Seoul Halloween massacre: citizens blame authorities

Today's headlines: over 170 civilians were killed by the Taliban in Panjshir in one year; Storm claims 98 lives in the Philippines; Anti-Covid measures are back in Macao, although electronic visas will be valid from tomorrow; The EU is considering whether to include Iranian Revolutionary Guards on list of terrorist organisations; Russia suspends the Festival of Magic.

SOUTH KOREA

The death toll from the stampede during Halloween celebrations in Seoul's Itaewon district has risen to 154 with 149 injured. Among the dead were citizens of several countries. Dozens of people went to pay their respects to the victims near the scene of the accident. Several citizens blamed the authorities for poor controls.

AFGHANISTAN

Various sources confirmed that in one year, 172 civilians were killed in the Panshjir region, where resistance to the Taliban regime is concentrated. There have been several clashes since September last year; among the victims are also minors who had no connection to the resistance. The Taliban spokesman denies that civilians were killed and that if it was done by mistake, the government will launch an investigation.

PHILIPPINES

Storm Nalgae has claimed 98 lives in the Philippines. This was announced today by the national disaster agency, which said there is no chance of finding the 63 missing. The island of Mindanao is less frequently affected by extreme events, but these are usually more deadly. Nalgae flooded villages, destroyed crops and interrupted electricity in many regions as it swept across the country.

MACAO

China reimposed anti-Covid measures in Macau, including the closure of the well-known MGM Cotai casino after several new coronavirus cases were detected over the weekend. In the meantime, however, travel restrictions to the former Portuguese colony have been lifted: from tomorrow it will be possible to travel there from mainland China with an electronic visa.

KAZAKHSTAN

The Ministry of Labour in Astana has released statistical data on the influx of labour migrants from foreign countries into Kazakhstan, which overall exceeds 15,000 people, including 3,539 from China, 1,801 from India, 1,707 from Turkey, 1,487 from Uzbekistan, and even 1,125 from Great Britain.

RUSSIA

In the Russian city of Perm, the Festival of Magic, scheduled for Halloween Eve, was suspended due to an "armed terrorist attack" against the esoteric workshop that was preparing the event. It was to gather 'Taro masters and shamans' from all over the world, including Peru, and had received harsh criticism from 'patriotic' journalists.

EU - IRAN

Germany and the European Union are considering whether to classify the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said this yesterday. Her comment comes after the Iranian Pasdaran announced to intensify its repression against protesters.

• AsiaToday