New discovery hiding in plain sight
Myanmar, a south Asian nation, made leaps and bounds in the scientific community on Nov. 11 by discovering a new species of primate with dark brown to black back fur with a whitish abdomen and named it the Popa Langur after the extinct volcano Mount Popa. Scientists discovered the primate by using 100-year-old tissue samples from numerous global museums. However, while the species has been discovered in plain sight, they are considered to be critically endangered, with scientists believing that there is a living population of 250.
Typhoon Vamco causes destruction
The northeastern Philippine region braces for yet another week of uncertainty from Typhoon Vamco with winds of up to 84 mph. Roughly 12,000 villagers have been evacuated. Vamco is devastating communities that are still trying to recover from the super-typhoon Goni, which struck earlier this month. Despite these circumstances, Philippine Military Chief Gilbert Gapa said, “This typhoon will test once more our spirit, bruised but not broken.”
Darkest day
According to pro-democracy legislator Fernando Cheung, Nov. 11 is now known as the “Darkest day in Hong Kong, so far” because of the resignation of 15 lawmakers in protest of the disqualification of four legislators. The protest occurred as the top law-making body in Beijing banned lawmakers they deem “unpatriotic.” The country is currently facing a power struggle between democracy and communism.
COVID-19 aboard Caribbean cruise
Nov. 12 marks the first five positive cases of COVID-19 on the Caribbean cruise ship, The SeaDream, which set sail on Nov. 7, was the first ship to resume sailing in the Caribbean. There were roughly 50 passengers and 66 crew members on board. One passenger became sick, requiring the ship to turn back to Barbados after departing on Nov. 8.
Sudan safe haven
Sudan has seen an influx of up to 200,000 refugees fleeing war torn North Ethiopian Tigray region, experiencing conflicts as of Nov. 12. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed refused negotiations with the regional government after he announced military intervention on an attack conducted by regional forces. This attack and conflict have left communications severed, people hungry and supply trucks stranded.
