A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of approximately 4.5 on the Richter scale jolted the Dominican Republic on the afternoon of October 20. The seismic event, which occurred at 3:13 p.m., had its epicenter in the Sabana Larga area of San José de Ocoa. The tremor was widely felt across Greater Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, and several neighboring provinces. Despite the widespread sensation of shaking, there have been no immediate reports of structural damage or injuries. However, the quake did spark moments of alarm among residents, many of whom took to social media to share their experiences. Local authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and stay informed about any potential aftershocks. The incident serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, prompting calls for enhanced preparedness measures.
分类： world
-
Burgers leven in angst na nieuwe luchtaanvallen in Afghanistan
Recent drone and aerial bombardments in Afghanistan have plunged the nation into heightened tension, with residential neighborhoods and bustling markets becoming primary targets. Reports from Kabul and southern provinces such as Kandahar and Paktika detail significant civilian casualties and extensive property damage. Families have fled en masse, while others remain confined indoors, paralyzed by fear. The Afghan government has accused neighboring Pakistan of orchestrating these attacks, a claim Pakistan vehemently denies, though it acknowledges “military threats along the border.” The ambiguity surrounding the perpetrators has only deepened public anxiety. Witnesses recount that the explosions occurred unexpectedly in densely populated areas, leaving children too terrified to venture outside. Schools have shuttered, and markets operate at reduced capacity. In border villages, residents seek refuge in mosques and basements, bracing for further violence. International mediators have brokered a temporary ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but observers caution that the situation remains precarious. Aid organizations struggle to access affected regions, warning of a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis if the violence persists. For the Afghan populace, feelings of insecurity and helplessness dominate, with the fear of renewed violence permeating daily life. Calls for international protection and political stabilization grow louder as the crisis deepens.
-
Tropical disturbance could develop into Storm Melissa, affecting the Dominican Republic
A tropical disturbance currently brewing over the Caribbean Sea has the potential to escalate into a tropical depression or storm within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to meteorological consultant Jean Suriel. Designated as tropical wave number 48, the system has gained strength after traversing exceptionally warm waters, enhancing its likelihood of further development. The disturbance is projected to move slowly westward, passing south of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Suriel emphasized that its sluggish pace could facilitate intensification, potentially leading to its classification as a tropical storm, which would be named Melissa. Even if it does not achieve storm status, the system is expected to impact the Dominican Republic with indirect effects, including moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the eastern, southeastern, southern, and border regions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC), National Meteorological Office (ONAMET), and Emergency Operations Center (COE) have been identified as critical sources for updates, as the risk of flash floods and rising water levels in rivers and ravines remains a significant concern.
-
Tropical Weather Outlook: Sunday, 19 October 2025 (8 pm)
A tropical wave located just west of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea has shown increased organization in its showers and thunderstorms since yesterday. Despite this, surface observations reveal that the disturbance has yet to form a closed circulation. Moving swiftly westward at speeds of 20 to 25 mph, the system’s rapid movement is expected to hinder significant development in the immediate future. However, as the wave slows over the central Caribbean Sea later this week, environmental conditions are predicted to become more conducive for development, potentially leading to the formation of a tropical depression by mid to late week. Regardless of its development, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are anticipated to persist across the Windward and Leeward Islands through Monday morning. The probability of formation within the next 48 hours remains low at 30%, but it increases significantly to 70% over the next seven days. Flash flood and landslide advisories are currently in effect, urging residents to remain vigilant. The next update from the Meteorological Services of MBIA and the Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) will be issued at 2 am.
-
WEATHER (12:00 PM, Oct 19): A tropical wave is affecting the area
A powerful tropical wave is currently sweeping across the Lesser Antilles, with the southern islands bearing the brunt of its impact. The weather system is forecast to bring persistent moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds throughout the region into the evening. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and rockfalls are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Additionally, maritime conditions are expected to deteriorate over the next 12 to 24 hours, with wave heights reaching up to 7 feet along the west coast and nearly 10 feet on the east coast. In response, a Small Craft Warning has been issued, urging small vessel operators and sea-bathers to exercise extreme caution and stay alert to changing conditions.
