World News: Aid efforts gather pace after Pakistan flood 'catastrophe'

Aid efforts to help the hundreds of thousands of people left homeless by flooding in Pakistan were expected to gather pace today as agencies warned of an impending catastrophe.

More than 1100 were confirmed dead after flood waters ravaged huge swathes of the north-west of the country.

The death toll in the poverty-stricken area is expected to soar following the worst flooding in nearly 40 years.

Last night, Oxfam launched an emergency humanitarian aid effort as more monsoon rains were forecast.

Save the Children is already operating in the region and is distributing plastic sheeting, household supplies and hygiene kits.

The UN said more than one million people were affected by the disaster, with 27,000 still reportedly trapped.

Jane Cocking, Oxfam's humanitarian director, said: "This is a flood on a scale we have not seen in decades in Pakistan. The extent of this crisis is only slowly emerging.

"There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe. People also need medical care and basic food items."

Drunk driver kills 11 people on rampage

China: A drunken man went on a rampage while driving a shovel loader in northern China, smashing into shops and vehicles and killing 11 people, a government spokesman said today.

Cuba: Raul Castro said his government will scale back controls on small businesses, lay off unnecessary workers and allow more self-employment in response to the financial crisis it faces.

Explosions rock Israeli city

A SERIES of explosions have been reported in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said police were searching for the source of the explosion. Israeli media reported that five rockets were fired at the city.

Fresh protest by Red Shirts

Several hundred Red Shirt protesters defied a state of emergency in Bangkok to stage a symbolic protest, with hundreds of people sprawling on the ground and chanting: "People died here!"

The demo was the latest sign of simmering discontent since the army cracked down to disperse a protest camp and end 10 weeks of demonstrations in May.

Two grenades exploded in Bangkok over the past week, killing one bystander.

Alicia's heart skips a Beatz

SINGER Alicia Keys has married producer Swizz Beatz, with whom she is expecting her first child.

The Grammy winner and Beatz, real name Kaseem Dean, announced in May they were engaged and they married on Saturday at a private ceremony.

Hunt goes on for murderers

The search for two convicted murderers who escaped from a private prison in Arizona continues, while a third escaped convict was back behind bars following an early-morning shootout with police in Colorado.

Police believe the two who remain at large are still in Arizona.