World News: Once-in-a-century flooding swamps south China's Huaiji County

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Huaiji County in China's Guangdong Province is facing a 'once-in-a-century' flooding and mass evacuations, after heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Wutip caused the Suijiang River to burst its banks.

As of around 7 AM on Wednesday, the Huaiji hydrometric station recorded a peak river level at its highest ever recorded, some 5.22 meters above the warning threshold. Along the river, 7.8 kilometers of levees have been breached. Flooding has hit 19 towns, affecting around 300,000 residents, with more than 68,000 evacuated. Over half the county's roads are submerged, power and internet are down in many areas, and schools and businesses remain closed. More than 10,000 rescuers have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents.

In Indonesia, dozens of flights have been canceled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Tuesday. The volcano on Flores Island erupted at around 5:35 PM local time, sending a massive ash cloud over 10 kilometers into the sky, visible up to 150 kilometers away. Authorities have raised the alert to the highest Level 4.

The ash cloud prompted the cancelation and delay of flights to and from Bali's international airport. The airport in Flores also closed temporarily.

Several villages near the volcano were evacuated.

While no injuries have been reported, ash is falling on homes and roads, and is contaminating water supplies. According to experts, ash clouds pose serious risks to jet engines, and could linger depending on wind.

They also cautioned about potential lava flows and mudslides if rain follows.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing criticism at home after saying on Tuesday that Israel is doing the West's "dirty work" by striking Iran's nuclear facilities. Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Merz praised Israel's actions as "courageous," saying he has the "greatest respect" for its military campaign against Iran. The comments have stirred backlash among German lawmakers and human-rights advocates. Critics argue Merz is normalizing targeted strikes that bypass international diplomacy and risk violating international law. However, Merz defended his stance, saying he stands by his remarks, though he declined to address criticisms directly.

On Fano Island, off Denmark's southwestern coast, more than 5,000 kite enthusiasts from over 26 countries are taking part in the 40th anniversary of the island's international kite festival. Fano Island is uniquely positioned for the festival with its 16-kilometer length, 3-kilometer width, and reliable winds, making it ideal for kite flying. The festival runs from June 19 to 22, and family-friendly events, including workshops and demonstrations, will be offered.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.