Xinhua Asia-Pacific News Summary at 0600 GMT, Nov. 30

SYDNEY -- Southern and eastern Australia has been warned to prepare for "unprecedented" thunderstorms which could lead to flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a warning on Thursday morning that heavy rain and thunderstorms would hit the state of Victoria on Thursday night and continue for at least two days. (Australia-Weather)

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SYDNEY -- An algorithm developed by NASA to recognize star charts has been used by an Australian marine scientist in a study published on Thursday, to track and identify whale sharks.

The extensive international research project by Murdoch University applied the technology by the American space organization to examine the distinctive spots that appear on whale sharks. (Australia-Whale Sharks)

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JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Transport Ministry on Thursday closed again the international airport in Lombok of West Nusa Tenggara province due to impact of volcanic ash from Mount Agung volcano on nearby Bali island, a senior government official said.

The closure started at 10:37 a.m. local time and will be ended at 00:00 p.m. local time, a statement from directorate general air transport of the ministry disclosed. (Indonesia-Volcano Eruption)

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SINGAPORE -- Singapore's Ministry of Manpower said on Thursday that the employment rate for local residents aged between 15 and 24 declined to 34.1 percent in June 2017.

The ministry said in a press release that the employment rate for residents aged 25 to 64 kept increase to 80.7 percent this June, while the employment rate for residents aged 65 and over increased to 25.8 percent. (Singapore-Labor) Enditem