hello, i'm nuala mcgovern, this is outside source. the search for survivors after a deadly earthquake in afghanistan is called off. our belongings are still under the rubble. everything is devastated. everything is devastated. more than a thousand people have died in a remote part of afghanistan — which is already in the grips of a humanitarian crisis. also in the programme. ukraine could be a step closer tojoining the european union — as the organisation decides whether to offer it candidate status. and britain's busiest airport could be bought to a standstill next month — as hundreds of staff

vote to go on strike. in afghanistan, the taliban say the search for survivors has been called off, just a day after a devastating earthquake which is thought to have killed more than a thousand people. the earthquake struck early on wednesday about 44 kilometres from the city of khost. heavy rain and the destruction of road and communication network have hampered relief efforts in paktika province —— the worst hit area. our kabul correspondent secunder kirmani is there, and sent this report.

homes reduced to rubble, lives reduced to memories. "these were my son's shoes," says agha jan. his three young children were killed in the earthquake as they slept, as well as his two wives. when the roof fell down, what did you do? translation: i ran toward my family, but everything was under the rubble, even my shovel, so i couldn't do anything. i shouted to my cousins, but when we took my family out, they were already dead. it's a three—hour drive to the nearest big city from the worst—affected villages along largely dirt roads. here, practically every home is destroyed, every family grieving. the people here didn't have much to begin with, but they've seen their homes, their possessions — you can see them scattered amongst the debris — and their loved ones disappear in a single terrible moment. in this one home, 18 people were killed. habib gul raised back across the borderfrom pakistan to help bury 20 of his family members. translation: if the world looks on us like brothers and helps us, we will stay here on our land.

if they don't, we will leave this place, where we've spent so long, with tears in our eyes. the taliban have been flying in aid on helicopters. the search—and—rescue effort has now finished. the most pressing need is shelter. families forced to live in tents, flanked by the remnants of homes they worked so hard to construct. khalid jan is now responsible for his five grandchildren. two of his sons and his daughter were killed in the earthquake. translation: all my son's children have been left to me, and i'm all they have left. the house and everything here has been destroyed. i'll never be able to rebuild it. aid agencies are delivering supplies, but this is a major crisis.

here, prayers for the nearly 50 people killed in one tiny village alone. prayers needed too for those who have survived. secunder kermani, bbc news, paktika province. this is the acting governor of the provenance which is the worst affected in afghanistan. he said they have managed to get to all of they have managed to get to all of the areas in that province and he says there are no hopes of finding any more survivors but even now it is still hard to assess the exact number of people who have died in this disaster. it struck at 130 in the night when people were asleep. people were asleep in homes which collapsed around them so it will be

a while before we know the exact toll. a while before we know the exact toll, ., a while before we know the exact toll. ., , ., , ., toll. some of the estimates are devastating- — toll. some of the estimates are devastating. how _ toll. some of the estimates are devastating. how would - toll. some of the estimates are devastating. how would you - toll. some of the estimates are - devastating. how would you describe the situation?— the situation? people will already stru: calin the situation? people will already struggling in _ the situation? people will already struggling in this _ the situation? people will already struggling in this country. - the situation? people will alreadyl struggling in this country. families would go days without eating food and now families and those affected areas do not have a roof over their heads. there are no homes to live in and it has just compounded the series of problems that they have been facing for a while. the other thing is, hospitals. health infrastructure in this country is a near collapse because foreign funds almost entirely when it snows. on the 15th of august when the taliban

took control of dennistoun so people injured and in hospital, they are in places where there is barely any staff. there are barely any supplies and not enough equipment to treat them. we and not enough equipment to treat them. ~ ., and not enough equipment to treat them. ~ . ., ., ., them. we saw that the taliban had a lea for them. we saw that the taliban had a plea for help — them. we saw that the taliban had a plea for help to _ them. we saw that the taliban had a plea for help to countries _ them. we saw that the taliban had a plea for help to countries to - them. we saw that the taliban had a plea for help to countries to come i plea for help to countries to come and cooperate and help organise that response. i countries responding to that plea? afghanistan is a country not having internationally recognised government and that is the problem. whenever disaster strikes a country particularly and economically weaker one, we have seen rescue teams, even military is around the world helping with relief operate deliver operations. their giving directly to the government because there sanctions against the group so it is humanitarian agencies

playing the main role which, since the 15th of august had been playing the 15th of august had been playing the main role as a bridge between international funds and a and the people of afghanistan. they have already been stretched. the economy was in crisis as well so humanitarian agencies alone trying to prop up the health care system, trying to prop up the country, they have already been extremely stretched. now they're having to deal with the aftermath of an earthquake as well. with the taliban have any real experience of dealing with natural disasters, of making happen what needs to happen? they took control of this country on the 15th of august and the country has been facing a severe drought for a while now so as far as a natural disaster that happens in the second,

this is the first big challenge that they are dealing with. we did see that in some areas, helicopters were flown in for evacuation but we don't know how experienced those pilots were. we know underground there is not an experienced disaster response team, for example, so a lot of those rescue operations have been ad hoc. a lot of volunteers on the ground. lots of locals in the area. helping dig through the rubble to try to find survivors. the announcement has not happened yet. they are taking time to reflect on the wider issue of enlargement of the block. the president of the european parliament was in no doubt earlier about what she thought. she's at this decision to grant

ukraine candidate status is the right one and will strengthen ukraine and europe. it is a decision forfreedom and ukraine and europe. it is a decision for freedom and democracy and also puts us on the right side of history. for its part, ukraine is confident the decision will go its way. this is the ambassador to the eu. we need this decision to give candidate status to ukraine now. it is important to ukraine to keep fighting. fighting for the european ukraine and to keep fighting for our future. the demonstrations were sparked by the ukrainian government sudden decision to not sign the european union ukraine association agreement and choosing closer ties to russia. if it does officially become a

