U.S. News | Disaster News | Science & Technology News | Current Events This Week
The world is a very busy place, and it’s hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the World news events you need to know so far for April 2024.
- Forty-Five People Dead In Bridge Accident In South Africa
- Four Thousand People Evacuated After Dam Crashes In Russia
- Israel Pulls Troop From Southern Gaza, Sighting Tactical Reason
- About 100 People Pronounced Dead As A Result Of Sunken Ferry In Mozambique
- Explosion Rocks Power Plant In Italy, Killing Three People
- United Kingdom And Ukraine Signed Agreement On Arms Production
Forty-Five People Dead In Bridge Accident In South Africa
Image Source: AP Images/Themba Hadebe
Friday, April 5, 2024 – A tragic bus crash in South Africa’s Limpopo province claimed the lives of 45 worshipers heading to an Easter conference, with the sole survivor, an eight-year-old girl, airlifted to hospital. The passengers, pilgrims from Botswana, were en route to the Zion Christian Church in Moria.
The crash occurred in the Mamatlakala mountain pass, causing the bus to catch fire after plunging off a bridge. Efforts to recover bodies are ongoing, with 12 retrieved so far. Some bodies are burned beyond recognition while others are trapped in debris. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, promised to repatriate the bodies to Botswana, expressing condolences to the affected families and urging responsible driving during the Easter weekend. President Cyril Ramaphosa also offered condolences to Botswana’s government and the victims’ families.
Source: CNN
Four Thousand People Evacuated After Dam Crashes In Russia
Image Source: AP Images/Uncredited
Saturday, April 6, 2024 – Thousands of people were evacuated from the Orenburg region near Kazakhstan following a dam burst in the city of Orsk due to torrential rain. Over 4,200 individuals, including 1,019 children, were evacuated, with more than 2,500 homes affected. Russia initiated a criminal case for negligence related to the dam’s construction in 2014.
Orenburg’s regional governor, Denis Pasler, cited the dam being built for a different weight and unprecedented rainfall as contributing factors. Authorities warned of dangerous water levels on the Ural River, with plans for forcible evacuations if necessary.
Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, called it one of Kazakhstan’s worst natural disasters in 80 years, urging readiness to assist those affected. Rescue operations, including the use of boats and hovercrafts, were underway in affected areas. Multiple regions in the Urals and western Siberia have experienced flooding since spring began.
Source: The Guardian
Israel Pulls Troop From Southern Gaza, Sighting Tactical Reason
Image Source: AP Images/Fatima Shbair
Sunday, April 7, 2024 – Israel has withdrawn all ground troops from southern Gaza, citing “tactical reasons,” while two brigades remain in the northern half of Gaza. The move comes as Hamas and Israeli delegations head to Egypt for ceasefire talks. The withdrawal may signal relief for reservists and not a shift in strategy. Talks aim to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal, with both sides sending negotiators.
However, previous negotiations have failed to reach an agreement. Hamas reiterates demands for a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a prisoner exchange. Concerns of wider conflict persist, especially after Israeli strikes in Damascus.
The war, triggered by Hamas, has led to significant casualties and displacement. Humanitarian concerns grow, with reports of imminent famine in Gaza’s northern half. Aid delivery remains a challenge amid logistical obstacles and military operations. Israel promises to reopen key crossings and increase aid after international criticism.
Source: The Guardian
About 100 People Pronounced Dead As A Result Of Sunken Ferry In Mozambique
Image Source: AP Images/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 – Over 100 fatalities were reported after a ferry sank off Mozambique’s northern coast, according to President Filipe Nyusi. The vessel, which was carrying 130 passengers, was not authorized for passenger transport and was overloaded, stated an official from the Maritime Transport Institute.
Initial reports suggest it was hit by a tidal wave while transporting people from Lunga to Mozambique Island. Passengers were fleeing a cholera outbreak, with 10 rescued and nearly 20 still missing. Nyusi expressed sadness and ordered an investigation, promising government action to mitigate the incident’s impact.
Distressing videos showed bodies strewn across a beach. Mozambique, along with other Southern African nations, has been grappling with cholera outbreaks, with over 15,000 cases and 32 deaths recorded since October, with Nampula province alone accounting for 5,084 cases and 12 deaths.
Source: CNN
Explosion Rocks Power Plant In Italy, Killing Three People
Image Source: AP Images/Antonio Calanni
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 – Three fatalities and four missing persons have been reported after an explosion at a hydroelectric plant in northern Italy. The blast, which occurred underwater at Lake Suviana’s plant, caused severe burns to five individuals, who were airlifted to nearby hospitals.
The victims, all contractors aged between 36 and 73, were trapped below the surface, complicating rescue efforts. Mayor Matteo Lepore described the conditions for search teams as “really complicated,” labeling it one of Italy’s worst work tragedies.
Investigations will commence once the site is secure and the missing are found, according to regional officials. The incident raises concerns about workplace safety, coinciding with planned union strikes. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed gratitude to rescue services. The plant, owned by Enel Green Power, ceased production, though no damage to the dam was reported.
Source: BBC
United Kingdom And Ukraine Signed Agreement On Arms Production
Image Source: AP Images/Evgeniy Maloletka
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 – Ukraine and Britain have inked a pivotal framework agreement to collaborate in defense and arms production, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s domestic weapons industry amidst ongoing conflict. The agreement, the first of its kind, was signed during a military industry conference in Kyiv, attended by around 30 British defense firms.
Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, highlighted the significance of British companies seeking opportunities to co-produce weapons. United Kingdom Minister for Trade Policy, Greg Hands, expressed hopes for battlefield gains for Ukraine and long-term economic benefits.
Ukraine intensifies efforts to manufacture its weapons and attract Western producers despite Russian threats. British defense giant BAE Systems, already established in Ukraine, will conduct maintenance and repair of light guns locally. Further projects, particularly in drone production, are anticipated, with Ukraine targeting increased drone output, including for deep strikes into Russia.
Source: Reuters
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