World News in Brief: IOM warning for Sudan returnees, Nipah virus alert for India, food security in Afghanistan

They did so despite extensive damage to housing, basic services, vital infrastructure, and an uncertain future.  The highest number of returns were recorded in Khartoum State, where more than 1.3 million people have made the journey home, followed by nearby Aj Jazirah State, according to IOM’s latest data. Pockets of security IOM says the number […]

Tsunami alert highlights worth of global early warning system

Tsunami alert highlights worth of global early warning system

While the UN-backed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that there had been no damage to Japan’s nuclear facilities after an 8.8 magnitude quake was recorded off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, coastal communities have been taking no chances and evacuating to higher ground or moving further inland. Alerts were sent out within a few minutes of the […]

‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning

‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning

The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness. Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for over 5,000 deaths annually and 85 per cent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data, and result in economic losses […]

UN alarmed after warning shots fired at foreign diplomats in the West Bank

UN alarmed after warning shots fired at foreign diplomats in the West Bank

Media reports said soldiers fired warning shots near the diplomats, who were on an official visit to view humanitarian conditions around the camp where a major Israeli military operation has been ongoing since January.  The mission was hosted by the Palestinian Authority and approved by Israel, however it strayed from the approved route, media reports […]

What is Cyclone Sagar?

What is Cyclone Sagar?

Indian Met Department has issued an alert to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharasthra and the Lakshadweep over the cyclone ‘Sagar’, which is building up over the Arabian Sea with potential to hit the coastal region of northern Indian Ocean on Saturday. Formerly known as 01A, Tropical Cyclone Sagar, quickly formed in the Indian Ocean […]

IMF Sees Subdued Growth, Warns of Stagnation, Rise in Protectionism

With global growth subpar at 3.1% in 2016, with slight increase to 3.4% next year, persistent stagnation in advanced economies could further fuel anti-trade sentiment with calls for protectionism in developed economies, said IMF in its latest outllok that may send warning bells to India and China. Global economic growth will remain subdued this year […]