this is bbc news. the headlines — world powers have condemned the self—styled referendums being held in parts of ukraine on whether to join russia, while human rights groups say more than 700 people have been arrested in russian cities, as protests continue against president putin's plan to draft additional forces to fight in ukraine. storm fiona has ripped through canada's eastern seaboard, after making landfall in nova scotia. torrential rain and winds of up to 160 kph caused exstensive flooding and mudslides. numerous coastal homes have been swept into the sea or submerged underwater. violent anti—government protests have continued in iran. police have arrested more than 700 people and at least 35 people have been killed. the protests were triggered by the death in custody of a young woman who'd been detained for breaching rules on dress code.