“On a day-to-day basis, our weather has become more extreme," said Celeste Saulo, WMO secretary-general.

Saulo said last year saw a devastating impact of heatwaves, wildfires, drought, tropical cyclones, storms, and flooding on the world, causing thousands of deaths, impacting millions of people, and costing billions in economic losses. 

The last ten years have experienced the hottest seasons so far, with 2025 named as the second or third hottest year on record, at about 1.43°C above the 1850-1900 average,” the report said. 

UN Secretary General António Guterres said planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. “Every key indicator is a red flashing flag,’ he said.

Published in observance of World Meteorological Day, the 46-page report covers global temperature, greenhouse gases, ocean heat, and sea level. It also highlighted other climate issues, including sea-ice extent, glacier mass balance, and the introduction of a new indicator for Earth’s energy imbalance.

The ocean continued to warm due to rising absorption of carbon dioxide. It has been absorbing the equivalent of about eighteen times the annual human energy used each year for the past two decades,” the report said. 

While annual sea ice extent in the Arctic was found to be at a record low, the extent of sea ice in Antarctica was the third lowest on record, and glacier melt continued unabated.

The warning from the WMO comes amid conflict between Israel and Gaza, Iran, the U.S.A., Ukraine, Russia, and Sudan. A recent study by researchers from Lancaster and Queen Mary University found that the conflict has generated approximately 33 billion tons of CO₂.

Córdoba Governor Erasmo Zuleta said around 80 per cent of the department has been impacted, including 24 of its 30 municipalities. Local authorities reported that river overflows and prolonged flooding have damaged homes and rural infrastructure, with more than 33,000 families particularly affected following a series of cold fronts that hit the Caribbean region in late January. Residents described the floods as unavoidable despite efforts to reinforce riverbanks with sandbags and makeshift barriers.

Emergency agencies remain focused on protecting lives and providing shelter and food to displaced families, according to Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. President Gustavo Petro said the scale of the disaster exceeds the state’s normal response capacity, citing 14 deaths, around 9,000 homes destroyed and more than 300,000 people affected nationwide as extreme weather continues to strain vulnerable communities.

The death toll from a landslide in Indonesia’s West Java province rose to 17 on Monday, as search and rescue operations entered a third day, disaster officials said. The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, struck a village in West Bandung regency early on Saturday, burying homes and forcing dozens of residents to evacuate. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency said around 80 people were still missing as of Sunday, with no updated figure provided. Rescuers are working cautiously amid unstable ground and ongoing bad weather, which have raised fears of further landslides. Thousands of personnel and heavy equipment have been deployed to locate victims.

Indonesia finishes second at ASEAN Para Games with 135 gold medals

Indonesia finished second in the final medal standings of the 2025 ASEAN Para Games , winning 135 gold, 143 silver and 114 bronze medals across 18 sports contested from January 19 to 25 in Thailand. The result exceeded the government’s target of 82 gold medals and surpassed expectations after consistent performances throughout the week-long competition. Para athletics led Indonesia’s medal haul with 44 golds, followed by para swimming with 29 golds. Strong contributions also came from para badminton, para powerlifting and para judo. Indonesia had aimed to finish at least in the top three.

Environment ministry sues six firms over North Sumatra disaster

Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment has filed a civil lawsuit against six companies in North Sumatra, seeking Rp4.9 trillion (US$282 million) in damages for allegedly worsening hydrometeorological disasters in the province. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the case is being processed in court and more lawsuits will follow against other entities. The ministry is also investigating possible criminal offences by companies in Aceh and North Sumatra with the National Police. Authorities are monitoring 68 companies across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, all of which have received administrative sanctions requiring mandatory environmental audits as part of wider enforcement efforts nationwide.

ATM numbers fall as digital banking accelerates

Indonesia’s ATM network is expected to keep shrinking as digital banking and cashless payments gain ground, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) said. OJK chief banking supervisor Dian Ediana Rae said banks are cutting physical infrastructure in response to changing customer behaviour driven by financial technology. OJK data show the number of ATMs and related machines fell to 89,774 units in the third quarter of 2025, from 91,173 a year earlier, a net drop of nearly 1,400 machines. Rae said mobile and online banking have reduced the need for cash withdrawals, while banks are prioritising efficiency by expanding digital services. The shift supports Indonesia’s move towards a more cashless economy.

Indonesia receives first batch of fighter jets from France

Indonesia has received three Rafale fighter jets from France, marking the first delivery under a 2021 defence deal, the defence ministry said on Monday. The aircraft arrived on Friday, with a formal handover ceremony to be held later. Three additional jets are expected to arrive this year. Indonesia has ordered 42 Rafales worth $8.1 billion as part of efforts to modernise its military amid rising regional tensions. Jakarta has also agreed to buy two French-made Scorpene-class submarines, to be built domestically with technology transfer.

