Japan earthquake: Death toll rises to 126 as rain and snow imperil already shaky ground January 05, 2024 at 11:34PM

Aftershocks threatened to bury more homes and block roads crucial for relief shipments, as the death toll from the earthquakes that rattled Japan's western coastline this past week rose to 126 on Saturday. Wajima city has recorded the highest number of deaths with 69, followed by Suzu with 38. More than 500 people were injured, at least 27 of them seriously. More than 200 people were still unaccounted for, although the number has fluctuated. Eleven people were reported trapped under two homes that collapsed in Anamizu.

Armed ethnic alliance seizes Myanmar's key northeastern city near China, government confirms January 05, 2024 at 11:25PM

Myanmar military govt acknowledges withdrawal from Laukkaing, a key city on the northeastern border with China, taken over by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, an alliance of ethnic armed groups. Photos & videos on social media show captured weapons. The alliance consists of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta'ang National Liberation Army, & Arakan Army. Laukkaing is the capital of the Kokang in northern Shan state. The military considered safety & Myanmar's relationship with China.

Bangladesh poll booths burn on election eve, as train arson kills four January 05, 2024 at 10:23PM

Polling booths were set ablaze in Bangladesh on the eve of Sunday's general elections, while four people, two children among them, were killed in a train fire that the government decried as arson targeting democratic values. Friday's fire broke out at about 9 p.m. injuring eight passengers as it spread to four compartments of the Benapole Express headed for the capital, Dhaka. "The timing of this tragedy, just a day before the election ... shows an absolute intention to hinder the festivity, safety and security of the democratic processes of the country," Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen said.