Tom Flanagan
'Mass casualty event' feared as earthquake rocks Vanuatu, ABC reveals big appointment, $5.50 Bunnings beach hack hailed
Plus two of four Australians involved in a suspected resort poisoning in Fiji have returned home.
Tom Flanagan
·Homepage and Live Editor
Updated
Yahoo's live news blog for Tuesday, December 17 has concluded. Vanuatu, one of Australia's Pacific neighbours, has been hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake, with reported damage to buildings in its capital Port Vila. Local media is reporting multiple deaths are feared.
A mother and her 19-year-old daughter are believed to be recovering back on Australian soil following a suspected poisoning in Fiji which hospitalised them and several others. The teen's grandfather described the ordeal as their "worst nightmare".
There's been plenty of other news today including the ABC announcing a new managing director, a Bunnings hack lone beachgoers will love this summer and more 40C conditions.
See all of the day's updates below.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER18 updates
'Mass casualty event' feared in Vanuatu
We're getting more information from Vanuatu now where a 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck the island nation.
Several buildings have collapsed in the capital of Port Vila with local journalist Dan McGarry saying authorities have confirmed at least one person has died with fears many more will be announced.
"This is a mass casualty event," he said on X.
ABC reporter Nick Sas described the aftermath as "horrific".
There's pretty horrific damage to infrastructure in Port Vila, Vanuatu, after the 7.3 magnitude #earthquake today.
We're seeing flattened/collapsed buildings, rubble everywhere.
Thankfully though, the tsunami threat has been cancelled.
Thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu RN pic.twitter.com/C3mlvIswB5— Nick Sas (@Sasbites) December 17, 2024
- Tom Flanagan
Boy believed to be playing hide and seek before tragic car boot death
Tragic new details have been shared after a boy died over the weekend when he became trapped in a car boot in Victoria.
It's believed the 10-year-old was playing a game of hide and seek with friends when he became locked in the car.
Bentley, who was neurodiverse, suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday when temperatures peaked at 35C.
His aunt Lainey set up a Go Fund Me page to help his family cover funeral costs, with $5600 raised by Tuesday towards its $20,000 goal.
"In a tragic end to a game of hide and seek, our world stopped," Lainey said in a statement on behalf of the boy's family.
"As a family, our hearts are broken as we try to find some sense in a place that no longer feels whole."
Bentley's death came just two weeks after the loss of his grandmother.
Another aunty, Steph Sutton, shared her grief on social media, describing Bentley as a "shining star".
"The loss of Bentley has been nothing short of an absolute tragedy," she posted.
Police say they aren't treating the boy's death as suspicious but investigators are still probing the circumstances and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
- With AAP
- Australian Associated Press
State to ban face coverings, certain flags at protests
Face masks, balaclavas, glue and chains could be banned under a crackdown on extreme and radical influences at protests.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced proposed laws to rid the state of extremist behaviour at protests including safe access zones at places of worship.
The changes target what Ms Allan called extremism at protests and include a ban on flags of listed terrorist organisations including those of Hamas and Hezbollah and several white nationalist groups.
"We will also legislate to thwart protests and disturbances at shules, temples, mosques, anywhere in Victoria where Victorians are simply undertaking their fundamental right of religious freedom," Ms Allan said on Tuesday.
The announcement comes after recent rise in anti-Semitic incidences in Australia, including a fire bombing attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel synagogue.
Police will be given the power to search, disassemble and destroy ropes, glue, chains, locks and similar devices.
It will also be illegal for protesters to glue themselves to roads or wear face coverings such as masks or balaclavas.
Read more here.
- Tom Flanagan
Aussie neighbour rocked by 7.3 magnitude earthquake
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake has struck just off the coast of Pacific island nation Vanuatu.
The quake occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a depth of 57km and was centred near Port Vila, the largest city in the island nation the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.
Unverified footage circulating online shows the US Embassy in Port Vila badly damaged. It had only opened earlier this year. Other images show a restaurant with smashed plates strewn across the floor and outside plant pots toppled.
It is unclear at this stage if there have been injuries or any deaths from the quake.
Vanuatu - 7.4 Earthquake rocks Vanuatu. Communities around Efate affected. pic.twitter.com/HoxJjmBzpJ
— Philip Malsale (@realPhilMalsale) December 17, 2024
The jolt was followed by a magnitude 5.5 aftershock at the same location. Vanuatu government websites were offline in the aftermath of the quake.
The USGS warned of tsunami waves for some coasts on Vanuatu, a group of 80 islands that is home to about 330,000 people.
The Bureau of Meteorology said there was no tsunami threat to Australia.
Australian Justin Noonan who has visited Vanuatu on several occasions wrote on X he was "truly horrified" by the developments. Vanuatu is 2,000km northeast of Queensland capital Brisbane.
