Topic: Natural Disasters — Neutral reports only
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-01-01 02:03 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Many police officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the popular annual fireworks display over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 21:08 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology Guarantee Limited (SLIIT) has made a financial donation of Rs. 20 million to the Government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to provide relief to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 20:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Analysts said the exits risk deepening public scepticism over whether politically connected contractors can be held to account
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 19:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: The coming year is packed with cosmic events, from a ‘ring of fire’ eclipse to two six-planet line-ups to several supermoons
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 17:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Japan, Australia, Britain and the EU express concern about live-fire and blockade exercises around island
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 06:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The ground forces of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command organised live fire training, while conducting long-range joint strike with units of the Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force in the waters to the south of Taiwan Island at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, said a military spokesperson.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 06:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, SLT MOBITEL led one of the most extraordinary national connectivity restoration efforts in recent years, mobilising the full breadth of its operational network, technical expertise, and emergency response systems to safeguard Sri Lanka’s digital lifeline.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 06:43 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A fire broke out yesterday morning at a shoe shop in Kiribathgoda town. Later, the fire subsequently spread to the adjacent leading textile shop and several other shops. It has been reported the fire has started due to a sudden electrical fault in the shoe shop. About five fire engines from the Colombo Municipal Council and the Gampaha Municipal Council arrived to doused the fire later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 06:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The George Keyt Foundation has extended support to the Government of Sri Lanka’s disaster relief efforts following the severe devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 06:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: FLiCo has become the first service provider in Sri Lanka to launch a structured islandwide free service initiative to support households affected by recent flooding, reaffirming its commitment to community welfare during times of national need.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 06:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: December 31 draws 2025 to a close at a symbolic moment. It marks the completion of the first quarter of the millennium. The year unfolded amid political shifts, economic pressures, and social change, alongside moments of achievement and loss at home. It was a year marked by an unusual number of deaths in the arts, claiming towering figures such as Screen Queen Malini Fonseka, Song Queen Latha Walpola, and many other respected voices who shaped the country’s cultural life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-31 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: For over two decades, safety has been more than a requirement for ACL Cables PLC., it has been a responsibility. Long before fire safety standards were mandated or formally regulated, ACL introduced FireGuard cables to the Sri Lankan market, setting a benchmark for flame-retardant performance at a time when such measures were neither required nor expected.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 21:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Police say five drivers, aged 29 to 40, arrested for allegedly attempting to defraud online ride-hailing platform
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 20:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 19:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A fire broke out at a shop in Kiribathgoda this afternoon (30), prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 17:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Event in mid-December raised funds for Operation Santa Claus and pledged to match amount in relief for residents affected by Tai Po fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 16:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Cyclone Ditwah has caused significant damage to Sri Lanka’s health sector, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs. 21 billion, Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 11:18 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Coastguard releases poster depicting blockade as Eastern Theatre Command conducts live-fire exercises to north and south of island
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A total of 86,631 children, including 23,940 school students residing in 13 divisional secretariats in the Colombo District, were affected by Cyclone Ditwah, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 06:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Sri Lanka Navy is contributing to the initiatives focus on rehabilitating schools and pre-schools in the Badulla and Passara Zones of Education that sustained damage from Cyclone ‘Ditwah’.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 06:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: United Motors Lanka PLC has made a financial contribution of Rs. 10 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which was established to support the restoration of livelihoods and the reconstruction of the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 06:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Hobbit House produced a powerful all-round performance to make a clean sweep and emerge overall champions at the Year 4, 5 and 6 Sports Day of the British School in Colombo, held at the Torrington Grounds recently.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 06:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka Insurance Life and Sri Lanka Insurance General, in collaboration with the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), extended vital assistance to 1,000 families affected by the recent ‘Ditwah’ cyclone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: In a significant gesture of national solidarity, SITC Campus CEO Cader Rahmathulla has contributed Rs. 1,000,000.00 to the Government’s ‘Rebuild Sri Lanka’ Fund, supporting relief and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The cheque was personally handed over by the CEO to Dr. NandikaSanathKumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat, underscoring a hands-on commitment to national responsibility and leadership through action.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has decided to further extend the payment period for the December 2025 pension for farmers and fishermen who are displaced and affected by the Ditwah cyclone until January 31, 2026.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 03:52 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Deutsche Welle
