Argentinian floods caused by intense rainstorms led to 13 deaths; Jalisco uncovered 200 shoes linked to missing people; DRC offers $5M for M23 rebel captures amid conflict; U.S. butterfly population declines 22%; cyber warfare sees significant rise in Internet shutdowns in 2024.
Bahia Blanca, Argentina, experienced a catastrophic rainstorm, resulting in 13 fatalities and displacing hundreds of residents. This deluge delivered an annual rainfall amount in just a few hours, repeating a similar tragic event from December 2023, which also resulted in the same number of deaths.
In Jalisco, Mexico, a discovery of 200 pairs of shoes in an illicit crematorium has surfaced, believed to belong to individuals killed by organized crime. This revelation came from families of the approximately 15,000 missing persons in the state, where the country has over 100,000 recorded as “disappeared.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced a $5 million reward for tips leading to the capture of three rebel M23 leaders and $4 million for two journalists in exile seen as accomplices. The DRC army faces significant challenges against more powerful rebel groups, diminishing the likelihood of successful captures.
A recent study has identified a 22% decline in the butterfly population in the U.S. since 2000, highlighting the Southwest as the most affected region with over a 50% drop. Factors such as insecticides, climate change, and habitat destruction threaten these essential pollinators, potentially impacting crops like Texas cotton, half of which relies on butterflies for pollination.
Cyber warfare has taken a new direction with a reported 296 Internet shutdowns across 54 countries in 2024. This marks an increase from 283 shutdowns in 39 countries the previous year. Shutdowns serve political purposes by curbing dissent and disrupting elections, especially evident in Africa where several shutdowns have lasted over a year.
The recent events across various regions underscore significant humanitarian crises and environmental challenges. The tragic loss of life in Argentina due to catastrophic flooding, the chilling discovery in Mexico reflecting the impact of organized crime, the escalating conflict in the DRC, declining butterfly populations in the U.S. vital for agriculture, and the rise of cyber warfare with Internet shutdowns all highlight complex global issues needing urgent attention.
Original Source: www.gzeromedia.com
