Polls have opened in Myanmar in a highly controversial election organized by the ruling military junta, nearly five years after it seized power in a coup that plunged the country into civil war.

Drowning incidents across South Africa over the busy pre-Christmas weekend have once again highlighted the deadly risks of swimming at unprotected beaches and in flooded waterways.

What to expect in the weather over the next few days: Ongoing heavy rains and severe thunderstorms across South Africa have claimed at least five lives, with more flooding expected as weather warnings remain in place.