Philippines — Super typhoons and flooding | Southeast Asia

In 2025, the Philippines endured another punishing typhoon season as warmer ocean waters intensified storms across the western Pacific. Several super typhoons made landfall within months, unleashing torrential rains, storm surges and widespread flooding. Coastal and low-lying communities were repeatedly displaced, while damage to crops, homes and transport networks accumulated with each successive storm. Authorities warned that recovery time between disasters is shrinking, leaving millions more exposed. Climate scientists continue to link the growing intensity of typhoons to rising sea surface temperatures driven by global warming.

Mexico — Floods and landslides | Latin America

Severe flooding and landslides struck parts of Mexico in late 2025 after days of relentless rainfall overwhelmed rivers and hillsides. Entire neighbourhoods were submerged as infrastructure collapsed, particularly in regions already affected by deforestation and rapid urban expansion. Emergency services struggled to reach isolated communities as roads and bridges were washed away. The disaster once again highlighted how climate change is amplifying rainfall extremes across Latin America. For many vulnerable communities, the impacts were worsened by long-standing social and economic inequalities.

Nigeria — Flash floods | West Africa

In late May, torrential rains along the Kaduna River triggered devastating flash floods in Nigeria’s Niger State. Villages around Mokwa and Minna were inundated within minutes, killing at least 151 people and displacing thousands more. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, while farmland and transport links were severely damaged. Beyond the immediate death toll, the floods wiped out crops during a critical agricultural period, threatening local food supplies. Relief agencies described the disaster as one of the worst flooding events Nigeria has seen in decades.

Nepal — Glacial lake outburst flood | South Asia

A sudden glacial lake outburst on the Nepal–China border in July sent a wall of water down the Bhote Koshi river, devastating border communities. The flood destroyed major bridges and hydropower facilities, killing dozens and leaving others missing on both sides of the frontier. Nearly eight per cent of Nepal’s electricity generation capacity was knocked offline overnight. Scientists pointed to accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas as a key driver of the disaster. The event underscored the growing risks climate change poses to high-mountain regions.

India — Monsoon floods and landslides | South Asia

India’s northeastern states faced deadly floods and landslides in June as unusually intense monsoon rains overwhelmed rivers and unstable terrain. Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya were among the worst affected, with dozens killed and thousands forced into shelters. Entire districts were cut off as roads collapsed and communication lines failed. While monsoons are a seasonal reality, experts warned that climate change is making rainfall more erratic and destructive. The disaster exposed the fragile infrastructure of one of India’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

South Africa — Unseasonal flooding | Southern Africa

In May, heavy rainfall from an unseasonal cold-front system triggered deadly flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Rivers burst their banks, sweeping away homes, schools and vehicles. At least 49 people were killed, including schoolchildren whose bus was caught in floodwaters near Mthatha. Authorities declared a national disaster as emergency crews struggled to reach submerged communities. Climate specialists noted that shifting weather patterns are making extreme rainfall events more frequent, even outside traditional wet seasons.

Brazil — Wildfires in the Amazon | South America

The Amazon basin experienced a surge in wildfires during 2025 as prolonged drought and record temperatures dried out vast stretches of rainforest. Fires spread rapidly across Brazil ’s northern states, destroying ecosystems, displacing Indigenous communities and releasing massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Smoke from the blazes darkened skies hundreds of kilometres away, triggering health warnings in major cities. Scientists warned that climate change, combined with deforestation, is pushing the rainforest closer to a tipping point. The fires reinforced fears that the Amazon is losing its ability to act as a global carbon sink.

Argentina and Chile — Drought-driven fires | South America

Across the Southern Cone, extended drought conditions fuelled one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent years. In Argentina and Chile, parched grasslands and forests ignited easily, allowing fires to spread across millions of hectares. Rural communities were forced to evacuate as livestock, crops and infrastructure were destroyed. Air pollution from the fires also affected urban centres, compounding public health risks. Climate change has lengthened fire seasons in the region, leaving authorities struggling to keep pace.

