Flash floods in Oman: 2 from Kerala die, Cong's Satheesan seeks PM Modi's intervention
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan on Sunday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgent intervention in view of reports of the death of two people from Kerala and the disappearance of another in flash floods in Oman.
In his letter, Satheesan expressed deep concern over the tragic incident that occurred on Saturday, claiming the lives of Yusuf and Shamla, natives of Trithala in Kerala.
"I write to you with deep concern regarding the tragic flash floods that struck Oman on Saturday, resulting in the loss of two lives and leaving one woman from Kerala still missing," Satheesan said in the letter.
The woman identified as Ramla also belongs to Trithala.
According to reports, the victims were travelling in a vehicle when it was caught in a sudden flash flood in Oman's Al Batinah Governorate.
Satheesan urged the Centre to take immediate steps to coordinate with Omani authorities to expedite and strengthen the ongoing search and rescue operations, especially in view of the continuing heavy rains and flood risk in the region.
He, in the letter, also requested all possible assistance to ensure the safety of those affected and to support the families of the victims.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
