Monday, July 5 2021

*) Miami condo building demolished by controlled explosion A controlled explosion has brought down the entire condo building in Miami which partially collapsed almost two weeks ago. With Tropical Storm Elsa fast approaching, the building posed a threat to search efforts, so a decision was made to bring it down. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead and 121 people are still unaccounted for, though hopes of finding anyone alive have diminished. *) Elsa kills three after battering Caribbean Meanwhile, Florida's governor has declared a state of emergency in 15 counties as Tropical Storm Elsa is set to hit the state late on Monday. The storm has already battered the Caribbean leaving at least three people dead. Many countries, including Cuba have ordered mass evacuations. *) At least 50 dead after Philippines military plane crashes At least 50 people were killed and 49 injured after a Philippines military aircraft crash landed. The plane, carrying over 90 soldiers, reportedly missed the runway while trying to land in Sulu province. Eyewitnesses say many soldiers jumped out of the aircraft before it hit the ground. *) Taliban gains more Afghan territory as US prepares to fully withdraw The Taliban are continuing to advance in northern Afghanistan and are gaining territory in Badakhshan province. Several hundred Afghan soldiers have abandoned their posts and escaped to Tajikistan. The Taliban have taken over at least 20 districts in the province in under 48 hours as the US moves to withdraw the last of its troops from the country after nearly 20 years. And finally ... *) Scientists create laser system that zaps away Covid A group of UN-backed scientists together with an Italian tech firm have created a device that pulverises viruses and bacteria, using a laser. The device forces air through a sterilisation chamber which contains a laser beam filter, but can only kill particles that are airborne. The tech does not kill viruses and bacteria on surfaces, nor can it stop direct contagion when