Morocco launches $330m flood recovery plan
Morocco has announced a 3 billion dirham ($330m) reconstruction programme after torrential rains displaced nearly 200,000 people in the northwestern plains. Funds will repair infrastructure, rebuild homes and support farmers and small businesses. Entire neighbourhoods were submerged following weeks of heavy rain and emergency dam releases. The worst-hit municipalities have been declared disaster areas. Officials say 188,000 people were forced from their homes.
- Morocco launches $330m flood recovery plan
- Boat capsizes on Nile in Sudan, at least 21 dead
- Cyclone kills 35 in Madagascar, heads towards Mozambique
- Kenya to re-open Somalia border after 15 years
- Ghana cuts cocoa price amid global slump
- South Korea says Kim Jong Un’s daughter chosen as heir
- Storm Nils kills one, cuts power to 900,000 in France and Portugal
- Bangladesh holds defining election after uprising
- Canada reels after deadly school shooting
- Russia blocks WhatsApp nationwide
Boat capsizes on Nile in Sudan, at least 21 dead
At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat capsized in Sudan’s River Nile state. The vessel was travelling between Tayba al Khawad and Deim al Qarai when it overturned in the Shendi area on Wednesday evening. Nearly 30 people were on board, including women and children. Authorities say 21 bodies have been recovered, while six people survived. Rescue teams continue to search the river amid fears the death toll could rise.
Cyclone kills 35 in Madagascar, heads towards Mozambique
At least 35 people have died after Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s main port city, Toamasina. Authorities reported widespread destruction, with homes collapsing, power lines down and entire districts left in darkness. Up to 250,000 people are believed to be affected or displaced. The storm is now moving towards Mozambique. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing.
Kenya to re-open Somalia border after 15 years
Kenya will re-open its border with Somalia in April, nearly 15 years after it was shut due to attacks by al Shabaab militants. President William Ruto said security assessments had paved the way for the decision, with heavy deployments planned to safeguard crossings. Previous attempts to reopen the border were postponed after fresh attacks. The move marks a significant shift in regional security policy.
Ghana cuts cocoa price amid global slump
Ghana has reduced the farmgate cocoa price to align with falling global markets and stimulate demand. The new price of 41,392 cedis per tonne replaces the higher rate that had made Ghanaian cocoa uncompetitive. Officials also unveiled a new financing model for bean purchases. The world’s second-largest cocoa producer has struggled with declining demand and lower international prices. Authorities say the changes aim to stabilise the sector and ensure farmer payments.
South Korea says Kim Jong Un’s daughter chosen as heir
South Korea’s intelligence agency says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has selected his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor. The assessment follows her increasing public appearances at major state events. Officials say they are monitoring whether she attends the upcoming ruling party congress. If confirmed, the move would mark the continuation of North Korea’s dynastic leadership.
Storm Nils kills one, cuts power to 900,000 in France and Portugal
Storm Nils has left one person dead and about 900,000 homes without electricity across western France. Winds reached up to 162 km/h, forcing road closures, flight cancellations and ski resort shutdowns. In Portugal, flooding and infrastructure damage disrupted transport links. Authorities issued red weather alerts in several regions. Emergency crews continue clearing debris and restoring services.
Bangladesh holds defining election after uprising
Bangladesh has voted in a closely watched national election seen as pivotal for the country’s political future. The vote comes less than two years after a youth-led uprising forced former leader Sheikh Hasina from office. Nearly half of registered voters had cast ballots by mid-afternoon, officials said. Security was tight across polling centres nationwide. Results are expected to shape the country’s democratic trajectory.
Canada reels after deadly school shooting
Police have identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the suspect in a mass shooting that left eight people dead in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Authorities say the attack began at the suspect’s family home before unfolding in the community. The suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident is among the deadliest acts of violence in Canada in recent years. Investigations are continuing.
Russia blocks WhatsApp nationwide
Russia has ordered a nationwide block on WhatsApp, affecting more than 100 million users. Authorities have not provided detailed justification, but the move comes amid efforts to steer citizens towards a state-backed messaging platform. WhatsApp’s parent company Meta criticised the decision, saying it undermines private and secure communication. The ban marks a significant tightening of Moscow’s control over the digital space.