Snippet: Police have seized 330 kilograms (about 730 pounds) of fireworks from a man's basement on Berlin's Landsberger Allee after he bragged about the stash at a Christmas party.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-30 02:43 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Deutsche Welle
Snippet: The Chinese military launched its most extensive war games around Taiwan on Monday, saying the live-fire drills would simulate a blockade of the self-governing island's key ports.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 20:31 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Rappler
Snippet: Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 20:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Deutsche Welle
Snippet: A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan's northeastern coast late on Saturday, the island's Central Weather Administration said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 19:31 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: United Motors Lanka PLC has donated Rs. 10 million to the government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support people affected by Cyclone Ditva and national rebuilding efforts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 17:26 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Fast-moving blaze engulfed facility on the island of Sulawesi as residents were sleeping, police said
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 17:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A fire at a nursing home on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has killed 16 people and injured three others, according to the police.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 16:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: December gains seen easing after deadly fire dampens sentiment, but a more sustained rebound is forecast from mid-2026 on easing rates
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 11:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Nearly HK$1.2 billion of fund has been handed out to those affected by deadly blaze, along with more than 45,000 donated items
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 11:14 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Military says it is conducting exercise across five areas near the self-governed island
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 06:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Media Spokesperson of the “MSME Chamber of Sri Lanka” Susantha Liyanarachchi said that they are requesting the government to provide financial facilities at low interest rates to make new investments and to empower small and medium scale entrepreneurs who were devastated by Cyclone Ditwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 06:52 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) senior member and former MP Lakshman Kiriella said there is delay on the Government’s part in implementing relief measures and other commitments made to the public following Cyclone Ditwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 06:49 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A powerful winter storm has disrupted one of the busiest travel weekends of the year in New York City and the northeastern US.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 06:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: As India recently announced a US$ 450 million “reconstruction package” for Sri Lanka, to help the island nation recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, has praised India’s long-standing support to Sri Lanka, saying its consistent assistance during times of crisis has emerged as a model for the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The affected small and medium scale entrepreneurs are requesting the government to extend the period given to industrialists and entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah to register by one month.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: As an active Easterly wave is expected across the country from today (29), rainy conditions are expected to enhance in several provinces which were severely affected due to recent Cyclone Ditwah, the Meteorology Department predicted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: According to the Agriculture Department, the Government has provided over Rs. 381 million as special compensation to farmers whose maize, vegetable and other food crops were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-29 04:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Prime minister faces criticism from Jewish groups and Britain’s opposition over Alaa Abdel-Fattah’s return to the UK
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-28 23:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: NGOs say they are bracing for more terminations among helpers as families begin to count the cost of their losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-28 22:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Deutsche Welle
Snippet: Шторм "Йоханнес", обрушившийся на Скандинавию, унес жизни трех человек в Швеции и обесточил на время 140 тысяч домохозяйств в Швеции , Норвегии и Финляндии , передает агентство dpa в воскресенье, 28 декабря.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-28 20:27 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Peru on Sunday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-28 20:21 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Earthquake occurred at 11.05pm in Taiwan, with epicentre located about 70km southeast of Taipei and at focal depth of 60km, Observatory says
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-28 14:17 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Deutsche Welle
Snippet: A winter snow storm spread to New York City and other parts of the US Northeast over the weekend, causing major travel headaches during the holiday season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-28 07:53 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Deutsche Welle
Snippet: A post-Christmas storm named Johannes swept across the Nordic nations on Saturday, leaving one person dead and thousands of homes without power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2025-12-28 07:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: One person was killed after being hit by a falling tree near Sweden’s Kungsberget ski resort, police said
--------------------------------------------------------------------