- With AP
- Tom Flanagan
Sydney latest state capital to hit 40C in heatwave
Well there we have it. Sydney has reached 40C as the brutal heatwave that has swept a handful of states in the past few days nears its end.
The mercury hit 40 in both Penrith and Richmond shortly before 2pm today. The current high for the day in the CBD is 33.4C.
- Tom Flanagan
'Extraordinarily selfish' move could rock NYE fireworks
If you're planning on seeing Sydney's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks this year you might want to have a Plan B to public transport. That's because rail workers are looking to take strike action after Christmas that could wreak havoc for millions.
A large majority of 8000 members backed various forms of action including strikes from December 28, the Rail Tram and Bus Union NSW trains division said on Tuesday.
"They're very frustrated with the lack of engagement by this government," Union secretary Toby Wearne told Nine's Today Show.
"Everything is on the table but we haven't decided exactly what is going to occur over the next couple of weeks."
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the news was "extraordinarily selfish".
- With AAP
- Tom Flanagan
Aussie agonisingly close to becoming billionaire
Another Aussie has missed out on claiming the USA Mega Lotto jackpot, with a Queenslander one number away from the $1.1 billion top prize.
Just last month a Victorian man missed out on the jackpot when it was at A$789 million but they took home what was still an impressive A$950,000.
But for the Queensland player, as their missing number was from the main draw, they only claimed a division three prize and took home A$9,700 in comparison.
- Tom Flanagan
Luxury resort says suspected alcohol poisoning incident 'unprecedented'
The luxury Fijian resort at the heart of the suspected alcohol poisoning incident that hospitalised four Australians has issued another update.
In a statement shared with Yahoo News Australia, Warwick Fiji said it remained "deeply concerned" about the incident.
"As a business that has proudly traded in Fiji for almost 40 years, this is an unprecedented event for us. We take the safety of our guests very seriously. We are currently working jointly with the authorities to determine what caused this unfortunate incident," the statement from resort management said.
"We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits our resort. We want to reassure all our visitors that we maintain the highest standards of food and beverage safety.
"We remain committed to the health and safety of our guests, and we are with our guests every step of the way as we investigate this unfortunate incident."
The resort said it urged guests to speak to staff who will happily answer any questions they have.
- Tom Flanagan
China adds another airline flying to Australia
China has added another carrier flying into Australia with another 50,000 seats a week added between the two countries.
While Juneyao Air's introduction from today was touted as an opportunity to increase Chinese visitors to NSW, it also coincides with China easing visa requirements for Australians, who can now enter China for four weeks without a visa.
China has been looking to boost its own tourism since a slow start after reopening its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic. Sino-Australian relations have been on the mend in recent years under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The first Juneyao Air flight from Shanghai arrived this morning.
With the news shared on the Shanghai Daily last month, they had this to say.
"With Sydney's iconic beaches, world-class shopping, and legendary weather waiting on the other side, this isn't just a flight – it's a one-way ticket to sunshine and Aussie adventures.
"Juneyao Airlines is calling it a bridge for culture and commerce, but let's be honest: It's also a great excuse to escape Shanghai's winter and swap dumplings for Tim Tams. So grab your boarding pass and get ready to say g'day to Sydney."
✈️@Fly_JuneyaoAir has arrived at #SydneyAirport!🛬
This morning, #JuneyaoAir’s first flight from Shanghai landed in Sydney, making it our ninth Chinese mainland airline.
The airline will operate four direct services a week from Sydney to Shanghai, increasing to daily during the… pic.twitter.com/BLREuTkHOd— Sydney Airport (@SydneyAirport) December 16, 2024
- Tom Flanagan
Power outage as mercury soars
Well this is far from ideal on a day like today. Thousands of Sydneysiders are facing blackouts as the city sizzles during the ongoing heatwave that continues to wash over the state, with temperatures reaching 42C in the outer western pockets of the city.
More than 2,500 people were left without power in Sydney on Tuesday morning, with blackouts first reported about 10am, spanning Macauley Ave, Chapel Rd and surrounding streets of Bankstown.
The cause of the blackout is not yet known, an Ausgrid spokesperson said.
Read more here from NCA NewsWire.
- Tom Flanagan
Aussies told to avoid pork crackling this Christmas
It's a staple on Christmas Day, but dentists are warning Aussies to stay away from the pork this year, or at least one part of it.
"Every year we have people fracture teeth from eating pork crackling," Dr Ben Hargreave, Principal Dentist at Dental Boutique Sydney, said.
Shellfish have also been identified as problematic and with many dentists on holiday, it could be an excruciating wait for help if you damage a tooth.
"Not a lot of dentists are open during the break, which is even more important to then look after your teeth during this period and be more careful, as access to dental care may be limited," Dr Hargreave advises.
