On a serene Sunday morning, October 22, 1961, the Italian luxury liner Bianca C was preparing to depart from Grenada. The vessel, a prominent member of the Costa Line fleet, had just boarded a mix of emigrants bound for Britain and tourists who had enjoyed a day exploring the island. Due to its immense size, the ship was anchored in the outer harbor of St. George’s. However, tragedy struck before it could set sail. A catastrophic explosion erupted in the engine room, igniting a fierce fire that rapidly engulfed the ship. The Bianca C immediately sounded its horn and raised a distress flag, signaling the dire situation to nearby vessels. Witnesses from the Grenada Yacht Club observed the billowing black smoke and quickly alerted harbor authorities. Despite the chaos, all passengers and crew, except for two unfortunate crew members, were successfully rescued. Nearly 700 individuals were temporarily housed in a government-organized camp, local hotels, and guesthouses, while many Grenadians generously opened their homes to the stranded travelers at no cost. The Costa Line later arranged for their safe departure from the island. The following day, as the ship was being towed out of the harbor, the towing chain snapped, causing the Bianca C to sink approximately 1.25 miles off Point Salines, resting at a depth of 160 feet. In a gesture of gratitude for the Grenadian community’s selfless assistance, the Costa Line gifted the island a monumental bronze statue, ‘Christ of the Abyss’ or ‘Christ of the Deep,’ which now stands on the Carenage. Today, the wreck of the Bianca C, often referred to as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean,’ is celebrated as one of the world’s premier shipwreck diving sites, attracting adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
分类: world
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Thousands of Palestinians return to devastated homes as UN warns of overcrowded shelters and growing humanitarian needs
Thousands of Palestinians are returning to their homes in the aftermath of a recent ceasefire, only to find widespread devastation and overcrowded UN shelters. The truce has allowed displaced residents to attempt to rebuild their lives, but many are confronted with the grim reality of homes reduced to rubble. With limited options, families are seeking refuge in newly accessible areas, though these sites are already overwhelmed by the influx of people. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, highlighted the growing movement across the Gaza Strip as residents relocate to safer or newly accessible zones. On Sunday alone, nearly 13,800 displacements were recorded towards Gaza City and North Gaza, with an additional 4,100 movements to the east. Humanitarian operations are being rapidly expanded under a 60-day response plan, with aid agencies increasing their presence in newly accessible areas to address soaring needs. Food parcels, containing essentials like rice, lentils, and fortified sunflower oil, are being distributed at over two dozen locations, reaching more than 15,000 households. UN agencies and 21 partner organizations provided nearly 944,000 meals over the weekend through 178 community kitchens, marking a significant increase in food assistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also intensified efforts, dispatching critical medical supplies to key health facilities, including treatments for chronic illnesses and essential pain relief medications. Shelter assistance is being scaled up ahead of the winter season, with 300 tents and 14,700 blankets distributed to vulnerable households. However, humanitarian partners warn that far greater volumes of shelter materials are urgently needed, requiring Israeli authorities to grant additional access for aid organizations. Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with aid groups emphasizing that the needs are outpacing available resources.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant move, the United States Department of State has announced the implementation of enhanced screening measures for US visa holders. This new policy, rooted in continuous verification, empowers authorities to revoke visas at any time based on the holder’s behavior or activities, marking a stricter approach to immigration control.
Meanwhile, CARICOM is reasserting its influence in Haiti’s political landscape. With the Presidential Transitional Council’s (PTC) term nearing its end in February 2026, CARICOM leaders have urged key figures, including Maryse Narcisse, André Michel, Claude Joseph, Ted Saint-Dic, and Jean-Charles Moise, to propose alternatives for the Council’s succession.
In Gonaïves, a notable administrative change occurred on October 21, 2025, as Me Guiverna Guillaume was replaced by Me Renable Destina as the interim Government Commissioner. Guillaume has been reassigned as Deputy Government Commissioner to the Prosecutor’s Office in Cap-Haïtien.
Environmental concerns are mounting in Petit-Bois, where Ecovert-Haiti has issued an urgent plea to the Ministry of the Environment and the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) to address the severe degradation of a mahogany forest. Unregulated tree felling for charcoal and timber production, coupled with inadequate monitoring, threatens the forest’s survival and the local ecosystem.
On a brighter note, Haitian cocoa will be showcased at the Paris Chocolate Fair from October 29 to November 2, 2025. Supported by the Hauts-de-Seine Department since 2009, the event will feature tastings, producer-chocolatier meetings, and conferences on fair trade and agricultural resilience.
Lastly, EU Ambassador Hélène Roos met with Charles Jean Jacques, Haiti’s National Authorizing Officer, to discuss EU funding for governance, education, infrastructure, and food security projects, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Haiti’s development.
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Tropical Storm Melissa could strengthen as it moves slowly
Tropical Storm Melissa has stalled in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 460 kilometers southwest of Pedernales, moving at a sluggish pace of 4 kilometers per hour. According to meteorologist Jean Suriel, the storm is expected to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, with a potential trajectory toward Jamaica. Despite its limited movement, Melissa’s expansive cloud bands are already impacting the Dominican Republic, particularly along the southern coast. This has heightened concerns over heavy rainfall, flash floods, and widespread flooding in both urban and rural areas of the southern and southwestern regions. Suriel further warned that the storm’s outer bands could trigger prolonged rainfall across much of the country, lasting through Sunday. In response, authorities and relief organizations are urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid rivers and flood-prone zones, and adhere to official safety instructions.
