Philippines: Death toll touches 85 after floods, landslides

Agencies

January 2, 2019

Manila, Jan 2: At least 85 people have lost their lives due to flash floods and landslides caused by tropical depression 'Usman' as of Wednesday, while 12 people have been injured.

The Office of Civil Defense on Tuesday stated that 69 people had lost their lives in Bicol due to landslides and drowning. Around 13 people have died in Eastern Visayas, reports the Manila Times.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also mentioned that three more bodies were recovered in 'Usman'-hit regions without divulging any details.

Furthermore, the NDRRMC has stated that more than 79,000 people from 150 areas across the Philippines have been affected by 'Usman'.

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Power handover preps: Biden welcomes Trump to White House for transition talks

News Network

November 7,2024

In a significant gesture towards a smooth transition, President Joe Biden invited President-elect Donald Trump to the White House to discuss the transfer of power, following a pledge from Vice President Kamala Harris to uphold a peaceful handover.

Vice President Harris, in a heartfelt address last night, publicly acknowledged Trump’s victory and assured her full commitment to a respectful and orderly shift in governance. "Our allegiance is not to any individual but to the Constitution itself," Harris emphasized, highlighting the need for national unity and respect for democratic processes.

Reports from The Washington Post reveal that Trump’s team is already hard at work on transition plans, actively considering candidates for key Cabinet positions. For Treasury Secretary, billionaire investor John Paulson and economic strategist Scott Bessent are in the running, while Senator Marco Rubio and former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell are top contenders for Secretary of State.

Additionally, the Trump camp is eyeing influential figures for strategic roles. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former primary rival Vivek Ramaswamy are rumored to be cabinet-bound, with Senator Tom Cotton potentially taking on the role of Defense Secretary. The highest priority, however, is securing a Chief of Staff, with Trump advisor Susie Wiles and Brooke Rollins among the frontrunners for this critical post.

Trump's campaign has reportedly conducted a rigorous vetting process, aimed at bringing loyalists into his administration to ensure alignment with his goals. Campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that personnel selections would be announced soon, while Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung confirmed that White House transition talks are imminent.

Adding to the intrigue, there are whispers that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might take on a prominent role in restructuring health and food safety agencies. Known for his controversial views on vaccines, Kennedy’s potential appointment is already sparking debates across the political spectrum.

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