Six killed in Afghanistan coal mine collapse
The incident took place in the Baghlan region of northern Afghanistan, where at least 10 miners died in February 2022 in another coal mine collapse.
Syed Mustafa Hashimi, head of the provincial information and culture office, told AFP that part of the mine had 'suddenly collapsed,' killing the six.
Eighteen people have been hospitalised, he added, without describing the severity of their injuries.
Afghanistan mines marble, minerals, gold, lithium and precious stones in addition to coal.
There is little oversight over the industry, and fatal accidents are frequent. Miners often work without adequate equipment or safety gear.
In December 2024, 22 men were trapped in a collapsed coal mine in Samangan, another northern province, but were rescued hours later.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
6 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
7 vegetables you should plant in August for a bountiful fall harvest
By August, most gardeners have been enjoying the fruits of their labors for a few weeks — sometimes literally, depending on what they planted in the spring. The summer is rich with vibrant flowers and ripe produce, which can make it tempting to sit back, relax, and bask in the glory of the garden. But strategic gardeners will know that August is not just the culmination of the summer growing season; it's also the beginning of fall's bounty. As early summer plants begin to fade and finish their flowering, it's the perfect opportunity to start seeding for new growth. Planting seeds now will result in growth between September and November, depending on the maturing period of each species. Here are seven different plants that you should consider planting this month: August planting is mostly focused on hearty greens and other vegetables that will add color and nutrition to your fall dining table. Just as spring was the time for pretty blooms, fall is a great period for produce. You may already have some plants in the garden that will flower again before the end of the season, so that can provide your color. Otherwise, it's best to direct your energy towards crops that will handle cooler temperatures and reward you with a delicious harvest. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Many regions are now experiencing milder weather through the autumn, which makes it possible for various vegetables to thrive over a longer period. As a general rule, Northern areas will want to get planting in the earlier half of the month so that they can be confident of beating the first frosts; Southern areas have more flexibility throughout the month to get their seeds in the ground. Growing zones: 3 - 9 You might have already grown a healthy crop of kale this year, since this leafy green is well-suited to spring planting and can handle the risk of a late spring frost. It's that exact hardiness that makes kale equally suited to summer planting and fall maturing. By planting kale in August, gardeners can set themselves up for a healthy harvest throughout the mid-fall and even into the winter, depending on how they stagger planting. Kale can be enjoyed when it's still quite young – that's the baby kale you see in the grocery store – but also when fully grown, which makes it a very versatile addition to the vegetable patch. If growing in a less temperate region, you can use ground covers to protect the young shoots from any cold snaps, but kale generally doesn't mind those conditions. How to plant Sow seeds directly into the soil outdoors. For best results, plant kale 1/4 inch deep and three inches apart in even rows, keeping the soil moist for the sweetest, crunchiest leaves. Fertilizer can be applied for healthy growt,h and placing mulch around the base of the plants can create a protective layer between the soil and the leaves; this reduces the chance of leaf rot. Growing zones: 3 - 9 Cucumbers are a summer staple, so it might be surprising to see them on an August planting list – but trust me on this. This vegetable loves hot weather and sunny days, which means that August's climate is the perfect growing environment for young cucumbers. In fact, it may even be a better time to grow them than mid-spring, as you don't need to worry about a late spring frost killing off the young seedlings; they'll be fully grown by the time fall's frosts come around. Cucumbers are a summer staple, so it might be surprising to see them on an August planting list – but trust me on this Cucumbers sprout quickly and benefit from quick harvesting, meaning that the sooner you pick the vegetables from the plant, the more they'll produce. If you plant in the first half of August, you should be greeted by fully grown cucumbers by late September. How to plant To grow, sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart in an area with full sun. Thin to one plant every foot once several leaves have sprouted. Soil should be well-draining, but be sure to water regularly to ensure even growth. A cage or trellis can be useful to provide support and also maximize volume, as it reduces the production of leaves and directs that towards fruiting. Growing zones: 3 - 8 Not only is lettuce a