-
2–4 Inches of Rain Possible from Tropical Disturbance AL98
A tropical disturbance identified as AL98 is currently traversing the Eastern Caribbean, posing a significant threat of heavy rainfall across the region. Weather experts have issued warnings, particularly for the southern islands, where precipitation is expected to range between 2 and 4 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches. The Leeward Islands are forecasted to experience lighter rainfall, with amounts between 0.5 to 1 inch, though some locations may see totals exceeding 3 inches. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepare for possible flooding and severe downpours. This weather event underscores the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions to mitigate risks associated with such tropical disturbances. Meanwhile, in a separate note, a local news platform in Antigua is promoting its digital marketing services, offering customizable packages for businesses seeking to enhance their online presence.
-
Ceasefire in Peril? Israel Strikes Gaza, Halts Aid After Accusing Hamas of Truce Violations
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza is under threat following renewed hostilities, as Israel launched air strikes and suspended humanitarian aid, accusing Hamas of breaching the U.S.-mediated truce. The ceasefire, which had brought a temporary halt to over two years of conflict, now hangs in the balance. Israeli military officials reported that Hamas fighters in Rafah attacked Israeli forces with rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, prompting retaliatory strikes in southern Gaza. Additional violations, including fire directed at Israeli troops beyond the designated withdrawal boundary, were also cited. At least eight people were killed in the Israeli strikes across Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate halt to aid deliveries, stating they would remain suspended until further notice. Hamas denied the accusations, with its military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, claiming no knowledge of the attacks and reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire. Netanyahu convened high-level security consultations with Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chiefs, vowing to respond forcefully to Hamas. Katz warned that Hamas would face severe consequences for any truce violations. The escalation coincides with calls from far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition to resume full-scale war. Meanwhile, Hamas announced it had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage and would return it if conditions permit.
-
Police have ‘no additional information’ on US threat
Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin has reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to Trinidad and Tobago (TT) following a security alert issued by the US Embassy. The embassy advised US nationals to avoid visiting US government facilities in TT during the Divali holiday weekend, citing a heightened state of alert. However, Benjamin emphasized that local intelligence does not indicate any specific danger to citizens or critical infrastructure. He stated that while the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) lacks additional information beyond what is publicly available, they have implemented proactive security measures to ensure safety. These measures include increased vigilance at police stations and regular checks on essential services such as the TT Electricity Commission (TTEC) and the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). Benjamin urged the public to remain calm, noting that there is no evidence of unusual activity within TT. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dave Tancoo criticized the spread of misinformation on social media, particularly a false claim about a security alert at the Central Bank of TT. He dismissed the message as fake news and accused certain ‘news sources’ of inciting panic. Tancoo emphasized that any US actions toward Venezuela would be highly confidential and unlikely to be disclosed to local media. He encouraged the public to rely on credible sources for accurate information.
-
Tropical storm likely to form in Caribbean within seven days
Meteorologists are closely monitoring a weather system in the Caribbean that is expected to develop into a tropical storm in the coming days. The United States’ National Hurricane Center has raised the probability of this system evolving into either a tropical depression or a tropical storm from 70% to 80%, indicating a significant increase in the likelihood of its formation. Currently situated in the central Caribbean Sea, the system is projected to move northwestward, potentially gaining strength and becoming Tropical Storm Melissa within the next week. Authorities in Jamaica are advising residents to stay alert, keep abreast of official weather forecasts, and revisit their hurricane preparedness strategies to ensure safety.
-
Brazil greenlights oil drilling in sensitive Amazon region
Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras, announced on Monday that it has secured approval to commence drilling for oil near the mouth of the Amazon River. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from environmentalists, who argue that it undermines Brazil’s commitment to combating climate change, especially as the country prepares to host the COP30 climate talks in the Amazon city of Belem next month. The drilling in the Foz de Amazonas region, set to begin immediately and last for five months, follows a five-year battle for exploration rights. Petrobras claims it has met all environmental requirements set by Brazil’s environmental watchdog, Ibama, and is optimistic about discovering oil in what it calls a ‘new global energy frontier.’ However, the move has drawn sharp rebuke from conservationists, who warn of potential ‘massive biodiversity loss’ in the ecologically sensitive area. The Climate Observatory, a Brazilian NGO, has vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing ‘illegalities and technical flaws’ in the licensing process. Despite these concerns, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has defended the project, asserting that oil revenues will fund Brazil’s climate transition. The decision has also reignited debates over Brazil’s role as a global climate leader, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing economic gains over environmental preservation.