KUALA LUMPUR -- Worsening floods in several Malaysian states have displaced some 46,000 people, with 12,487 families being sheltered in 426 flood relief centers, the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare said on Friday.

As of Friday afternoon, the states of Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perak and Johor have seen strong downpours with the east coast state of Pahang being the worst hit, with 26,250 people having to be evacuated and three rivers in the state having passed the danger level, according to the data released by the department. (Malaysia-Floods)

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MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines on Friday reported 1,776 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the country's total tally to 483,852.

The death toll climbed to 9,364 after eight more patients died from the coronavirus epidemic, the DOH said. It added that 285 more patients recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 449,330. (Philippines-COVID-19)

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HERAT, Afghanistan -- A militant attack in Ghorian district of western Afghanistan's Herat province claimed four lives including a district police chief on Friday, said Atiqullah Wasiq, a police officer based in the province.

A group of Taliban fighters, according to the official, attacked security checkpoints early Friday, triggering a gun battle and as a result four policemen including district police chief Naqibullah Sultanzoi were killed. (Afghanistan-Militant Attack)

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SYDNEY -- There is a popular saying in China "Above there is heaven; below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou." An online photo exhibition titled "Charm of Jiangsu" went on display in Australia, highlighting the unique beauty and culture of the land of fish and rice.

The exhibition features 45 exquisite photographs, showcasing the stunning natural scenery, intangible cultural heritage projects, traditional villages and delicacies of Jiangsu Province in east China. (Australia-China-Photo Exhibition)

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SEOUL -- A South Korean court on Friday ordered Japan's government to pay damages to the South Korean victims who were forced into sex slavery for the Imperial Japan's military brothels during World War II.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Japan should pay reparations of 100 million won (91,200 U.S. dollars) to each of 12 plaintiffs, who filed a petition for dispute settlement with the court in August 2013. (S. Korea-Japan-Sex Slavery-Pay)