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At least 189 dead and hundreds missing after catastrophic floods in Western Europe
German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the disastrous floods that have ravaged Western Europe “terrifying” as the death toll continues rising
Huge floods across Western Europe have killed at least 189 people, with hundreds more still missing. Tens of thousands of people remain displaced, with many still without power and drinking water, and many other still unable to return home.
Germany’s Chancellor described the flooding event as “the worst natural disaster” the nation has seen in over a century. She said, “it is shocking – I can almost say that the German language doesn’t have words for the devastation”.
Chancellor Merkel says the floods are an indication that Europe needs to ramp up their efforts against climate change. This comes days after after Europe outlined a package of steps towards net zero emissions by the middle of the century.
As the death toll climbs, Germany pledges aid
The German government is in the process of fast-tracking disaster relief packages to help areas across Europe affected by the floods. Merkel promised over $300 million Euros in financial aid after visiting one of the areas worst affected by the floods.
“There is huge damage and that much is clear: those who lost their businesses, their houses, cannot stem the losses alone,” said Finance Minister Olaf Scholz. There is also a short term payment of 10,000 Euro for businesses.
The floods have killed at least 157 people in Germany alone. About 37,0000 household in Belgium don’t have access to electricity, with the supply of clean drinking water also a major concern.
The European floods mainly hit the German states of Rhineland Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and parts of Belgium. Entire communities are without power and internet. In North Rhine-Westphalia at least 46 people have died. The death toll in Belgium climbed to 31 on Sunday.
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OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.
The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.
The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.
Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.
This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.
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Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board
Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.
Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.
The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
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Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation
Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.
Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.
Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.
The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.
Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.
Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.
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