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Terrifying vids show flash floods surging through Italian towns leaving at least one dead & dozens trapped after storm

TERRIFYING footage shows flash floods ripping through towns in northwestern Italy.

Franco Chiaffrino, a 70-year-old fruit seller, was killed after he was hit by a torrent of water while getting out of his van in an alpine town, local media reported.

Flash flood in Bardonecchia, Italy.
X/Centro Meteo Piemonte
Flash floods in northwestern Italy left one dead and over a dozen trapped[/caption]
Road in Bardonecchia, Italy blocked by flash flood debris.
Bardonecchia flooded after heavy rains on Monday
X/@vigilidelfuoco
Aerial view of flash flood in Bardonecchia, Italy.
Heavy rains burst the banks of the Frejus waterway
X/@vigilidelfuoco

Shocking videos showed churning black water surging down the waterway.

Torrential rain caused the Frejus waterway to break its banks – unleashing a violent flood across the region.

Rescuers are seen looking on helplessly as entire streets are flooded in the mudwaters.

Residents were warned by the mayor to stay in their homes and avoid driving.

Firefighters rescued at least 10 people trapped in buildings by the floods, along with a few people stuck in their cars, local media reported.

Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region, said on social media: “Today a water bomb hit the town of Bardonecchia suddenly, causing damage and unfortunately a victim.”

The 70-year-old resident was killed in Bardonecchia – a resort town 56 miles west of Turin, which hosted snowboarding events during the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Cirio added: “We are increasingly faced with emergency situations due to weather events that we used to call exceptional but are now more and more frequent.”

A similar disaster struck Bardonecchia in 2023 after heavy rains caused two streams, including the Frejus, to overflow.

A major landslide swept away cars and debris, but no casualties were reported.

The heavy rains in northwestern Italy come as extreme weather has gripped much of Europe – from thunderstorms in the continent’s central countries to scorching heat in the Mediterranean.

In France, at least two people – including a child – died after a violent storm caused flash floods in Paris last week.

According to Lightning Maps, a weather-tracking website, more than 39,000 lightning strikes were recorded across France.

Over 100,000 homes were left in the dark after power lines were ripped down and metro stations were turned into indoor rivers.

Flash flood in Bardonecchia, Italy.
X/@mirocale
The Frejus also overflowed in August 2023[/caption]
Flash flood in Bardonecchia, Italy.
X/Centro Meteo Piemonte
Streets were submerged in dirty water[/caption]

Heavy storms also swept across large parts of Germany over the weekend, hitting regions including Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Lightning strikes also caused fires, including one at a horse farm in Keltern, German Bavarian newspaper Münchner Merkur reports.

In Austria, a supercell storm whipped through towns, shattering windows, flooding streets and causing nearly £8m worth of damage to agriculture.

The hardest-hit regions were reportedly Styria, Tyrol, and Lower Austria.

Meanwhile, Greece, Spain and Italy are in the grip of a heatwave, with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

Wildfires raged for three days on the Greek island of Chios last week – before being brought under control on Thursday.

Another wildfire broke out that same day on coastal area of Palaia Fokaia, south of Athens.

A motorway in northern Italy was closed on Thursday as temperatures caused roads to melt, local media reports.

A freak build-up of heat in the North Atlantic is believed to be driving the unusually high temperatures sweeping across Europe – well above the seasonal average.

Scientists say that climate change is fuelling extreme weather events.

Wildfire at night reflected in the water of a harbor.
Wildfires raged for three days on the Greek island of Chios
Illustration of Europe with highlighted areas indicating extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, and wildfires.

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Thai man sells ‘floating durian’ for 300,000 baht at fruit festival auction

An 81 year old Thai man sold his homegrown durian, the first floating durian in Thailand, for 300,000 baht at an auction during the Thong Pha Phum Fruit Festival 2025 in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The elderly man, Pid Sinthao, is known for his famous floating homestay, Phae Malai, located in the Thong Pha …

The story Thai man sells ‘floating durian’ for 300,000 baht at fruit festival auction as seen on Thaiger News.

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Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool set Elliot price as Reds ‘chase’ Guehi, Chelsea AGREE Pedro deal, Richarlison EXCLUSIVE

THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are well underway with some huge deals in the pipeline.

Liverpool have set their asking price at £40m plus with £50m plus buy-back for talented England star Harvey Elliot, according to transfer guru David Ornstein.