The fires have burned around 50,000 hectares, affected an estimated 7,000 people and claimed at least 21 lives. The Mexican personnel come from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) and the Secretariat of National Defence (Sedena), and are trained to operate in complex wildfire scenarios.

Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren thanked the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, for its rapid response, saying Mexico offered assistance “from the very first moment”. He highlighted the broader international backing Chile has received, describing it as a reflection of the solidarity Chile has also shown other countries in times of crisis.

In Mozambique, authorities reported at least 103 fatalities since late last year as heavy rains inundated central and southern provinces, affecting more than 200,000 people and damaging thousands of homes. In neighbouring South Africa, floods have led to at least 30 deaths in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, prompting the deployment of army helicopters to rescue those stranded on rooftops and evacuate residents, tourists and workers from flooded areas.

Zimbabwe’s disaster management agency has reported around 70 deaths related to the flooding, with more than 1,000 homes destroyed and critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges badly damaged. The combined impact in the three nations illustrates the scale of the crisis and the strain on emergency services already stretched by evacuations and ongoing rescue efforts.

The region’s wet season has been unusually severe, with prolonged downpours saturating soils and swelling river systems, contributing to widespread flooding and power outages. Officials and aid agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant, moving to higher ground where possible and following evacuation orders as further rainfall is forecast.

The floods have also disrupted key economic sectors, including agriculture and tourism , underscoring the wider social and economic challenges that disasters like this can bring to communities and governments across southern Africa.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared for any impeachment complaint that may be filed against him, Malacañang said on Monday, amid reports that some lawmakers are planning to pursue charges. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos respects the Constitution and due process and remains confident that Congress continues to trust him. She rejected claims of a breach of public trust, saying the president had not stolen public funds and had ordered investigations into allegedly anomalous flood control projects. Her remarks followed comments by opposition lawmaker Edgar Erice, who said an impeachment complaint was being considered.

Authorities stop suspected Russia-bound human trafficking victims 

Philippine immigration authorities intercepted two Filipino men at Manila’s main international airport, preventing them from becoming victims of a suspected human trafficking scheme to Russia. The Bureau of Immigration said the men, aged 48 and 52, were stopped on January 2 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before boarding a flight to Hong Kong. Officers found inconsistencies in their travel accounts and determined they were being recruited for illegal overseas work. The men said they were promised high-paying jobs in Russia after being recruited via social media. They were handed over to anti-trafficking authorities as the investigation continues.

Marcos heads to UAE for trade, defence deals 

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left Manila on Monday for a three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates , where he is expected to witness the signing of trade and defence agreements and attend a sustainability summit in Abu Dhabi. Malacañang said Marcos will oversee the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aimed at boosting trade, services and investment and widening Philippine access to Gulf markets. A defence cooperation memorandum covering joint training and information sharing is also due to be signed. Marcos said the visit would benefit both Filipinos at home and the nearly 900,000 living in the UAE.

Philippines probes Nestlé infant formula recall over safety concerns

The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration said on Monday it is investigating the voluntary recall by Nestlé Philippines of selected batches of Nan Optipro and Nankid Optipro infant formula to determine its scope and any safety implications. The FDA said the recall was initiated as a precaution after a reported issue involving a raw material supplied to Nestlé, though no regulatory safety limits have been breached. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported. The agency is coordinating with Nestlé to verify affected batches and ensure their removal from stores and online platforms, urging consumers to check batch numbers and follow recall instructions.

Philippines shuts Cebu landfill after deadly landslide

Environmental authorities in the central Philippines have ordered the immediate shutdown of the Binaliw sanitary landfill in Cebu City after a landslide killed at least 10 workers and left 26 missing. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it issued a cease-and-desist order against operator Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. following a site inspection on January 9. All landfill operations have been suspended, except for rescue, retrieval and clean-up activities. The agency said a thorough investigation is underway to determine responsibility. At least 18 people were injured and are being treated in the hospital.

Rescue teams are still operating under what officials describe as “rescue mode,” after detectors picked up possible signs of life beneath the debris. However, authorities are weighing whether to shift to retrieval operations as the critical 72-hour window has passed.

What happened

An avalanche of garbage, soil and debris swept through part of the landfill, burying low-lying buildings used by workers. Survivors said the collapse happened suddenly, in clear weather, leaving little time to escape.

Those killed and missing were all employees at the landfill and materials recovery facility. Several people were pulled out alive in the hours following the collapse, though one later died in hospital.