Horn of Africa — Drought and hunger | East Africa

In the Horn of Africa, prolonged drought conditions continued to drive severe food insecurity throughout 2025. Successive failed rainy seasons in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya devastated harvests and livestock, eroding livelihoods across rural areas. Millions faced crisis-level hunger as water sources dried up and food prices surged. While not always officially declared as a famine, humanitarian agencies warned that conditions resembled past hunger emergencies. Climate change has intensified drought cycles in the region, magnifying the risks for already vulnerable populations.

Southern Africa — Crop failures and food stress | Southern Africa

Large parts of Southern Africa entered 2025 grappling with the aftershocks of drought and extreme heat that reduced crop yields and strained water supplies. Countries such as Zambia and Malawi reported poor maize harvests, pushing more households towards food assistance. Climate-driven heat stress disrupted planting cycles and reduced agricultural productivity. As rural incomes fell, food insecurity deepened across the region. The crisis illustrated how climate change can quietly undermine food systems long before famine is officially declared.

Peru is an exciting travel destination, offering a blend of ultra-sophisticated dining, diverse wildlife, and stunning Inca ruins. The Andes, with attractions above 3000m, and the Pacific coastline's beautiful beaches showcase the country's natural beauty. According to Belfast Telegraph , Lima, the bustling capital, features a mix of historic colonial architecture and modern life, making it a vibrant city to explore. Overall, Peru remains largely uncommercialised, providing a unique and safe environment for visitors.

Avocado exports hit record high

In 2024, Peru's exports of Hass avocados to China reached a record 50,000 metric tons, representing a 40% increase from 2023. This achievement positioned Peru as the leading supplier of Hass avocados to China, surpassing Chile and Kenya. Key contributors to this success included collaboration among government, growers, and exporters, enabling adherence to China's stringent market standards. Overall, Peru exported 539,000 metric tons of Hass avocados globally, valued at $1.129 billion. Produce Report adds that Major producing regions included Lima, La Libertad, and Ica, with favourable climate and agricultural conditions driving export growth. China's avocado imports have surged by 112% over the past five years, highlighting significant market potential for Peruvian avocados.

Landslide hurtles through southern Peruvian town after extreme rainfall

A landslide triggered by extreme rainfall caused the Tierras Blancas River to overflow in Ica, southern Peru. A CBS Canal 33 reporter captured footage of the mudslide impacting the town on Thursday, February 6.

Peru looks to extend anti-dumping restrictions on US Biodiesel

Peru's Indecopi has launched a sunset review of antidumping duties on imports of pure biodiesel (B100) and blends over 50% biodiesel (B50) from the United States. As reported by America Economia , the review, triggered by a request from Heaven Petroleum Operators and Axxion Green Energy, will evaluate whether the measures, first imposed in 2010 and extended in 2016 and 2020, should continue. This was announced in an Indecopi Resolution published in the Official Gazette El Peruano last Wednesday, February 5.

Peru police rescue 123 women girls from sexual exploitation

Peruvian police rescued 123 women and girls from sexual exploitation by the Venezuelan gang Los Hijos de Dios, a faction of the Tren de Aragua gang, during a raid in Lima. The Sun reports that the operation led to the arrest of 23 alleged gang members. The gang has been active in Peru since 2021 and has been linked to the exploitation of minors, with previous rescues reported. Tren de Aragua, founded in 2014 in Venezuela, has expanded its presence across South America. Recently, the U.S. has also targeted the gang, deporting members and declaring a national emergency regarding their activities.

"The site is owned by a Chinese company, but women negotiated for free access to the mine for two hours daily, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.," Diallo explained.

He noted that the absence of men, who are more experienced in recognising the warning signs of unstable mines, may have contributed to the disaster. "There were only women, and that is why the tragedy happened. Men know how to recognise the signals from the mine; it's their job," Diallo added.

