30 Missing as Floods Destroy Dams, Trigger Rockslides in Yemen

Torrential rains in Yemen have caused severe flooding and the collapse of three dams in the north-western province of al-Mahwit, leaving at least 30 people missing and claiming multiple lives. The exact casualty count remains unconfirmed, according to local residents.

The flooding and subsequent dam failures led to mountain rockslides, devastating communities in the Malhan district. Many families are feared trapped under the rubble, while cars were swept away, and key roads have been rendered impassable.

Al-Mahwit province, located near the capital Sana’a and controlled by Houthi rebels, has been heavily impacted. Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV reported that ambulances from neighboring areas, including Hodeida, were dispatched to aid rescue efforts.

Yemen has faced weeks of heavy rains and flooding, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged nation. The Yemen Red Crescent Society reports that over 340,000 people have been directly affected nationwide. The UN stated that two weeks ago, at least 60 people were killed in floods across several provinces.

Yemen, embroiled in conflict since 2014 between government forces and Houthi rebels, is one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Though fighting has lessened in the past two years, a lasting political resolution remains elusive. Flooding continues to exacerbate the fragile situation, causing annual destruction and displacement.

North Korea Tests Upgraded Rocket Launcher, Claims Enhanced Capabilities

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test of a newly upgraded rocket launcher, according to state media reports on Wednesday.

The launch, conducted on Tuesday, featured improvements in maneuverability and concentrated firing capability, as reported by KCNA. The enhanced system reportedly showed benefits in guidance, controllability, and destructive power.

Since early 2022, North Korea has intensified its weapons tests, including those of nuclear-capable missiles, and increased its aggressive rhetoric towards the US and South Korea. The country has also expanded military cooperation with Russia.

A South Korean lawmaker, citing intelligence sources, revealed on Tuesday that North Korea might have dispatched over 13,000 shipping containers of arms to Russia since mid-2022. Yonhap reported that these shipments could contain more than 6 million artillery shells.

Prison Fire in Southern Germany Leaves Several Injured, Authorities Suspect Arson

A fire that broke out in a prison cell in Memmingen, southern Germany, on Thursday left several people with minor injuries, according to local authorities. The incident was first detected when a prison employee noticed smoke emerging from a cell.

Quick action by prison officers led to the fire being extinguished and the inmate, a 27-year-old male, being safely removed from the cell. Despite their efforts, both the inmate and another prisoner were affected by smoke inhalation.

A police spokesperson reported that about a dozen prison officers involved in managing the situation also suffered from the effects of the fumes. Some of the affected individuals required hospital treatment, though none sustained serious injuries.

The prison did not require evacuation, and normal operations resumed shortly after the fire was brought under control. Authorities suspect that the inmate deliberately started the fire, though investigations are ongoing.