News Watch
Europe forest fires
Deadly and destructive wildfires occurred throughout Europe and Asia Minor in July and August.
Taliban again rule Afghanistan
After the US began pulling troops out of Afghanistan in early July, Taliban forces quickly took over large sections of the country, culminating in their taking control of the capital, Kabul, on Aug. 17 with little resistance. The US negotiated an evacuation date of Aug.
Russia plane crashes
An Antonov An-26 turboprop plane carrying 28 people crashed during landing at Palana Airport in Kamchakta, Russia, on July 6, killing everyone on board. The plane lost contact with the tower shortly before landing and crashed into the ocean.
COVID-19 update
At press time, active COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in 192 countries and territories, with more than 198.5 million cases and, resulting from those, more than 4.2 million deaths.
Current advisories
The US Department of State posts up-to-date travel advisories on every country and many territories, ranking each 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel).
India monsoon flood
Monsoon rains in late July caused major flooding in the state of Maharashtra in western India, killing at least 110 people, with many people still missing at press time. Officials in India said most of the deaths were caused by landslides, which destroyed area villages.
Iraq market bombed
A market in Baghdad, Iraq, in the neighborhood of Sadr City, was bombed on July 19, killing at least 25 people. The market was busy with people shopping for the evening meal of the Eid al-Adha festival.
Violent South Africa protests
Throughout South Africa, large protests over the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma descended into violence starting on July 8, resulting in the deaths of at least 212 people and the arrest of more than 2,500.
Cuba protests
Rare antigovernment protests began occurring in Cuba starting on July 11 as a collapsing economy, stricter government controls on food and medicine and the country’s perceived lackluster response to the COVID-19 pandemic caused frustration and anger.
Northern Europe floods
Historic rains caused devastating floods in western Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg in mid-July. At least 188 people were killed, with more than 170 people still missing at press time. Many millions of people living in the region, including the entire city of Liége, Belgium, were ordered to evacuate.
Conflict in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, government forces and rebel groups have been fighting in the northern Tigray region since late 2020. In that time, thousands of people have been killed and millions of people, displaced.
Canada heat wave
A high-pressure weather system reaching from the US’ Pacific Northwest all the way up to the Arctic Circle caused a record-breaking heat wave in western Canada in late June, with temperatures reaching over 100º Fahrenheit in the Vancouver area on multiple days. At least 130 deaths were attributed to the heat.
COVID-19 update
At press time, there had been more than 182.8 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide and, resulting from those, more than 3.9 million deaths.
Current advisories
The US Department of State posts up-to-date travel advisories on every country and many territories, ranking each 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel).
COVID-19 update
At press time, active COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in 192 countries and territories, with more than 173.4 million cases and, resulting from those, more than 3.7 million deaths.
DR Congo volcano erupts
Nyiragongo volcano, just outside the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, erupted on May 22, killing at least 22 people. Flowing lava from the eruption reached the international airport near Goma, stopping just before reaching the city of 2 million.
Current advisories
The US Department of State posts up-to-date travel advisories on every country and many territories, ranking each 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel).
Israel-Gaza conflict
Israel exchanged rocket and artillery fire with Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza May 12-21. In the conflict, at least 243 people were killed in Gaza, more than 100 of whom were women or children. In Israel, 13 people, including two children, were killed.
Mexico City metro accident
In Mexico City on May 3, an overpass on the city’s metro system collapsed as a train crossed, causing two train cars to fall onto the roadway below. At least 23 people were killed and 65 were injured, both on the train and on the road.