World News
Lisa, now a tropical storm, is heading towards Mexico after having hit Belize
Steph Deschamps / November 3, 2022
Lisa, downgraded to a tropical storm, was heading towards Mexico on Thursday after hitting Belize the day before where it caused flooding and property damage.
Both Mexico and Belize removed their weather warnings after the ex-hurricane weakened and moved westward at a speed of 16 km/h according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The maximum wind speed was reduced to 75 km / h but forecasters warned that the tourist coast of Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula should continue their monitoring.
The storm is expected to weaken further to a tropical depression by the end of the day before dissipating over Mexico.
Lisa is expected to bring heavy rains to northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico during the day, before gradually weakening as it moves inland.
The NHC predicted that Lisa could bring up to 250 millimeters of rain to parts of Belize, northern Guatemala and southern Mexico.
In Guatemala, heavy rains have caused flooding and landslides in the northern department of Peten on the border with Belize.
About 143 people were evacuated and 48 remained in a shelter, said Oscar Cossio, secretary of the National Coordination for Disaster Prevention (CONRED), at a press conference. Guatemala has also suspended classes in schools in the north of the country.
Lisa had entered the mainland at 21:20 on Wednesday near the mouth of the Sibun River about 15 km southwest of Belize City, where AFP observed heavy rain and winds of up to 140 km/h according to the NHC, with flooded streets and toppled trees.
“It’s very dangerous for us” because in Belize “it floods quickly, even with moderate rain,” Jasmin Ayuso, a 21-year-old secretary, told AFP.
In addition to issuing a red alert for Lisa on the entire coast, the government of Belize (405,000 inhabitants) had declared a state of emergency in two districts, with a curfew until Thursday at dawn, closing schools and opening shelters.
Most businesses also remained closed and some areas were without power. Local media showed damage in Belize City, the country’s former capital on the northern coast, and other nearby communities.
In Honduras, due to Lisa’s passage as a tropical storm on Tuesday, authorities had issued an alert for islands and a northern region, which was eventually lifted.
El Salvador, which should be relatively unaffected, has however put on alert more than twenty municipalities where risks of flooding or landslides have been identified.
Lisa comes three weeks after Category 1 Hurricane Julia tore through the region killing about 100 people, half of them drowned in Honduras, and the rest buried by landslides in Guatemala and El Salvador.
According to the NHC, this is the twelfth storm named this season – the hurricane season runs from June to November in the Atlantic. To get a name, a storm must provide winds of at least 63 mph. Last year’s season saw 21 storms receive a name.
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Datareportal, a leading authority in global digital insights, has released its highly anticipated “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, showcasing remarkable advancements in digital adoption across the country amidst ongoing challenges.
Key findings from the report include:
1. Internet Penetration Growth: Internet penetration in Yemen has surged by 22% from the previous year, with an estimated 10.5 million Yemenis now having access to the internet, representing 36% of the population.
2. Mobile Connectivity: Mobile devices remain the primary means of internet access, with smartphone ownership increasing by 18%, reaching a total of 9.2 million users. This growth is attributed to expanded mobile network coverage and more affordable data plans.
3. Social Media Usage: Social media usage has seen a significant uptick, with platforms like Facebook experiencing a 30% increase in active users, now totaling 7.8 million Yemenis. WhatsApp and YouTube follow closely, each with over 6 million active users.
4. E-Commerce Expansion: E-commerce has boomed, witnessing a 45% rise in online transactions compared to the previous year. The total value of e-commerce transactions in 2024 reached USD 360 million, indicating a growing preference for digital shopping experiences.
5. Digital Payments Surge: Digital payment systems have gained widespread adoption, with mobile money users growing by 55% to reach 4.3 million users. This surge in digital payments has led to a 25% decrease in cash transactions across various sectors.
While Yemen continues to face challenges, the rapid growth in digital adoption is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people,” said [SIMON KEMP], at Datareportal. “These numbers reflect the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving economic growth and improving access to essential services.
The report also sheds light on ongoing challenges such as intermittent power outages and internet disruptions, which hinder seamless digital integration. Additionally, the cost of digital access remains relatively high for many Yemenis, highlighting the need for continued efforts to enhance affordability and accessibility.
For a detailed analysis and access to the full “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, visit [Website URL].
– About Datareportal
Datareportal is a leading provider of comprehensive digital insights, empowering businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders with data-driven decision-making tools. With a commitment to accuracy and depth, Datareportal remains at the forefront of global digital trends and transformations.
Fuad Al-Qrize ( Arabic: فؤاد الكريزي ) – Yemeni Writer
World News
Moscow attack: Vladimir Putin promises those responsible will all be “punished”, EI says four of its fighters carried out the attack
Eva Deschamps / March 23,
At least 133 people were killed on Friday evening in an armed attack followed by a huge fire at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, which was claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State (EI).
The four perpetrators” of the attack were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, said the Russian president on Saturday March 23.
The Russian president spoke at a time of terrible tragedy in Russia. “The four perpetrators” of the attack near Moscow were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, he said in a televised speech broadcast the day after the murderous attack. “According to initial data [from investigators], on the Ukrainian side, a passage had been prepared for them to cross the border”, he continued, notes Le Monde.
The attack, which killed at least 133 people near Moscow, was in the eyes of the Kremlin leader a “bloody and barbaric act of terrorism”. “Peaceful, innocent people […] including children, teenagers and women” were killed, he continued, adding, “I express my deepest and most sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.” A national day of mourning will be observed on March 24.
“War”. In his speech, Vladimir Putin assured that “those behind these terrorists will be punished” and that they “will have no future”. On Saturday, the Kremlin announced that eleven people had been arrested, including the four suspects who carried out the attack.
Sylvie Claire / March 23,
After weeks of silence from the British royal family, cancer-stricken Princess Kate has announced that she has begun chemotherapy.
Princess Kate explains that it has taken them some time to explain the situation to their children George, Charlotte and Louis. She concludes her message: “But for now, I need to focus on my full recovery. I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this disease in any form, don’t lose faith or hide. You are not alone.
2024 Report Highlights Major Digital Growth in Yemen
A New Era of Global Communication Through Outernet