candidate, the process to move from that to becoming a member is likely to take years. our buses corresponding is at the european parliament. corresponding is at the european parliament-— corresponding is at the european parliament. , , ., parliament. one person i spoke to su: nested parliament. one person i spoke to suggested it _ parliament. one person i spoke to suggested it was _ parliament. one person i spoke to suggested it was just _ parliament. one person i spoke to suggested it was just a _ parliament. one person i spoke to suggested it was just a question . parliament. one person i spoke to| suggested it wasjust a question of suggested it was just a question of gathering around the table and its leader, all of the 27 once to say their piece about what they think about the current situation and express their solidarity with ukraine and therefore with 27 around the table, it is going to take some time but there have been indications yesterday and we might get an announcement sooner than has emerged so far but it has been a massive shock i think, if it was not granted candidate status. we shock i think, if it was not granted candidate status.— candidate status. we are still waitin: candidate status. we are still waiting for— candidate status. we are still waiting for a _ candidate status. we are still waiting for a decision - candidate status. we are still waiting for a decision on - candidate status. we are still waiting for a decision on that| candidate status. we are still - waiting for a decision on that and bring it to you as we get it. let's have a look at how the stories playing out in another part of europe. a part of russia. sanctions are focusing minds on a

russian region which is adding to attention because of its geography. the follow—up from the wall and you ukraine is but a focus on a part of russia you may not know well. it is called cullinane brad and has a population of one million and it sits between lithuania, poland and the baltic sea and violet from the rest of russia to strategically important. rest of russia to strategically important-— important. pretty much a big military base. _ important. pretty much a big military base. russia's - important. pretty much a big military base. russia's balticj important. pretty much a big - military base. russia's baltic fleet is there and _ military base. russia's baltic fleet is there and tens _ military base. russia's baltic fleet is there and tens of _ military base. russia's baltic fleet is there and tens of thousands - military base. russia's baltic fleet is there and tens of thousands of. is there and tens of thousands of russian troops. now to the latest pressure point between russia and the west. no blockade of leningrad is taking place. it is simply that, since this weekend, sanctions have come into force on some of the goods included in the so—called sanctions package. the eu introduced a raft of sanctions after the invasion of ukraine and lithuania found itself at the front line of imposing them. it has banned some goods being transported between kaliningrad and the rest of russia and this warning

followed. , , ., the rest of russia and this warning followed. , , . . ., , followed. russia will certainly res - ond followed. russia will certainly respond to — followed. russia will certainly respond to such _ followed. russia will certainly respond to such hostile - followed. russia will certainly l respond to such hostile actions. consequences will have a negative impact on the population of live the way near. we impact on the population of live the wa near. ~ ., �* ~ ., ., impact on the population of live the wa near. ~ ., ., way near. we don't know what those consequences _ way near. we don't know what those consequences about _ way near. we don't know what those consequences about whenever - way near. we don't know what those consequences about whenever the l consequences about whenever the sanctions. the times report says... the governor says a0 to 50% of vale imports are effected. but russia's reaction may not only be about that. the results of the expansion of the military alliance. i the results of the expansion of the military alliance.— military alliance. i am sure that the are military alliance. i am sure that they are scared _ military alliance. i am sure that they are scared because - military alliance. i am sure that they are scared because of - military alliance. i am sure that - they are scared because of swedish unfinished membership in nato. because the baltic sea will be, more or less, surrounded by peaceful nato countries. . ., , ., countries. kaliningrad borders to nato members, _ countries. kaliningrad borders to nato members, lithuania - countries. kaliningrad borders to nato members, lithuania and i countries. kaliningrad borders to - nato members, lithuania and poland. nearby are latvia, estonia, germany. now sweden and finland have applied tojoin, too. amongst all of

now sweden and finland have applied to join, too. amongst all of these countries is kaliningrad and the russian military. understandings rise, there is attention on the border between lithuania and poland. it is known as this gap and it separates kaliningrad from russia's ally belarus. it has been called the most dangerous place on earth and that may be overstating things but the broader point still stands. russia has already invaded one sovereign nation one former prime minister and putting critics as if ukraine falls, the baltic states will be next. he was a journalist. in theory, russia, that goes to war with the entire bloc of countries it could be targeting this particular area. we could be targeting this particular area. ~ ., �* ~ ., could be targeting this particular area. . ., �* 4' ., ,, area. we don't know russia's intentions — area. we don't know russia's intentions but _ area. we don't know russia's intentions but any _ area. we don't know russia's intentions but any attack - area. we don't know russia's intentions but any attack on i intentions but any attack on lithuania brings with it high stakes as bbc russia explains.— lithuania brings with it high stakes as bbc russia explains. everyone in the kremlin — as bbc russia explains. everyone in the kremlin realises _ as bbc russia explains. everyone in the kremlin realises that _ as bbc russia explains. everyone in the kremlin realises that this - as bbc russia explains. everyone in the kremlin realises that this will i the kremlin realises that this will lead to war with a country which is

