Tropical Storm Wipha has hit Vietnam, causing heavy rains and severe flooding in the central province of Nghe An. At least three people have died, and one person is missing. The storm, which made landfall on Tuesday after impacting the Chinese mainland and increasing monsoon rains in the Philippines, has displaced around 100,000 people. Thousands of homes have been damaged or submerged, and power outages have affected over 9,000 households. Authorities are working to assist stranded families and manage floodwaters.
Malaysia Announces Cash Handout for Adults
In a move to address rising living costs, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced a one-time cash handout for all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. In celebration of Merdeka Day on August 31, each eligible adult will receive RM100 ($24). The funds can be used on essential goods at over 4,100 stores nationwide from August 31 until December 31. This initiative aims to provide relief to citizens as the government implements measures to boost the economy.
Japan Temple Faces Criticism Over Foreigner-Only Fee
Nanzoin Temple in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture is under fire for charging an entrance fee exclusively to foreign visitors. The temple, known for its famous reclining Buddha statue, began imposing a 300 yen ($2) fee on foreign tourists to address issues of littering and misconduct on the grounds. The temple’s head monk, Kakujo Hayashi, stated that the increased number of visitors has led to higher costs for cleaning and security. The policy has sparked debate over whether it is a necessary measure or discriminatory.
Heavy Rains Cause Fatalities in Pakistan’s Punjab
Torrential rains in Pakistan’s Punjab province have resulted in at least 63 deaths and 290 injuries over 24 hours. Many victims were affected by collapsing buildings, drowning, or electrocution. Authorities have declared emergencies in affected areas and urged residents to follow safety guidelines. The monsoon rains, which started in late June, have caused significant disruptions, including road closures and flight delays.
Intense border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have led to at least 14 deaths and displaced over 100,000 people. The conflict involved heavy weaponry, including jets, artillery, and tanks. Tensions escalated following border disputes and allegations of landmine incidents. Both governments have expressed concern, and there are calls for resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation. China has also expressed hope that the two sides will resolve the issue properly through dialogue, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
