News Briefs
July 6, 1996
Web posted at: 11:59 p.m. EDT (0359 GMT)
China tries to save 1 million people stranded by floods
BEIJING (CNN) -- Hundreds of thousands of military personnel and police have rushed to south and central China where swollen rivers have stranded more than 1 million people. More than 315 people have been killed in the floods.
Soldiers cleared 20 tons of mud and stone from the region and were repairing damaged roads, buildings and railroads. They also drained water from farms. The region is home to some of China's best farmland and poorest villages.
Rains subsided in some areas, allowing flooded Yangtze River tributaries to recede. Over the last 10 days, storms have dumped 22 inches (56 centimeters) of rain across nine provinces and regions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Stabbing spree leaves four in serious condition
TOKYO (CNN) -- A man wielding a camping knife slashed 15 people on a crowded train station in southern Japan Saturday, seriously injuring four. The 21-year-old man, whose name was not released, said he had received a divine message to carry out the spree.
The four in serious condition received gashes in their chests and backs, said police spokesman Yuichi Yamato. Among those injured was the suspect's 51-year-old father, who reportedly had accompanied him on a job interview.
Witnesses said the man chased passengers at Kokura Station in the southernmost main island of Kyushu. He attacked people at the ticket gate and on the train platform and stairs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yeltsin election team hired American political consultants
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Aides to Russian President Boris Yeltsin employed U.S. political consultants to help boost the president's re-election chances, Time Magazine reported Sunday.
According to Time, the consultants received $250,000 to conduct an American-style presidential campaign, including polls, focus groups and negative advertisements. The consultants reportedly had no connection to the U.S. government.
Time said the campaign team began its work in March from a hotel room in Moscow.
Hamas calls for new uprising in Jerusalem, Hebron
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- The Islamic group Hamas called on Saturday for a new Palestinian uprising in Jerusalem and the West Bank town of Hebron.
It issued a statement in support of activists from the PLO's mainstream Fatah faction in Hebron, who called last week for a renewal of the intifada in that town.
Israel's previous government had agreed to remove its soldiers out of most areas of the town, but the redeployment has been delayed by suicide bombings.
Related stories:
- 'An honorable death': Hamas suicide bombers fueled by faith - March 6, 1996
- Israel rejects Hamas truce offer - Mar. 5, 1996
- Bomb shatters Tel Aviv - Mar. 4, 1996
Tropical Storm Bertha gaining strength in Atlantic
MIAMI (CNN) -- Tropical Storm Bertha was gaining strength Saturday as it headed toward the Lesser Antilles.
At 5 a.m., the center of the storm was 800 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, moving west-northwest at of 26 mph with winds peaking at 45 mph.
The storm was expected to continue westward Saturday with winds strengthening throughout the day.
Related story:
- Tropical Storm Bertha swirling in Atlantic Ocean - July 5, 1996
The mane in Spain in summer stays plain
CEDIERA, Spain (CNN) -- In northwestern Spain, farmers are herding wild horses from the hills to trim their tails and manes.
The annual summer tradition stretches back hundreds of years and has grown into a fiesta for spectators. (750K QuickTime movie)
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