cold-hardy vegetable, but it also has a very quick maturing timeline of just four to five weeks. This means that you can comfortably sow lettuce seeds in late August and still enjoy a healthy crop of greens in late September and early October. If you live in a region that can experience frost during this period, don't worry – lettuce is frost-tolerant and actually prefers cooler temps, so it's recommended to wait until later in the month to plant. There are several varieties of lettuce, so be sure to space seeds accordingly; leaf lettuce can be grown closer together than firm-headed types. You may also want to plant lettuce next to a taller species that can provide it useful shade during the hottest parts of the day. These garden gloves are made of nylon and nitrile and come in three sizes — small, medium and large. They offer excellent non-slip properties, are comfortable around the wrist, breathable and machine washable. At Tom's Guide, we recommend them as the best overall gardening glove. How to plant For best growth, plant seeds just 1/2 inch deep in rows. You may want to plant garlic or chives in between your lettuce plants, to reduce the presence of aphids and other pests. Don't overwater; wait until leaves are beginning to wilt until you rehydrate. Weeding should be done gently by hand as lettuces have shallow roots and be sure to pick early before the leaves become bitter. Growing zones: 3 - 8 Spinach is another great salad leaf to plant in August, especially if you live in a cooler climate, as it is cold-tolerant and prefers to grow in soil that is not too hot. As a general guide, plant spinach approximately two months before the first frost date. Spinach will grow quickly, so pick the outer leaves as soon as they reach sufficient size for eating – this really depends on the gardener's taste. This is also a great species to plant in containers, since it doesn't need a lot of space for roots and will grow in a fairly compact shape. One pro tip: If you live in a cold climate, cover the crop with hay at the end of the autumn harvest and you may get a second harvest in early spring. How to plant Sow spinach seeds directly into the soil, ideally in full sun, but partial shade is also okay. Space them out to ensure sufficient air circulation and consider employing covers or other protection against pests; spinach is a favorite of many garden animals, from rabbits to insects. The plants should be watered regularly and the soil kept moist, but fertilizer likely won't be necessary since the species is so vigorous. Growing zones: 3 - 9 For another quick-growing plant that you can harvest in a matter of weeks, radishes are a great option. When growing conditions are suitable, this vegetable can reach full maturity in as little as 21 days; some areas might need to wait slightly longer for the best harvest, but this should still occur by day 30. That means even cold regions should have no problem planting radishes in August – or even later. Radishes are versatile and a great way to add a bit of color to your autumn harvest, but you will need to do a bit of prep work first. Since the vegetables grow underground, till the soil at least 8 inches deep before planting to ensure that it is free of debris that might hinder growth. You might also want to apply a layer of compost in advance; the maturing period is too short to apply later on. How to plant Radishes should be sown directly into the soil, approximately 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in furrows. Plant at two-week increments to extend the harvest season and only loosely cover with soil. If the weather is too warm, watering and mulch can help to temper the effects. If you are also growing cucumbers or peppers, plant together so that the radishes can draw the aphids away from the other vegetables. Growing zones: 2 - 11 On the other end of the growing spectrum is broccoli, which can take anywhere from 70 to 95 days to reach full maturity. However, since broccoli is suited to cool weather, this means that August is still a great time to get planting. This is a vegetable that benefits from a lot of sun but also lower temperatures, as this results in the most crisp and well-developed head of broccoli. The longer growing season means you can enjoy your harvest when many other species have finished producing, extending the overall life of your vegetable patch. Since hotter temperatures can be detrimental to early growth, it is best practice to grow seeds indoors before transplanting to the garden after four to six weeks. Aim to begin sowing between six and eight weeks before the first expected frost date. Once you've harvested the main head of broccoli, look out for smaller growth off the main stem that can also be picked and eaten. This is a vegetable that benefits from a lot of sun but also lower temperatures, as this results in the most crisp and well-developed head of broccoli. How to plant Broccoli grows deep into the ground and prefers a rich, fertile soil so, when ready to transplant, place the seedlings into holes just deeper than their container depth. Individual plants should be spaced 12-20 inches apart, with rows no closer than 2 feet – otherwise