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Hurricane Helene Claims At Least 17 Lives Across Southeastern U.S.

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Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, has left a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States, with at least 17 reported deaths and millions without power. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced Friday that at least 11 people in his state have been killed, while six others died in Florida and the Carolinas.

The hurricane made landfall late Thursday in Florida’s sparsely populated Big Bend area with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 kph). The storm’s impact extended hundreds of miles northward, causing widespread flooding and damage.

Emergency crews are now rushing to rescue people trapped in flooded homes. Governor Kemp reported that dozens are still stranded in damaged houses across Georgia. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed over 1,500 workers to assist in rescue operations, with 400 rescues reported by late morning Friday.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the damage from Helene appears to be greater than the combined impact of Hurricanes Idalia and Debby last August. “It’s demoralizing,” DeSantis said, as communities face the prospect of rebuilding once again.

The storm’s effects were felt widely, with more than 4 million homes and businesses losing power across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Flooding was reported as far north as North Carolina, where a lake featured in the movie “Dirty Dancing” overtopped a dam. Multiple hospitals in southern Georgia were left without power, while in Valdosta, Georgia, residents sought shelter in hotels as the storm passed, with winds howling and water seeping through light fixtures.

President Joe Biden announced he was praying for survivors as FEMA’s head traveled to the affected area. Local officials have launched boat rescues, warning residents about the dangers of floodwaters potentially containing live wires, sewage, and debris.

The hurricane’s path of destruction included a church in Perry, Florida, losing its newly replaced roof, just weeks before the congregation was set to return. Trees toppling onto homes caused fatalities in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Anderson County, South Carolina, while possible tornado activity in south Georgia resulted in two deaths.

As Helene weakened to a tropical storm, forecasters warned of continued heavy rainfall and the risk of mudslides and flash flooding in the Appalachian Mountains. The National Hurricane Center reported the storm was moving northeast at 32 mph (52 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) as of Friday morning.

This devastating hurricane marks the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts will be above average due to record-warm ocean temperatures. As communities begin to assess the damage and initiate recovery efforts, the full extent of Helene’s impact is still unfolding across the southeastern United States.

Israel Launches Heavy Airstrikes on Hezbollah Headquarters in Beirut Suburbs

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The Israeli military conducted heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah’s central headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the year-long conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group. The attack sent shockwaves through the Lebanese capital, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the city.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed the operation in a televised statement, asserting that the targeted command center was deeply embedded within civilian areas. The strikes came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a closely watched United Nations speech, vowed to continue attacks on Iranian-backed fighters in Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s al-Manar television reported that four buildings were destroyed in the multiple strikes, with numerous casualties. Security sources in Lebanon indicated that the attack targeted an area known to house top Hezbollah officials, making it the most severe assault on Beirut in nearly a year of ongoing hostilities.

Uganda Airlines Announces Fleet Expansion with Eight New Aircraft to Meet Growing Demand

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Uganda Airlines has unveiled plans to expand its fleet with the acquisition of eight new aircraft, a strategic move aimed at meeting growing demand and enhancing its operational capabilities. The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki during a stakeholders’ trade and business forum in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The national carrier, operational for five years, currently operates a fleet of six aircraft. The planned expansion, set to begin in the 2025/2026 financial year, will include smaller planes with a passenger capacity of 160 to 170, two larger planes (likely Airbuses), and two dedicated cargo planes to bolster the airline’s logistics operations.

Bamuturaki expressed optimism about the expansion, stating, “We are seeing increasing demand for our services as Uganda Airlines stabilizes in the business. The purchase of eight new aircraft will help us meet that demand and improve our operational efficiency, especially with the addition of cargo planes.”

The CEO highlighted current challenges in cargo transportation, where passenger planes have been doubling as cargo carriers, limiting load capacity. “With the new dedicated cargo planes, I’m confident our cargo business will grow significantly,” Bamuturaki added.

Patrick Ocailap, deputy secretary to the treasury, emphasized the importance of route efficiency, noting that stakeholders are carefully assessing each route’s potential to maximize benefits for Uganda and its international partners. “We are working hard to ensure that all routes opened by Uganda Airlines operate efficiently,” Ocailap stated, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting the airline’s growth and expansion plans.

Uganda Airlines currently operates 16 routes and is planning further expansion, including a highly anticipated route to London. This new connection is expected to significantly boost travel between Africa and Europe, enhancing Uganda’s connectivity to global markets.

The forum in Harare served to strengthen trade relations between Uganda and Zimbabwe, following the recent launch of a direct flight route between the two countries. This expansion aligns with Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy to become a major player in regional and international aviation.