a nato member and eu member. russia knows that war — a nato member and eu member. russia knows that war with _ a nato member and eu member. russia knows that war with one _ a nato member and eu member. russia knows that war with one nato _ a nato memberand eu member. russia knows that war with one nato member means war with all nato members. i don't think that is very likely but the fact— don't think that is very likely but the fact that some people are talking — the fact that some people are talking about this and pushing for this, that — talking about this and pushing for this, that showsjust how bad relations— this, that showsjust how bad relations have become. between russia _ relations have become. between russia and the west. i speculations about— russia and the west. i speculations about and _ russia and the west. i speculations about and they are getting worse. nato says — about and they are getting worse. nato says it has responded by significantly strengthening its readiness to protect and defend all allies— readiness to protect and defend all allies and — readiness to protect and defend all allies and that means better groups being _ allies and that means better groups being deployed in poland, that the mania. _ being deployed in poland, that the mania, latvia and dystonia and so not for _ mania, latvia and dystonia and so not for the — mania, latvia and dystonia and so not for the first time for leningrad finds— not for the first time for leningrad finds itself— not for the first time for leningrad finds itself part of a global power struggle — finds itself part of a global power struggle that is out in europe. during — struggle that is out in europe. during the second world war it was known _ during the second world war it was known as— during the second world war it was known as another name and controlled by nazi _ known as another name and controlled by nazi germany. after the white would _ by nazi germany. after the white would become, leningrad and part of russia _ would become, leningrad and part of russia. ., ., , ., , ., russia. now, over 75 years later, russia's relations _ russia. now, over 75 years later, russia's relations with _ russia. now, over 75 years later, russia's relations with the - russia. now, over 75 years later, russia's relations with the rest i russia. now, over 75 years later, russia's relations with the rest of europe are again being reset and file a military operation is not

expected there is no heavily militarised part of russia surrounded by nato members and in part by nato troops. combine that with russia's recent statements and why the focus on kaliningrad is increasing right now. the british prime minister has defended his controversial deal with rwanda. borisjohnson, who told critics to keep an open mind on the deal, as an east african country for the commonwealth summit. our political correspondent sent this report. could this be a lesson in diplomacy? on visits and the rwandan capital today, diplomacy? on visits and the rwandan capitaltoday, boris diplomacy? on visits and the rwandan capital today, borisjohnson was keen to talk about education, trade, sustainability, the things that bind commonwealth countries together. but it was the plan his government has drawn up to send asylum seekers from

the uk here, that has attracted attention. . ., , attention. prince charles reported the thin . s attention. prince charles reported the things that _ attention. prince charles reported the things that policy _ attention. prince charles reported the things that policy needs i attention. prince charles reportedj the things that policy needs work, having carded appalling. in rwanda itself, representing the queen, he is due to meet the minister tomorrow who earlier seemed ready to defend his plan. who earlier seemed ready to defend his lan. ., , ., who earlier seemed ready to defend his lan. .,, ., ~ , who earlier seemed ready to defend his lan. ., ~ , ., his plan. people need to keep an oen his plan. people need to keep an open mind _ his plan. people need to keep an open mind about _ his plan. people need to keep an open mind about the _ his plan. people need to keep an open mind about the policy. i his plan. people need to keep an open mind about the policy. the| open mind about the policy. the critics _ open mind about the policy. the critics need to keep an open mind about— critics need to keep an open mind about it _ critics need to keep an open mind about it for— critics need to keep an open mind about it for depending lot people can see — about it for depending lot people can see it's obvious merits and, yes, _ can see it's obvious merits and, yes, of— can see it's obvious merits and, yes, of course, if i'm seeing the prince _ yes, of course, if i'm seeing the prince tomorrow i am of course going to make _ prince tomorrow i am of course going to make that— prince tomorrow i am of course going to make that point. just prince tomorrow i am of course going to make that point.— to make that point. just hours after this visit, downing _ to make that point. just hours after this visit, downing street _ to make that point. just hours after| this visit, downing street suggested it was not in fact likely to come up. though they are not backing away from the policy itself. this is one of the sites earmarked to house asylum seekers sent here. a move the government claims will deter those crossing the channel but critics are pushed back. the courts intervened and the hotel stand empty. there is currently no plan for borisjohnson

to visit here during his trip. this policy is not the focus of the summit. but there is no getting away from the fact that the prime minister has made it to rwanda before the asylum seekers he had hoped to send. rwanda has been keen to show itself in the best light as world leaders to send with talks of progress on shared values. and there are concerns about its record on human rights. this opposition politician returned from europe to for president but she says repression is still rife. maybe you can help rwanda _ repression is still rife. maybe you can help rwanda to _ repression is still rife. maybe you can help rwanda to become i repression is still rife. maybe you can help rwanda to become a i can help rwanda to become a democratic country. so some relief at dodging a face—to—face row with the palace but significant questions remain notjust about his asylum policy but what this gathering of leaders will achieve as the world watches.

hundreds of british airways workers, at heathrow airport, have voted to go on strike over pay. members of the gmb union employed as ba ground staff, and check—in workers, voted overwhelmingly for the industrial action. the move threatens to disrupt britain's busiest airport this summer — with 700 workers set to strike during the school holidays. paul charles, is the ceo of the pc agency — a travel and tourism consultancy company. it is the last thing ba managers need at the moment very minded passions thereunder from staff shortages, flight cancellations, queues at airports which are sometimes out of their control. on top of the fact they are being asked top of the fact they are being asked to cap the number of lights that are running each day during peak summer period so the fact that the main union here, the gmb, so frustrated, will add employment issues to the list of customer issues that ba

management are facing. it will be very, very frustrating for them. for all of us travelling, this will add to the uncertainty that everybody is seeing at the moment. they're seen cancellations every day for many airlines, notjust ba. as heathrow, gatwick and other airports capping the number of flights that are taking off the summer, it is an extraordinary situation. the demand is there. people want to fly. people are happy to pay to pay to fly. they're paying flight prices which are much more than they were pre—pandemic. but the airlines and airports are really struggling to deliver the quality of service needed to make these flights get away on time. they can deliver on that service because they are not paying enough and therefore attracting and that is at the heart of this dispute. joining us is the travel correspond from the independent newspaper in the uk. welcome to the programme. is there a

