The broadcast, monitored in Tokyo, quoted local authorities as saying that the tornado, accompanied by heavy rain, struck 14 towns in in Heilongjiang Province.

The new Prime Minister, Do Muoi, was elected on the opening day of a regular National Assembly session, according to the broadcast, monitored in Bangkok.

The broadcast, monitored in Islamabad, said Mr. Karmal, 58 years old, left for care and rest "at the invitation and advice of doctors."

The broadcast, monitored in Nairobi, said a military committee for national redemption was being set up.

"Not only was no help provided, the plane was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force," according to the broadcast, monitored in Islamabad.

The broadcast, monitored in Britain, cited elections in Iraq's governing Baath Party as the reason, but gave no further explanation.

The broadcast, monitored in Islamabad, blamed Muslim insurgents financed partly by the United States.

The broadcast, monitored by the British Broadcasting Corporation, was the first official confirmation of widespread reports of fierce ethnic clashes in the remote region.

An inquiry by a Government commission found that the pilots of the aircraft made a mistake in bombing the area, said the broadcast monitored in Islamabad.

The broadcast, monitored in Bangkok, said 47 of those released were students.