Elsewher, Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Brighton forward Joao Pedro for a fee in excess of £50million.

In other news, Liverpool are ready to throw winger Ben Doak into a swap deal for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, SunSport can exclusively reveal.

And we can also exclusively reveal that Richarlison is ready to leave Tottenham and reset his career abroad.

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I found best staycation in Ireland with private pod, our own hot tub and alpacas and deer on site

AN Irish couple say they have found the best staycation spot in the country with a private pod and their own hot tub – and there are even alpacas and deer on site.

JC’s Hideaway is a cosy countryside retreat tucked away on Umrycam Road in Co Derry.

Couple in hot tub at JC's Hideaway, Umry Calm Farmstays, County Derry.
Journalist Collect
An Irish couple has revealed where the ‘best staycation’ spot in Ireland is[/caption]
Entrance to JC's Hideaway at Umry Calm Farm Stay, County Derry.
Journalist Collect
Umry Calm Farm Stays is located 30 minutes from Derry city[/caption]
Hot tub on a deck overlooking a scenic landscape.
Journalist Collect
Guests have their own private pod and a hot tub[/caption]

Located just 30 minutes from Derry city, the spot is part of Umry Calm Farm Stays where shipping containers have been transformed into stylish pods for the perfect staycation.

Each pod comes with a private balcony and a hot tub, making it a must-visit for couples planning a weekend break during the summer.

And one content creator on TikTok, Eimear Clark shared her experience visiting this fab spot with her boyfriend.

She said: “We headed over to JC’s Hideaway at Umry Calm Farmstay and it was absolutely amazing to say the least.

“It was so so beautiful, and the views were something else.”

The couple got a fabulous pod with their own private hot tub overlooking the Irish countryside, surrounded by nothing but fields and rolling hills.

After checking in, the pair got into their tub and had a few drinks.

And the content creator revealed that guests are handed menus from all of the nearby takeaways that deliver to each pod.

She said: “It was so quick and easy to get to, there were loads of little local takeaways as well which the owners left menus for.

“And they deliver directly to your pod.”

What’s more, this stunning spot is home to deer and alpacas that you can spot over your terrace.

The animals come right up to your pod and you can even feed them.

Eimear said: “They were actually the cutest things ever, and there was so many of them.

“They came right up to the fence and I just wanted to take them home with me.”

‘I will definitely be back again’

Guests to JC’s Hideaway can use the private hot tubs at any time and you can order all of your meals to your pod.

After relaxing for the night, the couple said it was a fantastic experience and they would highly recommend.

Eimear added: “Unfortunately it was time to go home and we had to say goodbye.

“But I will definitely be back again.”

People have taken to the comment section to share their thoughts on the spot.

One person wrote: “Love it, looks so beautiful.”

Another said: “Ooh I love, it’s stunning.”

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Munster Rugby continue major shake-up as another Kiwi joins Clayton McMillan in being appointed to key role

MUNSTER Rugby have announced the appointment of New Zealander Martyn Vercoe as the province’s new Team Manager ahead of the 2025/26 season.

He will join the province next month subject to being granted a valid work permit.

He will be taking over from Niall O’Donovan having previously worked with incoming Head Coach Clayton McMillan, Alex Nankivell and John Ryan at the Gallagher Chiefs..

Vercoe is the current Team Manager and Head of Teams at Super Rugby side Gallagher Chiefs and Team Manager for the All Blacks XV.

He has been an experienced team manager in a number of environments over the past 12 years.

The New Zealander was manager of the Kiwi Under-20s side from 2016 to 2021, winning the Under-20s World Cup in 2017 with a 64-17 win against England in the final.

His U-20s team consisted of now senior internationals such as Tupou Vaa’i, Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan.

He also managed New Zealand National Provincial Championship side Tasman Makos from 2013 to 2020, taking them to three finals in his first five years before winning back to back titles in his last two seasons with the club.

Vercoe was also a Personal Development Manager and Commercial Manager at Tasman Rugby, and Head of Faculty at Marlborough Boys’ College in New Zealand prior to his management career.

He will have big boots to fill as he steps into the void left by the beloved Niall O’Donovan who has been working with the province for 28 years.

Along with his 28 years as a coach and manager with Munster and Irish Rugby, he also represented the province as a player in the 1980s.

O’Donovan joined Munster Rugby in 1997 as an assistant coach and reached two European Cup finals during his tenure in 2000 and 2002.

