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Four people have died and more than 1,300 have been evacuated as torrential rains hit South Korea, prompting the government to issue its highest disaster alert, BBC reported.

Among the victims were two elderly men, a man killed by a collapsed wall, and one who suffered cardiac arrest. Seosan, the worst-hit city, saw over 400mm of rain in just 12 hours — a level described as a once-in-a-century event.

Authorities have warned of ongoing risks from landslides and flash floods and urged people to avoid riverbanks and underground spaces. While rains are expected to ease, forecasters warn of possible heatwaves next week, according to BBC.

Israel has urged the UN Human Rights Council to dismantle a commission probing alleged rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, calling it biased and discriminatory.

In a letter, Israeli envoy Daniel Meron accused the commission of one-sided reporting, particularly over its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks. He said the body reflects institutional prejudice against Israel, according to Reuters.

The commission, created in 2021, has authority to gather evidence for international legal proceedings. A Council spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter but noted that only its 47 member states can dissolve the commission.

Israel left the Council in February, Reuters reported.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday signed the Kensington Treaty, a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations, according to Reuters.

Described as the most significant UK-Germany treaty since World War II, the agreement covers joint defense exercises, cybersecurity, arms export coordination, and migration policy. It also reaffirms both countries’ commitment to climate goals set in the Paris Agreement, including limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

The treaty pledges closer trade ties within existing UK-EU frameworks and aims to promote open markets and job growth.

Calling it a “first of its kind,” Starmer said the deal reflects the deepening partnership between the two countries amid global uncertainty, Reuters reported.

The identities of over 100 British officials, including MI6 and special forces members, were exposed in a major Ministry of Defence data breach, alongside sensitive details of nearly 19,000 Afghans who worked with the UK during the Afghanistan war, according to BBC.

The breach, caused by an email error in February 2022, went unnoticed until August 2023 when part of the data appeared online. Some affected Afghans now fear Taliban reprisals, though the group denies targeting them.

In response, the government launched a covert resettlement scheme, relocating 4,500 Afghans, with 2,400 more expected. Defence Secretary John Healey called it a “serious departmental error,” while the Ministry of Defence stressed it takes personnel security seriously but declined to comment on special forces, BBC reported.

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is being treated for chronic venous insufficiency, a common and non-serious condition affecting blood flow in the legs, BBC reported.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump experienced leg swelling and underwent vascular testing. The bruising on his hand, she added, was due to frequent handshaking while taking aspirin, part of his routine heart health regimen.

White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella noted the condition is typical in people over 70 and confirmed there are no signs of deep vein thrombosis, heart failure, or other underlying issues. Trump remains in “excellent health,” with all test results within normal limits.

The update follows public speculation after recent photos showed the president with swollen legs and bruised hands, according to BBC.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Guang Cong as his new special envoy for the Horn of Africa, replacing Hanna Serwaa Tetteh of Ghana. The UN expressed gratitude for Tetteh’s leadership and service, Xinhua reported.

Cong brings over two decades of experience in international affairs, much of it focused on the Horn of Africa. He currently serves as Deputy Special Representative for South Sudan with the UN mission there. Before joining the UN in 2002, he held various roles in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At least 19 people were killed by lightning in Bihar over the past 24 hours amid heavy rain and thunderstorms, officials said Thursday. Most victims were struck while working outdoors or sheltering under trees, Hindustan Times reported.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences and announced compensation for the families. He urged the public to stay alert and follow weather advisories.

The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued lightning and rain in several districts as the monsoon remains active.

At least 594 people have been killed in violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin communities in Syria’s Suweida province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting, which turned sectarian, included alleged executions and heavy civilian casualties, according to BBC.

Among the dead are 300 Druze, including civilians and fighters, and over 250 government personnel. Israeli airstrikes, reportedly aimed at protecting the Druze, also killed several government troops and struck key sites in Damascus.

The Syrian government declared a ceasefire and withdrew forces, but Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri rejected it, vowing continued resistance. Israel has pledged to prevent further Syrian military presence in the south.

Syria’s interim president condemned the Israeli strikes, warning of attempts to destabilize the country, and pledged to safeguard the rights of all communities, BBC reported.