Today in photos (Dec. 5)

A Hindu holy man offers prayers by the Saryu River on the eve of the anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition in Ayodhya, India, Wednesday, Dec.5, 2012. In 1992, tens of thousands of Hindu extremists ripped apart the 16th century Babri mosque at Ayodhya in northern India as security forces watched. Hindus say it is the birthplace of their god Rama and contend a temple to him stood on the site before the mosque. (Rajesh Singh / Associated Press)

A supporter of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, pictured at right, chants slogans during a demonstration outside the presidential palace, in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. Supporters of Morsi and opponents clashed outside the presidential palace. Wednesday’s clashes began when thousands of Islamist supporters of Morsi descended on the area around the palace where some 300 of his opponents were staging a sit-in. (Hassan Ammar / Associated Press)

Residents cross a river in the flash flood-hit village of Andap, New Bataan township, Compostela Valley in southern Philippines Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. Typhoon Bopha, one of the strongest typhoons to hit the Philippines this year, barreled across the country’s south on Tuesday, killing scores of people while triggering landslides, flooding and cutting off power in two entire provinces. (Bullit Marquez / Associated Press)

A Thai woman holds a picture of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej before he addresses the crowd from a balcony of the Anantha Samakhom Throne Hall on his 85th birthday, in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. Vast crowds of devoted Thais turned out for a brief glimpse of their beloved king as he celebrated his 85th birthday with a rare public appearance. (Wason Wanichakorn / Associated Press)

Thai Buddhist monks release lanterns in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, during celebrations for Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej 85th birthday. (Wason Wanichakorn / Associated Press)

A man dressed as a devil scares a small boy during a St. Nicholas parade at the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. During this traditional parade people dressed as St. Nicholas, angel and devil, reward well-behaved children with small presents. (Petr Josek / Associated Press)