way for people to have a disruption free experience. we are experiencing a rail strike today and there will be more before the month is out. how do you see this picture over the summer? ~ do you see this picture over the summer?— do you see this picture over the summer? ~ ., , ,., , ., summer? well, i absolutely agree that, from summer? well, i absolutely agree that. from a _ summer? well, i absolutely agree that, from a british _ summer? well, i absolutely agree that, from a british point - summer? well, i absolutely agree that, from a british point of i summer? well, i absolutely agree that, from a british point of view, | that, from a british point of view, it looks like the end of summer as we know it. we've got widespread flight cancellations particularly at london's two biggest airports, heathrow and gatwick. easyjet and ryanair, the two big low—cost airlines in europe with the main base of operations in the uk, are both facing strike calls. and now we have got hundreds of british airways staff preparing to walk out. however, while it looks like utter chaos, in fact, the vast majority of people are travelling normally. but the british airways dispute is really important because itjust

points out that aviation in the uk has been involved in a kind of race to the bottom and, frankly, the only way we can get out of this is if passengers are prepared to pay more for their affairs so that people working on the front line of aviation can get a decent reward. may be people have got used to those cheaper fares over the past decade orso cheaper fares over the past decade or so but what would you give us practical advice to travellers because of course, anything that doesn't fly from the uk will have an international impact as well. is there anyway to try and minimise the chaos? ~ ., ., .. there anyway to try and minimise the chaos? ~ ., ., ~ , chaos? well, look, it is the uncertainty. _ chaos? well, look, it is the uncertainty, is _ chaos? well, look, it is the uncertainty, is poll- chaos? well, look, it is the i uncertainty, is poll chargeable saying earlier, which is hurting people. this is causing far more emotional damage, i think, people. this is causing far more emotional damage, ithink, than actually having an impact on peoples flights. personally, from what i have learned of this particular british airways dispute, and i've got four bookings injuly and august in and out of heathrow with british

airways. i'm very relaxed about them because i know that, even though these extremely good hard—working staff will be missed, it will be possible for british airways to run a coherent operation without them. it would be as good. it could lead to delays and complications but i think that would work and similarly, with the other disputes, easyjet and ryanair, cabin crew problems. ryanair have the threat of industrial action. easyjet workers industrial action. easyjet workers in spain. it looks a mess but, honestly, i am relaxed even though i'm holding flights with all of those airlines. i think i'm probably going to get away need to be. fortunately for consumers, the air passenger rights rules are so strongly in their favour, requiring any airline that cancels a fight to

find an alternative way of getting to the destination, that i think i'm probably going to be ok along with the hopefully vast majority of other european travellers. fine the hopefully vast ma'ority of other european travellers._ european travellers. one question for ou european travellers. one question for you before _ european travellers. one question for you before let _ european travellers. one question for you before let you _ european travellers. one question for you before let you go. - european travellers. one question for you before let you go. you i european travellers. one questionl for you before let you go. you have a check—in luggage? for you before let you go. you have a check-in luggage?— for you before let you go. you have a check-in luggage? good gracious, no. no. i never— a check-in luggage? good gracious, no. no. i never do. _ a check-in luggage? good gracious, no. no. i never do. this _ a check-in luggage? good gracious, no. no. i never do. this is - a check-in luggage? good gracious, no. no. i never do. this is my- no. no. i never do. this is my maximum hand baggage and i make absolutely sure that it fits any airline anywhere in the world and certainly during disputes i've got a very generous baggage allowance and i would not take anything in because, first of all, it is not going to be sent to the other side of the world are left at heathrow airport. secondly, you don't have to hang around when you get to the other end and it is probably going to save you money as well. and as an avowed budget traveller, all of those things matter to me. thank so much for spending _ those things matter to me. thank so much for spending a _ those things matter to me. thank so much for spending a few— those things matter to me. thank so much for spending a few minutes i much for spending a few minutes without giving us your analysis on

this latest issue to come up for the travel industry. a dramatic story and pictures. an american swimmer had to be rescued from the bottom of the pool by her coach after fainting at the world aquatics championships. the 25 your lost consciousness and was not breathing when she sank after completing her routine in the final in budapest but at the us women's team later released a statement saying alvarez had received medical attention feels good now. one of the heroes of the story is the head coach for the usa team. she told the bbc what happened when she realised anita was having difficulties. she when she realised anita was having difficulties. ,, ., ., difficulties. she went down and i was like- -- _ difficulties. she went down and i was like... no, _ difficulties. she went down and i was like... no, no, _ difficulties. she went down and i was like... no, no, no, - difficulties. she went down and i was like... no, no, no, that- difficulties. she went down and i was like... no, no, no, that is. difficulties. she went down and i i was like... no, no, no, that is not normal. and then i was like, ok, i am going. because i had, you know how it feels, your heartbeat is 100 beats minute almost and i know you will really want to breathe in that

moment so i just went as fast as i could to grab her and pulled her up to the surface and once i pulled her up my to the surface and once i pulled her up my goal was only to make her breathe. i wanted to have a chance for anyone else because knew somebody was going to be faster it was me. so why not? it was important. it was more important than ever. i think i swam fancier than ever. i think i swam fancier than any of my olympics. i did here that is the second _ than any of my olympics. i did here that is the second time _ than any of my olympics. i did here that is the second time this - than any of my olympics. i did here that is the second time this has i that is the second time this has actually happened that fuentes has jumped into safer as well. the remainder of our top story. taliban authorities have called off the search for survivors in the afghan province that is the worst hit by that devastating earthquake it is thought to have killed more than a thousand people. many victims were children it had been feared many people are still trapped in the rubble of their homes in remote villages following the quake in the

