A Chinese performer surrounded by flames, a traditional molten fire act during the Golden Week holiday in Beijing. Getty Images
A Chinese performer surrounded by flames, a traditional molten fire act during the Golden Week holiday in Beijing. Getty Images
An artist paints an effigy of the Hindu demon king Ravana for the Dussehra festival in Varanasi, India. AFP
An artist paints an effigy of the Hindu demon king Ravana for the Dussehra festival in Varanasi, India. AFP
Houses partly submerged in flooded areas of Bamako, Mali. AFP
Houses partly submerged in flooded areas of Bamako, Mali. AFP
A cat wonders what it's all about after an Israeli air strike in the Mreijeh neighbourhood of Beirut's southern suburbs. AFP
A cat wonders what it's all about after an Israeli air strike in the Mreijeh neighbourhood of Beirut's southern suburbs. AFP
People on Cullercoats Beach, Tynemouth, England, at sunrise. PA
People on Cullercoats Beach, Tynemouth, England, at sunrise. PA
Trees decorated with lights as the Christmas season kicks off, as per a decree of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Reuters
Trees decorated with lights as the Christmas season kicks off, as per a decree of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Reuters
Fencing action from day two of the Saudi Games in Riyadh. Getty Images
Fencing action from day two of the Saudi Games in Riyadh. Getty Images
Balloons carrying rubbish launched across the border by North Korea are floating in the sky above Seoul to the south. AFP
Balloons carrying rubbish launched across the border by North Korea are floating in the sky above Seoul to the south. AFP
Mangled rail tracks after Hurricane Helene tore through Marshall in the US state of North Carolina. AFP
Mangled rail tracks after Hurricane Helene tore through Marshall in the US state of North Carolina. AFP

Best photos of October 4: From Golden Week in China to Christmas in Venezuela - in pictures