FLOOD IN BRAZIL KILL ATLEAST 27

September 07, 2023 south-america No Comments

Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in the municipality of Nova Bassano, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, since September 4, 2023. The floods have displaced over 350 people and caused widespread damage to property.

The rains began on September 4 and have continued for several days. The Sabiá River, which runs through Nova Bassano, has overflowed its banks, inundating low-lying areas of the town.

The floods have damaged hundreds of homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Roads have been washed away, and bridges have collapsed, lot of drainage have been block as well.

Over 350 people have been displaced from their homes and are being housed in temporary shelters. The Brazilian government has declared a state of emergency in Nova Bassano and is providing assistance to the affected people.

The floods are a major disaster for Nova Bassano. The government is working to provide assistance to the affected people, but it is a slow and difficult process.

The floods are a reminder of the vulnerability of Brazil to climate change. The country is already experiencing the effects of climate change, such as more frequent and intense droughts and floods.

The Brazilian government needs to take urgent action to address climate change. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, reducing deforestation, and adapting to the effects of climate change that are already happening.

Here are some of the impacts of the floods in Nova Bassano:

• Damage to infrastructure: The floods have damaged or destroyed roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. This has made it difficult for emergency services to reach the affected areas and for people to get around.
• Loss of homes and businesses: Many homes and businesses have been destroyed or damaged by the floods. This has left many people homeless and without a way to earn a living.
• Erosion: The floods have caused erosion of river banks and coastlines. This could lead to further flooding and damage in the future.
• Health risks: The floods have created a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. This could lead to the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
• Psychological impact: The floods have had a devastating psychological impact on the people of Nova Bassano. Many people have lost everything they own and have been forced to start over.

The floods in Nova Bassano are a reminder of the challenges that climate change poses to Brazil and other countries around the world. The Brazilian government needs to take urgent action to address climate change and mitigate the risks of future disasters.

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KENYA: Venezuelan diplomat jailed in Kenya for 20 years for envoy's murder

July 16, 2023 south-america No Comments

20 years in prison were handed down to Dwight Sagaray, a one-time Venezuelan envoy, after being found guilty for the killing of Olga Fonseca, who had been serving as the ambassador of Venezuela to Kenya. The verdict was delivered on July 14th, 2023.

In July 2012, less than two weeks after arriving in Nairobi, Fonseca's life was tragically cut short as she was discovered strangled in her bedroom. The authorities wasted no time in apprehending Sagaray, a former first secretary at the Venezuelan embassy, charging him with the heinous crime of murder.

The same term was given to three Kenyan nationals who were convicted of the murder in January 2023, along with Sagaray himself. 

Sagaray was accused by the prosecution of murdering Fonseca out of anger at her being at the embassy. Upset, Sagaray had found out that Fonseca would be taking his place as the mission's leader, taking away his position of authority.

Sagaray's defense insisted he was innocent, claiming he had been unjustly framed for the murder. Nevertheless, the court ultimately concluded that Sagaray's guilt was glaringly apparent, leaving no room for doubt.

There has been a significant development in the Sagaray case recently, resulting in the family of Olga Fonseca finally finding closure. This event sends a clear message that Kenya has a zero-tolerance policy

 when it comes to violence targeted at diplomats.

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MEXICAN MAYOR MARRIES A REPTILE

July 08, 2023 south-america No Comments

Victor Hugo Sosa, the mayor of San Pedro Huamelula, Mexico, wed a reptile. The animal is a female caiman, an alligator-like reptile. The union is a component of a customary rite that is intended to bring prosperity to the community.

The practice is thought to have started 230 years ago when the Chontal and Huave, two Indigenous communities, reached an amicable understanding. The unity between the two groups is symbolized by the marriage of the mayor and the caiman.

Hundreds of people attended the ceremony, which was held in the town plaza. The caiman, known as Alicia Adriana, had a veil and a white bridal gown on. She had flowers and beads all over her.

Victor Hugo Sosa, the mayor, was dressed in customary Chontal garb. He also brought a staff, which represents authority, with him.

Here comes the bride and groom

The event kicked off with a customary dance. The mayor and caiman were then brought together and bound by a ribbon. Following that, the mayor spoke, explaining that he was marrying the caiman to "bring peace and prosperity to the town."

Following the speech, the audience applauded and danced. The caiman was then transported to a nearby river and released there.

Reactions to Victor Hugo Sosa's union with the caiman have been conflicted. The ceremony has received acclaim from some as a special and lovely tradition. It has drawn criticism from some for being harsh to animals.

The event, according to San Pedro Huamelula's mayor, does not harm animals. He claimed that after the ritual, the caiman is respectfully treated before being returned to the wild.

A singular and fascinating custom is the union of Victor Hugo Sosa with the caiman. It serves as a reminder of Mexico's rich cultural legacy and the value of protecting the planet.

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