Welcome, wanderers of the world, to our weekly whirlwind tour of the latest happenings from every corner of the globe! As we bid adieu to another eventful week, join us as we embark on a journey through the headlines that have captivated hearts and minds across continents. Join us as we delve into stories of innovation and global impact, drawing from sources such as CNN, The Guardian or CBS.
Americas
Brazil
Floods in southern Brazil kill at least 60, more than 100 missing
Severe flooding in Brazil's southern Rio Grande do Sul state has claimed the lives of 75 people, with over 100 still missing, according to local authorities. The unprecedented floods have displaced more than 80,000 individuals and devastated the region, bordering Uruguay and Argentina.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited the affected areas to coordinate rescue and reconstruction efforts. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save people stranded by floods and mudslides, utilizing various means including helicopters and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The widespread storms have wreaked havoc across almost two-thirds of the state, resulting in landslides, collapsed infrastructure, power outages, and water shortages. A hydroelectric dam partially collapsed, exacerbating the crisis. The flooding has surpassed records dating back almost 150 years, with water levels in some areas reaching historic highs.
The situation remains critical as rains persist in certain regions, although precipitation levels are expected to decrease. Governor Eduardo Leite described the floods as the state's worst climate disaster, highlighting the intensified weather patterns attributed to the human-made climate crisis. Rio Grande do Sul, with its geographical diversity, faces a precarious balance between periods of intense rain and prolonged drought, further compounded by climate change.
Middle East
Israel
Israel shuts down local Al Jazeera offices in the country
Israeli authorities shut down Al Jazeera's local offices following a government vote to use new laws to close the satellite news network's operations in the country. Critics denounced the move as a blow to free speech, especially as it occurred amid faltering ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials justified the closure, citing Al Jazeera as a threat to national security. The network, funded by Qatar, has been critical of Israel's military operations in Gaza. Al Jazeera condemned the decision as a violation of human rights and vowed to continue providing news and information. The UN high commissioner for human rights also criticized the move, emphasizing the importance of a free and independent media. Israel's parliament passed a law allowing for the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security, enabling Netanyahu's government to shut down Al Jazeera's offices. The move drew opposition from various quarters, including political parties and media organizations, both domestically and internationally.
Europe
Hungary:
Hungary tired of ruling elite, Viktor Orbán challenger tells large rural rally
Péter Magyar, a rising figure in Hungarian politics, has gained attention for his promise to combat corruption and improve living standards. He recently led a massive rally in Debrecen, drawing 10,000 supporters despite an unexpected rain shower. Magyar, formerly associated with the ruling Fidesz party, now criticizes Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's leadership, branding it a "mafia state." His party, Tisza, plans to contest European and local council elections. Magyar's focus on rural areas challenges Orbán's stronghold, garnering significant support. Despite criticism from the ruling party, recent polls suggest Magyar's party is gaining momentum as a viable opposition force.
Africa
Rwanda
Rwanda admits it can’t guarantee how many asylum seekers it will take in from UK
Rwanda has expressed uncertainty over the number of asylum seekers it will accept from the UK under Rishi Sunak's deportation scheme. While approximately 52,000 individuals are eligible, Rwanda stated it would accept "thousands" without specifying an exact figure. Yolande Makolo, a government spokesperson, clarified that initial reports suggesting only 200 migrants would be accepted were a misconception. She emphasized ongoing discussions to secure additional accommodation beyond the initial facility, Hope Hostel, which can accommodate up to 200 people.
The scheme involves sending asylum seekers who arrive in the UK via irregular routes to Rwanda for processing. If successful, they would be granted refugee status; otherwise, they could seek asylum in another country or apply to settle in Rwanda on different grounds. The controversial deal, introduced in 2022, aims to address the influx of migrants crossing the Channel. However, legal challenges have hindered its implementation, despite estimated costs exceeding £300 million.
Critics, including Labour's Keir Starmer, have opposed the scheme, advocating for alternative measures to combat criminal gangs. Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, criticized the government's spending on a scheme that can only accommodate a fraction of arriving migrants.
Asia Pacific
Indonesia
More than a dozen lives lost in floods and landslides on Indonesia's Sulawesi island.
A devastating flood and landslide struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island, claiming the lives of at least 14 people, according to officials. The landslide occurred in Luwu regency, South Sulawesi, around 1 am local time on Friday, triggered by torrential rainfall since Thursday. Landslides are common during the rainy season in Indonesia, exacerbated in some areas by deforestation.
The floods, reaching up to three meters in height, affected 13 sub-districts, submerging homes and infrastructure in water and mud. Rescue efforts were underway, with over 100 people evacuated using rubber boats and vehicles. More than 1,300 families were affected, and authorities worked to provide shelter and assistance to those displaced.
In a separate incident in South Sulawesi province, floods claimed the life of at least one person and injured two others. The country has experienced a series of extreme weather events in recent months, including flash floods and landslides, which experts attribute to climate change. Warmer air temperatures increase the likelihood of intense rainfall, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. Indonesia's rainy season has been particularly affected, with climate breakdown exacerbating the impact of natural disasters.
South and Central Asia
A scorching wave of exceptionally hot weather sweeps through South and Southeast Asia, leaving communities sweltering in its wake.
A wave of exceptionally hot weather is sweeping across South and Southeast Asia, posing significant challenges to public health and infrastructure. Unusually high temperatures, exacerbated by the El Niño event, have forced the closure of thousands of schools in the Philippines and led to drought conditions affecting half of the country's provinces. The upcoming harvest is expected to be below average, prompting calls for increased support to prepare for future weather extremes.
In Thailand, where authorities have reported 30 heat stroke related deaths this year, demand for electricity has surged as people seek relief from the heat with air conditioning. Bangkok experienced temperatures exceeding 40°C, with a predicted "heat index" surpassing 52°C, making it difficult for the body to regulate temperature through sweating. Similar conditions are observed in Bangladesh, where temperatures soared to 42°C, prompting the closure of all schools and affecting 33 million children. In India, where a lengthy election is underway, concerns arise about the heat's impact on voters. Last year's severe heatwaves in India resulted in approximately 110 reported deaths from heatstroke.
The World Meteorological Organization highlights Asia as the world's most disaster-prone region due to weather-related hazards. Human-induced climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, making them more frequent and deadly. It underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate breakdown and protect vulnerable communities from its devastating consequences.
In the midst of challenges, there's also some good news to share.
Drive-thru food pantry in Southern California food desert provides consistent source of groceries for thousands: "It's a labor of love"
In the heart of Southern California, amidst the buzz of daily life, there's a remarkable sight: a long line of cars stretching through the streets, not for fast food or coffee, but for something far more essential - groceries. At the Seva Collective food pantry in Santa Ana, volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that each car leaves with fresh produce and enough groceries to last for weeks. This initiative, born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a beacon of hope for the community, serving over 1,200 families every month.
But it's not just about distributing food; it's about fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Recipients like Jody Watts and Laura Castro find relief from the anxiety of food insecurity, while volunteers like William Tarango and Shilpa Chitoori find fulfillment in giving back. And it's not just adults; young people like Parker Kuo and Baani Singh are stepping up to lead and serve their community through the Youth Leadership Program.
As the sun rises on another day at the Seva Collective, it's clear that this labor of love is making a tangible impact. With each trunk filled and each smile shared, the spirit of generosity and compassion shines bright, reminding us of the power of coming together to support one another.
Find more about it here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drive-thru-food-pantry-provides-food-thousands-southern-california-santa-ana/
Appreciate you for tuning in for this Sunday's update! Catch you next time for more stories and insights!
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