Skimm #1
The Story
As a result of extreme rainfall, deadly mudslides are sweeping southern Colombia, with rescue teams and locals scrambling to save those at risk. Since Saturday morning, at least 200 have been declared dead.
What Happens Next?
Rescuers have been struggling to reach possible survivors due to the difficult conditions, according to BBC. While some claim the destruction is a result of climate change, others blame deforestation in the area for the devastating results of an unusually heavy downpour. At the head of it all, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos declared that “Until we have the last person identified we are not going to stop.”
More Details
Residents of Mocoa, Colombia are searching the ruins of their town for family members, neighbors, and friends following a deadly mudslide that struck while many were asleep early Saturday. Over 200 have been declared dead and twice as many injured and missing, with numbers steadily climbing as more and more bodies are discovered. Clean water is scarce and everyone is without power. With nearly 30% of the monthly rainfall in one night, as stated by Al Jazeera, many do not believe that they will find their loved ones alive.
Where did it go?
Sometime Friday afternoon a South Korean shipping vessel vanished off the coast of Uruguay. According to Al Jazeera, the ship sent out a distress call around noon stating it was taking on water. Other ships in the area spotted a life raft and at least one crew member, as stated by Seoul officials. It is believed that the Stella Daisy sank on its way from Brazil to an unknown destination. The 24 crew members on board have not yet been found, but South Korea and the Philippines await more news.
What to say to the Paraguayan youth…
Following a secret vote in Paraguayan Congress Friday that favored allowing President Horacio Cartes to run for re-election, protests in Asuncion turned violent when opposition groups rushed the congress building and set fire to the first floor. According to NBC News, protesters were from a liberal youth activist group, and after leaving the building continued in other parts of Asuncion and around the country. One protester, Rodrigo Quintana, was killed in an altercation between the opposition groups and the police. Several politicians and journalists were said to be injured as well. Cartes himself has spoken out against the violence and destruction of the city and asked that everyone remain calm. The Senate approved the amendment, but it needs to be seen by the House, the date for which has not been determined.
Sources in order of appearance
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39470238
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/missing-korean-ship-believed-sunk-uruguay-170401205213107.html