early hours of wednesday. the acting governor in the province has told the bbc that rescuers have reached all areas and they have called off the rescue effort. hello. the warmest weather today was in northern england and parts of wales. mid—to—high—205 in some spots tomorrow — a fresher day for many of us with sunshine and showers. also, the breeze will be picking up out towards the west as well. so, here's the satellite picture. you can see a fair amount of cloud across parts of england and wales, but here, where we've had the sunshine for yorkshire, northern wales, that's where the best of the weather has been — the highest temperatures, that is. the forecast for tonight shows partly cloudy skies, just a few showers left over from the day and we've had some heavy ones and even some cracks of thunder here and there. but i think by the end of the night, it's going to be largely dry. quite warm, too, in

liverpool, for example. the early morning temperature will be around 16 degrees. so, here's tomorrow's weather forecast, and a low pressure centred over ireland will send fresher atlantic air to western parts of the uk, and also at times, quite heavy showers, but the showers could crop up almost anywhere across england and wales. temperatures still on the high side around east anglia and along the north sea coast. mid—20s, 20 or so in aberdeen, but out towards the west, temperatures will be in the high teens. and the forecast tomorrow evening shows further showers spreading into western and northern areas, carried by that freshening atlantic breeze brought by this area of low pressure, which is actually going to anchor itself over ireland over the next two or three days, so the weather will be... no two days will be the same, but it will be more or less the same pattern with a low to the west of us, winds circling around it and bringing cloud and occasional showers. the showers will be most frequent around western areas and it will be quite breezy, too, particularly the coasts of best temperatures and the lengthy spells of sunshine are forecast

along the north seacoast and central parts of the uk as well. you can see that low pressure's still there saturday night and into sunday. it really is a slow mover. it's just bringing these showers circling within it across the uk. probably most frequent, i think, by the end of the weekend and into next week across more northwestern areas of the uk, the closer you are to the centre of that low pressure. so, southern areas are actually pretty decent. for london, temperatures in the low 20s with predominantly dry weather. but the further north and west you are, the more frequent the showers will be, and quite cool at times — only 15, say, in belfast. bye— bye.

hello, i'm nuala mcgovern. welcome to outside source. the search for survivors after a deadly earthquake in afghanistan is called off. translation: our belongings are still under the rubble. i we've only pulled out human beings. everything is devastated. more than 1000 people have died in a remote part of afghanistan, which is already in the grips of a humanitarian crisis. also in the programme... this is new york. we don't back down. we fight back. a major blow to the gun control lobby — the us supreme court has upheld americans' right to carry a gun in public. we'll be live in new york. and if the skies are clear, you might be able to catch the

rare sight of five major planets in our solar system. let's turn to afghanistan now, where the country has called off the search for survivors from a devastating earthquake. over 1,000 people are known to have died. the earthquake struck early on wednesday about aa kilometres from the city of khost. and we know most of the confirmed deaths are in the south—east in pa ktika province. this is one woman who survived. translation: seven in one room, five in the other, four in another, l then three in another have all been killed in my family. i can't talk any more. my heart is getting weak. afghanistan is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because of the geological fault lines which cross the country. but the impact of this one is being felt in a particularly rural area, where the houses are mainly made of mud. the houses, as you can see here,

disintegrated in the earthquake. the taliban has made an urgent appealfor aid. translation: we call- on the international community to help because our country alone cannot handle this incident. we want the international community to start working with us at this time and to continue their cooperation. so, as you heard there, there's an urgent need for aid. but the international community's relationship with the taliban, who took over last year, complicates that. this is baroness valerie amos explaining why. she used to be in charge of emergency relief at the un. the worry would be not wanting i to get these assets into the hands of an authority that is not yet recognised by many in the i international community, concerns about what that| money might be used for. of course, there have been concerns in the past with respect to money i

going into the hands of terrorist organisations, so there is - a security element to all of this. so, navigating that i complexity is not easy. afghanistan is already experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, so the impact of this earthquake has been devastating. we know that afghans have already been grappling with a severe drought. the result is destroyed crops like the ones you see here and no meaningful harvest to speak of, and that has knock—on effects. in march, the united nations said almost 95% of afghans aren't getting enough to eat. the un called it "a figure so high that it is almost inconceivable". let's hear from the world food programme. food assistance, all these families, is not new. what's different now is that families have lost their homes, families have nothing. they are

probably in need of shelter, medical supplies, clean water as well as a mirror to see assistance. —— emergency assistance. the situation is just too absolutely, look at what is just too absolutely, look at what is most critical in the next 2a to a8 hours. we also know that at least 1,500 people have been injured. but the healthcare system in afghanistan is already under massive strain. the bbc has been speaking to one clinic in one of the worst hit areas. people keep arriving, but the facility only has five beds. the bbc has also been speaking to afghanistan's former health and under —— health minister. the afghanistan's former health and under -- health minister. the recent earthquake--- _ under -- health minister. the recent earthquake... this _ under -- health minister. the recent earthquake... this happens - under -- health minister. the recent earthquake... this happens in i under -- health minister. the recent earthquake... this happens in a i earthquake... this happens in a context— earthquake... this happens in a context where the country is not really _ context where the country is not really protected by a huge amount

ofm _ really protected by a huge amount ofm one — really protected by a huge amount ofm one of— really protected by a huge amount of... one of the main was severe during _ of... one of the main was severe during the — of... one of the main was severe during the operation. last two nights— during the operation. last two nights and days is in availability of the _ nights and days is in availability of the control centre and rapid response _ of the control centre and rapid response in the health system. this was one _ response in the health system. this was one of— response in the health system. this was one of the prominent successors in the _ was one of the prominent successors in the last— was one of the prominent successors in the last two decades. let was one of the prominent successors in the last two decades.— in the last two decades. let me turn to some breaking _ in the last two decades. let me turn to some breaking news _ in the last two decades. let me turn to some breaking news coming i in the last two decades. let me turn to some breaking news coming into | to some breaking news coming into us. the eu has confirmed that uk and moldova —— met ukraine and moldova. on the ground in ukraine, fighting continues in the east as russia tries to take full control of the donbas. most of the luhansk region

