News
Triathlon Swim Training in Paris Canceled Due to River Seine Pollution
The Olympic triathlon swimming training session scheduled for Sunday in Paris has been canceled due to pollution in the River Seine. Paris 2024 and World Triathlon issued a joint statement indicating that recent tests revealed the water quality to be below acceptable standards for the athletes’ health.
While the River Seine was previously deemed safe for swimming after tests in July, heavy rain in the French capital over the past 48 hours has compromised the water quality. “The priority is the health of the athletes,” the statement emphasized. Tests conducted on Saturday showed that the water quality did not meet the requirements of the international federation, World Triathlon, to safely hold the event.
Despite the current conditions, Paris 2024 and World Triathlon remain optimistic that the water quality will improve in time for the triathlon competitions scheduled for July 30. The forecast for the next 48 hours suggests that the quality may return to acceptable levels. The statement noted that during summer conditions, such as increased sunshine and higher temperatures, the water quality in the Seine had improved significantly.
The statement also mentioned that significant rainfall can cause untreated sewage to enter the river. If the water quality does not improve to the required standard, the triathlon events could be postponed for a few days or relocated to Vaires-sur-Marne, situated on the Marne River east of Paris.
Although the swimming leg of the triathlon familiarization was canceled, the bike and running training sessions proceeded as planned. The swim was originally scheduled to take place at 07:00 BST.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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