Dutch hostage situation in nightclub continuing, three released, police say
A hostage situation in a nightclub in the eastern Dutch town of Ede was continuing on Saturday, and three people have been released, police said in a statement.
Evacuation asian news
Japanese emperor and empress visit towns hit by Jan. 1 quake and console thousands of homeless
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Friday visited towns in the north-central region of Noto to pray for victims of the deadly New Year’s Day earthquake and console thousands of homeless living in evacuation centers.
Tropical Cyclone Megan is crossing Australia’s northern coast with strong winds, rain
SYDNEY (AP) — Tropical Cyclone Megan has made landfall along the coast of Australia’s Northern Territory bringing wind gusts of up to 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph), heavy rain and storm surges in the sparsely populated region.
India’s navy takes control of bulk carrier hijacked by Somali pirates and evacuates crew
NEW DELHI (AP) — The Indian navy said late Saturday that it had taken control of a bulk carrier hijacked by Somali pirates and evacuated the 17 crew members on the vessel.
Advocates fear special US visas for Afghans could run out despite dangers
Senators push to authorise additional visas for Afghans who worked with the US military and now face Taliban reprisals.
Japan marks 13 years since massive tsunami disaster. A closer look at the Fukushima nuclear plant
TOKYO (AP) — Japan on Monday marked 13 years since a massive earthquake and tsunami hit the country’s northern coasts. Nearly 20,000 people died, whole towns were wiped out and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was destroyed, creating deep fears of radiation that linger today. As the nation observes the anniversary, AP explains what is happening now at the plant and in neighboring areas.
Norway’s King Harald returns home from Malaysia after hospitalisation
Norway’s King Harald landed in Oslo on Sunday after flying home from Malaysia on a medical evacuation plane, live television pictures showed.
Japan plans more bomb shelters for outlying islands amid ‘growing concern’ over Taiwan tensions
The Japanese government recently announced plans for the construction of bomb shelters on the outlying islands of Okinawa prefecture, spurred by the growing potential for conflict between mainland China and Taiwan.