A round-up of the day's world news in brief
Cyclone kills 200, millions marooned
DHAKA – Nearly 200 people have been killed by a cyclone that ripped through Bangladesh and eastern India, while millions remained marooned by floodwater or forced to live in shelters.
The death toll in Bangladesh rose to more than 130 following recovery of dozens of bodies yesterday, newspapers and private television channels said, while Indian officials said at least 64 people had died in West Bengal state.
Cyclone Aila slammed into parts of coastal Bangladesh and eastern India on Monday, triggering tidal surges and flooding that forced people from their homes. – (Reuters)
Cholera crisis worsens
GENEVA – Zimbabwe is on the brink of having 100,000 infections of cholera, a preventable disease that has already killed 4,283 people there and remains a serious threat, the Zimbabwean Red Cross and its partners said yesterday.
The damaged water and sewage systems that triggered the recent outbreak in the southern African country remain neglected, and stand to cause another public health crisis, they said in a new report. – (Reuters)
Briton held after adultery tip-off
A British woman was in custody in the United Arab Emirates yesterday after being arrested on suspicion of committing adultery.
Sally Antia (44), who has lived in Dubai for more than a decade, was detained earlier this month following a raid on a hotel.
The Sunnewspaper reported that Mrs Antia's husband Vincent (48) tipped off police, accusing her of having an affair and claiming she was in a five-star hotel with her lover. – (PA)
Tyson’s daughter critically ill
The four-year-old daughter of former boxer Mike Tyson is fighting for her life in hospital after accidentally strangling herself. Exodus Tyson is in an “extremely critical condition” and on a life support machine, authorities in Phoenix, Arizona, said yesterday. The girl was found by her seven-year-old brother choking on a cord which had been hanging from a treadmill.
Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, was believed to have been in Las Vegas at the time but immediately flew back to Arizona to be by his daughter’s hospital bedside. – (Reuters)
Obama to visit Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON – US president Barack Obama will visit Saudi Arabia on June 3rd for talks on Irans nuclear programme and Washingtons renewed push for a Middle East peace plan, the White House said yesterday.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Mr Obama would meet Saudi King Abdullah and would also discuss terrorism. – (Reuters)
Danish hippies may lose home
COPENHAGEN – Residents in Copenhagens Christiania hippie commune could lose their virtually-free housing after they lost a court battle with the Danish government yesterday.
The citizens of the selfstyled freetown, known for its relaxed lifestyle and attitude to drugs, have been at loggerheads with authorities since they founded the community on disused military property in 1971. – (Reuters)
Lebanon detains suspected spy
BEIRUT – A Lebanese army colonel has been detained on suspicion of spying for Israel, security sources said yesterday. The sources said the colonel was arrested last week and was being questioned about links to Israeli spy agencies. – (Reuters)