Author: News Desk

Jakarta : A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, followed by several aftershocks, while tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded in several areas. Strong shaking was felt for about one minute in areas including Nagekeo and Bima, prompting many residents to leave their homes, with no initial reports of major damage. Video footage showed parts of buildings collapsing in Maumere on Flores Island, while Kompas TV showed patients being evacuated from a hospital in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Indonesia’s geophysics agency BMKG recorded the first earthquake at 4:58 a.m. local time at a depth of 15 kilometres,…

Manama :: Dr. Tareq Hamad Al Jalahmah, Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs of the State of Kuwait, visited the Muharraq Model Youth Centre, accompanied by Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, to review Bahrain’s experience in youth work and promote the exchange of expertise and successful practices between the two countries. Dr. Al Jalahmah was briefed on the centre’s facilities and spaces dedicated to youth, which provide an appropriate environment for activities, programmes and youth initiatives. The tour also included a visit to Al Manara Art and Culture Space to review its role as an…

Manama, : The Interior Ministry announced that Coast Guard marine patrols intercepted and stopped a boat and arrested three individuals on board after they failed to comply with security and legal procedures, despite being warned more than once and repeatedly ordered to stop, following their violation of the decision concerning the maritime ban period, which extends from 6:30 pm to 4:00 am. The Coast Guard spokesperson explained that, after the radar monitoring system and coastal cameras detected the boat leaving one of the coasts and heading towards the northern areas, marine patrols were immediately directed to stop it for violating…

Manama : Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, visited the Gadeha Junior training camp for young people at Exhibition World Bahrain, where he reviewed its training programmes and field exercises. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad toured the camp’s training grounds and observed challenges undertaken by participants that require physical effort, concentration, quick reflexes and decision making skills. His Highness said Gadeha Junior provides young people with practical experiences that enable them to discover their abilities and test their potential through various challenges. He noted that character building begins by…

Jakarta :: The death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday increased to at least 38, with dozens injured or trapped under rubble and around 2,000 residents fleeing affected areas near the epicentre. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the earthquake struck Sikka Regency on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia and was followed by dozens of aftershocks. Tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded in several areas following the earthquake. Local media reported landslides and widespread damage to buildings and roads, as well as power outages in some areas.

Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the Iranian attack targeting a vessel affiliated with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that the attack constitutes a flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and rejected attacks on commercial vessels or the obstruction of international maritime routes. The ministry described the targeting of commercial shipping and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic pressure…

Manama : Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced special fares to Kuala Lumpur ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 in Malaysia. The promotional period from 15 to 21 August offers tickets starting from BHD 65 for a one-way Economy Class fare, inclusive of all taxes and surcharges. Passengers can take advantage of direct flights from Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur for travel between 29 September and 27 March 2027. Gulf Air’s direct service to Kuala Lumpur commences on 29 September, providing seamless access to one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant destinations. Gulf Air Holidays…

Riyadh : Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cabinet Member and Climate Envoy, held a telephone call with Francisco Pérez Mackenna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile. The call discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and opportunities to enhance them in various domains, as well as exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Jeddah : His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of the United States Central Command. The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation in the defence domain and reviewed the latest regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions and enhance security and stability in the region, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Berlin :  Authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany ordered residents of the village of Gai to evacuate after a wildfire spread towards the area in the west of the country, putting about 1,800 residents at risk. The emergency warning app NINA issued its highest warning level, “severe danger”, as the fire approached the residential area. The municipality said the situation represented a major emergency, with about 25 hectares of forest burned and the flames spreading to within about 500 metres of the village.