A 6.0-magnitude earthquake has rattled northern Italy, killing at least four people, injuring dozens and damaging buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake was centered about 35 kilometers north-northwest of the city of Bologna at a depth of 5 kilometers. It struck about 4 a.m. local time Sunday, sending panic-stricken residents running into the […]
Afghan Flash Flood Kills 19
Posted May 20th, 2012 at 7:25 am (UTC-5)
Officials in northern Afghanistan say a flash flood has killed at least 19 people. Authorities say more than 50 people are missing since the flood hit Sari Pul province Saturday. Provincial officials say the flood waters have destroyed 1,000 homes and at least 6,000 people have sought shelter on higher ground.
Syrian Opposition Reports Clashes in Capital
Posted May 20th, 2012 at 6:05 am (UTC-5)
Syrian opposition groups say clashes have erupted overnight in the capital, Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Coordination Committees say fighting between government troops and rebels broke out in the Kfar Souseh district early Sunday. The LCC added that the government brought in “huge reinforcements” of troops. The number of casualties, […]
Sri Lanka President to Free Ex-Army Chief
Posted May 20th, 2012 at 4:10 am (UTC-5)
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered the release of the country’s former army chief and opposition leader, Sarath Fonseka. President Rajapaksa signed the papers Saturday ordering Fonseka’s release. The papers will be sent to the justice ministry Monday. The president’s release order for his political rival came after Sri Lanka’s foreign minister met in […]
Quake in Italy Kills 3
Posted May 20th, 2012 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake has rattled northern Italy, killing at least three people and damaging buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey says Sunday’s quake centered about 35 kilometers north-northwest of the city of Bologna at a depth of about 5 kilometers. The quake was followed by a series of aftershocks. The largest was a 5.1-magnitude aftershock that […]
Pakistan, Afghan Presidents to Meet NATO Allies
Posted May 20th, 2012 at 3:25 am (UTC-5)
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is to attend the NATO summit in Chicago at the invitiaion of NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen who says Pakistan plays an important role in resolving the conflict in Afghanistan. Pakistan presidential spokesman Farhatullah Baber told VOA that Mr. Zardari will tell NATO that the war against terrror cannot be […]
Quake in Italy Kills 3
Posted May 20th, 2012 at 1:50 am (UTC-5)
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake has rattled northern Italy, killing at least three people and damaging buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey says Sunday’s quake centered about 35 kilometers north-northwest of the city of Bologna at a depth of about 5 kilometers. The quake was followed by a series of aftershocks. Witnesses say some rural factories and church […]
Taiwan President Takes Office Amid Protests
Posted May 20th, 2012 at 12:40 am (UTC-5)
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou was sworn in Sunday for a second term, as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in downtown Taipei to protest his economic policies. The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party said it expected as many as 100,000 protesters would demonstrate against the president’s plans to raise utility prices and […]