He left the province to become Ireland’s forward’s coach in 2002 but returned in 2010 as Munster A Team Manager.

The Shannon man coached the likes of Peter O’Mahony, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan and Stephen Archer in his time with the Munster A, winning the British and Irish Cup in 2012.

Following the cup win, ‘Niallo’ moved into the team manager role he is now leaving.

He has overseen defining moments such as the move to a single training base in the High Performance Centre in UL in 2016, and enjoying the province’s first trophy success in 12 years when winning the URC title in 2023.

A smiling Chiefs coach talking to a player.
munsterrugby.ie
The 68-year-old had an impressive cricket career before moving into rugby[/caption]

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Bangkok Celebrates Senior Vitality: BMA’s Active Ageing Initiative Shines

Amidst the bustling energy of Bangkok City Hall, a significant event took place within the walls of the Bangkok Room, nestled in the Irawatpattana Building. With an air of anticipation, the gathering was graced by none other than Dr. Lertlak Leelaruangsang, the astute and compassionate director of the Health Department. As the lights dimmed slightly to start the proceedings, Sunthorn took to the stage with a heartfelt message that resonated with everyone present. He passionately highlighted the vital role that senior citizens play in our society – likening their experiences, wisdom, and guidance to a priceless trove of treasures essential for intergenerational exchange and social wholeness. In response to the growing demographic of elderly individuals, the BMA has astutely galvanized its focus on enhancing the quality of life for these valuable members of society. Under the wise leadership of the Governor, a sharp spotlight is placed on the concept of…

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Prathep Wachira Patimoke’s Shocking Exit: Scandal and Mystery at Tri Thotsathep Temple

In an unexpected twist reminiscent of a gripping Thai drama, Prathep Wachira Patimoke, widely known by his monastic name Arch, found himself embroiled in a scandal that has left the Buddhist community shaken and intrigued. Once a revered abbot of the esteemed Tri Thotsathep Temple in the heart of Bangkok, Arch’s abrupt exit from monkhood has become a tale of whispers, romance, and unexpected departures. The saga began when Arch, esteemed for his spiritual contributions and poised for an even loftier role within the ecclesiastical hierarchy, relinquished his saffron robes under a cloud of mystery. Until his surprise resignation on June 29, 2025, at Chan Samakkhi Temple in the northeastern corner of Nong Khai, few could imagine the layers of intrigue that had been brewing beneath his seemingly serene clerical life. Imagine if you will, Arch’s journey halfway across the globe. On the sands of Copenhagen, Denmark, Arch is said…

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Ayutthaya Miracle: Thai Motorcyclist’s Unbelievable Survival After Dozing on Motorway

In a scene straight out of a movie but with a much happier ending, a Thai motorcyclist quite literally swerved between life and death after drifting into slumber while cruising on a motorway in Ayutthaya. This isn’t just another near-miss story; it’s a miraculous tale of survival that has captured the hearts of thousands across Thailand. The drama unfolded under the unblinking eye of a smartphone camera wielded by none other than Supattra Srithara and her observant family. It was June 29th, a day like any other, or so they thought as they journeyed homeward from a tranquil temple visit in Ayutthaya. However, fate had other plans. In the hustle and bustle of the motorway traffic, a lone motorcyclist, seemingly on a quest through dreamland, was spotted meandering along much like a ghostly specter oblivious to his very real and perilous surroundings. Supattra, with the instincts of an amateur detective…

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Nguyen’s Visa Drama at Don Mueang Airport: The Tale of a 249-Day Overstay

At the bustling Don Mueang International Airport, a scene unfolded worthy of a Hollywood script, as a 24-year-old Vietnamese gentleman found himself at the heart of an immigration drama. The suave traveler, known as Nguyen, was all set to board his flight back to Hanoi with the anticipation of a smooth return journey—only to be stopped in his tracks by a surprisingly eventful turn of events orchestrated by the ever-vigilant Thai Immigration Bureau. This unexpected twist came courtesy of none other than Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyaluck, whose hawk-eyed oversight saw Nguyen detained in the atmospheric international departures hall of Terminal 1. Here, suspense brewed as officers seized Nguyen’s Vietnamese passport, along with his sleek, presumably music-filled, black Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max. Their investigation quickly uncovered that Nguyen’s seemingly innocuous tourist visit to the Land of Smiles had become embroiled in controversy over a forged visa stamp. Nguyen had…

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