AFTER a 12-hour overnight flight from Heathrow, my husband James and I landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.

THERE is a conspicuous absence of insects, other than gorgeous butterflies, around our idyllic temporary home, at Pon de Rock, Fort Charles Bay, Jamaica, although, according to the information pack supplied by our hostess, scorpions are abroad in the garden at night and one should wear shoes.

A dam in rural Missouri failed this morning, washing away homes and vehicles and leaving at least one person missing, authorities said.