Emergency workers in Libya's eastern city of Derna have uncovered hundreds of bodies in the aftermath of a devastating flood, with at least 2,300 confirmed dead and 10,000 still missing. Aid groups have warned that the death toll is likely to rise significantly in the coming days, with the Ambulance and Emergency Service continuing to search for survivors and victims. People in the city are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster, with many left homeless and without basic necessities.
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On Sunday, two storage tanks at a local Portuguese distillery burst, causing a flash flood of red wine to cascade down a hilly street in São Lourenço de Bairro. Fire crews were able to divert the wine into nearby fields, but not before more than 580,000 gallons had spilled. The incident has caused considerable disruption to the local community, and Destilaria Levira has since released a statement apologizing and taking steps to ensure that this does not happen again.
Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by top military officials. The meeting has sparked concerns of a potential arms deal and is expected to focus on North Korea's nuclear weapons program and stalled negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington. Kim's visit is the first foreign trip since he met with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 and is expected to take place in the Russian city of Vladivostok.
Libya has been hit by a devastating storm, with flooding breaking dams and sweeping away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns. The confirmed death toll stands at 61, but the destruction appears to be most severe in Derna, which has become inaccessible due to the storm. The Libyan government has declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance, while the UN has urged all parties to ensure that the relief efforts are conducted safely and has called for an immediate ceasefire in the affected areas.
The Biden administration has taken a major step towards the release of five American citizens detained in Iran by issuing a sanctions waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money. This is part of a larger agreement between the U.S. and Iran that will also see the release of five Iranian citizens held in the U.S. The family of one of the prisoners, Xiyue Wang, is cautiously optimistic about the news of the sanctions waiver, and the U.S. and Iran are making progress towards a resolution.
Kim Jong Un is set to visit Russia soon for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to the Russian presidency office and North Korea's state news agency. Associated Press journalists have seen a train similar to the one used by Kim in previous trips abroad moving between North Korea and the Russian border. The visit comes at a time of increased tension between North Korea and South Korea, and is likely to be closely watched by the international community.
On Monday, emergency workers evacuated an injured survivor of the September 8 earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains of central Morocco. Hundreds of people gathered outside a blood bank in Marrakech to do what they can for their country, as the United Nations estimated 300,000 people had been affected by the 6.8 magnitude temblor. Doctors Without Borders is providing medical and psychological support to those affected, as well as working with local authorities to assess the needs of those impacted and provide support.
Hurricane Lee is intensifying in the western Atlantic, causing hazardous surf and rip current conditions along the southeastern US coast which will spread northward in the coming days. The storm is predicted to remain a major hurricane this week and pass between Bermuda and the East Coast by the end of the week, staying offshore of New York City. Residents are advised to take precautions and stay informed of the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center.