Muddy waters reportedly engulfed a mechanical excavator at the site, but search operations are still ongoing.

Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has long grappled with the dangers of artisanal mining. Fatal accidents, including deadly landslides, frequently plague the informal sector.

In January 2024, over 70 people died following a tunnel collapse at another gold mining site in the same region.

Indonesia and France have held the 9th Steering Committee meeting to enhance aviation safety through a technical cooperation agreement . The meeting, led by M. Mauludin from Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation, focused on activities involving air transportation standardisation, risk management, and the implementation of a National Aviation Safety Program. It includes collaboration with Airbus and Bureau Veritas. Both parties expressed commitment to improving aviation safety and emphasised the importance of ongoing strategic cooperation. The French government, represented by Thibaut Lallemand, reaffirmed support for Indonesia’s safety monitoring capabilities. 

Indonesian medic forced to leave north Gaza

Indonesian medics from the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee were forced to leave the Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza by Israeli troops after receiving warnings. The team, which arrived on December 1, was the first emergency medical group at the facility in 60 days, as the hospital had been cut off from supplies and endured multiple Israeli strikes. Following their departure, the hospital's director reported a critical shortage of medical personnel and supplies, with scores of casualties from ongoing attacks. The team evacuated to the nearby Indonesia Hospital amid ongoing bombings, hoping for the safe evacuation of remaining patients. Since the start of the conflict in October, the Israeli military's actions have led to over 44,600 reported deaths and numerous injuries in Gaza. 

Devastating landslides, flash floods on Java island

In Indonesia's Java island, torrential rains have triggered devastating landslides and flash floods, leading to the recovery of 10 bodies, including three children, with two individuals still missing. Over 170 villages in Sukabumi district have been affected, forcing more than 3,000 residents into temporary shelters. The extreme weather has destroyed 31 bridges, damaged 81 roads, and flooded around 1,170 houses.

Opposition wins Jakarta governorship

Opposition candidate Pramono Anung won the Jakarta governor race with 50.07% of the vote, securing victory for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the country's sole opposition party. This unexpected win allows the party to control Jakarta, which represents one-fifth of Indonesia's economic output. The result is a setback for Prabowo, who has just begun his five-year term and is preparing to implement key national programs. 

Repatriation of death-row convict to the Philippines

Indonesia will repatriate death-row convict Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines after years of international pressure. Indonesia's law minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated the decision follows a meeting with Philippine officials and clarified that this does not involve clemency or a pardon. Veloso was sentenced to death in 2010 for attempting to smuggle drugs, but her supporters claim she was a victim of human trafficking. The responsibility for her rehabilitation will now rest with the Philippine government.

Hackers successfully breached Uganda's central bank, resulting in a theft of approximately $17 million. The hacking group, known as "Waste," has been identified as responsible for this cyber incident, which included transferring a portion of the stolen funds to Japan. As investigations proceed under the Criminal Investigations Department and the Auditor General, the Bank of Uganda has not yet confirmed the breach. Still, it is pending a police report and has managed to recover over half of the stolen amount. According to The Express Tribune , allegations of potential insider involvement have arisen, prompting President Yoweri Museveni to call for a comprehensive investigation, as concerns over cybersecurity in the nation's financial institutions escalate.

Landslide leaves several dead

The Bulambuli district of eastern Uganda has been struck by a devastating landslide, with the death toll now at 17 and over 100 individuals reported missing due to the incident triggered by heavy rainfall. The landslide buried numerous homes, causing widespread destruction. As reported by the Sight , rescue operations initiated by the Uganda Red Cross alongside local authorities are ongoing, with survivors engaged in desperate searches for their loved ones. Local lawmaker Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi noted personal losses, including his niece and her newborn. Observing the increasingly volatile weather patterns, the government had previously alerted residents to the dangers during the rainy season, recalling past disasters such as the fatal avalanche in 2010, further emphasising the region’s vulnerability.