Officials say the unstable structure of the site is slowing rescue efforts. The mayor warned that cutting through metal debris could trigger fires due to trapped gases, putting both survivors and rescuers at risk.

Operations halted

In response, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ordered the immediate suspension of landfill operations. The cease-and-desist order allows rescue, retrieval and clean-up work to continue but bars further waste dumping.

The landfill operator has also been summoned to a technical conference and ordered to submit a compliance plan within 90 days, as authorities investigate whether safety and environmental standards were breached.

A wider problem

The Cebu disaster has renewed scrutiny of the Philippines’ overstretched landfill system . Government data show that four out of 18 major landfills nationwide have already exceeded their designed capacity, raising the risk of so-called “waste slides.”

Environmental experts warn that continuing to dump rubbish into already overfilled sites increases the likelihood of collapses, especially as waste piles grow taller and heavier.

The problem persists despite a landmark law passed after a deadly 2000 dump collapse in Manila, which mandated the closure of open dumps and the use of sanitary landfills. More than two decades on, auditors say the number of compliant facilities remains insufficient.

Rising waste

The Philippines’ annual waste output continues to rise sharply. From around 9 million tonnes in 2000, it is projected to exceed 23 million tonnes within the next few years, according to government estimates.

Auditors have warned that unless waste generation is reduced and landfill capacity expanded safely, disasters like the one in Cebu could become more frequent — posing growing risks to public health, workers and surrounding communities.

The quick alert drew attention to how far Japan’s early-warning technology has advanced since the 2011 disaster, when delays and inaccurate readings left coastal towns with little time to escape. That quake and tsunami killed nearly 20,000 people and caused a triple meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

In response, Japan spent more than a decade building the world ’s largest seabed earthquake-monitoring system. 

The first network, S-net, extends across the Japan Trench and uses more than 3,500 miles of cable to link 150 ocean-floor observatories.

S-net can detect offshore shaking before it reaches land. In a 2018 quake, its sensors issued alerts 20 seconds faster than land-based instruments, allowing trains to slow and emergency warnings to be broadcast.

A second system, DONET, was built along the Nankai Trough, one of Japan’s most dangerous seismic zones. It was expanded in 2013 and later joined by N-net, completed in June 2025.

Together, the networks give Japan real-time coverage of its two major subduction zones. Authorities say the system can extend tsunami warning times by up to 20 minutes and provide more accurate readings of offshore quakes.

Scientists also benefit from continuous data on how faults move under the seabed, including slow-slip events that sometimes precede major earthquakes .

Local governments are improving evacuation plans, too. In September, the central government designated 108 coastal municipalities for enhanced tsunami-mitigation work, including new evacuation routes and warning facilities.

Sendai, one of the designated cities, has deployed automated drones that broadcast evacuation orders and relay images to disaster officials when normal communications fail.

It is indisputable that Japan, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, now has the world’s most advanced tsunami warning system. And the rapid alerts on December 8 showed how much more time authorities can now provide when offshore quakes strike.

The caption read: “Border patrol ready to enter zone 8 today,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post was shared more than 12,000 times before it was taken down.

AFP fact-checkers later confirmed the picture had been digitally altered. 

Using Google’s SynthID tool, they detected built-in watermarks commonly embedded in AI-generated images, including a visible star-shaped “Gemini” symbol in one corner. 

Following criticism, the police unit issued an apology on Thursday and uploaded the original photograph. It showed unarmed officers on a rescue boat wearing orange life jackets, without helmets, tactical gear or guns. Rescue supplies are visible in both versions.

“This is a real image before it was made into an AI image,” the unit said in its statement. “We apologise for any misunderstanding.” 

An officer told AFP the picture was created “to show the public our readiness to enter the area,” adding that none of the personnel deployed for flood operations carried firearms. No disciplinary action has been taken.

The doctored post appeared despite a prior warning from Thailand’s state-run Anti-Fake News Centre, which urged the public not to create or share AI images that could hinder relief efforts.

Widespread flooding has inundated parts of southern Thailand in recent days, with government agencies racing to reach isolated communities and warning that further heavy rain is expected. Rescue teams continue to evacuate residents from submerged neighbourhoods and distribute essential supplies.

According to reports, the blaze originated from bamboo scaffolding set up on multiple apartment blocks before rapidly spreading to other sections of the buildings.

Authorities in Hong Kong responded by raising the alert level to level 5, which is the highest level for fire emergencies in the city.

Among the deceased is a 37-year-old firefighter who was part of the emergency response team. He was transported to the hospital but was later confirmed dead.

