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Polio Resurgence in Pakistan Sparks Concern as Cases Climb
Health authorities in Pakistan have confirmed six new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), bringing the total number of infected children in the country to 39 this year. The newly reported cases include three in Balochistan, two in Sindh province, and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This surge comes at a critical time when Pakistan was close to eradicating the disease from its population of over 240 million.
Polio, a highly infectious disease that can cause irreversible paralysis, primarily affects young children. While it has been largely eradicated globally, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where it is still endemic. Balochistan has been the worst-hit region in Pakistan this year, with 20 reported cases, followed by Sindh with 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with five, and isolated cases in Punjab and Islamabad.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that each confirmed case represents many more undetected carriers who may be spreading the virus in their communities.
In response to the rise in infections, Pakistan plans to launch a nationwide polio vaccination campaign on 28 October, aiming to immunize more than 45 million children under the age of five. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported 18 polio cases in neighboring Afghanistan, raising concerns about regional transmission.
Prior to this year’s surge, Pakistan was on the brink of eradicating polio after years of successful vaccination efforts, making this resurgence a significant setback. The government and health organizations are calling for renewed focus and community involvement to curb the spread of the virus.
News
Over 200 Dead in Devastating Valencia Floods as Spain Faces Unrelenting Rain
Authorities in Spain report that at least 205 people have died as catastrophic floods continue to ravage multiple regions, with rescue and recovery operations ongoing. The Valencia region is the hardest hit, where 202 fatalities have been confirmed. A temporary morgue has been set up in a convention center to handle the overwhelming number of victims, and local officials caution that more bodies may still be discovered.
The crisis has also claimed lives in other regions: two victims in Castilla-La Mancha and another in Andalusia. As heavy rain persists, the Spanish government has mobilized the military and hundreds of volunteers to aid in rescue efforts and assist with the massive cleanup.
Valencia has become a scene of extensive damage, with vehicles scattered along mud-choked streets and community members joining forces to clear debris. Despite the difficult circumstances, the sight of people coming together has provided a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.
The situation remains dire, as Spain’s state meteorological agency warns that adverse weather will continue through the weekend. An orange alert remains in place for several areas, including the Balearic Islands—Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera—where “significant risk” from severe storms and heavy rainfall has been forecasted.
In Castilla-La Mancha, search operations are intensifying for five missing people in the town of Letur. Over 200 troops and volunteers, equipped with heavy machinery and search dogs, are combing a 5-kilometer radius, with particular focus on Letur’s historic center. Letur’s mayor, Sergio Marín, reassured affected families, pledging, “No administration is going to leave them alone.”
Meanwhile, red alerts have been downgraded to orange for Huelva’s coastline, but new orange warnings have been issued for the Balearic Islands. A pinned update from AEMET’s Balearic section highlights the escalating threat of “showers and storms” across the islands, signaling continued caution for residents and visitors.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his solidarity with Spain, writing on X: “The UK stands with Spain during this difficult time. My thoughts are with those who have lost their lives, their families, and all those affected by the extreme flooding.”
News
Eight Killed in Serbia Railway Station Canopy Collapse
Eight people lost their lives when a concrete canopy at a railway station in Novi Sad, northern Serbia, tragically collapsed. The incident occurred around noon local time (11:00 GMT), while people were seated on benches under the overhang, according to reports from Radio Television of Serbia (RTS).
Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed the casualties and provided an update on the situation. Two individuals remain hospitalized, including a man who suffered severe injuries requiring the amputation of both legs.
Emergency responders continue to work tirelessly at the scene, maintaining contact with two additional survivors still trapped beneath the rubble, one of whom is a young girl. The rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to reach those in need.
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Elon Musk Ordered to Court Over $1M Voter Cash Giveaway Controversy
Elon Musk has been summoned to a Philadelphia court on Thursday following a lawsuit alleging his $1 million daily giveaways to registered voters may violate electoral laws. The giveaways, managed through Musk’s political group, America PAC, involve awarding cash prizes to voters in key battleground states who sign a petition and pledge support for the U.S. Constitution. Prosecutors argue the initiative might qualify as an “illegal lottery,” potentially influencing the upcoming election.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner, who filed the suit, emphasized the urgency, stating Musk “must be stopped, immediately, before the upcoming presidential election.” The case will be heard at 10:00 EST (14:00 GMT) in Philadelphia.
Musk, a supporter of Donald Trump, launched the program in early October, offering $1 million prizes to registered voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina. The cash giveaways are scheduled to run until November 5, days before the 2024 election, which is anticipated to be a tight race between Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
The giveaway has raised concerns as it requires participants to submit personal information, including addresses and phone numbers. While Musk has denied any wrongdoing, asserting the campaign is purely civic, officials argue that the practice may breach electoral rules. The court’s ruling could set an important precedent regarding election-related giveaways in the U.S.
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