Uganda unlocks value from honey by-product

A promising project spearheaded by Deborah Ruth Amulen from Makerere University has unveiled the significant health benefits of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, which remains largely untapped in Uganda. With an annual production potential ranging from 325 to 870 tons, beekeepers' focus on honey and beeswax leads to substantial revenue loss, estimated at $3.5 million annually. Sci Dev Net reports that the research team has innovated a four-stage extraction process, resulting in high-value products including propolis-infused teas, ointments, and sweets. Despite facing challenges related to equipment accessibility and intellectual property rights, the project is committed to commercialising these products and extending the initiative's model across Africa, supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI).

Uganda aims to reduce drowning deaths by 25% in 2025

In a proactive measure against drowning incidents, Uganda is implementing a Drowning Prevention Project to lower drowning fatalities by 25% by the year 2025. This initiative arises in light of a disconcerting report noting 2.5 million drowning deaths over the past decade. Eng. Sowed Sewagude from the Ministry of Water and Environment has stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts to enforce water safety protocols and educate youth about aquatic dangers. The initiative, driven by Reach a Hand Uganda in collaboration with Makerere University and Design Without Borders, addresses Uganda's alarming drowning statistics, particularly within lakeside communities where unreported incidents are frequent, The Independent reports. Planned strategies include designating safe swimming zones, implementing swimming education, and enhancing community rescue skills, particularly aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations such as children.

Promoting emission-free mobility

The European Union is fostering a partnership with local authorities in Kampala to advocate for emission-free mobility, specifically promoting cycling as a viable alternative to fuel-powered transportation. EU Ambassador Jan Sadek highlighted the initiative's dual objectives: reducing air pollution and alleviating traffic congestion. This project forms part of the Green Diplomacy Week, which encompasses other renewable energy ventures, notably the rehabilitation of the Nalubale-Kiira hydropower plant in Uganda. Notwithstanding the infrastructural obstacles hindering cycling in Kampala, authorities are endeavouring to incorporate cycling-friendly designs into upcoming road projects in regions such as Nakawa-Naguru and Bukoto-Ntinda, aligning with a broader movement toward sustainable urban transportation solutions in Uganda, PML Daily reports.

Concerns are rising over a possible ISIS presence in Nepal following revelations linking a senior Nepal Police officer to terrorism-financing activities associated with the extremist group. Interpol's National Central Bureau in Singapore has urged the Nepal Police to investigate DSP Hem Bahadur Shahi, alongside two other individuals suspected of ties to ISIS. This investigation was prompted after Interpol requested background information on the trio, highlighting fears that ISIS affiliates may be operating in the country. According to My Republica , DSP Shahi, originally from Kailali, is among those suspected of connection to terrorism financing.

Chief of Army Staff

President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the insignia of Chief of Army Staff on Ashok Raj Sigdel in a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas. Sigdel succeeds Prabhu Ram Sharma and will serve a three-year term. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, and President Paudel also administered the oath of office. Sigdel's leadership becomes effective on September 9, following Sharma's mandatory retirement leave, media agency, Kathmandu Post reported.

Landslide

Landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains have blocked the Karnali Highway in Nepal, particularly at Ismod and Gaganekhola, disrupting traffic and stranding passengers from Jumla, Kalikot, and Mugu. Efforts are underway to clear the debris. In a separate incident, the bodies of a couple who went missing in a landslide in Jajarkot have been retrieved, while their injured daughter has been sent for treatment, DD News reported.

Electrocution deaths

Rising electrocution deaths in Nepal have been attributed to the negligence of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). In Madhesh Province alone, 449 people have died from electric shocks in the past five years. Recently, a 13-year-old boy died after climbing a tree that contacted a live wire, leading to local protests against NEA's mismanagement. Other tragic incidents include a family of three electrocutions and subsequent injuries due to faulty electrical infrastructure. The National Human Rights Commission is investigating the situation, urging NEA to enhance safety measures amidst rising profits, according to media agency, Kathmandu Post .

