People across other regions of Sumatra also reported feeling the tremors following the quake. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, stated that there was no risk of a tsunami generated by this event. Residents in South Nias felt weak shaking lasting approximately three to five seconds. Disaster management offices in the area began monitoring affected zones, while the initial national bulletin did not report any confirmed casualties or damage.
The World Health Organization states that Congo’s Ebola outbreak remains controllable within a three-month period if adequate resources are provided to response teams. The latest official data indicates there have been 5,021 confirmed cases and 2,378 fatalities as of Aug. 16. The outbreak now affects 55 health zones across six provinces, with the case fatality ratio reaching 47.4%. This makes it the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the nation’s history and the second-largest Ebola epidemic recorded worldwide.
News
Business
Gold Declines for the Week as Expectations of Fed Rate Hike Diminish NEW YORK / RankWire.AI/ – Global markets for precious metals experienced downward pressure on Friday, with spot gold prices decreasing and setting the stage for an overall weekly drop. Data from financial markets indicated that spot gold fell 0.5 percent to trade at $4,326.75 per ounce, while United States gold futures for December delivery declined nearly 1.0 percent to $4,382.50 per ounce. The declines followed a sharp temporary surge on Thursday, when bullion prices reached their highest levels in more than two months before retreating 1.3 percent due to sudden profit-taking.
Global electric vehicle sales expanded by 9% compared to the previous year in July 2026, reaching 1.85 million units. This growth pushed the total number of vehicles sold worldwide in the first seven months to 11.5 million, representing a 4% rise from 2025. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence provided the latest figures on Aug. 13, including data on battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The month of July also marked the fifth consecutive month of annual growth in global EV demand following a sluggish start to 2026.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources noted that exports exceeded the previous July record of US$5.90 billion set in 2023. In comparison, exports in July 2025 amounted to US$5.83 billion. Domestic vehicle sales also experienced a slight rise of 0.5%, totaling 139,000 units, while production increased significantly by 11.3%, reaching 352,000 vehicles.
On Wednesday, diesel prices persisted at high levels as constrained supplies of refined products continued to exert upward pressure on fuel markets across the United States and Europe. U.S. ultra-low sulfur diesel futures surged by 7.4% on Monday, closing at $4.19 a gallon, marking their largest single-day increase since July 13. Early trading on Wednesday saw the contract near $4.28 per gallon, while European diesel refining margins stayed at historically elevated levels after nearly a 10% rise on Monday.
Gold continued its upward trajectory for a third consecutive session on Tuesday, building on the sharp rebound seen last week. Spot gold increased by 1% to reach $4,432.74 an ounce by 0217 GMT, marking its highest point since June 5 and surpassing the seven-week peak recorded the previous week. U.S. gold futures also rose by 1.7% to $4,492.60. This rally followed gains on Friday and Monday, as global bullion markets tracked U.S. economic indicators and interest-rate expectations.
Health
The World Health Organization states that Congo’s Ebola outbreak remains controllable within a three-month period if adequate resources are provided to response teams. The latest official data indicates there have been 5,021 confirmed cases and 2,378 fatalities as of Aug. 16. The outbreak now affects 55 health zones across six provinces, with the case fatality ratio reaching 47.4%. This makes it the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the nation’s history and the second-largest Ebola epidemic recorded worldwide.
According to official reports released by international health authorities on Friday, the health emergency in Central Africa is rapidly intensifying at an unprecedented pace. The World Health Organization has confirmed that if community transmission remains unchecked and supply chain disruptions persist regionally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak will surpass all previous death tolls. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated that the epidemic’s current trajectory risks exceeding the devastating 2014–2016 West African outbreak, which caused over 11,000 fatalities.
Michigan confirms two deaths as officials investigate a major cyclospora outbreak. Both cases occurred prior to the voluntary iceberg lettuce recall announced on July 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the Michigan fatalities on August 3, describing them as deaths related to cyclosporiasis involving individuals with underlying health conditions. The total number of cases reported by Michigan includes all cases documented during the ongoing investigation and may be subject to adjustment. Federal surveillance data typically encompass laboratory-confirmed instances and may differ from state figures that include probable illnesses.
Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000 as national health authorities report rapid virus spread and severe shortages of vital medical supplies. The post Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000 as outbreak surges in east appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
New medical advisory releases soft drink dementia warning, urging adults to reduce consumption to protect long-term brain health. The post Experts reveal soft drink dementia warning amid health crisis appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
New medical review reveals 5 cups coffee daily health benefits, linking regular black coffee intake to lower diabetes risk. The post Five cups coffee daily health benefits confirmed by major study appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
Ebola deaths in DR Congo rise to 930 amid attacks on health workers as emergency field response teams face threats. The post Ebola deaths in DR Congo rise to 930 as attacks persist appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 1,048 confirmed cases and 267 deaths, with eastern provinces and Uganda tied to the response.
Ebola cases in eastern Congo have climbed to 896, with officials reporting 232 deaths and wider spread across 33 health zones.
DR Congo reports 689 confirmed Ebola cases as WHO warns that Bundibugyo virus transmission remains active across eastern provinces.
Travel
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service will operate four times weekly this winter. This service marks Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates and establishes its initial nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Western Swedish travelers can now connect through Abu Dhabi to various destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the new route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for those traveling from the Gothenburg region. The airport serving the city, Göteborg Landvetter Airport, caters to Gothenburg and the broader western Sweden area. The airline will operate the route using an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers, featuring two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business classes offer seats that convert into fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy passengers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi will be available in all three classes. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, is now part of Etihad’s fleet.
Entertainment
U.S. Polo Assn. has launched its Fall-Winter 2024 Collection, blending sporty style and festive warmth, with pieces perfect for gifting this holiday season.
Fresha, a leading global booking platform for lifestyle services, announced today that it has…
Adidas Originals and Highsnobiety, a prominent platform in fashion, design, and culture, have announced the launch…
Automotive
Porsche to cut 5000 more jobs under restructuring plan after reaching agreement with German labor unions, data confirms.
Japan’s new car sales rose 1.8% in the first half of 2026, reaching 2.39 million units as registered vehicles and kei cars grew overall.
FIA expands Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life into the Middle East and Africa, extending road safety training, mentoring and local support.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the electric C-Class in Seoul, bringing its first battery-powered C-Class sedan with up to 762 km of WLTP range.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds an illuminated grille, optional lit hood star, and DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, pairing new styling cues with flagship cabin tech and comfort features.