Heavy rains caused floods in the Styria state in southern Austria yesterday. Rising waters damaged many houses and dragged away cars in residential areas. Firefighters rescued at least 50 people in life-threatening situations in and around Graz, the state capital.
The floods also affected the European Parliament elections. Many polling stations became inaccessible were moved to different areas.
The US flag has been hoisted once more at the US Embassy in Damascus, Syria, for the first time since its closure in 2012.
US Special Representative for Syria Thomas Barrack made his first official visit to Damascus and personally raised the flag during a ceremony attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Shaybani. The embassy had suspended operations amid the outbreak of civil conflict following anti-government protests.
No official statement has been issued regarding the resumption of embassy operations.
The move follows a surprise meeting earlier this month between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara in Riyadh, where a decision was made to lift sanctions imposed during the Assad era, signaling a potential shift in Washington-Damascus relations.
TR