Rio Bonito was the hardest-hit city, accounting for five of the reported deaths, while another fatality occurred in the rural zone of Guarapuava. In response, the state government has declared three days of official mourning as rescue teams and emergency services continue recovery efforts.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences to the victims’ families through his official X account and reaffirmed the federal government’s support for local authorities. Meanwhile, regional officials have urged residents to remain in safe locations and comply with emergency instructions, as humanitarian aid and clean-up operations continue. A full assessment of damages and a partial reconstruction plan are expected to be announced soon.

In Tegucigalpa, the El Reparto neighbourhood was among the hardest hit, with residents struggling to clean debris and rescue what little remains. “My house is destroyed. Practically everything we had is gone,” said one resident. “We’re like when you first move into a house, with nothing.”

Emergency teams continue relocating families from high-risk zones. “We’ve been conducting evacuation and humanitarian assistance efforts in this neighbourhood due to an ongoing geological fault. Around fifty families have been evacuated so far,” explained Angel Acosta, captain of the Armed Forces’ Humanitarian and Rescue Unit.

Authorities have set up at least 15 temporary shelters for displaced families, while over 2,000 homes are reported damaged, 76 destroyed, and 91 communities remain isolated. President Xiomara Castro convened an emergency meeting with the National Risk Management System (Sinager) to coordinate relief efforts.

Local media report that bridges, roads, and river crossings have been swept away, leaving several regions inaccessible. With forecasts warning of continued instability, authorities urge the population to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel.

The shallow quake struck at 9:59 p.m. local time, with the epicenter recorded off the coast of Bogo City at a depth of about 5 to 10 kilometres, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. 

Authorities confirmed dozens of casualties in northern Cebu towns, including San Remigio, where a sports complex partially collapsed during a basketball game. Other victims were reported trapped under debris in several municipalities, with children among those killed.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported major disruptions in communication and electricity across Bogo, Daanbantayan, and San Remigio. Hospitals in the affected areas were overwhelmed with patients, prompting the deployment of additional doctors, nurses, and supplies by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Health.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full-scale relief effort, directing cabinet officials to Cebu to oversee distribution of aid and assess damage. 

Emergency shelters were set up for displaced families as authorities appealed for food, water, and medical assistance in northern Cebu, where supply lines were cut by the quake.

Phivolcs reported that the earthquake generated a “destructive” Intensity 7 in several towns near the epicenter. No tsunami threat was detected, but nearly 800 aftershocks were recorded within the first 12 hours, including one at magnitude 6.

Local officials estimated that hundreds of homes and public structures were damaged or destroyed, including a 100-year-old church. 

Videos shared on social media showed residents rushing into the streets as buildings shook and crumbled. 

The earthquake disrupted daily life across Cebu, one of the country’s most important tourism and business hubs. 

Seismologists said the quake was likely triggered by a local fault line that had not generated a powerful tremor in more than 400 years. 

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active belt where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently.

What they said

Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s health ministry, urged the international community to step in, “We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses.” Another health ministry spokesperson, Abdul Maten Qanee, said all government teams had been mobilised, “Comprehensive and full support is being provided, from security to food and health.” Survivors described harrowing scenes. Muhammad Aziz, a labourer from Kunar’s Nur Gul district, told the Guardian that he lost 10 relatives, including five children; “The poor people in this area have lost everything. There is death in every home, and beneath the rubble of each roof, there are dead bodies. The mud houses have been wiped away, and destruction is everywhere. People are desperately seeking help.”

US President Donald Trump has expressed a dismissive attitude towards aggressive acts linked to Beijing, including recent hacking incidents and the arrest of Chinese nationals involved in smuggling a pathogen. Speaking on 'Sunday Morning Futures', Trump downplayed these issues, stating, 'That’s the way the world works', comparing the behaviour to US actions. This approach suggests a downplaying of US-China tensions, emphasising mutual espionage activities as part of global diplomacy.

Crackdown on gay erotica in China

According to reports, China is intensifying its crackdown on young female authors writing gay erotica, targeting those publishing on the Taiwanese platform Haitang Literature City. Since February, approximately 30 predominantly female writers have been arrested, facing charges of producing obscene material. This crackdown reflects the broader censorship challenges in China and highlights a social and legal pushback against the state’s restrictive anti-obscenity laws, which disproportionately target gay content.

Trump’s strategic deal with TikTok

President Donald Trump has announced a potential buyer for TikTok amidst the US-China tensions over data security concerns linked to the app, owned by China's ByteDance. This potential transaction, pending China's governmental approval, might influence diplomatic relations, with Trump emphasising the necessity for Chinese leader Xi Jinping's consent. The backdrop includes US claims of national security threats, with ByteDance's ongoing legal battles over the app's forced sale.

