Australia: Ex-Cyclone Alfred Hits with Severe Weather and Flash Flooding

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall north of Brisbane on Saturday night, March 7, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and causing flash flooding across Queensland. One man died in the floodwaters, and significant damage, including downed power lines and ripped-off roofs, was reported. As of Monday, more than 230,000 households and businesses remain without power.

Myanmar traditional broom-making businesses struggle for survival

STORY: Myanmar traditional broom-making businesses struggle for survival SHOOTING TIME: May 11, 2024 DATELINE: May 12, 2024 LENGTH: 00:04:30 LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of grass broom workshops in the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar STORYLINE: U Tin Oo, owner of the Win Ngwe Toe grass broom business in Myanmar's commercial hub Yangon, vows to sustain his business of making traditional brooms, which he thinks is a big contributor to the local economy. "Despite challenges such as rising raw material prices, transportation costs and labor shortages in the Myanmar broom industry, I'm determined to sustain our business for as long as I live, not solely for profit but to ensure its survival and positive impact on the local economy," he told Xinhua on Saturday. "Our primary aim is not just financial gain but to provide job opportunities and generate income for the local community," he noted. "Despite having markets in India, Malaysia, and South Korea, business expansi

Burmese refugee finds life in Japan a struggle

Burmese refugee finds life in Japan a struggle

TOKYO, Japan - Tin Win (R in back) poses for a photograph with his son Demo (L in back), his wife Tin Nwe Oo (C in back) and his two daughters -- Nay Yi (L in front) and Nay Mar. Tin Win 47, a native from Burma (currently called Myanmar) received refugee status from the Japanese government three years ago. By Toshihiro Ariyoshi