ICESCO, Saudi NELC Discuss Cooperation on E-Learning

File photo: Two sisters work through math problems in their dining room. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
File photo: Two sisters work through math problems in their dining room. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
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ICESCO, Saudi NELC Discuss Cooperation on E-Learning

File photo: Two sisters work through math problems in their dining room. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
File photo: Two sisters work through math problems in their dining room. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has held a virtual meeting with the Saudi National eLearning Center (NELC) and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture to discuss prospects for cooperation.

The meeting also discussed ways to prepare for signing a memorandum of understanding on e-learning.

During the meeting, NELC representatives said they were willing to exchange knowledge and put the Center’s experience at the disposal of ICESCO member states, and to encourage cooperation to transfer best practices to educational institutions and frameworks.

They also encouraged granting and approving professional certificates for specialized teachers and trainers.



Heavy Rain in Northern Japan Triggers Floods, Landslides

A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
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Heavy Rain in Northern Japan Triggers Floods, Landslides

A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)

Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued emergency warnings of heavy rain for several municipalities in the Yamagata and Akita prefecture, where warm and humid air was flowing.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged the affected area’s residents to “put safety first” and pay close attention to the latest information from the authorities.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, one person went missing in Yuzawa city — in the Akita prefecture — after being hit by a landslide at a road construction site.

Rescue workers in the city evacuated 11 people from the flooded area with the help of a boat.

In the neighboring Yamagata prefecture, more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain fell in the hardest-hit Yuza and Sakata towns within an hour earlier Thursday.

Thousands of residents in the area were advised to take shelter at higher and safer grounds, but it was not immediately known how many people took that advice.

Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train services were partially suspended on Thursday, according to East Japan Railway Company.

The agency predicted up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) of more rainfall in the region through Friday evening, urging residents to remain cautious.