is under russian control, with ukraine trying to hold on to two cities. russia is close to gaining full control of severodonetsk. the neighbouring city of lysychansk is also under heavy shelling by the russians. president zelensky has once again appealed for more weapons. let's hear from his latest address to the nation. us has sent four of the weapons, which have a longer range than the howitzers currently deployed by ukraine. let's hear from his latest address to the nation. translation: and donbas, there are massive air and artillery strikes. the goal of the occupiers in this direction remain the same. they want to destroy the entire donbas date by step. they need to make any city

like mariupol completely destroyed. our correspondent joe inwood is in kyiv. we understand from the ukrainians they've _ we understand from the ukrainians they've stepped up in garage is and struggling to cope with it. the russians— struggling to cope with it. the russians have pushed closer 22. they've — russians have pushed closer 22. they've taken more villagers —— closer— they've taken more villagers —— closer to — they've taken more villagers —— closer to the city of lysychansk. thanks — closer to the city of lysychansk. thanks very much to joe. joining me now isjustin crump, a military analyst and ceo of the risk advisory company, sibylline. very good to have you with us. i'm just curious for your thoughts about the news coming in that the eu has decided they will give candidate status ukraine as well as moldova. do you feel that could have a direct impact, for example, on how ukraine

goes forward? i impact, for example, on how ukraine goes forward?— goes forward? i think it'll certainly _ goes forward? i think it'll certainly give _ goes forward? i think it'll certainly give the - goes forward? i think it'll. certainly give the ukrainian population a boost in that moral factor. i think it'll give moldova reassurance as well after some incidences there several weeks ago, and the indication the conflict could extend there. it's well beyond the reach of russia right now. interesting is the exception of georgia, the third nation that was talked about in relation to the humans membership —— eu membership. but i think the eu membership's been interesting for russia. they've commented before that was a problem for them. that triggered some of the issues we saw in 2013. more recently, russia seems to say the membership is possible. lots of different messages about it.

definitely a boost. i’m different messages about it. definitely a boost.— definitely a boost. i'm also wondering _ definitely a boost. i'm also wondering because - definitely a boost. i'm also wondering because with i definitely a boost. i'm also i wondering because with nato, we often hear about article five and other member states would need to come to their aid if they were one of those members. but the eu has something similar as well and we do know that being a full member could be a fair way down the track, but could it help militarily? the be a fair way down the track, but could it help militarily?- could it help militarily? the eu's military capability _ could it help militarily? the eu's military capability is _ could it help militarily? the eu's military capability is a _ could it help militarily? the eu's military capability is a real- could it help militarily? the eu's military capability is a real paper tiger, and i think that got thrown into stark relief when they were working out how they could help ukraine. the key capabilities required to work effectively don't exist because we don't know... nato come from the united states. that's lacking for the eu itself. there is the defence part of the eu, it's really effective because nato has provided that umbrella. over time,

that might change and may be the eu will look and think we need to be serious about events now and can't rely on the us for critical combat capabilities. that's going to be a very long term process. it doesn't help militarily. it really is just that morale boost. help militarily. it really is 'ust that morale boosti help militarily. it really is 'ust that morale boost. let's go back to what's happening _ that morale boost. let's go back to what's happening on _ that morale boost. let's go back to what's happening on the _ that morale boost. let's go back to what's happening on the ground. . that morale boost. let's go back to i what's happening on the ground. i've mentioned there's been huge losses on both sides, and some have asked whether it is worth it to ukraine to defend this area. do you believe it has strategic value? i5 defend this area. do you believe it has strategic value?— has strategic value? is very exposed. — has strategic value? is very exposed. it _ has strategic value? is very exposed, it was _ has strategic value? is very exposed, it was always i has strategic value? is very l exposed, it was always prone eventually to being cut off. i think conventional wisdom would have dictated to ukraine. pull back, shorten the lines, get to more defensible areas. ukraine's always resisted. to stop the lines on the

map from moving to show they can hold the russians, but it is risky. russia's put all its efforts into that area. what's astonishing is how long russia's been held off. there are difficulties of holding severodonetsk. lysychansk is easier to hold, but they've managed to hold a position in severodonetsk against the russians. i think that's given ukrainians confidence. but it's become much harderfor them to hold in that area given the sheer pressure as we brought against them in this russian grinding breakthrough for the south. it's taken weeks to come to pass. it's a great dangerfor ukraine taken weeks to come to pass. it's a great danger for ukraine to work out what to do. at what point do they try and withdrawal? groups can get

out, but heavy equipment will get lost. that's what happened in 2015 in this conflict. i think that's the same decision they're facing now. the russians need tremendous involvement. they don't have a much bigger task ahead of them in the northern part of donetsk and the other cities we just mentioned. let's see how it goes in the coming days. justin, thanks so much. i should say ukraine's president has just tweeted in response to the news we were bringing you from brussels in the past few minutes. he says...

