France: Large Wildfire Breaks Out in Aude, Threatens Communities

A major wildfire that broke out late Tuesday, August 5 in Ribaute, southern France’s Aude region near the Spanish border, has scorched more than 11,000 hectares of forest, according to local authorities. The blaze has damaged at least 25 homes and destroyed around 30 vehicles, while some 2,500 households remain without electricity. The A9 motorway, the main road link between France and Spain, has been closed in both directions, along with several local roads.

UK: Widespread Flooding Hits Greater Manchester Forcing Hundreds To Evacuate 6

Heavy rain caused severe flooding across Greater Manchester on New Year's Day, forcing at least 13,000 people to evacuate. Emergency services declared a major incident. The River Mersey reached its highest levels in 66 years and burst its banks. Around 400 homes were evacuated, and 500 people, including asylum seekers, were rescued from the Britannia Country Park Hotel.

Japan 7th in rhythmic gymnastics team final

Japan 7th in rhythmic gymnastics team final

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Natsuki Fukase, Rie Matsubara, Nina Saeed Yokota and Airi Hatakeyama (from L to R) perform with balls during the rhythmic gymnastics team final at the Wembley Arena at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 12, 2012. Japan placed seventh with a total of 54.100 points.

Japan 7th in rhythmic gymnastics team final

Japan 7th in rhythmic gymnastics team final

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Rie Matsubara, Natsuki Fukase, Kotono Tanaka, Airi Hatakeyama and Nina Saeed Yokota (from front to back) perform with balls during the rhythmic gymnastics team final at the Wembley Arena at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 12, 2012. Japan placed seventh with a total of 54.100 points.