Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds of drone strikes during Christmas, with Russia launching 131 drones into Ukraine, causing casualties and damaging infrastructure, while Ukraine reported shooting down many of these drones and launching its own attacks into Russia, highlighting ongoing escalation in the conflict.
A section of road in Bangkok collapsed due to construction at an underground train station, creating a large sinkhole that disrupted traffic, damaged vehicles, and led to evacuations, with officials working to repair the damage amid heavy rain concerns.
A large sinkhole caused by road collapse in Bangkok, linked to underground train station construction, disrupted traffic, damaged vehicles, and led to evacuations, with authorities working to repair the area amid ongoing monsoon rains.
Donetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine under Russian control, faces a severe water crisis due to destroyed canals, damaged infrastructure, and neglect, with residents resorting to alternative water sources. Russia claims that taking more of the region would help restore water supply, but the ongoing conflict and damage have made recovery difficult, highlighting the neglect of occupied territories.
Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least 21 civilians and damaging key infrastructure, including diplomatic facilities, while Ukraine continues its counteroffensive and strikes on Russian targets, contributing to economic instability in Russia due to oil refinery attacks. Russia is also conducting reconnaissance over NATO territory, and both sides are preparing for potential escalations in the ongoing conflict.
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, killing at least 21 civilians and damaging key infrastructure, including diplomatic facilities, with Ukraine responding with strikes on Russian oil refineries. The conflict has escalated with increased drone and missile attacks, and both sides are engaging in military operations across various regions, while Russia also conducts reconnaissance over NATO territory. The situation remains tense with ongoing military and geopolitical developments.
Russian air strikes have caused widespread destruction across Ukraine, killing at least three people and damaging critical infrastructure in multiple regions, including Odesa, Pavlohrad, and Sumy, with Ukraine's military shooting down most of the incoming drones and missiles.
Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on Kyiv, injuring at least 23 people, damaging infrastructure, and causing fires across the city, amid ongoing tensions and recent diplomatic efforts. The attack involved 539 drones and 11 missiles, with Ukraine's air defenses destroying most of the threats. The conflict continues to escalate, with recent strikes also affecting other parts of Ukraine and international diplomatic discussions ongoing.
Flash floods in northern West Virginia caused by intense rainfall killed four people, with several others missing, as authorities conducted rescue operations and assessed extensive damage to infrastructure; more rain and storms are expected.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Northern California's coast, affecting Humboldt, Mendocino, and Del Norte counties, but caused less damage than the 2022 quake due to its offshore location. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, though initial assessments show minimal infrastructure damage, with some road cracks and structural issues in buildings. Experts attribute the reduced impact to the quake's location and fault movement. Residents are urged to remain prepared for future seismic events, as delayed effects and winter conditions could pose additional risks.
A US Geological Survey study warns that by 2100, rising sea levels and land subsidence could severely impact US coastal cities, affecting over 14 million people and causing over $1 trillion in property damage. The East Coast, including cities like Miami and New York, faces significant threats from flooding and sinking land, while California's San Joaquin Valley is experiencing record subsidence due to excessive groundwater extraction. Researchers emphasize the need for strategic planning and resilience strategies to mitigate these effects, though specific solutions were not detailed.
Tropical Storm Sara has caused severe flooding in Honduras, isolating over 1,700 communities and affecting more than 110,000 people. The storm, which formed in the Caribbean Sea, has led to the destruction of nine bridges and damage to 19 others, with many roads becoming impassable due to landslides. While only one death has been reported, over 2,500 homes have been damaged. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves towards Mexico. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying such storms, increasing the risk of significant damage.
Southern Germany, particularly Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, has been hit by severe flooding, causing widespread damage and evacuations. In Nordendorf, volunteers and officials have been working tirelessly to combat the floodwaters, but the situation remains dire with broken dams and flooded infrastructure. The floods have led to a state of emergency in several communities, with one firefighter dead and at least one person missing. Cleanup and relief efforts are underway, but the extent of the damage is significant.
A temporary pier built by the US military to deliver aid to Gaza has been damaged by heavy seas and will take at least a week to repair. The pier, which includes a floating dock and a causeway, is crucial for delivering aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Despite the setback, US officials remain confident it will be operational soon. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with aid deliveries falling short of the population's needs.
A U.S.-built temporary pier used to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza will be removed and repaired after being damaged by rough seas. The pier, crucial for delivering aid amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, will be fixed in Ashdod, Israel, and is expected to be operational again in over a week. The pier's suspension highlights the challenges in delivering aid to Gaza, where traditional land crossings are largely inaccessible due to ongoing fighting.