Spain/ One month after Hurricane Dana, Valencia begins its recovery
For many residents of Valencia, Hurricane Dana feels like it just happened yesterday. Just a month after one of the most devastating natural disasters in Spain's recent history, the community is beginning to take small steps towards recovery.
Although the roads have been partially cleared, a layer of reddish dust still remains on the roads, fading with each passing day. Experts are now working to restore the sewage system, with workers clearing saturated pipes to prevent silt from hardening, which would cause further structural damage and prevent any additional rainfall from passing through, media reported. Spanish.
Underground parking lots remain blocked with mud and many cars have yet to be extricated. This particular undertaking complicates the cleanup task due to the risk of toxic gas emissions. Specialist crews, including skid steer loaders and firefighters in protective gear, are working around the clock to clear these areas. Meanwhile, in buildings without functional elevators, the elderly and people with limited mobility remain confined to their homes, where they receive support from doctors and volunteers.
Georgia/ Thousands of people protest against the government's decision to suspend talks with the EU
Thousands of people have protested for a second night against the Georgian government's decision to suspend EU membership negotiations.
Protesters again packed the parliament in the capital Tbilisi, with some trying to break down the building's metal gates.
Riot police used water cannons to dislodge them from the building and later moved to force them further along Rustaveli Street, the city's main boulevard.
Some of the protesters used trash cans and benches to try to build barricades with officers who reportedly also used tear gas and pepper spray.
Gaza/ The High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
In notes released from the visit, Laurence detailed the grim realities on the ground in Gaza, particularly regarding the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, which he says is steadily worsening.
He says most of the people he spoke to in Gaza have been praying desperately for a ceasefire. Their mental and physical conditions were fragile, having been completely destroyed by "13 months of non-stop violence".
"Acquiring basic necessities has become a daily, terrible struggle for survival. I saw dozens of women and children scavenging in huge dumps."
Laurence says that providing humanitarian aid continues to top the list of top needs for the people of Gaza, "It is so clear that massive humanitarian aid must come." His notes described the situation as completely preventable and emphasized the urgency to drastically increase the flow of life-saving aid so as not to worsen an already dire situation "It is so important that the Israeli authorities do this. "
Europe/ António Costa takes over the leadership of the European Council as Charles Michel leaves
The changing of the guard has taken place in Brussels. Charles Michel, the outgoing president of the European Council, has passed the baton (or in this case the bell) to his successor António Costa. Friday's brief ceremony was marked by calls for political unity in the face of adversity.
"The only way to be truly patriotic is to ensure sovereignty, to build a common Europe. Because only together can we stand up for security, stability and peace on our continent. Only together can we achieve common prosperity, economic growth and climate transition," Costa told a crowd of officials and diplomats.
"Unity is the blood of the European Union."
Costa, Portugal's former prime minister, will take office on December 1, which coincides with the start of Ursula von der Leyen's incoming leadership of the European Commission. His mandate will last two and a half years with the possibility of extension once more.