Indoctrination concerns in Tibetan schools

An alarming report by the Tibet Action Institute highlights indoctrination practices in Chinese state-run boarding schools for Tibetan children. This initiative is reportedly aimed at cultural assimilation, pushing Mandarin instruction while suppressing Tibetan language and religious practices. This development has raised international human rights concerns. Accounts describe harsh conditions and cultural suppression as means of reinforcing Chinese Communist Party loyalty, amidst the backdrop of historical tensions in the region.

Flood crisis in China’s Guizhou Province

According to reports , the Guizhou province of China is significantly affected by severe flooding, with over 40,000 residents evacuating the area for safety. The city of Rongjiang faced destructive river levels unseen since 1954, prompting authorities to issue the highest-level alerts due to potential dam failures. This situation underscores challenges in adapting infrastructure to endure climate extremes, as the region faces repeated weather-related crises within a short span.

Umar called for greater grassroots-level preparedness, emphasising the need to build community resilience to minimise future losses. She said NEMA had developed a national framework for climate-related risk assessment and mitigation in line with seasonal predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“We have embarked on various activities aimed at preventing and mitigating the expected impacts of the disaster with a view to reminding stakeholders about their responsibilities in flood disaster management. Today’s downscaling exercise of the 2025 seasonal climate prediction is further aimed at acquainting major emergency management stakeholders with the predictions and what is expected of them, to mitigate the expected impacts of the disaster,” she said.

NEMA identified Imo State as one of the high-risk flood zones, with Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema local government areas listed as the most vulnerable.

Nnamdi Igwe, Head of NEMA Operations for Abia and Imo states, called for enhanced remote sensing for flood mapping and improved coordination through community liaison systems.

Local traditional authorities also expressed willingness to support disaster preparedness strategies.

Three days later, families are still waiting to identify the dead, while the nightclub lies in ruins - its roof reduced to rubble and twisted steel . According to the office of President Luis Abinader, 189 people were pulled alive from the debris.

First responder Fabio Miniato, a 60-year-old firefighter, described the trauma of the rescue efforts. “At the entrance, under a slab, there was a leg sticking out. She couldn’t have been more than 18 or 20. And I thought - someone is waiting for her at home.”

As dawn broke that morning, he recalled the haunting sound of cell phones ringing beneath the rubble. “That was all people looking for their relatives,” he said.

The tragedy has left young people especially shaken. Emma Nicole Barba, a 23-year-old student, stood among mourners near the site.

“You think it could have been me, a sibling, a friend,” she said. “Let’s hope the authorities respond. This was a very big catastrophe.”

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. 

"It has been distressing, very distressing, you can't imagine," said Yuni Garcia, who lost her brother, Johnny Humberto Garcia, a security guard at the club. “They brought him here at ten o'clock in the morning, but they haven't told us anything else,” she told the AFP

According to Garcia, her brother’s body was only discovered early Thursday morning, buried under debris in what was one of the final recovery zones at the disaster site.

The scene outside morgues in the capital has grown increasingly chaotic. Relatives shared emotional accounts of confusion, misidentification, and delays in body handovers.

"On Wednesday, we spent the whole day here,” said Julio Alberto Acosta, who is waiting for the body of his stepdaughter, Nelsy Anabel Melo. “At the last minute, they gave us a bag. We said: 'We have to open it to see if it's her.' But it wasn't. Then they just told us to come back tomorrow. They have you [waiting] like that.”

“We’ve been here since Tuesday morning,” added Melvin Gil, 47, whose niece is among the victims. “It has been very tedious. On top of the anguish of the death of a relative, they still haven't handed over the body. It’s a very painful process.”

Authorities have not yet released a full list of confirmed victims from the Jet Set nightclub disaster, which is still under investigation. While the government has deployed emergency response teams and grief counselors, the lack of clear communication and morgue capacity has sparked public frustration.

The Jet Set nightclub is one of Santo Domingo’s most iconic entertainment venues.

The actual death toll could rise, with concerns mounting over the undocumented migrants from nearby Comoros islands who lived in the deprived areas that were destroyed by the storm, AFP reports.

The neighbouring Comoros, which also claims sovereignty over Mayotte, declared a national mourning despite reporting no fatalities on its territory.

In Mamoudzou, residents described their struggle to recover from the storm’s aftermath.

"We're in the process of restoring the metal roofing that was there so that we can have a place to shelter for the night with the children," said Lailati Mahafou, whose house was destroyed. "No one can take my children and me because no one has a house anymore."

Another resident, Nassur Damourane, shared similar challenges: "My house is all broken up, and everything was destroyed by the cyclone. Now we're struggling to rebuild. We haven't had any help yet, but we hope something will come because we're waiting. What we need most of all is water. That's the first necessity."

