144 killed by earthquake in Myanmar

Asia & the Pacific

Myanmar Shaken by Devastating Earthquake

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay, resulting in at least 144 deaths and hundreds injured. The tremor caused significant destruction, including the collapse of a 33-storey building in Bangkok, Thailand, leading to additional casualties. Myanmar's military government has appealed for international aid. Read more

South Korea Battles Devastating Wildfires. Massive wildfires in southeastern South Korea have been fully contained after causing widespread destruction. Read more

Rallies for Duterte on His 80th Birthday. Supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte held rallies as he spent his 80th birthday in detention on charges of crimes against humanity. Read more

Africa

Sudanese Army Seizes Full Control of Khartoum

After months of brutal conflict, Sudan's army has declared full control over the capital, Khartoum, marking a significant shift in the ongoing civil war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite this development, RSF leaders remain defiant, vowing to continue fighting. The conflict has displaced thousands of civilians, and humanitarian conditions remain dire. Read more

UN Chief Warns of South Sudan Crisis. After the breaking of a 2018 peace deal, the UN warns that South Sudan’s deteriorating situation is reminiscent of past civil wars. Read more

Heavy Police Presence in Zimbabwe. Authorities deployed heavy security ahead of an anti-government protest and possible coup on March 31st. Read more

Middle East

Israel Launches Air Strike on Beirut

For the first time since the November truce, Israel launched a significant airstrike on a building in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, targeting what it claims were Hezbollah military sites. The heavy bombardment generated a loud blast and a substantial plume of black smoke visible across Beirut. Prior to the strike, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for the neighborhood. Read more

Syrian Leader Pressured Over Jihadis. Western nations push Syria to rein in extremist groups operating within its borders. Read more

Tourist Submarine Tragedy in Egypt. Six foreign tourists died after a submarine sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Read more

Latin America & the Caribbean

Bolsonaro to Stand Trial for Coup Charges

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro must stand trial for allegedly orchestrating a violent plot to seize power through a military coup after his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. If convicted, Bolsonaro faces significant prison time and a permanent ban from politics. His supporters claim political persecution, while legal experts argue the case is crucial for democracy in Brazil. Read more

Tensions Rise in Ecuador’s Presidential Debate. Incumbent Noboa and challenger González traded accusations in the last presidential debate before run-off elections on April 13. Read more

Mexican Teachers Protest Against Sheinbaum. Educators in Mexico have staged protests challenging government policies. Read more

Eastern Europe

Russia and Ukraine Agree to Limited Ceasefire

In a breakthrough brokered by the US, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea. Despite the agreement, both Russia and Ukraine immediately accused the other of violating the ceasefire. Analysts warn the ceasefire is fragile and may not hold. Read more

Slovakia Declares State of Emergency Over Disease Outbreak .A foot and mouth disease outbreak has prompted Slovakia to take emergency measures. Read more

Russian Agribusiness Mogul Arrested. Billionaire Vadim Moshkovich is accused of large-scale fraud, causing Rusagro, Russia’s leading producer of sugar, pork, oil and fats, stock to plummet. Read more