Netherlands
A fire broke out at the top of Vondelkerk (Vondel Church), in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, destroying the upper section of a historic building.
Germany
Credit: Christian Charisius/dpa
Germany’s celebration of the turn of the year was largely peaceful compared to previous years, although there were isolated deaths, injuries and revellers in some places threw fireworks at police officers and first responders.
Additional police were on duty in many places, with concerns about rowdiness in several cities, including Berlin, following attacks on emergency services on New Year’s Eve in previous years.
In Berlin alone, there were more than 400 arrests by 1 am on Thursday (0000 GMT). In the eastern city of Leipzig, where riots broke out in previous years, police and first responders were attacked with fireworks.
In the western city of Bielefeld, two 18-year-old men died after suffering fatal facial injuries in separate accidents involving homemade fireworks.
Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology announced the passing of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Hayley, through parts of Australia, in December.
Hayley elevated water levels and riverbeds, including the Fitzroy river.
The Bureau said in an update on Thursday, it is watching these water levels closely in Kimberley.
Members of the public are urged to stay clear of waterways, as they may be flowing faster or more powerfully than usual.
Switzerland
About 40 people were killed and close to 100 injured, at a fire ski resort, in Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve.
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