The cyclone’s devastation has compounded existing challenges in Mayotte, the poorest department in France. Located about 5,000 miles from Paris, the island struggles with unemployment, violence, and a deepening migration crisis. Official figures indicate that 77% of Mayotte’s population lives below the national poverty line—a poverty rate five times higher than in mainland France.

French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism during a recent visit to the archipelago. While surveying the destruction, Macron reportedly told residents, “You should be happy to be in France because if it wasn’t France, you’d be 10,000 times even more in the s***.”

Cyclone Chido, described by Meteo-France as the strongest storm to hit the region in more than 90 years, formed in the southwestern Indian Ocean and intensified rapidly before striking Mayotte. It had earlier impacted northern Madagascar before moving on to the French territory.

The disaster, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake, sent waves up to 40 meters (130 feet) high crashing into villages, including Akkaraipettai in Tamil Nadu state, where Lakshmi lived. On that fateful morning, Lakshmi’s father had come to her home to look after her young daughter, Yashoda. Hours later, a deafening rumble announced the arrival of the colossal waves that swept through their village.

“She would have been 22 years old now,” Lakshmi said tearfully, holding a photograph of Yashoda, a poignant reminder of the tragedy that continues to haunt her and countless others affected by the tsunami.

"There is a lot of damage. The branches hit each other and broke. After the rain, there was flooding. The river rose, submerged everything, and the trees died. During the storm, we propped the trees back up. The next day, they were flooded again. This year, it's a total loss. No harvest," she said.

Do Thi Hoa, further counting her losses shared with AFP "It’s heartbreaking because I’ve put in so much effort since the beginning of the year. Money for pesticides and labour. So much money was spent with the hope of a harvest by the end of the year. Now, with this loss, everyone in the village is worried. "

Beyond the destruction of the farms, the human cost of Typhoon Yagi is equally tragic. As of Friday, September 13, 233 people have been reported dead with many more injured or missing.

The South African Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is initiating thorough investigations into a staggering number of leases, alongside a significant R300 million (about $17 million) IT security breach. All Africa reports Minister Dean Macpherson is prioritising the lawful execution of leases and adherence to market-related pricing in a bid to combat corruption within the sector, targeting construction mafias through legal action, including a lawsuit against Kroucamp Plumbers over unlawful tenders.

Eastern Cape Game Reserve fires

Recently, intense wildfires wreaked havoc in the Lawrence de Lange Game Reserve, devastating more than half of its grazing land. Fortunately, the fire was contained without any reported injuries to wildlife. According to News24 , local municipalities, however, felt the brunt of the disaster, exacerbated by prevailing dry weather conditions and powerful winds, highlighting the vulnerability of the region’s ecosystems.

Durban drug busts

In a major crackdown on drug-related crimes, two suspects were apprehended in Durban with a substantial cache of illegal drugs, valued at over R3 million (over $170,000). One individual was found in possession of 900 heroin capsules, prompting further investigations that led to additional drug seizures at other locations. As reported by News24 , one individual also faced charges related to illegal residency, showcasing the multifaceted nature of crime in the area.

Battle for Africa's richest title

In notable financial news, South Africa's Johann Rupert has surpassed Nigeria's Aliko Dangote to become Africa's richest man, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Africa.com highlights that Rupert's net worth surged by $1.9 billion to reach $14.3 billion, while Dangote experienced a decline of $1.7 billion to a net worth of $13.4 billion, as a result of Nigeria's current economic challenges. Despite maintaining the title of Africa's richest according to Forbes for an impressive 13 consecutive years, Dangote now finds himself in second position on Bloomberg's list, with other prominent billionaires such as Nicky Oppenheimer, Nassef Sawiris, and Natie Kirsh ranking third, fourth, and fifth respectively.

Corruption allegations aimed at Justice Minister

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally requested Justice Minister Thembi Simelane to address escalating corruption allegations relating to her involvement in a $130 million banking scandal with VBS Mutual Bank. Under scrutiny, Simelane is alleged to have received an illegal loan exceeding 500,000 rands during her tenure as mayor of Polokwane. As calls for her resignation intensify, opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), are questioning her integrity and leadership abilities. According to News Central , appointed only in June, Simelane’s credibility faces significant challenges given the history of corruption associated with several high-ranking ANC officials and the VBS scandal's detrimental impact on impoverished rural depositors.

According to Lucas Albanaz, a doctor who spoke to AFP, "It seems that these past days, everyone noticed an increase, particularly related to respiratory illnesses, conjunctivitis—everything associated."

A resident, Adoaldo Dias Alencar, who also shared his health risk said "After I arrived, it all started again. A cough. A runny nose, difficulty breathing, and so on."

