National event for 31st World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought held in China's Ningxia

A national event for the 31st World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was held on Sunday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, home to a dry climate and diverse terrain.

During the event, the Boao Forum for Asia signed a memorandum of understanding on the International Cooperation Project for Desertification Control with the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Bureau.

Meanwhile a number of trees were planted in an oasification project area in Yanchi County to mark the official launch of the International Cooperation Project for Desertification Control of the Boao Forum for Asia.

The project covers a total area of about 430 hectares, with an investment of 15 million yuan (about 2.1 million U.S. dollars), and will last for five years.

Using the Boao Forum for Asia as a platform for international cooperation, the project will conduct exchange and promotional activities to share Chinese insights in the global effort to combat desertification.

National event for 31st World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought held in China's Ningxia

Several dozen people are feared dead and around 100 injured Thursday after an explosion at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, local police said.

Those injured in the blast and subsequent fire suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospitals in Sion, capital of Valais canton, as well as in other cities, Valais Canton Police Chief Frederic Gisler said at a press conference.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion, but authorities have ruled out an attack.

Helicopters and ambulances, including some from abroad, rushed to the scene, as the intensive care units and operating rooms of local hospitals are at full capacity, said local officials at the press conference.

Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, has arrived at the scene of the accident.

Dozens dead, 100 injured after explosion in Swiss ski resort Crans-Montana: police