you risk growing smaller heads of broccoli. Make sure to fertilize at this stage and also four weeks later for best results. Growing zones: 2 - 11 Turnips are an underrated choice for the vegetable garden, offering quick results in cooler weather. While you absolutely can grow them in the spring, it is usually recommended to plant turnips in late summer for a fall harvest. These turnips will be sweeter and more tender, as well as better protected from pests which die off during the autumn. Plant turnips directly into the soil and they should germinate within a matter of days. Within a month the greens can be harvested, while the roots reach full maturity within two months. Gardeners can also use their own discretion on when to harvest, since they can be enjoyed at a range of sizes. If you want to prolong your harvest, consider staggering your seed sowing; you can plant in early autumn for a late-season harvest with no real issue. How to plant Sow the seeds in fertilized soil, spaced an inch apart at a depth of 1/4 - 1/2 inch. Rows that are 12-18 inches apart will ensure sufficient space for deep growth. Turnips prefer consistent watering and full sun, so be sure to keep soil moist. Take care when weeding to avoid damage to young roots; mulching can help to suppress weed growth and retain moisture.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Victim of Block Island plane crash identified as NY legislator; investigation begins
A New York county legislator was fatally injured when a small plane crashed on Block Island on Wednesday, July 30. Two people flying with Daniel Wilson, 76, of Amsterdam, New York, were seriously injured in the crash just after noon, according to Block Island Police Chief Paul Deane. Wilson's death was announced by Montgomery County, New York, Executive Pete Vroman, who described Wilson as "smart and patient" and "humble" in an online post that also mentioned Wilson's long career as a civil engineer. 'He was always thinking of ways to assist others and truly defined what it means to be a community servant," Vroman said in the statement. Deane identified the other passenger aboard the plane as a 77-year-old woman from Clifton Park, New York, and the pilot as an 87-year-old man from Mechanicville, New York. The passenger was not as seriously injured as the pilot, Deane said, adding that both patients were expected to recover. He had no updates on their medical conditions. Police chief: It appears two passes at runway preceded landing attempt and crash It appears the plane made two passes at the runway, then attempted a landing on the third pass and ran out of runway, Deane said. An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board is on the way to the crash site, Deane said on July 31. The scene of the crash was in a densely vegetated area off the east end of the runway at Block Island State Airport, Deane said. Firefighters and rescuers had to cut through the thick brush to reach the fuselage of the plane. It took about 45 minutes to reach the plane and extricate the survivors. All three occupants were brought to Block Island Medical Center. The two survivors were returned to the airport and airlifted to medical care off the island, Deane said. Plane owned by a flying club The trio flew together with some regularity, Deane said, adding that they were friends and they liked to fly to a destination, have some lunch and then fly home. The plane is among five aircraft collectively owned by Condair Flyers Inc., an organization with 75 members based in Albany, New York, Condair's executive secretary, Brian Saez, said in an email. The website for Condair Flyers describes the organization as a not-for-profit flying club based at Albany International Airport. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Block Island plane crash victim identified as Daniel Wilson of NY Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
How Global Women Rangers Are Conserving Nature For Future Generations
The Akashinga Project in Phundundu, Zimbabwe (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images World Ranger Day commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, and celebrates the work they do protecting the world's natural and cultural heritage. It is observed annually on July 31, though rangers do this meaningful work year-round. In the dry heat of Zimbabwe's Phundundu Wildlife Area, a region known for its high levels of poaching, a group of women in fatigues moves silently through the bush—the Akashinga Rangers, an all-female anti-poaching unit. Armed, trained and determined, they are part of a quiet revolution: women taking center stage in protecting some of the world's most vulnerable ecosystems. Women rangers and trainees at The Akashinga Project Base Camp in Phundundu, Zimbabwe (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Training rangers at the Akashinga Ranger training programme in Phundundu, Zimbabwe AFP via Getty Images The women of Akashinga (akashinga meaning 'the brave ones') are credited with significant reductions in poaching, making over 1,000 arrests, removing thousands of snares and drastically reducing incidents of poaching in their patrol areas. But their role extends far beyond conservation. Becoming game rangers has empowered them and their communities, providing them with economic opportunities and giving them a sense of ownership in conservation efforts. Many have purchased property, built homes and sent their children to school full time. They're also obtaining driver's licenses, enrolling in college and finishing degrees. 