Natural diaster
- World News
Death toll rises in Papua New Guinea’s catastrophic landslide
In the wake of a catastrophic landslide in Papua New Guinea, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) grimly raised its estimate of the death toll, now surpassing 670. As emergency responders and anguished relatives come to terms with the situation, hopes of finding survivors are fading. The Chief of the UN Migration Agency’s mission of the South Pacific island nation,…
- World News
Taiwan rattled by new 6.3 magnitude quake and aftershocks
Taiwan has been rattled by continuous tremors as the island experiences yet another earthquake, setting off more than 180 aftershocks that continue into the night. The most powerful quake, measuring a magnitude of 6.3, causes buildings in the capital city of Taipei to tremble violently. Journalists describe numerous tremors stemming from the earthquake, originating off the east coast of Taiwan.…
- World News
UN urges Myanmar to allow life-saving aid after deadly Cyclone Mocha
The United Nations has urged Myanmar to allow life-saving aid to reach areas affected by the devastating Cyclone Mocha. UN rights chief Volker Turk called on the country’s military rulers to permit needs assessments and ensure access to essential aid and services. The cyclone brought torrential rain and 195km per hour winds to Myanmar and neighbouring Bangladesh on May 14,…
- World News
Malaysia says no tsunami threat along its coasts following Tonga volcano eruption
Tsunami warnings were issued in the US, Canada, and Japan following a large underwater volcanic eruption that originated on a small island in the South Pacific last weekend. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) declared that there would be no tsunami threat in Malaysia yesterday. According to the Malaysia government’s report yesterday, no tsunami threat has been calculated so far under…
- World News
Popular Philippines surf spot devastated by Typhoon Rai
Restrictions in the Philippines were lifted for the holiday season, businesses were expecting an upturn in tourism on the surfing island in the southern Philippines. But Super Typhoon Rai hit the tropical paradise in Siargao, ripping its palm trees, houses, and electricity poles last Thursday with wind speeds of 195 kilometers per hour. Locals, including many Filipino families who came to…
- World News
Jade mine landslide in Myanmar kills at least two, dozens missing and feared dead
A landslide at a Myanmar jade mine killed at least two people. Dozens of miners are still missing, feared dead as rescuers say they don’t expect to uncover any survivors who buried under rubble and debris the mine’s lake in Northern Hpakant, which borders China. About 200 rescuers, including firefighters and local volunteers, joined the hunt for missing miners, some…
- World News
UPDATE: Typhoon Rai death tolls rise to 375 in the Philippines
Super Typhoon Rai’s death toll has risen to 375. The storm, known locally as Odette, ripped through the Philippines, damaging homes, hospitals, and schools. The Philippine Red Cross called the storm’s destruction in the coastal areas“complete carnage” and says survivors are now in critical need of drinking water and food. As of this morning, national police reported that 375 have…
- World News
Four killed, dozens injured as Typhoon Rai batters central Philippines
In this year’s strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines, four people were killed and dozens more were injured. Super Typhoon Rai, also named “Odette” by the country’s authorities, has battered the central islands of the archipelago. As the storm swept over the Pacific Ocean, 18,000 people have yet to return home out of the more than 300,000 people who sought…
- South Thailand News
All 23 districts declared as disaster zones in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Following downpours and runoff that began inundating the municipality last night, all 23 districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat province have been declared disaster zones. The statement by the provincial governor Kraisorn Wisitwong would assist rescuers and authorities to expedite rescue operations while also allowing the province administration to promptly distribute the emergency budget to affected households. Heavy rain, along with…
- Thailand News
Flash floods from heavy rain hit three districts in Surat Thani
Last night, villages in three districts in Southern Thailand’s Surat Thani province were hit by flash floods due to heavy rain and local rescue teams along with the military assisted residents in moving their belongings to higher ground. Governor Wichawut Jinto and Chamnong Sawatwong, chief of the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office, led the relief effort, which included territorial…
- World News
Germany hammered by floods, 59 dead; nearby countries also affected
59 people, and counting, are dead in the west of Germany as floods hammer the country and other surrounding counties such as Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. The “extreme rainfall” pounded the city from Wednesday into Thursday. Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, says she fears that the country will only see the full extent of the disaster as the days unfold.…