- Tom Flanagan
Spirit used in suspected source of poisoning made locally
The drinks that are believed to have poisoned four Australians at a luxury Fiji resort were made with a local rum, a source has told the Daily Telegraph.
The source who has knowledge of Warwick Fiji resort's processes, says the rum used in pina coladas served to guests before they fell ill was Bounty Rum, which is made in Fiji.
Police have taken samples of the spirit and are investigating the cause of the suspected alcohol poisoning. No findings have yet been delivered.
It comes a month after two young Melbourne women died in Southeast Asia after they drank local Laos spirits at a backpackers' hostel. The spirit at the centre of investigation in Laos is a locally distilled spirit.
- Tom Flanagan
Man charged over allegedly grooming, sexually assaulting teen at Bondi Junction Westfield
A man has been refused bail after he was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl at Bondi Junction Westfield on Friday evening.
The 27-year-old man was arrested on Sunday at a nearby bus interchange and was charged with six counts of intentionally sexually touching a child aged between 10 and 16 years, grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity and aggravated sexual assault with the victim under 16.
He appeared in court yesterday and was refused bail to reappear in February.
- Tom Flanagan
Harry and Meghan's Christmas card divides
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sent out their Christmas card for 2024 and it's got plenty of people talking.
One of the big reasons people are desperate for a glimpse is that it includes a rare photo of their children Archie and Lilibet.
The photo doesn't appear to be the best quality and only shows the children from behind. Including such a photo was praised online as a "classy way" to protect the privacy of their children.
But not everyone was complimentary, with The Sun's Assistant Showbiz Editor Amanda Devlin calling the card "self-indulgent".
And of course, there was the usual speculation the photo was edited or even AI.
The least festive, yet most self-indulgent, card from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that doesn’t actually wish anyone a Merry Christmas pic.twitter.com/UthYIY8PAr
— Amanda Devlin (@JournoDevs) December 16, 2024
- Tom Flanagan
Bunnings beach hack you need this summer
Now this is a game changer. Anyone who's been to the beach alone will understand the pain of trying to slap sunscreen on your back. Well this man has the solution.
Filmed down at Sydney's Freshwater beach and shared on social media, the man can be seen rolling sunscreen onto his back with what appears to be a paint roller.
While we can't be 100 per cent sure it's not a specially-designed sunscreen applicator, we're pretty confident you could replicate this bloke's idea down at Bunnings, with similar rollers going for as cheap as $5.50.
It's worth noting this mastermind has an elongated roller, which, if is the Uni-pro model, is $9.60 at Bunnings.
As expected, the video was swamped with praise for the man who was branded "a genius".
"This is gold," one person said. "Someone get this guy a beer," another wrote.
- Tom Flanagan
ABC announces new managing director
The ABC has announced this morning it has appointed Hugh Marks as its new managing director.
Marks is Nine Entertainment's former CEO and will take on the role from March next year.
Kim Williams, chair of the ABC, said Marks' wealth of experience in a 30-year career was "rare".
"[It] will be critical to the ABC as we look to further strengthen our reach and engagement with the Australian community," he said.
He replaces David Anderson who announced his resignation in August.
- Tom Flanagan
Sydney's turn to reach 40C
OK, it's Sydney's turn now to cop some brutal heat. The city's west is expected to reach a gruelling 42C as a punishing hot air mass continues to move east. It will be a little cooler in the CBD and east, with temperatures in the low 30s.
It comes after Victoria recorded temperatures on Monday not seen in several years. In the northwest of the state the mercury rose to 47.1C.
Relief from the heat will come later today though as a "southerly buster" moves up the coast late afternoon.
Over on the west coast, Perth's hot summer rolls on with a max of 36C expected.
- Australian Associated Press
Poisoned Australian travellers return from Fiji
A mother and daughter are believed to be recovering back on Australian soil following a suspected poisoning in Fiji which hospitalised them and several others.
Grandfather David Sandoe was spotted at Sydney's international arrivals terminal on Monday evening as flights from the Pacific nation approached.
He earlier told media his daughter Tanya and granddaughter Georgia were on their way home after being hospitalised.
Receiving news his daughter and granddaughter had been hospitalised was a "very difficult" phone call to take.
"It's your worst nightmare," he told ABC News on Monday.
One traveller returning from Fiji said it was shocking to hear of a suspected poisoning somewhere families went on holidays, following the recent deaths of two Australians from methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia.
The incident has renewed calls for travellers to be wary of drink spiking or other additives when travelling overseas.
Fiji's Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said the isolated incident was being thoroughly investigated.
"While we understand the concern, we want to emphasise that the tourism experience in Fiji is typically very safe and we have acted immediately to try and discover the cause of what made these guests at this resort fall ill," he said.
Seven people were hospitalised, including two others believed to be also Australians.
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