Taiwan: aftermath of major earthquake
Taiwan is grappling with the aftermath of its strongest earthquake in 25 years, leaving over 35 people missing and more than 660 trapped. The quake, measuring at least 7.2, struck near Hualien on 3 April, causing buildings to teeter and collapse. Rescuers have evacuated 77 people from tunnels, and the search for the missing continues. Many are seeking shelter in tents because of the ‘terrifying’ aftershocks. At least ten people have died, and over a thousand injuries have been reported. After some factory evacuations by major chipmaker TSMC, there have been fears of disruptions to the supply chain, but work is expected to resume after inspections have taken place. The earthquake's impact underscores Taiwan's vulnerability to natural disasters and the resilience of its people in the face of adversity.
Gaza: Israel accused of targeting aid workers
Humanitarian groups have accused Israeli forces of intentionally targeting them in Gaza, after the airstrike on 1 April on a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy. Seven aid workers, including three Britons, were killed in the airstrike. WCK had coordinated with the IDF through deconfliction, a process where agencies inform military parties of their locations and movements to avoid being targeted. Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident unintentional, and the IDF claimed it was due to misidentification. However, 203 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began, which creates a lot of mistrust in the deconfliction system. WCK founder José Andrés has claimed that the IDF is targeting them ‘systematically, car by car’, and said that workers from other groups such as UNRWA and the Red Cross had also been affected. The recurring strikes raise doubts about the effectiveness and integrity of coordination efforts, exacerbating tensions in the conflict zone. See also the UK article entitled ‘Legal experts call for halt in British arms exports to Israel’. Breaking news: Israel has announced that it will open two new aid routes.
South Africa: illegal migration across porous border
In the town of Musina, Portie Murevesi, heavily pregnant, has found refuge after a brutal assault. She is one of many migrants undertaking perilous journeys to reach South Africa. Tales of violence, including rape and murder, are commonplace, but many people, driven by desperation, are risking their lives to seek better opportunities in South Africa. Officially, there are more than 2.4 million foreigners - nearly half of them Zimbabwean - living in the country, accounting for just over 3% of the population. But that figure does not include those who have entered illegally, and with a general election scheduled for the end of May, this has become a highly charged political issue. Although the authorities say they are tightening security, it is an enormous task. John epitomises the struggle for survival as he resorts to smuggling watermelons across the porous border because they fetch a far higher price than in Zimbabwe.
Colombia / Panama: failure to protect migrants criticised
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised Colombia and Panama for failing to protect migrants and asylum seekers crossing the perilous Darien Gap jungle route between the two countries. The report highlighted inadequate protection and investigation of abuses, including sexual violence. The Darien Gap, fraught with natural hazards and criminal activity, is a favoured route for those fleeing violence and hardships; over 520,000 people used it in 2023. HRW urged Colombia to investigate a criminal gang's exploitation of migrants and allocate more resources for protection, and criticised Panama’s ‘controlled flow’ strategy, which it said needed to be modified. It also called for the appointment of a senior official to coordinate responses with the UN and humanitarian groups.
Myanmar: landmine casualties triple
In Myanmar, the devastating impact of landmines is exemplified by Nyien, a four-year-old who lost both legs in an explosion while collecting plums. In 2023, 188 people were killed and 864 wounded from buried bombs - compared to 390 casualties in 2022. Children constitute over 20% of the victims. Unicef has described the use of landmines as ‘reprehensible and illegal’, urging all parties to prioritise civilian safety. Their use has surged since the 2021 military coup, especially in regions where resistance groups have been most active. Three countries - Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen - had higher mine casualties in 2022, and the long-term dangers posed by undetected landmines, often many years after a conflict, are considerable. Meanwhile, the opposition has claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital city: see
Bangladesh: spectacles make a spectacular difference
A study conducted in Bangladesh reveals that owning a pair of reading glasses might increase earnings by a third. Researchers found that average monthly earnings rose from $35 to $47 within eight months for participants over 35 with poor eyesight. Presbyopia, the loss of closeup vision, costs the global economy over $25bn annually in lost productivity. However, in low- and middle-income countries only about 10% of people have glasses to correct the problem. The study, involving 824 individuals, has highlighted their significant impact on improving quality of life and productivity. The story of Sarah Nakalyowa, a basket weaver from Uganda, illustrates the transformative effect of glasses on productivity and income. Spectacles enabled her to regain lost income and even start a mushroom-growing business.