still to come, five planets will align for the first time in 18 years. it's been another day of disruption on the railways across britain. one in five trains is running around half the rail network is closed. striking railway workers made their voices heard on picket lines like this one in leeds, while many of britain's stations again fell silent. headingley, just down from where england's test match against new zealand began today, was one place which had no trains at all. shrewsbury was another. many commuters switched back to working from home. that wasn't an option for kamala, who can't get to her part—time job, teaching english as a foreign language in bath. i'm on a zero—hours contract, so i'm only paid for contact hours. if i can't get to work,

i won't have the income to face all the extra energy bills et cetera, so i do need to get to work. some businesses, like this hotel near milton keynes, but the rmt union wants them ruled out. the point of this is that we need a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies, and when we get that, we can move on positively to the other agenda items, which includes the stuff that the company wants to pursue about changes to working practices. meanwhile, the government has announced plans are under way to change the law so employers can use agency staff to cover staffing gaps during strikes. the business secretary insisted this would be safe. the employers will always have to maintain the highest safety standards. there is no question of them lowering standards, bringing in agency workers. all we're doing is creating more flexibility. but opposition parties and unions have criticised the plan,

arguing it would undermine pay and working conditions. a third day of strike action is planned for saturday, and while there have been further talks today between the two sides in this dispute, there's still no sign of a deal. the rmt has warned more strikes are likely this is outside source. our top story — the taliban and say the search for survivors after the earthquake on wednesday is come to an end. let's turn to the us now, and a landmark victory for american gun rights advocates. the us supreme court has struck down a law that limited the ability of people in new york to carry weapons in public. essentially, it required residents to prove they had �*proper cause' to have a concealed handgun. state courts have defined that as �*a special need for self—protection'.

now, the supreme court says it's unconstitutional. this is new york's governor reacting to that ruling. shocking, absolutely shocking, that they have taken away our right to have reasonable restrictions — we can have restrictions on speech, we can't yell fire in a crowded bitter — but somehow there's no restrictions on the second amendment —— a crowded theatre. this is new york. we don't back down. we fight back. the ruling is a victory for the powerful gun lobby, the national rifle association. on twitter, they said... meanwhile, in the senate — senators are close to passing a bipartisan series of gun safety measures, spurred on by a spate of mass shootings —

including one at an elementary school in texas. the senate this morning will take the next — the senate this morning will take the next major step in accomplishing something _ the next major step in accomplishing something that hasn't been done in a decade. _ something that hasn't been done in a decade, passing a strong gun safety bill. decade, passing a strong gun safety bill~ the _ decade, passing a strong gun safety bill. the bill can be described simply— bill. the bill can be described simply in _ bill. the bill can be described simply in three adjectives — common sense, _ simply in three adjectives — common sense, bipartisan, life—saving. if republicans work with us, we could very well— republicans work with us, we could very well finish the job in its entirety— very well finish the job in its entirety before the day is done. a lot entirety before the day is done. lot taking place when it comes to the guns in the united states. let me bring in my colleague in new york, who has been following this. how did it make its way from new york to the court and have these repercussions?— york to the court and have these repercussions? york to the court and have these reercussions? ., ~ ., , ., repercussions? new york has some of the strictest — repercussions? new york has some of the strictest gun _ repercussions? new york has some of the strictest gun control _ repercussions? new york has some of the strictest gun control measures i the strictest gun control measures in the country in place, and hear you had the new york chapter of the

nra, and two gun owners in upstate new york challenging this new york law because they weren't able to get that special permit that was necessary to carry and public a concealed handgun. what we have here is the conservative court saying that the second amendment, along with the 1ath amendment, does protect citizens's rights to bear arm in public. fearing the outcome would not be in their favour, arm in public. fearing the outcome would not be in theirfavour, and so the immediate concern now is that this will lead to more guns in the street of new york as we see a spike in guns and ownership. so a real concern for officials who are now really going with a sense of purpose to figure out what other laws they can put in place. to figure out what other laws they can put in place-— to figure out what other laws they can put in place. lysychansk, thank ou so can put in place. lysychansk, thank you so much- _ can put in place. lysychansk, thank you so much. we _ can put in place. lysychansk, thank you so much. we have _ can put in place. lysychansk, thank you so much. we have to _ can put in place. lysychansk, thank you so much. we have to leave i can put in place. lysychansk, thank you so much. we have to leave it i you so much. we have to leave it there —— nada. getting candid status

—— to candidate status. he speaks french

thank you so much. i can be very brief because this is a very defining moment today for you. i warming congratulate president zelensky —— warmly, all three countries and part of our european family. we've never had any doubt about that. today's historic decision confirms that. it grades all three the perspective of eu

accession and lays down the path ahead. i think this is a moment of great satisfaction and i'm very pleased with the leaders' an endorsement of our opinions. there could be no better sign of hope for the citizens of ukraine, moldova and georgia in these troubled times. of course, the countries will have to do homework before he moved to the next stage of the process, but i am concerned —— convinced they will all move as swiftly as possible to implement the necessary reforms. not just because they are required to move ahead in their opinion path, but first and foremost, these reforms are good for the countries, good for the democracy, because it strengthens the competitiveness of all three countries and ultimately, they are good for the citizens. let me stress i'm deeply convinced that

our decision we taken today strengthens us all, it strengthens ukraine, moldova and georgia in the face of russian aggression and it strengthens the eu, because it shows once again to the world that the european union is united and strong in the face of external threats. thank you so much. he speaks french in the context we're livin: he speaks french in the context we're living there _ he speaks french in the context we're living there right _ he speaks french in the context we're living there right now, i he speaks french in the context we're living there right now, the l we're living there right now, the board _ we're living there right now, the board decided on by russia. —— a war~ _ board decided on by russia. —— a war~ against— board decided on by russia. —— a war. against ukraine and its leader. a week— war. against ukraine and its leader. a week ago — war. against ukraine and its leader. a week ago in kyiv, together with olah schultz and mario druggie, —— dragi~ _ olah schultz and mario druggie, —— dragi~ we —