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New UN report warns climate crisis is hitting world’s poorest the hardest
A groundbreaking report jointly released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford University’s Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) has issued a stark warning about the escalating climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on the world’s most impoverished populations. Published ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Brazil, the study reveals that climate-related disasters are exacerbating poverty and threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions globally. The report emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action from world leaders to mitigate these escalating challenges. Findings indicate that nearly 80% of the 1.1 billion people living in multidimensional poverty—approximately 887 million individuals—are directly exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, and severe air pollution. Among those in acute multidimensional poverty, 651 million endure two or more climate hazards, while 309 million face three or four simultaneously. Haoliang Xu, UNDP Acting Administrator, stressed the necessity of addressing climate risks to combat global poverty and ensure stability. Pedro Conceição, Director of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office, warned that these challenges are expected to intensify in the coming decades, with the poorest nations projected to experience the most significant temperature increases. The report advocates for climate-resilient poverty reduction strategies, enhanced local adaptation capabilities, and expanded international financing mechanisms to support vulnerable nations. The Caribbean, one of the regions most affected by climate change, continues to experience severe impacts, including intensified hurricanes and prolonged heatwaves. Caribbean leaders are pushing for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to better assess climate risks and access development financing, arguing that GDP alone fails to capture the true vulnerabilities of small island states.
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Belize is a Third Safe; U.S. Agreement Targets Asylum Transfers
In a significant move to enhance refugee protection and streamline asylum processes, Belize and the United States have signed a groundbreaking two-year agreement. The pact, finalized in Belmopan on October 21, 2025, establishes a framework for the safe and dignified transfer of third-country nationals seeking asylum, excluding Guatemalans. This agreement underscores both nations’ commitment to international legal standards, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol, and the Convention Against Torture. Key principles such as non-refoulement, fair asylum procedures, and measures to prevent fraud in the refugee process are emphasized. Belize will consider accepting asylum seekers proposed by the U.S., with the latter potentially providing financial and technical support to bolster Belize’s institutional capacity. The agreement can be amended or terminated through diplomatic channels. Belize’s Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca, highlighted that the agreement is a broad framework and will only be activated after detailed implementation plans and operating procedures are developed. He emphasized Belize’s commitment to international law, cooperation with the U.S., and the protection of individuals fleeing persecution. The agreement also raises questions about its alignment with CARICOM’s free movement policies and regional asylum frameworks, particularly concerning the inclusion of CARICOM nationals among potential transferees. Additionally, it prompts discussions on pathways to residency or citizenship for recognized refugees and safeguards against chain refoulement for those denied protection.
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Belize Lands Multi-Million Climate Resilience Grant
Belize has been awarded a significant $10 million grant from the Adaptation Fund to launch the SEAM Project (Securing Water Resources through Solar Energy and Innovative Adaptive Management). This ambitious initiative, approved at the Fund’s 45th Board Meeting in Bonn, Germany, is part of a broader global effort to address climate change. The five-year project, set to commence in early 2026, aims to transform rural communities in Belize by providing sustainable water solutions, restoring ecosystems, and diversifying livelihoods. Key components include the installation of solar-powered hybrid water systems to ensure safe and reliable water access, reforestation and agroforestry initiatives to enhance ecosystem resilience, and capacity-building programs for local water boards to promote inclusive governance. The project will directly benefit over 1,800 residents in communities such as Boom Creek, Dolores, Otoxha, and Copper Bank. With a strong emphasis on empowering women and fostering community resilience, the SEAM Project is poised to become a national model for climate adaptation strategies.
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U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo closes due to Tropical Storm Melissa
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced its temporary closure on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in response to the severe weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm continues to batter the Dominican Republic with torrential rains and powerful winds, prompting widespread safety concerns. In an official statement, the embassy confirmed the suspension of all consular services, including visa and passport processing, affecting both U.S. citizens and Dominican nationals. Affected individuals will receive detailed instructions via email on rescheduling their appointments in the coming days. For urgent assistance, U.S. citizens are advised to contact the embassy’s emergency line at 809-567-7775. The closure aligns with preventive measures enacted by Dominican authorities, who have issued a red alert for Greater Santo Domingo and several southern provinces as the storm persists. The embassy emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety during this hazardous weather event.
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FLASH : Storm Mélissa threatens Haiti, 5 departments on yellow alert
Haiti is bracing for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Mélissa, as the General Directorate of Civil Protection and the Permanent Secretariat for Disaster Risk Management issued a hurricane watch for the southern peninsula on October 21, 2025. The storm, which has not yet reached hurricane status, could bring hurricane conditions to the region within the next 48 hours. The departments of Ouest, Grande’Anse, Nippes, South, and South-East are currently on yellow alert, following confirmation by Haiti’s Hydrometeorological Unit of Mélissa’s trajectory. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, thunderstorms, and large swells, with the Great South of Haiti being the most vulnerable area. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that Tropical Storm Mélissa was located near 14.3 degrees North latitude and 73.5 degrees West longitude, moving west-northwest at 11 km/h. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km/h, with gradual strengthening anticipated. The storm is expected to approach Jamaica and southwestern Haiti later this week, potentially bringing 125 to 250 mm of rain to southern Haiti through Saturday, with risks of severe flash flooding and landslides. The Departmental Directorate of Civil Protection has urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, avoid crossing rivers, and take precautions to protect themselves and their property. The public is advised to stay informed through reliable sources and remain calm during this critical period.
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Melissa expected to become hurricane by Friday—Met Service
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to intensify into a hurricane by Friday. Evan Thompson, the Director of the Meteorological Service, announced during a special press briefing on Wednesday that the island will begin experiencing the storm’s effects as early as Thursday.
