• Reuters

    Stay alert: Quake warning app demand surges in earthquake-rattled Taiwan

    Earthquake warning smartphone apps have surged in popularity in Taiwan due to high demand from people eager to get a few extra seconds to take cover after more than 1,300 aftershocks rattled the island in the past month following a large temblor. Taiwan's east coast was struck by a 7.2 magnitude quake on April 3, killing 17 people. The frequent aftershocks since then - including more than 200 tremors in a 24-hour period starting April 22 - have unnerved many.

  • Reuters

    Parched Philippine dam reveals centuries-old town, luring tourists

    Ruins of a centuries-old town have emerged at a dam parched by drought in northern Philippines, giving residents a rare spectacle and an extra source of income in a region dependent on rice-growing. Following a prolonged spell with little rain, the dried-up dam has revealed parts of a sunken church and foundations of old structures from the old town in Nueva Ecija province in recent weeks. "When I heard about the sunken church of old Pantabangan town resurfacing, I got excited and wanted to see it," said 61-year-old retired nurse Aurea Delos Santos.

  • The Canadian Press

    Polls close for byelections held in two Ontario ridings

    Polls have closed for byelections held in two Ontario ridings with a tight race expected in one of them. Polls and observers suggest the Progressive Conservatives and Liberals are neck and neck in Milton, just west of Mississauga, while the Tories are largely expected to hold onto the southwest Ontario riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. Milton has been vacant since cabinet minister Parm Gill resigned in February to join the federal Conservatives. The Liberal candidate is Galen Naidoo-Harris, who