Death toll from torrential rains in Mexico rises to 64 as search operations expand

POZA RICA, Mexico (AP) — The death toll from last week’s torrential rains in east-central Mexico has jumped to 64. Search operations have expanded to communities cut off by landslides. Authorities on Monday said 65 people are missing. The scale of destruction across five states is becoming clearer. The Civil Protection agency says the heavy rains killed 29 people in Veracruz state, 21 in Hidalgo and 13 in Puebla, plus one in Querétaro. President Claudia Sheinbaum says it could still be days before access is established to some places. In northern Veracruz, 80 communities remain inaccessible by road.

Pakistan and Afghanistan border closure extends into second day after deadly clashes

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Officials say the closure of border crossings for bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has extended into a second day after deadly weekend clashes spiked tensions. Officials said Monday that hundreds of people were stranded at the border. Fighting between the countries began Saturday night when Afghan forces struck multiple Pakistani military posts. Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in response to what they say were repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace. Pakistan’s military has given lower figures, saying it lost 23 soldiers and killed more than 200 along the border. Foreign governments including Saudi Arabia have urged restraint.

Madagascar’s president flees after soldiers turned against him, opposition lawmaker says

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly left the country amid an apparent coup. An elite military unit turned against the government following weeks of youth-led protests. On Saturday, soldiers from the CAPSAT unit joined protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, calling for Rajoelina to step down. The president’s office said an attempt to seize power was underway, but his current whereabouts are unknown. He was due to address the people of Madagascar on Monday. The protests began on Sept. 25 over water and electricity outages and have grown to include broader dissatisfaction with the government. The situation remains volatile, with curfews in place in major cities.

Bus crash in mountainous region of South Africa kills at least 42 people

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Authorities say a bus veered off a road and plunged down an embankment on a steep mountain pass in northern South Africa, killing at least 42 people and injuring another 49. The crash happened Sunday on the N1 highway near the town of Louis Trichardt, around 250 miles north of Pretoria. The Transport Ministry said the victims included seven children. It said six people were critically injured and another 31 had serious injuries and had been taken to hospitals. The bus was traveling to Zimbabwe and was carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals who were on their way to their home countries. The cause of the crash was not yet known. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences.