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Copenhagen (AFP) – “An ongoing surge in China is not anticipated to significantly impact the COVID-19 epidemiological situation in the WHO European Region” says the World Health Organization’s European regional director, Hans Kluge. “The surge of two virus variants circulating in China are those that have already been seen in Europe and elsewhere,” he adds. China is battling a wave of Covid cases since the government’s decision to lift nearly three years of restrictions. SOUNDBITE

Balikpapan (Indonesia) (AFP) – As Indonesia’s capital Jakarta sinks at an alarming rate, the country’s top architects are facing the daunting task of designing a new, sustainable and green capital city in the middle of the world’s oldest stretch of jungle.

Sao Paulo (AFP) – Demonstrators gathered in Sao Paulo on Monday night to show their support for democracy and demand punishment for the people who stormed the halls of power that took place in Brasilia on Sunday.

Seoul (AFP) – China has suspended the issuing of short-term visas to South Koreans in response to Seoul’s imposition of travel restrictions on Chinese travellers due to Covid concerns, Beijing’s embassy in Seoul says.

Cappelle-la-Grande (France) (AFP) – The Dunkirk Carnival in northern France returns after three years of Covid-related cancellations. Over a thousand people gathered in the streets of Capelle-la-Grande to hear the first band of the carnival season, which will run until mid-April.

Aptos (United States) (AFP) – Residents of Aptos in Santa Cruz County, California begin surveying flood damage after the latest heavy storm slammed the US state. A swathe of the Golden State is under flood warnings as it struggls to cope with more rain on top of near-record downpours.

Brasília (AFP) – The floors of Brazil’s presidential palace lie strewn with glass from shattered windows, broken computer cables and used hand grenades, a day after supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed the seat of power in clashes that sparked international outrage. Brazil’s Minister of Communications, Paulo Pimenta, describes the riot as “a coup d’etat” as president Lula vows that those involved “will be found and will be punished”.

London (AFP) – People on the streets of London react to the interview Prince Harry gave on Sunday on the country’s broadcaster ITV as well as the controversy ahead of the publication of his memoir, “Spare”.

Joshimath (India) (AFP) – Authorities in the town of Joshimath, in the Indian Himalayas, began evacuating residents after hundreds of buildings developed cracks and started sinking into the ground. The cause of the apparent subsidence is unclear, but residents blame the building of roads and tunnels for a nearby hydroelectric project.

Seki (Japan) (AFP) – In the Japanese city of Seki, once famous for forging samurai swords, a small factory now making kitchen knives is struggling to keep up with global demand. The explosion in popularity has been partly attributed to a home-cooking boom sparked by the pandemic. High-quality Japanese knives are also winning a following in professional circles, with top chefs trusting them for their precision and durability.