As the airline continues its growth trajectory, the focus on fleet expansion and route development underscores its commitment to improving air connectivity across Africa and beyond. The planned acquisitions and route expansions position Uganda Airlines to compete more effectively in the increasingly competitive African aviation market while contributing to the country’s economic development and regional integration efforts.

nilepost.co.ug

Dame Maggie Smith, Iconic British Actress of Stage and Screen, Dies at 89

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Dame Maggie Smith plays Violent, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey.

Dame Maggie Smith, the venerable British actress whose career spanned seven decades and encompassed triumphs on stage, screen, and television, died Friday in a London hospital at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her passing, describing her as an “extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Dame Maggie Smith plays Violent, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey.

Smith’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards. She won Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” in 1978. Her talent garnered her additional Oscar nominations for performances in “Othello,” “Travels with My Aunt,” “A Room with a View,” and “Gosford Park.”

In recent years, Smith captivated new generations of fans with her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. Her dry wit and impeccable timing made her a standout in both roles, with Smith quipping that “Harry Potter is my pension.”

Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, east London, she began her acting career at the Oxford Playhouse School. Her talent quickly caught the eye of Sir Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join his original National Theatre company.

Throughout her career, Smith was renowned for her versatility and commanding stage presence. She won a Tony Award in 1990 for “Lettice and Lovage” and received critical acclaim for her performances in numerous productions, including Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever.”

Smith’s reputation for being demanding on set was matched by her dedication to her craft. Director Richard Eyre described her as “intellectually the smartest actress I’ve ever worked with,” while playwright Alan Bennett praised her ability to bring freshness to every performance.

Despite her public persona, Smith was known to be intensely private. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.

Smith was married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons, and later to writer Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998.

As news of her death spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, celebrating Smith’s unparalleled talent, wit, and the indelible mark she left on British culture. Her passing marks the end of an era in British acting, but her performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

Bodies of 13 Sub-Saharan African Migrants Found on Tunisia’s Coast

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Tunisian authorities reported on Wednesday the discovery of 13 bodies of sub-Saharan African migrants washed up on the country’s Mediterranean coast near Mahdia, a town approximately 142 kilometers (88 miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa. This grim finding underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis surrounding unauthorized migration from North Africa to Europe.

The Coast Guard recovered the bodies, all identified as men from sub-Saharan Africa, according to local court spokesperson Ferid Ben Jha. An investigation has been launched to determine the origins of the deceased migrants.

Tunisia, along with neighboring Libya, has long served as a key departure point for migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to reach European shores. Lampedusa, being closer to North Africa than mainland Italy, is often the first European landfall for many of these migrants.

This incident occurs despite recent efforts by Tunisian authorities to increase patrols of territorial waters, supported by European funding and assistance. These measures have led to a notable decrease in migrant crossings and related deaths. Tunisia’s National Guard reported that from January through May, they recovered 462 bodies and intercepted over 30,000 migrants off the Tunisian coast, compared to 714 bodies and nearly 22,000 interceptions during the same period last year.

The European Union’s border and coast guard agency, FRONTEX, attributes the decrease in Central Mediterranean crossings largely to preventive measures taken by Tunisian, Libyan, and Turkish authorities. Italian data shows that approximately 10,000 migrants arrived in Italy by boats from Tunisia in the first half of this year, less than a third of the total for the same period in 2023.

However, as security tightens in the Mediterranean, there has been a corresponding increase in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off Africa’s Atlantic coast, now serving as an alternative route to continental Europe.

The United Nations refugee agency estimates that at least 1,000 people die or go missing at sea each year, while the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights reported over 1,300 dead or missing off Tunisia in 2023 alone.

AP

Senegal’s Dollar Bonds Drop Following Government Audit Revealing Higher Debt and Deficit

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Senegal’s sovereign dollar bonds experienced a significant decline on Friday following the release of a government audit that revealed larger debt and deficit figures than those reported by the previous administration. The audit, ordered by recently elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has underscored the economic challenges facing the West African nation.

According to Tradeweb data, Senegal’s dollar bonds fell by more than 2 cents in early trading before stabilizing at approximately 1.3 cents lower, trading between 73.01-85.52 cents on the dollar by 1200 GMT. This drop reflects investor concerns over the country’s fiscal health and economic outlook.

Economy Minister Abdourahmane Sarr announced late Thursday that the audit showed a deficit of more than 10% at the end of 2023, significantly higher than the roughly 5% reported by the previous government. Additionally, public debt was revealed to average 76.3% of GDP, compared to the previously reported 65.9%, due to higher-than-published public deficits.

