22 missing, 3 rescued in gold mine collapse in NW Tanzania
Three mining technicians have been rescued, while 22 others remain missing after a gold mine collapse in Tanzania’s Shinyanga region, Xinhua said on Tuesday.
The accident occurred on Monday during maintenance work at the Wachapakazi Gold Mine. District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro said rescue teams, led by defense and security forces, are working to locate those still trapped.
Authorities said the mine had previously been ordered to suspend operations following safety inspections, according to Xinhua.
North Koreans tell BBC they are being sent to work 'like slaves' in Russia
Thousands of North Korean workers are being sent to Russia to fill labor shortages caused by the Ukraine war, according to the BBC. With many Russian men fighting or unavailable, Moscow relies heavily on these workers, who face harsh, almost slave-like conditions. They work long hours on construction sites, live in overcrowded and unsafe housing, and are closely monitored by North Korean agents to prevent escapes.
Most of their earnings are taken by the North Korean government, leaving workers with only a small amount upon return. Attempts to escape have become harder due to tighter controls. Experts say this flow of laborers will continue, reflecting the close ties between North Korea and Russia during the conflict, BBC reported.
Man faces jail in US for shipping 850 turtles in socks to Hong Kong
Wei Qiang Lin, a Chinese national, pleaded guilty to smuggling about 850 protected eastern and three-toed box turtles from the US to Hong Kong between 2023 and 2024. The turtles, valued at $1.4m, were wrapped in socks and mislabeled as “plastic animal toys.”
According to BBC, both species are protected under international law and require export permits. Lin also smuggled other reptiles and faces up to five years in prison, with sentencing set for December 23.
This follows a similar 2024 case where another smuggler was sentenced for trafficking over 2,000 turtles.
Heavy rain leaves 3 dead in Japan's Kyushu region
Record-breaking rainfall from a seasonal front struck Japan’s Kyushu region on Tuesday, causing three fatalities in Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka prefectures due to landslides and river flooding, Xinhua reported.
In Ishikawa Prefecture, a road collapse led to a vehicle accident, injuring three people.
Emergency teams continue rescue efforts as heavy rain warnings remain in effect.
