Avalanche kills eight skiers in California
At least eight skiers have died after an avalanche near Castle Peak in California’s Lake Tahoe region, authorities confirmed. One person remains missing, and the rescue effort has shifted to recovery. Six others were rescued, two with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials warn avalanche risks remain high, marking the disaster as one of the deadliest in the state in decades.
Climber on trial over death on Austria’s highest peak
A climber has gone on trial in Innsbruck over the death of his girlfriend on Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain. Kerstin G, 33, died of hypothermia during a winter ascent in January 2025. Prosecutors allege her partner, identified as Thomas P, failed to turn back despite worsening weather and left her exposed near the summit while seeking help. He denies gross negligent manslaughter, describing the tragedy as an accident. The case has sparked debate over accountability and risk in extreme sports.
UN Security Council reschedules Gaza meeting
The United Nations Security Council has moved a scheduled session on Gaza forward to avoid clashing with US President Donald Trump’s newly announced “Board of Peace” meeting in Washington. Diplomats say the adjustment allows attendance at both events. The Security Council meeting will address the fragile Gaza ceasefire and Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, amid concerns about competing diplomatic tracks.
Snowstorm cuts power across Romania
Severe snow and rain have left about 200,000 homes without electricity across Romania. Transport networks were disrupted, with roads blocked, trains delayed, and public services strained. Authorities say tens of thousands of households have since had power restored, but emergency crews continue working as harsh weather persists.
Violence continues in Gaza despite ceasefire
At least two Palestinians were killed in separate incidents in Gaza, according to local reports, as tensions persist despite a declared ceasefire. Medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing remain restricted, with thousands reportedly awaiting urgent treatment. Health authorities say hundreds have been killed or wounded since the truce began.
AFRICA
Gabon suspends Facebook and TikTok
Authorities in Gabon have suspended Facebook and TikTok, citing concerns about content that could inflame social unrest. The move follows strikes by teachers and other public-sector workers demanding improved pay and conditions.
South Africans return from Ukraine conflict
Four South African men who had travelled to fight alongside Russian forces in eastern Ukraine have returned home, according to state media. Their return follows diplomatic engagement between Pretoria and Moscow after distress calls from a group reportedly stranded in the conflict zone.
Guinea-Bissau halts vaccine study
Guinea-Bissau has stopped a US-funded study examining the hepatitis B vaccine after criticism from global health experts, including the World Health Organization. Critics argued the design — in which some newborns would not receive the vaccine at birth — raised ethical concerns. Officials say the study has been terminated.
Five missing after South Africa mine mudslide
Rescue teams are searching for five miners missing after a mudslide at the Ekapa diamond mine in South Africa. Industry officials say efforts are focused on locating the trapped workers more than 24 hours after the incident.
Congo offers strategic Tantalum mine in US partnership
The Democratic Republic of Congo has added the Rubaya coltan mine — one of the world’s richest tantalum deposits — to a proposed minerals partnership with the United States. The site, currently under rebel control, is seen as strategically significant due to soaring global demand for tantalum used in electronics and aerospace manufacturing.