Evghenia Sleptsova, senior emerging markets economist at Oxford Economics, characterized the announcement as a “credit-negative event,” highlighting the potential impact on Senegal’s financial standing in international markets.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has a $1.9 billion bailout program with Senegal, acknowledged that the government had shared initial audit findings. The IMF stated it is working with Senegalese authorities to determine appropriate next steps, given the discrepancies in reported figures.

This handout picture taken an distributed by the Senegalese Presidency on March 28, 2024 shows outgoing Senegalese President Macky Sall (not seen) meeting with Senegal’s president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the Presidential palace in Dakar. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / Senegalese Presidency ” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by SENEGALESE PRESIDENCY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / Senegalese Presidency ” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

President Faye, who ordered the audit, has blamed the previous administration for releasing false figures. The revelation has complicated Senegal’s relationship with the IMF, with Sarr noting that concerns over the figures and fear of violating IMF rules prevented the government from requesting IMF funds that could have been disbursed in July.

The audit’s findings have prompted calls for further investigation and action. Abdoulaye Ndiaye, professor of macroeconomics and public finance at New York University’s Stern School of Business, emphasized the need for “courageous choices” and a thorough legal investigation into the discrepancies.

In response to the economic challenges, President Faye has called for a snap legislative election scheduled for November 17, aiming to break deadlock over a new budget and efforts to cut government waste.

Despite these challenges, Senegal’s economic outlook is not entirely bleak. The country began oil production in June, with gas output expected by the end of the year, potentially boosting government finances.

Illegal Gold Mine Collapse in Indonesia Kills 15, Seven Missing

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At least 15 people have died following the collapse of an illegal gold mine in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province, a disaster official reported on Friday. The incident, triggered by a landslide after heavy rains, has left rescuers scrambling to locate seven individuals still missing.

Irwan Efendi, head of the provincial disaster agency, told Reuters that the collapse occurred on Thursday evening in the Solok district. “The victims are the residents who manually mine for gold,” Efendi stated, highlighting the dangers of small-scale and illegal mining operations that are common in Indonesia’s remote areas.

The mine’s location poses significant challenges for rescue efforts. Efendi explained that rescuers must undertake an eight-hour trek to reach the site, which is inaccessible by road. He estimated that approximately 25 people were in the mine at the time of the collapse.

In addition to the 15 fatalities and seven missing, three individuals were reported injured. Police and military personnel launched a search operation early Friday morning, combining efforts to locate the missing miners and evacuate the deceased.

Reuters

Shigeru Ishiba Elected Japan’s New Prime Minister on Fifth Attempt

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Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) poses in the party leader's office after the LDP leadership election, in Tokyo, Japan September 27, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool

Shigeru Ishiba, a 67-year-old former defense minister, has been elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), effectively securing his position as the country’s next prime minister. Ishiba’s victory on Friday came after a highly competitive race featuring a record nine candidates, marking his successful fifth and self-proclaimed final attempt at party leadership.

Ishiba narrowly defeated hard-line nationalist Sanae Takaichi in the final round of voting. The LDP’s majority in parliament virtually assures that Ishiba will be confirmed as prime minister in a special session scheduled for Tuesday.

In his first press conference as party leader, Ishiba outlined his priorities: “We ought to be a party that lets members discuss the truth in a free and open manner, a party that is fair and impartial on all matters and a party with humility.” He emphasized the need to clean up the LDP, which has been plagued by recent scandals, including undocumented political donations that led to record-low approval ratings.

Addressing Japan’s security concerns, Ishiba cited recent incursions from Russia and China into Japanese territory and North Korea’s repeated missile tests as evidence for the need to strengthen national defense. He also stressed the importance of revitalizing consumption in the world’s fourth-largest economy to fully emerge from a prolonged period of economic stagnation.

The leadership race was triggered by outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s announcement in August that he would step down due to a series of scandals. Ishiba, long popular with the general public but often at odds with party elites, benefited from a more open voting process following the disbandment of powerful LDP factions.

Ishiba’s victory suggests that party members have set aside personal grievances to capitalize on his public appeal. Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, noted that the party has “gravitated towards a popular figure who does well in media appearances and isn’t afraid to criticise his own party when he thinks they’re in the wrong.”

The new leader faces numerous challenges, including quelling public anger over rising living costs, navigating a volatile security environment in East Asia, and managing Japan’s crucial alliance with the United States. Ishiba has called for a more balanced relationship with Washington and proposed creating an “Asian NATO,” an idea that could provoke tension with Beijing.

Ishiba’s contrarian views on issues such as nuclear energy and married couples’ surnames have previously put him at odds with party leadership. As he forms his cabinet, analysts suggest he will need to draw from a wide base to solidify his rule over a fractured party.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel congratulated Ishiba, expressing eagerness to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson expressed hope that Japan would maintain an “objective and correct” understanding of China under its new leadership.

