Torrential rains kill 11, cut power in Pakistan
PESHAWAR, Aug 24: At least 11 people, including three children, died and 47 were injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northwest Pakistan, due to torrential rains and windstorms. Heavy rains and strong winds hit Dera Ismail Khan district and adjoining areas, leaving eight dead and over 45 injured in various incidents, mainly roof collapses. Over two dozen people were discharged after treatment. Another incident involved three children being killed when the roof of a house caved in at Tikatak area of Maidan in Lower Dir district. The storm also uprooted trees and downed power lines, disrupting electricity in several areas of Dera Ismail Khan. Heavy showers were reported in Peshawar, Mardan, North and South Waziristan, and other districts. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed grief over the loss of lives and property and directed officials to provide immediate relief and medical care. (PTI)
Two held for arson at Indian restaurant in London
LONDON, Aug 24: A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson after an Indian restaurant in east London went on fire, causing serious injuries to five people. The Metropolitan Police reported that the restaurant was in Ilford, and the Metropolitan Police has been working to identify the suspects. The incident occurred on Friday night, and CCTV footage showed a group of people wearing face coverings pouring liquid on the floor before the fire broke out. The London Ambulance Service treated five people for burns and smoke inhalation, taking two patients to a major trauma center and three others to local hospitals. The restaurant, managed by Rohit Kaluvala, is known for its authentic Indian cuisine and has been recognized for its first-rate customer service. The London Fire Brigade is still investigating the cause of the fire, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued five people from the scene. Around nine more people were able to leave the restaurant before firefighters arrived. The investigation continues at a pace, and anyone with any information or concerns is encouraged to come forward and speak to the police. (PTI)
Afghanistan police arrest 42 in crime crackdown
KABUL, Aug 24: Afghan police have arrested 42 suspects linked to crimes including theft, smuggling, and kidnapping across 11 provinces in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Interior Affairs. All detainees were handed over for legal proceedings. Separately, counter-narcotics forces thwarted two drug trafficking attempts in Takhar and Zabul, seizing 249 kg of opium and arresting three suspects. In Herat, 16 more were arrested with 872 kg of narcotics. Additionally, police seized 16 weapons, including machine guns and rocket launchers, along with explosives and military equipment in operations in Uruzgan and Ghazni provinces. All cases are under investigation, the ministry confirmed. (IANS)