Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Indonesia – Heavy monsoon rains in Indonesia’s Sumatra island triggered flash floods and mudslides from Mount Marapi, resulting in at least 41 deaths and 17 people missing. Floods of cold lava, or lahar, flowed from the volcano’s slopes into West Sumatra province’s mountainside villages on Saturday, causing a river to overflow and devastate several areas. The districts of Agam and Tanah Datar were particularly hard hit, with roads blocked and access to other cities cut off. More than 100 houses were submerged.
Canada – Over 100 raging wildfires in Canada have led to smoke drifting into the United States, affecting states from Montana to Wisconsin, with Minnesota affected the worst. On Sunday, Minnesota issued its first air quality alert for 2024, which is expected to last through Monday. The air quality in northern Minnesota has reached unhealthy levels. Residents in affected areas, particularly in Minneapolis, are advised to keep windows closed to avoid the smoke.
China – Zhang Zhan, a former lawyer and independent journalist, is set to be released from prison on 13 May, after serving a four-year sentence. Zhang was arrested in May 2020 for her reporting on the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan, which was under strict lockdown and media censorship by Chinese authorities. She was charged with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. Her release has been confirmed by a court verdict and is supported by human rights groups and her supporters, who are urging for her timely and unconditional freedom.
Russia – Sergei Shoigu, who has served as Russia’s Minister of Defence since 2012, is set to be appointed secretary of Russia’s Security Council, replacing Nikolai Patrushev. The decision, revealed by documents from the Russian parliament, shows that Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, an economist, will succeed Shoigu as defence minister. This change has been suggested by the Kremlin to promote innovation within the ministry. Shoigu, known for his close relationship with President Putin and a lack of military background, has faced criticism, particularly after Russia invaded Ukraine over two years ago.
Pictured above: The Indonesian mudslides and flash floods.
Image source: X