Financial and technical assistance

Germany has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant of 51 million euros (approximately Rs 7.5 billion) in financial and technical assistance over the next two years. The funds will be used to improve health infrastructure, promote renewable energy, strengthen local government institutions, and support economic and social development, My Republica reported. The discussions highlighted the importance of development partners in helping Nepal achieve its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Nepali delegation, led by Joint Secretary Dhani Ram Sharma, also emphasized collaboration on climate change, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called it "one of the worst natural calamities Kerala has ever witnessed."

"This catastrophe has resulted in the loss of 108 lives," he added in a statement cited by AFP.

"My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured," Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media platform X.

The Indian army has sent over 200 soldiers to help with the rescue efforts. However, rescue operations are challenging due to blocked roads. The National Disaster Response Force has been seen wading through mud and transporting bodies on stretchers.

The region's tea estates were hit by two landslides before dawn, affecting many residents and workers. Families of the deceased will receive $2,400 (200,000 rupees) in compensation. More than 3,000 people are now in emergency relief camps.

Recent months have seen severe flooding in Mumbai and fatal lightning strikes in Bihar. The deadliest landslide in recent decades occurred in 1998 in the Himalayas, killing at least 220 people.

The agriculture sector in Papua New Guinea is seeing increased demand for fresh onions, with prices rising to K150 ($38.32) per net. Local farmers are meeting the demand, despite challenges from weather and competition with imported onions. Chimbu Province leads in onion supply, and farmers are working to improve their product quality. The labour-intensive cultivation process is, however, required for the growth and maturity of onions over a four to five-month period, Fresh Plaza reports.

Pope Francis to visit Papua New Guinea

Most Reverend Otto Separy, President of the Catholic Bishop Conference (CBC) and Bishop of Bereina has announced that Pope Francis will be making a State Visit to Papua New Guinea from September 6 to 9, 2024, PNG National Information Centre confirms. “On the 12th of April 2024, the confirmation was made that the Pope is set to visit Papua New Guinea on the 6th – 9th of September, 2024,” stated Bishop Separy. “As PNG is a Christian country, the Pope’s visit is also spiritual. It’s not only for the Catholics, it’s for all Christians.”

Arau Project begins in Papua New Guinea

According to Stock Titan , Great Pacific Gold Corp. (GPAC) has begun drilling at its Arau Project in Papua New Guinea. The company has completed road rehabilitation and constructed nine drill pads. A reverse circulation (RC) drill rig has been mobilized to the site, marking GPAC's first drilling on its PNG projects. Concurrently, GPAC is preparing the Kesar Creek Project for a drilling program, with an ongoing phase 2 soil program nearing completion. The company has also started road rehabilitation work at the formerly producing Wild Dog Project in East New Britain Province. The Arau Project includes the Mt. Victor Prospect, where previous drilling identified a multi-phase intrusion complex hosting copper and gold mineralisation.

Papua New Guinea landslide tragedy survivors sleep on mass graves

Survivors of a devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province are still sleeping on the mass grave of their loved ones. Almost two months after the disaster, there is still no proper relocation plan for the victims and the main access road remains closed, leaving thousands in need of food and supplies. The community is calling for urgent assistance from the government and relief agencies, RNZ reports.

Earthquake at Wewak

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Wewak, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea, was reported just 9 minutes ago by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, the primary national agency monitoring seismic activity in this region. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km beneath the epicentre in the early afternoon on Friday, July 19th, 2024, at 2:51 pm local time. According to Volcano Discovery , the exact magnitude, epicentre, and depth of the quake may be revised in the coming hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies release their reports.

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 Council for the Welfare of Children has issued a warning to parents and guardians regarding the growing use of artificial intelligence to create abusive material involving children, urging them to refrain from posting unnecessary photos of minors online. Angelo Tapales, the Executive Director of CWC, made this statement during the Safer Internet Day conference, emphasizing the organization's collaboration with government agencies and the private sector to combat violence and sexual abuse against children, including emerging forms of exploitation, local media Philstar reported. Tapales emphasized the high vulnerability of Filipino children to being exploited for the production of sexually abusive material, with UNICEF previously identifying the country as a significant hub for such activities.

