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Four dead, 1,300 evacuated as heavy rains hit South Korea
Four people have died and another 1,300 evacuated as torrential rains pound South Korea, with authorities warning that the unseasonal deluge will continue.
Among those killed were two men in their 80s. Authorities believe one of them was trying to drain flood waters from the basement of his home.
A third victim was crushed when a wall collapsed onto his car. Moments before, he’d called his wife to say the vehicle was “being swept away”, authorities say. The fourth victim died of a cardiac arrest.
The record rainfall has prompted South Korea’s government to raise the weather-related disaster alert to its highest level.
More than 400mm of rain poured down in just half a day in Seosan, the worst-affected city, along the country’s west coast – the weather agency described it as a once-in-a-century event.
Photos and videos on social media show vehicles and homes submerged, with pieces of furniture floating in the water.
“Everything is covered by water except the roof of my house,” a resident in an affected area wrote online.
Several injuries were reported across the country, including two people suffering from hypothermia and two others who sustained leg injuries.
As of 16:00 local time (07:00 GMT) on Thursday, more than 1,300 people had been evacuated.
Authorities have urged people to stay away from riverbanks, steep slopes and underground spaces, warning that the risk of landslides and flash floods remains high.
Dry air from the north-west mixed with hot and humid air from the south to form especially large rain clouds, South Korea’s meteorological administration says.
But forecasters expect high temperatures to return next week, with the possibility of a heatwave.
[BBC]
The United States Navy’s USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived at the port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 12 Jun 26.
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy
in compliance of naval traditions.
USS Canberra, a Littoral Combat Ship, is commanded by Commander J McLaughlin.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a Committee, chaired by Senior Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, to conduct a strategic review and restructuring of SriLankan Airlines.
The other members of the committee are as follows:
• Senior Presidential Economic Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa
• Financial and corporate strategy expert Deshal De Mel
• Transaction and investment banking, mergers and acquisitions expert Dumith Fernando
• The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance or his Representative
• The Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development / a representative of the Civil Aviation Authority
• The Chairman of SriLankan Airlines
• Legal experts with specialised knowledge in corporate, aviation and public law
• Aviation industry experts to be appointed
The Government has recognised the urgent priority of undertaking a comprehensive strategic review of SriLankan Airlines, taking into account the broader macroeconomic context.
The main objective of this exercise is to establish a financially sustainable and commercially efficient national carrier, while reducing the long-term fiscal burden on the Government.
Accordingly, it has been deemed appropriate to establish a dedicated committee to carry out the strategic review and restructuring process in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is serving as the Transaction Advisor.
The committee will be responsible for:
• Conducting an independent review and assessment of the airline’s strategic direction and future course of action
• Recommending restructuring requirements and possible restructuring models
• Evaluating specific strategic options and identifying the most suitable course of action aligned with the Government’s overall objectives
• Providing oversight, guidance and support for the implementation of the selected strategy and execution framework determined by the Government
The committee will function for the duration of the strategic review and restructuring process, or until it is formally dissolved by the Government of Sri Lanka.
(PMD)
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has retired from all international cricket with immediate effect.
The 35-year-old featured in the first Test against England at Lord’s, registering a duck and 18, but will play no further part in the three-match series, which will resume at The Oval on 17 June.
Williamson retires as New Zealand’s leading all-format run-scorer, with 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double-hundreds, in 378 appearances between 2010 and 2026.
As the Black Caps’ most prolific Test batter, he scored 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries, in 110 matches.
Williamson captained New Zealand on 206 occasions between 2012 and 2024, leading the side through their golden period when they won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and reached the finals of the 2019 World Cup and 2021 T20 World Cup.
Explaining his decision, Williamson, who retired from T20Is in November, said: “I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time.
“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand.
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.
“I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team.
“It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart.”
Head coach Rob Walter paid tribute to Williamson’s “legacy” and impact on the Black Caps, stating he will “remain embedded in its DNA”.
“Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person,” Walter said.
“His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it’s what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket – that will be his legacy.
“His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA.
“Kane’s always put the team first and although we’re disappointed to see him go, we’re happy to know he’s content and at peace with his decision.
“An incredible player, awesome team-mate, a wonderful leader and a fantastic ambassador for our sport.”
Former New Zealand all-rounder Sir Richard Hadlee described Williamson as a “wonderful player” and an “unflappable leader”, who was the “architect of some our of greatest moments in cricket”.
[BBC]
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