olah schultz and mario druggie, —— dragi. we took this commitment to -et dragi. we took this commitment to get an— dragi. we took this commitment to get an agreement. which is the start of a road _ get an agreement. which is the start of a road map. we knew it depended on the _ of a road map. we knew it depended on the process, and over the last week, _ on the process, and over the last week, we — on the process, and over the last week, we have made giant straightforward. thanks to the european commission. they propose a method _ european commission. they propose a method on _ european commission. they propose a method on the basis of work. consensus has been forged. we saw this with _ consensus has been forged. we saw this with president zelensky, a very strong _ this with president zelensky, a very strong message. from day one, europe has been _ strong message. from day one, europe has been reacting quickly. this is historic — has been reacting quickly. this is historic. the macro economic support we brought— historic. the macro economic support we brought ukraine, and now by this political— we brought ukraine, and now by this

political gesture. i think this a strong — political gesture. i think this a strong united europe has been up to the trust _ strong united europe has been up to the trust -- — strong united europe has been up to the trust. —— the task. a strong signal— the trust. —— the task. a strong signal towards russia. to give ukraine — signal towards russia. to give ukraine and moldova the status to 'oin ukraine and moldova the status to join the _ ukraine and moldova the status to join the eu. once they have met for priorities— join the eu. once they have met for priorities by— join the eu. once they have met for priorities by the commission. we owe this to _ priorities by the commission. we owe this to the _ priorities by the commission. we owe this to the ukrainian people. they are fighting for their values, their sovereignty and integrity. also moldova, given its political situation, we also need to respond with the _ situation, we also need to respond with the same generosity that they've — with the same generosity that they've shown in this context. it will be _ they've shown in this context. it will be a — they've shown in this context. it will be a long way. certainly, we

will be a long way. certainly, we will be _ will be a long way. certainly, we will be ready to help out from france — will be ready to help out from france for _ will be ready to help out from france for any reforms. president michel— france for any reforms. president michel has — france for any reforms. president michel has described our discussions about— michel has described our discussions about the _ michel has described our discussions about the western balkans. we will be doing _ about the western balkans. we will be doing our best to make sure that zourabichvili make this opportunity that north macedonia could take the last step _ that north macedonia could take the last step. we need to be able to make _ last step. we need to be able to make that — last step. we need to be able to make that breakthrough. an important

step in— make that breakthrough. an important step in this _ make that breakthrough. an important step in this process, whether we are talking _ step in this process, whether we are talking about ukraine, moldova, georgia, — talking about ukraine, moldova, georgia, western balkans is more essential— georgia, western balkans is more essential than ever because war is back on— essential than ever because war is back on european soil. we are destabilised by what's going on in our neighbourhood. in that context, we will— our neighbourhood. in that context, we will discuss this evening forms of cooperation, multiple forms of cooperation beyond enlargement. as president _ cooperation beyond enlargement. as president michel has recalled, was defended — president michel has recalled, was defended by several colleagues. that's_ defended by several colleagues. that's it — defended by several colleagues. that's it from me. thanks very much to president— that's it from me. thanks very much to president of the commission for her fantastic work.— to president of the commission for her fantastic work. please, there is a microphone- _ translation: good evening, i have a question for all three of you. the european union

has made a lot of moves during this time and they've all contributed to that. how do you explain the impotence of the european union when it comes to albania and northern macedonia, when all you have isjust one country in the member state that has this particular problem, and the doors are still not open, are they? a lot of work has been done. what's true is _ a lot of work has been done. what's true is that— a lot of work has been done. what's true is that northern macedonia has done _ true is that northern macedonia has done some historic work with the courage — done some historic work with the courage of— done some historic work with the courage of leaders. it took a lot of risks to _ courage of leaders. it took a lot of risks to change the country, the constitution. now it happened a bit late in— constitution. now it happened a bit late in the — constitution. now it happened a bit late in the day that one member state _ late in the day that one member state asked for changes. we can't pretend _ state asked for changes. we can't pretend that didn't exist now.

whether— pretend that didn't exist now. whether that's fair towards northern macedonia, i would say not. that's put a _ macedonia, i would say not. that's put a lot— macedonia, i would say not. that's put a lot of— macedonia, i would say not. that's put a lot of pressure on bulgaria in recent— put a lot of pressure on bulgaria in recent months and this is the result of a political crisis that's happened in bulgaria. we can't pretend — happened in bulgaria. we can't pretend that hasn't happened. i'd like to pay— pretend that hasn't happened. i'd like to pay tribute to the prime minister~ — like to pay tribute to the prime minister. he's done everything he possibly— minister. he's done everything he possibly could, so i think we're very— possibly could, so i think we're very close _ possibly could, so i think we're very close to an agreement. we've made — very close to an agreement. we've made a — very close to an agreement. we've made a proposal, and that allows us to accommodate the bulgarian requests, which is compatible with what north macedonia can do. xllt'ideo what north macedonia can do. video mac we are — what north macedonia can do. video mac we are listening _ what north macedonia can do. video mac we are listening to _ what north macedonia can do. video mac we are listening to french i mac we are listening to french president of imaginal —— french president of imaginal —— french president emmanuel macron. this underlines the sanctions i say she's convinced ukraine and moldova will move as quickly as possible to implement the necessary reforms.

also the chief of staff to president zelensky will say kyiv will do everything it can to implement the plan. this is bbc news. the headlines. taliban officials in the afghan province worst—hit by an earthquake, thought to have killed over 1,000 people, say the search for survivors in many areas has ended. eu leaders have granted candidate status to moldova... air passengers face further disruption this summer after hundreds of ba ground crew and check in staff at heathrow voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over pay. it comes as the second day of rail strikes is underway — strikes is under way — with half the network closed in england, wales and scotland. only 20% of services are believed to be running.

relatives of the young men murdered by the serial killer,