Stories about Breaking News from January, 2009
Flashfloods and landslides in south Philippines
More than 115,000 people in the Philippines’ northern Mindanao region had fled to safety due to flashfloods and landslides. The local government reported that the series of flashfloods that struck the region have reached humanitarian crisis proportions
Indonesia: Flooding in 13 provinces
Thirteen Indonesian provinces experienced flooding the past week due to torrential rains. The disaster has claimed the lives of 14 people while three others are still missing. More than 50,000 people have to be evacuated. Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is under up to two meters of water.
Pakistan: Crackdown On Mumbai Attack Suspects
CHUP! – Changing Up Pakistan reports that 124 people were arrested in Pakistan in a crackdown on groups allegedly linked to the terror attacks in Mumbai, India.
Sri Lanka: Death Threat To A Blogger
Dare to be different reports that a Sri Lankan blogger got threatened for his life for posting dissenting views. Read the post for details.
Madagascar: More Prison Break: Arson in Ambalatavoahangy (Toamasina)
After a series of prison breaks around Madagascar last week, Jentilisa reports that another prison near Toamasina ( East coast of Madagascar) was set on fire today ( Jan 13th)...
DR Congo: ICC trial for Bemba?
Bana Congo [Fr] and Wronging Rights report that Jean-Pierre Bemba‘s confirmation of charges hearing began at the International Criminal Court on January 12. Bemba is alleged to be criminally responsible...
Trinidad & Tobago: Tragedy at Sea
Trinidadian diaspora blogger Further Thoughts is a relative of the two researchers whose bodies were recovered at sea after an incident this past weekend: “I am so thankful for the...
Indonesia: Ferry capsizes with 250 people
A passenger ferry with 250 people onboard sank in bad weather in Indonesia. Rescuers are still looking for survivors.
Pakistan: Low Intensity Blasts in Lahore
Skb at Lahore Metblogs reports: “During last two hours, Lahore experienced four blasts near Alflah building on Mall Road and the recent, fifth blast is just heard near Tamaseel Theatre...
Japan: The future of Toyota
Michi Kaifu at Tech Mom from Silicon Valley responds to news that Toyota “crown prince” Akio Toyoda is to take the company's president position in June this year. Reflecting on...
Costa Rica: 6.2 Earthquake leaves nationals and tourists stranded
A 6.2 Earthquake that was felt throughout Costa Rica, with the epicenter in Vara Blanca only 35 Km. away from the capital city of San José. In the Central Valley, damages consist of cracks and damaged goods fallen from shelves, however, the situation near the epicenter is devastating, as mountainsides collapsed and landslides caused flooding. It has yet to be estimated how many possible victims, although 3 deaths have been confirmed.
Madagascar: Series of “Prison Breaks” as Life Imitates Television
In Madagascar, 40 inmates are still at large after successful escape attempts from three prisons around the country, all within in 48 hours.
Sri Lanka: Assassination Of A Journalist
Sri Lanka remains as one of the world’s most dangerous countries for independent journalists. Indi.ca reports that Lasantha Wickremetunge, one of Sri Lanka’s best known journalists was shot in the...
Egyptian bloggers visit injured Palestinians
Several groups of injured Palestinians crossed into the Egyptian territory via the Rafah Crossing and blogger Ahmed Al Sabbagh and Mohamed Hamdy organized a morale-boosting visit to the Red Crescent Hospital.
Palestine: “In Gaza, we are subject to news but cannot see TVs”
Yesterday (6 January) a UN school in Jabaliya refugee camp which was being used as a shelter, was struck by Israeli shells and about 40 people killed. Today, the Israeli military suspended its military operations for three hours, to allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip. In this post we hear the reactions of bloggers in Gaza.
Pakistan: National Security Adviser Sacked Over Mumbai Terrorist Row
Five Rupees reports that mayhem followed after Maj. Gen. (R) Mahmud A. Durrani, the Pakistan Prime Minister's National Security Advisor admitted to media today that the the lone surviving Mumbai...
An Egyptian Blogger's take on Robert Fisk's Piece
Celebrated columnist Robert Fisk lashed out at Egypt over its stance on Gaza in an article entitled "The Rotten State of Egypt is too Powerless and Corrupt to Act." An Egyptian blogger reacts in this post.
Palestine: UN School Hit By Israeli Shells; More than 40 Killed
At approximately 6:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Al Jazeera English reported that a UN school was hit when two tank shells exploded outside of the school. The school, located in Jabaliya, had been set up days ago as a shelter for Gaza residents who had lost or evacuated their homes. Over 40 people have been killed. Jillian York presents immediate reactions from the blogosphere and Twitter.
DR Congo: New mass killings, weak media attention
While fighting in North Kivu has been somewhat quiet of late, there have been reports of mass killings perpetrated by the Ugandan rebel group LRA in the Congolese Haut-Uélé region by the Sudanese border during the past two weeks. Meanwhile, media attention is elsewhere.
Palestine: “In Gaza our future is almost destroyed”
In this roundup of blogposts from Gaza we hear from a teenager who just lost her friend and is scared for her own life, about a medical worker who was killed as he went to save someone, and from a man who asserts his lack of political affiliation: "I'm not Fatah, not Hamas. I like vodka."
Philippines: New Year Flash Floods
Flash floods brought the festive mood of the New Year to an early close for the thousands of displaced families in different areas in the Philippines.