In response to the crisis, the government has mobilised firefighting efforts and is working to control the spread of the fires. Officials are also investigating the causes, with some attributing the blazes to illegal land-clearing practices.

Governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, told local media on Monday, August 26 that Soldiers and firefighters stayed on high alert to "prevent the reignition" of fires from, anticipating a spell of dry weather.

At least 12 people were killed after heavy rain caused a landslide in southwest DR Congo. The incident occurred in Dibaya Lubwe commune around midday on Saturday, April 13. Despite the number of bodies pulled from the rubble, Reuters reports that at least 50 more people are still missing. A local official expressed challenges in pinpointing the precise count of missing individuals due to the area's busy nature. The location serves as a marketplace every Saturday, bustling with activity as fishermen gather to sell their catch and purchase essentials like soap. The poor urban planning and weak infrastructure in the Congo make communities vulnerable to such disasters.

Fight against monkeypox

In response to the growing threat of monkeypox in Africa, nearly 250 experts gathered in the DRC on April 13 to develop strategies to combat the spread of the disease, Africa News reports. The spread of the disease is alarming, with over 92,000 cases reported in more than 110 countries. In 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) emerged as one of the nations most severely impacted, with a reported 14,600 cases and 654 fatalities. Hence, there is a need to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, and community engagement to mitigate the impact of Monkey Pox in Africa. Health ministers of 12 African countries have decided to work together to create an action plan to combat the disease and protect African populations.

ADF rebels attack Kivu Province

Local sources reported that between 10 and 15 civilians lost their lives in recent attacks over the weekend in the Beni region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These attacks have been attributed to ADF rebels linked with the Islamic State. Antoine Kambale, an official from Mulekera town northwest of Beni, informed AFP that on April 12, 14 civilians were killed in multiple locations within the neighbourhood. Additionally, a subsequent attack occurred on the night of April 13 to 14, resulting in the deaths of two more individuals—an additional woman and a police officer.

Tshisekedi on a mission to eradicate unemployment

President Tshisekedi aims to create 6.4 million jobs in DRC by targeting mining companies, which are the country's biggest export. Drawing inspiration from stark statistics originating within his ministries of Labour and the World Bank, the situation highlights a daunting reality. According to The East African , an estimated seven out of every ten Congolese youth who graduate from college struggle to secure employment. The youth unemployment rate, specifically for individuals aged 15 to 24, stands at a staggering 35 percent. Data indicates that a majority of those fortunate enough to find employment are absorbed into agricultural, civil service, or informal sector roles. However, some social commentators speculate that the real unemployment rate could be even higher, considering the ongoing security issues prevalent in the DRC.

DR Congo lawmaker pushes for anti-LGBTQ bill

Constant Mutamba, a lawmaker in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has introduced a bill that would criminalise LGBTQ people. Washington Blade reports that a section of the legislation proposed by Constant Mutamba, head of the Dynamic Progressive Revolutionary Opposition platform, indicates either five or ten years jail terms for individuals engaging in homosexual behaviour, including acts and gestures. The bill, however, has been criticised by activists who argue that it distracts attention from more pressing issues in the country. LGBTQ rights are also under threat in Uganda, where the Constitutional Court upheld the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

The president told reporters on March 27 that all the deaths were from Mexico State, the most populous region encircling the capital.

The Latin American nation is currently facing a severe crisis with 116 forest fires burning across the country.

As of March 15, Mexico has witnessed approximately 400 fire incidents, collectively destroying more than 13,000 hectares (32,000 acres) of land.

The affected areas are spread across the country, with some fires occurring as far south as Chiapas state, which shares its border with Guatemala.

Official data reveals that fires are caused by both intentional actions and agricultural activities.

What they said

Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde said measures are in place to provide temporary shelter for affected victims and their families. He called for all to remain calm and for prayers to be said for the affected persons. “I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.. Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations,” he wrote in a statement on X . Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State Barrister Iyiola Oladokun whose residence was affected by the explosion said, “We were just watching the football match when the explosion occurred. All the doors that were closed were forced open. It was very devastating. All the doors, burglar proofs, windows, and even the roof have gone. We give glory to God that me and my wife were not hurt," he was quoted by Daily Post .

Below is the full statement of Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State.

Initial expectations were to commence the workers' extraction on Thursday, but now the earliest possible start is Friday.

The drilling process was also halted on Wednesday night when the boring machine encountered a metal girder, resulting in damage to its blades. This incident led to a six-hour delay as rescuers worked to cut the metal object and clear the obstruction, according to officials.

Atul Karwal, the head of the state-run National Disaster Response Force, reported that the machine resumed operations on Thursday.

The trapped workers have been stuck since November 12, when a landslide caused a section of the 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) tunnel they were constructing to collapse approximately 200 meters (650 feet) from the entrance.

