said several major highways have been closed or damaged by landslides and floods, leaving hundreds stranded and severely disrupting domestic flights, ...

Philippines Quake Death Toll Rises to 72, with 294 InjuredManila, 2 Oct (ONA) --- The death toll from the Cebu earthquake that struck the cities of Bogo and Cebu in the central Philippines last Tuesday rose to 72. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported today that all fatalities occurred in the central Visayas region, adding that at least 294 people were injured in the 6.9-magnitude earthquake. The number of affected households reached 47,221, residing in 53 villages in the central Visayas. The National Disaster Management Commission has not yet been able to ...

Industrial Fire in Germany Causes Nearly 75 Million Euros in DamagesBerlin, 2 Oct (ONA) ---A fire broke out in an industrial area in the German city of Freiburg, causing damage estimated at approximately 75 million euros, according to German police. German police reported that the fire resulted in minor injuries to a company worker, and more than 200 firefighters responded to the scene, but the cause remains unknown. A police spokesman described the fire as an exceptionally large incident, pointing out that the flames completely destroyed an industrial complex housing several companies ...

Philippines Quake Death Toll Rises to 60, 147 Others InjuredManila, 1 Oct (ONA) --- Philippine authorities announced today that the death toll from the earthquake that struck Cebu province in the central Philippines yesterday evening has risen to 60, with approximately 147 injured. The number of victims is expected to rise as search operations continue in the affected area. The search is accelerating in the Philippines for survivors following the violent earthquake, which measured 6.9 on the Richter scale. Over 300 aftershocks have rocked the region, according to the Philippine Institute of ...

Typhoon Bualoi Death Toll Rises to 19 in VietnamHanoi, 30 Sep (ONA) --- The number of victims of Typhoon Bualoi and the accompanying floods that hit Vietnam has risen to 19 deaths and 88 injuries. According to the Vietnam News Agency, 13 people remain missing, while eight others out of contact. It confirmed the destruction of more than 105,000 houses, while thousands of homes were flooded, and the livelihoods of nearly 3,000 families were cut off. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued urgent instructions to the authorities and relevant sectors to accelerate rescue and recovery efforts. Flash ...

Indonesia: Search Continues for 38 Missing People Under Rubble of Collapsed School Jakarta, 30 Sep (ONA) --- Indonesia's National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) announced that search and rescue efforts are continuing in Sidoarjo, East Java, to find 38 people believed to be still trapped under the rubble of the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, which collapsed earlier today. The BNPB explained that rescue teams have been continuing their efforts since the morning hours, using heavy equipment and police dogs, despite difficult conditions that hinder access to the victims. Head of ...

Mass Evacuations in Southern China Ahead of Year's Strongest Storm Beijing, 23 Sep (ONA) --- Authorities in China have relocated hundreds of thousands of residents and directed at least ten cities to suspend classes and commercial activities as the country braces for the most powerful storm of the year, Super Typhoon Ragasa. The storm is forecast to make landfall in Guangdong Province tomorrow (Wednesday), prompting the evacuation of approximately 370,000 people amid official warnings of potentially catastrophic conditions. Hong Kong has raised its typhoon signal to ...

3.2 Million Evacuated from Flood-Affected Areas in PakistanIslamabad, 22 Sep (ONA) – Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced today, that approximately 3.2 million people have been evacuated from regions affected by devastating floods that have swept across the country.According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the NDMA stated that the evacuations took place in various areas across the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the evacuees have been relocated to safer areas.The statement added that ...

Earthquake Strikes Near Tokara Islands, Japan Tokyo, Sep 18 (ONA) --- An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale struck today near the shores of the Tokara Islands in southwestern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), cited by Kyodo News, reported that the epicenter was located in nearby waters and was at a very shallow depth. The quake registered under 5 on Japan’s 7-point seismic intensity scale. It is worth noting that the Tokara Islands, known for their seismic activity, have been experiencing strong earthquakes and tremors since earlier this ...

Ten Dead Following Explosion in Western PakistanIslamabad, 16 Sep (ONA) --- Ten people, including five Pakistani security personnel, died when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded targeting security forces in the Kech district of Balochistan province, western Pakistan. The Pakistani army reported in a statement published by Radio Pakistan today that its forces were able to eliminate five armed individuals during an exchange of fire following the attack. Pakistani security forces and the army continue to conduct security operations across the country to pursue armed groups.--- ...

Pakistan Flood Death Toll Rises to 972 Amid Ongoing Monsoon Rains Islamabad, 15 Sep (ONA) --- The death toll from heavy rains and flash floods in Pakistan since 26 June 2025 has climbed to 972, with 1,062 people reported injured, according to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The NDMA confirmed that at least 972 people—including 266 children, 547 men, and 159 women—have lost their lives in rain and flood-related incidents across affected regions. The severe weather has also damaged 8,481 homes. Earlier reports had ...

Train-Bus Collision Leaves 10 Dead, 41 Injured in MexicoMexico City, 9 Sep (ONA) --- At least 10 people were dead and 41 others were injured when a train collided with a bus at a rail crossing in the State of Mexico, according to authorities. Civil Protection General Coordinator confirmed the casualty toll, noting that four of the injured remain in critical condition. Security footage showed the double-decker bus slowly moving across the train tracks. The train then suddenly appeared, ramming the bus at its midpoint and splitting the vehicle in two. The bus driver was arrested at the request ...

Evacuations, Transport Disruptions as Typhoon Tapah Hits Southern ChinaBeijing, 8 Sep (ONA) --- China's National Meteorological Center announced that Typhoon Tapah has made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province, prompting evacuations, school closures, and the suspension of train and ferry services. Tapah, the year's 16th typhoon is expected to make landfall along the coast between the cities of Jiangmen and Maoming, unleashing torrential rain across the southern Pearl River Delta and western Guangdong through Tuesday, China's News Agency (Xinhua) reported. The cities raised typhoon ...

Oman Reaffirms its Commitment to Supporting Children's Issues Geneva, 3 Sep (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting children's issues and strengthening its partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). In its statement during the opening session of the Executive Board of UNICEF, Oman emphasized the importance of continuing close cooperation to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing the protection and well-being of children worldwide. Oman clarified that this cooperation ...

16 Injured in Ammunition Depot Explosion in LibyaTripoli, 1 Sep (ONA) --- A massive explosion at an ammunition depot in the Libyan city of Misrata today left 16 people injured, according to the Libyan News Agency (WAL). Ambulance and Emergency Service spokesman Osama Ali said all of the injured suffered minor wounds and are in stable condition. The agency added that the explosion was fully contained, noting that fires had broken out as a result but were being dealt with by specialized teams. --- ...

Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 500, Over 1,000 InjuredKabul, 1 Sep (ONA) --- The death toll from the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces in eastern Afghanistan today has risen to 500, with more than 1,000 others injured, as rescue teams continue operations under difficult conditions. The powerful quake leveled entire villages built of mud and stone, while landslides blocked major roads and communication outages hampered relief efforts. Local authorities said Kunar was the hardest-hit province, particularly in the districts of Nurgal, Sawkay, ...