MYANMAR: The European Union announced on Monday that it has imposed sanctions on nine officials in Myanmar and seven entities, including government departments and companies, linked to rising violence, human rights abuses and security threats.

The 27-nation bloc imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on the officials, among them the energy minister and top military brass, over “actions that threaten the peace, security or stability of Myanmar.”

It also froze the assets in Europe of defence ministry departments and several companies.

OHIO: At least 14 people were injured after an explosion tore through a metals plant in Bedford, Ohio.

The blast at the I Schumann & Co metals plant was about 70 miles north-west of East Palestine, Ohio, where a train of toxic chemicals derailed earlier this month.

BRAZIL: The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in south-eastern Brazil rose to 40 on Monday.

President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva visited the region and said that homes should no longer be built in areas at risk of landslides and major floods.

Authorities say more casualties are still expected as at least three dozen people are still missing.

Lula flew over the coastal town of Sao Sebastiao and pledged to help rebuild the town by constructing new houses in safer locations.

IRAN: The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on two organisations and 32 Iranians, including the culture and education ministers, intelligence officials and lawmakers, accused of links to Iran’s security crackdown on protesters.

The protests began after the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini following her arrest by the Islamic Republic’s morality police.