Coronavirus declared a public health emergency
On Jan. 29, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus to be a “public health emergency of international concern,” according to CNN. At least 8,000 individuals have tested positive for the virus and 170 have died in China, where many people are on lockdown. Over 100 cases have been confirmed in regions outside of China, while additional countries are working to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan, where the virus originated.
Greece’s plan to use floating barriers
Greece’s defense ministry released its plan to install a floating barrier in the Aegean Sea in order to stop migrants from traveling over the water, according to the BBC. Migrants frequently travel from Turkey to Greece by boat in order to reach Europe, and this “emergency measure” is expected to restrict this process. The 1.7 mile long barrier had been given a budget of approximately half a million dollars.
Earthquake off of the coast of Jamaica
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck approximately 80 miles off of the coast of Jamaica on Jan. 28. The effects of the quake were felt in the Caribbean and even Miami, according to CNN. While several aftershocks were recorded, one of which peaked at 6.1, citizens were concerned about the potential threat of a tsunami. The National Pacific Weather Service said there was a “very small” possibility of the waves. A tsunami wave of 0.4 feet was reported in the Cayman Islands, although this was the only one observed.
Final approval of Brexit
On Jan. 29, Britain received the final approval for “Brexit” — Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU) — from the European parliament after a vote of 621 to 49, according to Reuters. Britain has been a part of the EU for nearly 50 years, since joining in 1973. The British flags were taken down from the EU and the EU flag was taken down in Britain last week.
Protests and anger in Ethiopia
After a group of students in Ethiopia were abducted and believed to have been taken into the jungle, citizens have expressed anger with their government, according to The New York Times. Most of the students were women belonging to the Amhara ethnic group, who were studying in a region dominated by those of the Oromo group. The two groups have had conflicts in the past. Some citizens have blamed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his administration for being unable to rescue the students.
Photo: D. Bagg