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, visited the site on Thursday and communicated with some of the tunnel workers using walkie-talkies, as relayed by Karwal.

As of Thursday evening, the drilling had progressed almost 46 meters (151 feet) and required excavation of an additional 12 meters (40 feet) to establish a passageway, according to Kirti Panwar, a spokesperson for the state government at the accident site.

The rescue strategy involves inserting and welding pipes together to serve as the trapped workers' pathway to freedom. About 46 meters of pipes have been installed thus far, Panwar noted.

The National Disaster Response Force members are anticipated to enter and extract the workers individually, most likely on stretchers equipped with wheels.

Drilling operations recommenced on Wednesday as rescuers resumed their horizontal drilling efforts at the tunnel entrance.

The machine had encountered issues the previous week, leading to a temporary halt in digging, prompting consideration of alternative rescue strategies.

Negotiating the challenging mountainous terrain in Uttarakhand has proven difficult for the drilling machine, resulting in a breakdown as attempts were made to excavate horizontally toward the trapped workers.

Additionally, the machine's high-intensity vibrations contributed to an increased number of debris falling.

Atul Karwal, chief of the state-run National Disaster Response Force, stated, "The machine has started operating again in full swing. So we are hopeful that it will finish early." He added, "We should be able to rescue them today."

It took six hours to remove the metal pipes obstructing the drilling. Once the drilling reaches the required depth, rescuers can insert and weld together pipes, providing a route to freedom for the trapped workers.

The workers have been trapped since Nov. 12, following a landslide that caused a section of the 4.5-kilometer tunnel they were constructing to collapse about 200 meters from the entrance.

The challenging mountainous terrain and machine-related problems have posed difficulties for the rescue operation, but authorities remain optimistic about completing the rescue.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has directed government organisations and the leaders of those organisations to keep an eye on and carry out relief efforts in the areas impacted by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the coastal municipal bordering Indonesia on November 17. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer , the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a statement on November 19, said the President met with the nation’s government officials, ordering them to prioritise the safety of affected residents.

Nuclear Agreement

The Philippine government has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States. The '123 Agreement' on nuclear power cooperation was signed between Philippine Energy Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on November 16 in San Francisco, California, during the APEC Leaders' Summit. The 123 agreement, based on Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, aims to promote peaceful nuclear cooperation, allowing partner countries like the Philippines access to nuclear technologies and equipment.

World Bank loan approved

The World Bank has provided the Philippine government with a $500 million credit line for disaster and climate-related preparedness, enabling it to tap into the line during disasters to manage risks in education, human settlements, and health systems, local media the Manila Bulletin reported. World Bank's Country Director Ndiamé Diop for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, in a statement of November 17 said, "The real benefit of this support is its ability to rapidly deliver crucial services such as healthcare, shelter, and food – to those most impacted by disasters or climate events.”

Drug killings

The Philippine Supreme Court has denied a petition for government agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in extrajudicial killings during former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte's drug war. The court ruled that a writ of mandamus is a legal remedy when a tribunal, corporation, board, officer, or person unlawfully neglects a legal duty or excludes another from a right or office to which such other is entitled, local media the Manila Times reported.

Fishing rights

Philippine President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed fishing rights and easing tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea during a pull-aside meeting at the APEC Summit, local media the Manila Standard reported. President Marcos told reporters that, “The problems remain and it is something that we will need to continue to communicate to find ways to avoid such incidents. And of course, as ever, whenever this issue comes up, I always bring up the plight of our fishermen.”

Nepal's National Seismological Centre recorded the earthquake as having a magnitude of 6.4, while the U.S. Geological Survey registered it at 5.6. This event stands as the deadliest in Nepal since 2015 when two earthquakes claimed the lives of approximately 9,000 people and reduced entire towns and ancient temples to rubble, along with over a million homes, at an estimated cost of $6 billion to the nation's $40 billion economy.

Following the earthquake on Friday, numerous buildings in Jajarkot and the adjacent Rukum West district either collapsed or developed structural damage, rendering them uninhabitable.

The government in Kathmandu announced immediate plans to provide shelter, food, and safety to displaced families. It also pledged to offer $1,500 in immediate relief to the families of each deceased victim.

Survivors in Chiuri, who belong to the "untouchable" Dalit community based on Nepal's Hindu customs, reported that no government representatives had visited or offered assistance. They recounted the terrifying sounds of buildings collapsing shortly after the earthquake struck.

In Khalanga, the capital of Jajarkot district, survivors took refuge on the streets near damaged homes, wrapped in blankets to ward off the cold. They conducted funeral pyres for each body, adhering to their cultural and traditional practices.