Hong Kong hit by heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 yrs
Hong Kong, Sep 8: Hong Kong was battered by the heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 years, leading to widespread flooding and waterlogging, with hundreds evacuated and two deaths authorities said on Friday. Hong Kong authorities said during a joint news conference on Friday that the extreme weather was expected to last until at least midnight, with widespread flooding and heavy disruptions to public transport in multiple districts. An official from the Hong Kong observatory said the city had recorded over 600mm of rain so far – a quarter of the city’s average annual rainfall. The Hong Kong Observatory said it recorded 158.1 millimetres of rain in the hour between 11 pm on Thursday and midnight, the highest recording for a single hour since records began in 1884. (Agencies)
King Charles pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth
LONDON, Sep 8: King Charles on Friday thanked the public for their love and support on the first anniversary of the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth and his accession to the throne, echoing her words as he vowed to be of service to all. Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign, died aged 96 on September 8 at Balmoral Castle, her Scottish summer retreat, after a 70-year reign. “In marking the first anniversary of her late majesty’s death and my accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us,” Charles said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.” Charles, who immediately succeeded his mother as king of the United Kingdom and 14 other countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and his wife Camilla spent most of the day quietly at the Scottish royal home. (Agencies)
Russia promises to strengthen defence ties with Pakistan
Moscow, Sep 8: Russia on Friday assured Pakistan that it was committed to further strengthen and expand the bilateral defence ties. This assurance to Islamabad was given by Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Colonel Alexander Fomin when he met with the outgoing Pakistani Ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan to discuss military cooperation between the two countries, the Russian Defence Ministry said. “Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin met with Pakistani Ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan, who is finishing his mission in our country. The sides discussed the current agenda of bilateral military cooperation and reiterated mutual commitment to strengthening and expanding Russian-Pakistani defence ties,” Tass news agency quoted the ministry as saying. The Pakistani ambassador thanked the Russian side for its all-round support and assistance during his diplomatic mission. The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere, the ministry added. Pakistan’s ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities. (AP)