Sri Lanka reels from Cyclone Ditwah as death toll nears 200

Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency as severe flooding has devastated Colombo, resulting in the destruction of over 25,000 homes and displacing approximately 147,000 individuals. This flooding is reported to be the deadliest since 2017, with the situation exacerbated by heavy rains linked to Cyclone Ditwah.

Palestinians in Gaza are facing severe challenges as winter arrives, with many families living in tents and struggling to stay warm amid critically scarce essential supplies. The harsh weather conditions have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in the enclave.

A catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has resulted in a rising death toll, now confirmed at 146, as recovery efforts continue. The fire, which lasted over 40 hours, has left many residents unaccounted for, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community as thousands gathered to pay tribute to the victims.

Sri Lanka's capital has been severely affected by flooding following a powerful cyclone, with nearly 200 reported dead and hundreds missing. The cyclone has triggered heavy rains and mudslides, leading to significant destruction in the central region, where relief efforts are ongoing to clear blocked roads and assist affected populations.

Severe flooding in Sri Lanka, exacerbated by Cyclone Ditwah, has led to a death toll nearing 200, prompting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to declare a state of emergency. The cyclone has caused significant destruction, particularly in the mountainous regions, with many neighborhoods buried under mud and thousands displaced.

Four individuals were killed and ten others wounded during a shooting at a family gathering in a banquet hall in Stockton, California, on Saturday evening. The incident, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m., is being investigated by local authorities as a potential targeted attack. Among the victims were both juveniles and adults, highlighting the tragic impact of gun violence on families.

Top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are meeting with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida to discuss a potential peace deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting comes ahead of critical talks planned in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tens of thousands of people marched in Paris to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, accusing Israel of breaching a fragile ceasefire and calling for stronger international intervention as the death toll surpasses 70,000 according to Gaza's health ministry. The protests reflect growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.