Hong Kong fire probe reveals unsafe netting as public mourns and government stifles dissent

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong authorities say some of the netting on buildings that caught fire last week did not meet codes for fire resistance. The blaze that began Wednesday has claimed at least 151 lives and left thousands homeless. It broke out at the Wang Fuk Court complex and wasn’t fully extinguished until Friday. Authorities are investigating possible fire code violations at the buildings, which were under renovation. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has arrested 14 people, while authorities have acted swiftly to stifle criticism, warning against disruptions. When the fire broke out, the complex’s buildings were all clad in bamboo scaffolding draped with plastic nylon netting.

Pope in Lebanon asks for ‘divine gift of peace’

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has celebrated Lebanon’s tradition of interfaith coexistence as a beacon of hope for a conflict-torn region. On Monday, he asked for “the divine gift of peace” alongside the country’s Christian and Muslim leaders. Thousands of Lebanese welcomed him despite the rain, throwing flower petals and rice on his car. Leo’s visit comes at a tense time for Lebanon, facing economic crises and political deadlock. He praised Lebanon’s religious tolerance, calling it a reminder that unity and peace are possible. The visit has been welcomed as a sign of hope for the Lebanese people.

Ebola outbreak in Congo is over, health minister says

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo announced the end of the country’s 16th Ebola outbreak on Monday. “To date, the DRC has 53 confirmed cases, 43 deaths, and 11 probable cases related to the 16th Ebola outbreak, with an overall positive trend,” Minister for Health Roger Kamba said in the capital, Kinshasa. He added: “Indeed, no new confirmed cases have been recorded for 45 consecutive days.” Kamba said more than 27,000 people were vaccinated, including 4,000 frontline workers, which the minister credited for helping to stem the outbreak. He noted the Central African nation is still battling other outbreaks, including cholera and mpox The government announced the Ebola outbreak in September in Bulape, in the southern Kasai province.

Over 800 people are still missing after flooding in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand

PADANG SIDEMPUAN, Indonesia (AP) — Over 800 people remained missing Monday after devastating floods killed over 1,000 people last week in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as Indonesia’s president urged more action to confront the changing climate. The flooding and landslides killed at least 604 people in Indonesia, 366 in Sri Lanka and 176 in Thailand, authorities said. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged to rebuild infrastructure while visiting affected areas. Some areas remained unreachable, with roads damaged and communications lines down. Residents relied on aircraft delivering supplies. At least 464 people in Indonesia were missing. Flooding displaced 290,700 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh provinces, the National Disaster Management Agency said.