News
Following a magnitude 5.4 earthquake that struck northeastern Pakistan early Thursday, parts of Gilgit-Baltistan close to the northern border experienced tremors. The quake hit at 5:35 a.m. local time on August 13, with its epicenter situated 27 kilometers northwest of Sost, near the Khunjerab region. Intense shaking impacted districts such as Hunza and Nagar, with Chipurson Valley in Upper Hunza among the zones most severely affected. Subsequent landslides and rockfalls occurred in parts of the valley, with one blocking the Chipurson Valley road near Ramanji, hampering access to remote settlements in the high-altitude area.
Business
Global electric vehicle sales rose 9% year on year in July 2026 to 1.85 million units. Among the major markets, Europe showed the most significant progress in July, with EV sales climbing 33% from the previous year to roughly 450,000 units. The region’s sales volume increased by 28% over the first seven months of 2026. France saw an 81% year-on-year surge in July, reaching a 37% EV penetration rate. Germany reported a 46% growth, while the United Kingdom experienced a 43% rise.
Travel
Etihad Airways will launch seasonal nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg on December 17, 2026. The service will operate four times a week through March 21, 2027. The route will connect the UAE capital with Sweden’s second largest city during the winter travel period. Bookings for the new Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg flights are already available. The service will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
Health
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities and 4,209 confirmed cases, according to official figures through Aug. 7. This indicates an increase of 29 deaths from the previous update reporting 1,887. Additionally, health officials have identified 595 patients receiving treatment in isolation, while 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
An urgent health crisis in Chad has resulted in 13 deaths since late last month, as authorities confirm an acute waterborne disease outbreak. The Ministry of Public Health of Chad reports that epidemiological data indicates a cholera epidemic causing 13 fatalities, with confirmed and suspected cases rising to 239 across the country. The official statistics show a nationwide case fatality rate of 5.4 percent, which significantly surpasses international standards for emergency outbreak response.
In 2022, obesity was associated with 9,509 fatalities in Belgium, accounting for 8.2 percent of the country’s total deaths, according to recent data from the Belgian public health institute Sciensano. This marks the first systematic effort by public health researchers in Belgium to quantify mortality directly attributable to a high body mass index (BMI). The report indicates that weight-related health issues led to more than one death every hour nationwide. The analysis also reveals that excess weight resulted in over 150,000 lost years of life across all demographic groups during the year.
European health groups are pressing the European Union to adopt stronger and binding heat protection measures as extreme temperatures raise public health risks. The Health and Environment Alliance, or HEAL, wants EU-wide standards for national climate adaptation plans and mandatory heat goals for member states. The campaign also calls for more funding for health resilience. The proposals follow a June heatwave that pushed temperatures above 40 C in parts of Europe.
Michigan confirms two deaths as officials investigate a major cyclospora outbreak. These two individuals fell ill prior to the voluntary iceberg lettuce recall announced on July 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the Michigan deaths on Aug. 3, describing them as related to cyclosporiasis and involving persons with pre-existing health issues. The overall number of cases in Michigan includes all reports during the investigation and may change. Federal surveillance data generally cover laboratory-confirmed cases and can differ from state-reported totals, which may include probable cases. Federal authorities are also examining a nine-state outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. As of July 24, nine states had identified 1,947 infected individuals, many of whom also reported exposure to Taco Bell. At least 98 patients required hospitalization according to federal data. The reported onset of illness ranged from June 22 through July 20. The CDC later acknowledged Michigan’s two deaths, which had not been reflected in the detailed federal figures released on July 24. Recall includes iceberg lettuce from central Mexico Taylor Farms de Mexico withdrew all iceberg lettuce originating from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The recall covered various food-service items and Marketside iceberg salad and shredded lettuce sold at select Walmart locations. The use-by dates on affected products ranged from July 18 through Aug. 3. Between June 29 and July 16, Taylor Fresh Foods distributed contaminated lettuce to 27 states, and
The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has become the largest documented outbreak in the nation’s history. As of July 30, health officials reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, resulting in 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s onset. This escalation has intensified the strain on surveillance, treatment efforts, and community response initiatives.
Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000 as national health authorities report rapid virus spread and severe shortages of vital medical supplies. The post Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000 as outbreak surges in east appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
New medical advisory releases soft drink dementia warning, urging adults to reduce consumption to protect long-term brain health. The post Experts reveal soft drink dementia warning amid health crisis appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
