Weeks of heavy snowfall in Japan had killed at least 35 people and injured nearly 400 more, government officials said Wednesday. The severe weather primarily affected the northern and central regions of the country, with 126 people seriously injured, according to Sky News. As of Wednesday, 15 prefectures were affected, with snow in some areas estimated to have reached up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). Officials warned that more severe weather was expected this weekend, according to Sky News.
Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, prosecutors had launched a criminal investigation into the secret filming of women in beauty salons. Euronews reported that hundreds of women were filmed during intimate cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal, without their knowledge or consent. The footage was then distributed across pornographic websites. According to Euronews, some recordings dated back to 2023. Victims included minors, some as young as 15 to 17, as well as public figures, including a judge, a prosecutor, journalists, and the daughters of a regional governor and a police officer, Euronews stated.
In Portugal, severe weather triggered widespread flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage, Euronews reported. Road closures were in effect along the Tagus River. Authorities warned that another storm could bring further impacts to both Portugal and Spain. Rising waters along the Tagus River forced local authorities to close riverside roads and pedestrian paths in Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal. Officials said the area remained on high alert due to a combination of high tides, heavy rainfall and upstream dam releases from Spain affecting low-lying zones, according to Euronews.
In other news, a 13-year-old Australian boy swam for approximately four hours to shore to raise the alarm after his family was swept out to sea, Sky News reported Tuesday. Austin Appelbee was with his mother, brother, and sister on an inflatable kayak and paddleboards when they encountered difficulties due to strong winds. Appelbee described battling "massive" waves during his swim, while the rest of his family sang and joked to keep their spirits up while they waited for rescue, according to Sky News.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at Davos, outlined his country's strategy on global order, peace, and energy security, Euronews reported. Aliyev discussed Azerbaijan's response to growing geopolitical uncertainty, stressing the importance of strong regional ties, strategic independence, and respect for international law. He also highlighted new opportunities for peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus, alongside Azerbaijan's increasing role in Europe's energy security, according to Euronews.
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