in the us, heavy snowfall in colorado has helped firefighters douse a wildfire that destroyed around 600 homes. president biden's approved specialfunding for those affected in the state after entire neighbourhoods in two towns near denver were engulfed. residents have criticised authorities warning systems and evacuation efforts. at least 12 people have died in a stampede at a shrine in indian—administered kashmir. a large number of pilgrims had reportedly reached the hindu shrine of mata vaishno devi on the first day of the new year. the holy cave, near the town of katra, is among india's most revered pilgrimage sites the world welcomes a new year. rio's copacabana beach hasjust hosted a huge fireworks display as 2022 began in brazil. in london, there was a surprise in the skies as a laser display formed part of celebrations that had been kept secret to prevent crowds gathering.