Hurricane Helene Batters Florida, Georgia, Leaving Widespread Destruction

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ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: In this aerial view, vehicles drive through a flooded street as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms to strike the United States in recent history, roared through Florida and Georgia overnight Thursday into Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The Category 4 storm has claimed at least one life, flooded neighborhoods, and left more than 2 million homes and businesses without power.

Helene made landfall around midnight with winds reaching 140 mph (225 kph), ranking as the joint 14th most powerful hurricane to hit the U.S. since records began and the seventh most powerful in Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). By dawn, it had weakened to a tropical storm with winds of 70 mph (110 kph) as it moved north across Georgia.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed one fatality, a driver whose car was struck by debris, and warned of the potential for more casualties as the full extent of the damage becomes clear. “When we wake up tomorrow morning, the chances are there will likely have been more fatalities,” DeSantis said.

The storm’s impact was immediately visible in coastal areas, with images from Tampa, Naples, and St. Petersburg showing overturned boats in harbors, felled trees, stranded cars, and flooded streets. Power companies reported that more than 1.2 million customers in Florida and 800,000 in Georgia were without electricity.

NHC director Michael Brennan described a “really unsurvivable scenario” playing out in coastal areas, with storm surges capable of destroying buildings and carrying away vehicles. In Taylor County, the Sheriff’s Department advised residents who chose not to evacuate to write their names and birth dates on their arms in permanent ink for identification purposes.

Despite evacuation orders, some residents chose to ride out the storm. Ken Wood, a 58-year-old state ferry boat operator in Dunedin, Florida, told Reuters he planned to stay at home with his 16-year-old cat, Andy.

Officials in Pinellas County warned that Helene’s impact could be as severe as last year’s Hurricane Idalia, which flooded 1,500 homes. Videos showed swamped beachside roads and rising water levels over boat docks.

The storm’s effects extended beyond immediate coastal areas. Airports in Tampa, Tallahassee, and St. Petersburg suspended operations on Thursday. Heavy rainfall affected parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, central and western North Carolina, and Tennessee. Georgia’s cotton and pecan crops, in the midst of harvesting season, were particularly vulnerable.

Reinsurance broker Gallagher Re estimated preliminary private insurance losses could range from $3 billion to $6 billion, with additional losses to federal insurance programs potentially approaching $1 billion. Energy facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast scaled back operations and evacuated some production sites in preparation for the storm.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Deanne Criswell announced plans to travel to Florida on Friday to assess the damage. As Helene continues to move inland, authorities warn of ongoing life-threatening storm surges, winds, and heavy rains, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow local guidance.

REUTERS

X Seeks Reinstatement in Brazil After Complying with Judge’s Orders

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Elon Musk’s social media platform X has reportedly complied with Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’ orders and requested reinstatement of its service in the country, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development marks a significant shift in the high-profile standoff between the world’s richest man and the Brazilian judiciary.

Two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed Thursday that X has submitted a petition to Brazilian authorities outlining its compliance with previous court orders. The platform has reportedly blocked certain accounts, named an official legal representative in Brazil, and paid fines imposed for earlier non-compliance.

X was blocked in Brazil on August 30, cutting off access to over 20 million users in one of the platform’s largest markets. The shutdown followed months of tension between Musk and de Moraes over issues of free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation.

In a surprising move, X’s new legal representative is reportedly Rachel de Oliveira Villa Nova Conceição, the same person who held the position before X closed its Brazil office. Her appointment comes with a clause in the representation agreement aimed at protecting her from potential legal consequences of X’s actions.

The conflict between X and the Brazilian judiciary has raised significant questions about the limits of free speech and the power of social media platforms in democratic societies. Unlike the United States, Brazil has more restrictions on speech, with judges able to order the removal of content deemed harmful or illegal.

Justice de Moraes has been at the center of investigations into “digital militias” accused of spreading misinformation and threats against Supreme Court justices. His orders to block certain accounts, many belonging to supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, led to the clash with Musk, who accused the judge of suppressing free speech.

The standoff escalated when Musk suggested users could bypass the shutdown using VPNs, prompting de Moraes to impose hefty fines on anyone attempting to circumvent the ban.

X’s decision to comply with the court orders may have been influenced by the mass migration of Brazilian users to rival platforms like BlueSky and Threads during the shutdown. Bruna Santos, a lawyer and global campaigns manager at Digital Action, suggested that the move indicates X’s “state of good-faith cooperation with Brazilian authorities.”

Associated Press report

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