Landslide accident

A tragic landslide hit Maco, Davao de Oro on February 6, burying two buses carrying employees from Apex Mining Co. Seven fatalities have been confirmed, with 31 individuals rescued but injured, and 48 still missing. The landslide struck around 7:30 p.m. in a mountainous area outside the mining site, worsened by heavy rainfall that has persisted in Mindanao since January 28, attributed to a low-pressure area. Alongside those directly impacted by the landslide, 758 families were evacuated as a precautionary measure, local media Manila Bulletin reported.

  Unemployment drops

The Philippine Statistics Authority announced on February 7, that the number of unemployed individuals dropped to 1.6 million in December of the previous year, marking the lowest figure in nearly two decades. According to the PSA's Labor Force Survey of 11,235 households, the unemployment rate stood at 3.1 per cent, a decrease from 4.3 per cent in December 2022, indicating a decline of 617,000 unemployed individuals, reports local media Inquirer . The employment rate surged to 96.9 per cent, representing 50.52 million employed individuals, up from 95.7 per cent in December 2022.

Cyberattacks traced to China

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has revealed that recent cyberattacks targeting several government servers have been traced back to IP addresses originating from China. According to DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy, unidentified hackers attempted to breach servers used by overseas Filipino workers and Google Workspace, which hosts the Philippine government's email and storage for non-confidential data, local media Philstar reported. Jeffrey disclosed this information during a House hearing on Tuesday.

US-Philippine Health partnership

The USAID has reaffirmed the partnership between the United States government and the Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines to strengthen the Philippine health system and tackle health challenges, including combating tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. During the visit of the Assistant Administrator for Global Health Dr. Atul Gawande in Manila, he engaged in discussions with Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and key government stakeholders to explore avenues for strengthening primary health care in alignment with the Philippines' Universal Health Care objectives, local media Sunstar reported.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro landed in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, January 16. During the World Economic Forum, he announced plans to seek resources and international cooperation for investing in coca-producing areas with the goal of "transforming the economy from illicit to legal". He also addressed the climate crisis, emphasising that Colombia "has decided not to contract more oil, gas, and coal explorations". Petro's trip has not been without controversy, with criticism directed at him for renting a house in Davos for 4.5 billion pesos (USD 1,151.92) to promote tourism in the country, as reported by El Colombiano .

Tragedy in Chocó

The bodies of the victims of the landslide that occurred on Friday, January 12, have begun to arrive in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, where they will be mourned. The country has declared three days of mourning for the 39 people who lost their lives. Research operations are ongoing, and the remaining bodies are expected to arrive in Quibdó on Tuesday, as reported by El Colombiano .

Investigations at the University of Colombia

After the release of videos showing former congressman and rector of the University of Colombia, Carlos Moreno de Caro, shouting at some female employees, the Ministry of Labour conducted a three-day inspection of the institution, according to El Espectador . Deputy Minister of Labour Relations and Inspection Edwin Palma stated that they found "various violations of labour and social security regulations" and have initiated investigations.

Capture of a major migrant trafficker

Colombian authorities have Nelson Enrique Bautista, also known as Poporro, in their custody after his arrest in Cancun, Mexico, and subsequent transfer to Colombian territory, according to El Heraldo . The detainee had been listed for years as one of the most sought-after criminals in the country, implicated in both drug trafficking and, more recently, migrant trafficking.

Extortion on the rise

Extortion crimes in Colombia have increased by 20.5% in the last four years, according to the National Police's crime statistics portal. While 8,188 complaints were filed in 2020, the figure rose to 9,871 last year, as reported by El Espectador . The ‘Defensoría del Pueblo’ has asked the government to focus its attention on this type of crime.