Thousands of people in Nicaragua have been evacuated from their homes as Hurricane Beta neared Central America’s Caribbean coast early today, pounding the mainland with heavy rains and high winds.

Disappointed pilgrims were blocked by police from viewing Pope John Paul II’s body, as overwhelmed authorities tried to clear the last million mourners already in line before tomorrow’s funeral.

A moderate earthquake shook central Italy, causing panic among many residents but no injuries, the Civil Defence Department said today.

European’s deadly heatwave, blamed for deaths, drying rivers and scorching wildfires, could last until September, weathermen said today.

The tiny volcanic island of Stromboli in southern Italy was closed off to tourists today after a landslide caused several injuries.

Prosecutors arrived in abandoned San Giuliano di Puglia today to start an investigation into whether anyone was to blame for the deaths of 26 children buried under their school in an earthquake.