Police and army experts say they're urgently checking the safety of about 1,800 bridges in northern England amid some of the worst storms ever recorded in Britain.

Vast tracts of South Australia are preparing for another baking day of catastrophic fire risk after yesterday's 40C-plus temperatures.

Samoa's Prime Minister says journalists are making up stories of corruption and aid diversion.

Two New Zealand brothers provide hope for Samoans dealing with the devastation of the tsunami.