'We are not just protecting wildlife, we are changing communities,' Sergeant Petronella Chigumbura, deputy Akashinga ranger supervisor, tells me when we chat. 'When we wear this uniform, we are respected. That respect is powerful.' Akashinga operate in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana, though primarily in the Phundundu Wildlife Area in Zimbabwe's Lower Zambezi Valley. There is currently no formal accommodation within the Phundundu Wildlife Area itself, though there are several safari lodges within nearby Mana Pools National Park. Female members of the anti-poaching team "Black Mambas" collect snares in Hoedspruit, South Africa. (MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Female members of the anti-poaching team "Black Mamba" prepare for the night patrols in Hoedspruit, South Africa. (Photo by MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Further south in South Africa's Greater Kruger region, the Black Mambas, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, patrol the 49,000-acre Balule Nature Reserve. Without weapons, they rely instead on visibility, education and physical presence to disrupt illegal activity. Established in 2013, the unit has helped reduce snaring and bushmeat poaching by over 60% and has won international accolades, including the United Nations' Champions of the Earth award. To meet the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) in Kruger National Park, Pondoro Game Lodge offer a tour of the Black Mamba Anti Poaching Unit. Once nearly absent from conservation fieldwork, female rangers worldwide are increasingly reshaping the profession. From the wilds of Africa to the forests of India and the reefs of the Red Sea, female rangers are challenging gender norms, restoring degraded ecosystems and proving that women can lead, and lead well, in one of the world's most demanding fields. Saudi Arabia's Pioneering Sea Rangers Move From Foot Patrols To Marine Protection A striking example of this shift comes from Saudi Arabia, where, to mark World Ranger Day 2025, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve launched the Middle East's first all-female marine ranger corps, a historic milestone for conservation in the region. Until now, women rangers in the Kingdom had worked primarily on land; this initiative extends their presence to sea, where they now patrol close to a million acres of Red Sea coastline. Women on patrol in the marine portion of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Women rangers on patrol Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Led by Dominique du Toit, a South African conservationist with decades of experience, the program has already recruited and trained seven sea rangers to safeguard coral reefs, Hawksbill turtle nesting sites and dugong habitats. 'This has been an incredible accomplishment,' du Toit emails me. 'These rangers can be proud of the challenges they have overcome.' One such ranger is Ruqayyah Awadh AlBalawi, who joined the program without previous swimming experience. "I discovered a whole new world underwater," she messages. "I dream of the day when a woman is skipper of the Reserve's patrol boat." The Reserve is already setting new benchmarks, with women now making up 34% of its 246-strong ranger force, well above the global average of just 11%. 'The conservation industry globally is known for gender imbalance, especially in marine sectors,' Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of PMBSRR emails. 'We're not just closing the gap; we're building a model that others can follow.' Women rangers in Saudi Arabia are also helping with the rewilding of endangered native species such as oryx and sand gazelle Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Beyond enforcing environmental laws, these rangers are helping Saudi Arabia reach its ambitious Vision 2030 targets, including conserving 30% of the Kingdom's land and sea and rewilding endangered native species such as oryx and sand gazelle. The marine rangers are not just protecting biodiversity, they're changing expectations of who conservation is for. The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve is located south of Neom, in north-western Saudi Arabia and day visitors are welcome. There's a good public road network and most areas of the reserve are open to the public. India's Hargila Army Shows Grassroots Female Leadership In Action Thousands of miles away in India, Dr Purnima Devi Barman is leading a different kind of ranger revolution. Her brainchild, the Hargila Army or 'Stork Sisters' movement, is an all-female community group that has transformed the conservation narrative around the endangered greater adjutant stork (known locally as "hargila"). Once considered a disease-carrying pest and bad omen and threatened by habitat loss, poaching and poisoning the adjutant stork is coming back from the brink of extinction thanks to the Hargila Army. "Hargila Army" members on World Environment Day, India, June 5, 2025. The Hargila Army is a unique all-women conservation group from Assam, India. (Photo by DAVID TALUKDAR/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Dr Purnima Devi Barman addresses a group of women known as the "Hargila Army" on the occasion of World Environment Day, in India on June 5, 2025. Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images In a country where female ranger roles are relatively rare and regularly undervalued, the Hargila Army has flipped the narrative, showing that community-based, female-led conservation can yield long-lasting results. Their intervention has helped triple local stork populations and transformed the bird's image. Barman began working with rural communities in Assam, adopting and celebrating the bird. From small beginnings, she's built a network of rural women, all committed to protecting the stork. Instead of using combat, these women use compassion, focusing on building trust—hosting baby showers for storks, protecting nesting trees and integrating stork conservation into everyday village life. What was once a one-woman campaign has grown to a network of over 20,000 women, many of whom are now de facto wildlife rangers in their own right, monitoring nests, patrolling wetlands and educating future generations. 'Many women join because it is a matter of prestige to be a part of the Hargila Army,' Barman mentions when we talk. Many of the members of the Hargila Army belong to villages like Dadara, Pacharia, and Singimari, in the Kamrup district of the Brahmaputra Valley. These villages are known for their Greater Adjutant storks, with some sizable nesting colonies. The best time to visit, for those wishing to see the storks, is during their breeding season, typically from December to February. The Next Generation Of Leaders On Patrol In Zambia In Zambia's Luangwa Valley, conservation scientist Thandiwe Mweetwa is mentoring the next generation of female wildlife leaders through the Women in Wildlife Conservation Training Program. Initiated by the Zambian Carnivore Programme in 2017, WIWC provides hands-on training, mentorship and career development opportunities for women pursuing careers in what is a traditionally male-dominated field. The program addresses the historical underrepresentation of women in conservation, particularly in field-based roles. WOMEN RANGERS OUT ON PATROL IN ZAMBIA ZAMBIA CARNIVORE PROGRAMME Thandiwe Mweetwa ZAMBIA CARNIVORE PROGRAMME Mweetwa's work involves radio-collaring lions and African wild dogs, analyzing human-wildlife conflict and mentoring girls in local schools to pursue careers in conservation. 'I want girls to know that science and conservation are not just for men,' she tells me when we meet up. 'We need women in the bush. We bring a different perspective.' A number of the safari lodges in South Luangwa National Park are involved with the Zambian Carnivore Programme's Luangwa Valley Carnivore Monitoring Project, a citizen scientist initiative where guides, guests and lodge owners report important wildlife sightings and any poaching related incidents. It's a good way for visitors to get involved in the collection of data on threatened species in the park's vast landscapes. Why Female Rangers Matter—Now More Than Ever Female rangers, part of Team Lioness in Kenya AFP via Getty Images The rapid rise of women in conservation roles is not just about equality, it's about effectiveness. Studies by the Universal Ranger Support Alliance, Transparency International, World Wildlife Fund and the Anti Corruption Resource Alliance, along with papers from Frontiers in Conservation Science, show that mixed or female-led teams tend to be less prone to corruption, more engaged with community education and often more successful at de-escalating potentially violent encounters with poachers. While women are still underrepresented in ranger work, their impact punches far above their numbers. In many parts of the world, female rangers serve not just as environmental protectors, but also as community leaders, role models and agents of economic empowerment. Building Inclusive Futures For Conservation Despite the progress, challenges remain. But the tide is turning. From India's grassroots wetlands to the coral reefs of the Red Sea and the wilderness of Africa, women are leading a new kind of conservation, one that is inclusive, locally grounded and future-facing. Ranger organizations and governments must now not only invest in recruitment, but also in retention, offering maternity support, secure housing, leadership development and equal pay. As Zaloumis of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve puts it: 'Women bring essential skills to conservation, and we're only beginning to see what's possible when they're given the chance.' The role of female rangers is strategic in addition to symbolic. Women are more than patrolling the wild, they're reshaping it. OCEAN PATROL OFF THE COAST OF SAUDI ARABIA Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve
