Slow-moving storm lashes Philippines
More than 30 people were killed and many others were missing after a slow-moving tropical storm spurred floods and landslides in the central Philippines, officials said on Sunday.
Thousands of Christmas holiday travelers were stranded, and 89,000 people were forced to flee to emergency shelters because of Tropical Storm Kai-Tak, according to local news reports.
Sofronio Dacillo Jr., a disaster response officer, told The Associated Press that landslides in the island province of Biliran had killed dozens of villagers and left others missing after the storm blew over on Saturday.
The storm weakened into a tropical depression but moved southwest and picked up speed on Sunday, with sustained winds of 34 miles per hour, according to officials and the police.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said it was trying to confirm the deaths reported because of the storm.
Winner in Honduras
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — President Juan Orlando Hernandez was declared the winner Sunday of Honduras’ disputed election after three weeks of uncertainty and unrest in which at least 17 people died in protests amid allegations of vote fraud from the opposition.
Electoral court president David Matamoros made the announcement, saying ,“We have fulfilled our obligation [and] we wish for there to be peace in our country.”
According to the court’s official count, Mr. Hernandez wonwith 42.95 percent to 41.42for runner-up Salvador Nasralla, who well before the announcement had challenged the result and said he wouldnot recognize it.
His Opposition Alliance Against Dictatorship has called for more protests Monday.
Pinera wins in Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile— Chileans on Sunday gave former President Sebastian Pinera a new term in office, rejecting his opponent’s call to buildon the social and economic changes set in motion bythe incumbent, Michelle Bachelet.
Mr. Pinera’s victory marks the latest shift to the rightin a region that until recently was largely governed by leftist leaders who rose to power promising to build more egalitarian societies.
Mr. Pinera vowed on Sundaynight to govern for all Chileans.
“Chile needs dialogue and collaboration more than confrontation,” he said after a cordial televised meeting with his opponent, Alejandro Guillier.
ANC vote delayed
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s ruling African National Congress will vote forits new president on Monday, as delegates choose between two candidates to lead Nelson Mandela’s historic liberation movement.
Two candidates accepted the party’s nomination for president: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former African Union commission chair, and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, a wealthy businessman who has been increasingly critical of the president.
Death of billionaires
TORONTO — Toronto homicide detectives have taken over the investigation of the deaths of billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife after autopsies showed they died from “ligature neck compression.”
Police released a statement Sunday reporting the cause of death. Officials also identified pharmaceutical magnate Mr. Sherman and hiswife, Honey, as the two people found dead in a north Toronto mansion Friday.