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Dam Collapse in Conflict-Ridden Sudan Claims 60 Lives

Aug 28 2024 Share

At least 60 people have died following the collapse of the Arbat dam in war-torn Sudan, triggered by heavy rainfall. Rescue operations are ongoing, though the death toll is feared to rise. The dam, with a capacity of 25 million cubic meters, was a crucial source of drinking water for Port Sudan, where the military government is based.

After 16 months of civil war, Sudan is now facing torrential rains and flooding, which have killed dozens and displaced tens of thousands. The dam’s collapse in Red Sea state devastated farms and villages downstream, with entire areas washed away. Local residents recounted harrowing stories of being trapped in vehicles and losing their homes to the floodwaters.

Additionally, the heavy rains damaged a major fibre-optic cable, causing a widespread communication outage across the country. Rescue efforts are underway, with the air force working to save those trapped after seeking shelter in the mountains.

Army chief Abdul-Fattah al-Burhan visited the flood-hit areas, while the military urged federal and state agencies to provide urgent support. Sudan, already ravaged by war since last April, is now grappling with worsening food shortages exacerbated by the floods, further deepening the country’s crisis.

#MaltaDaily

1st Lung Cancer Vaccine Begins Testing

1st Lung Cancer Vaccine Begins Testing
Aug 28 2024 Share

Doctors have started trialing the world’s first mRNA lung cancer vaccine, BNT116, which experts believe could revolutionise cancer treatment and save thousands of lives. Lung cancer, responsible for 1.8 million deaths annually, has poor survival rates, especially in advanced stages.

The vaccine, created by BioNTech, targets non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by instructing the immune system to identify and kill cancer cells, preventing recurrence. Unlike chemotherapy, this approach aims to target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

The phase 1 trial, involving 130 patients from seven countries, has launched at 34 sites, including six in the UK. Patients, from early to late-stage lung cancer, will receive the vaccine alongside immunotherapy. The vaccine uses mRNA technology, similar to COVID-19 vaccines, to prime the body against tumour markers from NSCLC.

Prof. Siow Ming Lee from University College London Hospitals (UCLH), leading the UK trial, calls it a significant advancement in cancer treatment.

Janusz Racz, a 67-year-old scientist, was the first UK patient to receive the vaccine. He hopes it will help him and others. The trial aims to improve lung cancer survival rates and eventually make the vaccine a global standard of care.

#MaltaDaily

Transport Malta Removes Abandoned Trailers from Kordin Industrial Zone

Transport Malta Removes Abandoned Trailers from Kordin Industrial Zone
Aug 28 2024 Share

Transport Malta has successfully removed abandoned and illegally parked trailers from the Kordin Industrial Zone, specifically in Telgħa ta’ Ras Ħanżir. This initiative, led by Transport Malta and the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, was made possible through the collaboration of enforcement officials and trailer owners.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, highlighted that while this achievement is significant, the work is far from over. Transport Malta will now shift its focus to other areas with similar issues, including Qormi, Ta’ Qali, and Far, where a number of abandoned trailers are still present.

Prior to the operation, enforcement officers issued notices and attached warnings to the trailers, informing owners to remove them by a set deadline. Authorities stood ready to take further steps where necessary to ensure compliance.

Minister Bonett reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safer roads and well-maintained public spaces, stating that Transport Malta will continue to work diligently across the country, delivering on its promises to enhance public safety and the quality of infrastructure.

#MaltaDaily

Madame Tussauds Unveils Selena Gomez Wax Figure

Madame Tussauds Unveils Selena Gomez Wax Figure
Aug 28 2024 Share

Madame Tussauds recently unveiled a new wax figure of Selena Gomez, which fans have praised for its striking resemblance to the star.

The figure, dressed in a black-and-white checkered outfit that Selena previously wore while promoting her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, in Paris, was revealed on August 27.

Social media users expressed their amazement at how lifelike the figure appeared, with some mistaking it for the real Selena.

Selena Gomez has had a busy year, including her Emmy nomination for Only Murders in the Building, releasing new music, and continuing her work on Rare Beauty.

In a May interview with TIME, she spoke about societal beauty pressures and emphasized that her brand promotes self-acceptance, not the need to wear makeup.

On her music career, Selena discussed the emotional toll of touring, which she hasn’t done since 2016. Beyond her professional life, Selena has been dating record producer Benny Blanco since mid-2023.

Despite their relationship, Selena emphasized her independence, reflecting on her five years of being single and her plan to adopt if she hadn’t met anyone by 35.

#MaltaDaily