World
Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Climbs Past 1,700 as Rescue Efforts Continue
Published
10 months agoon
MANDALAY, Myanmar (FNN) – The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has now claimed the lives of more than 1,700 people, with emergency responders racing against time to find survivors in the rubble, according to the country’s military-led government.
Government spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 1,700, with an additional 3,400 injured and more than 300 people still missing. The military initially reported 1,644 deaths, but Monday’s update revealed the toll has risen significantly as more bodies are recovered.
Widespread Destruction and Collapsed Buildings
The Myanmar 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction, affecting major cities such as Naypitaw and Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. Reports indicate that many buildings, including mosques, homes, and infrastructure, have completely collapsed.
Tun Kyi, a member of the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network, stated that around 700 worshippers were killed when mosques collapsed during Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. Reports also suggest that at least 60 mosques were either damaged or destroyed, with distressing footage circulating online showing structures crumbling as terrified civilians ran for safety.
Lauren Ellery, deputy director of programs in Myanmar for the International Rescue Committee, warned that the true scale of destruction remains unclear due to telecommunication outages and challenging conditions on the ground.
“We’re really not clear on the scale of the destruction at this stage,” Ellery told The Associated Press.
“Some areas near Mandalay reportedly saw 80% of buildings collapse, but due to damaged communication lines, these reports have been slow to emerge.”
Search and Rescue Operations Face Extreme Challenges
Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, deploying emergency teams to assist in rescue operations. However, a lack of heavy machinery and extreme heat—with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F)—have slowed efforts, forcing rescuers to search for survivors by hand.
In neighboring Thailand, at least 18 people were killed when a partially built high-rise in Bangkok collapsed. Another 33 people have been injured and 78 remain missing, primarily at the construction site near the Chatuchak market.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that rescue teams detected potential signs of life beneath the debris, though they have yet to confirm if it was an error in the detection equipment.
“Even if one life is saved, it is worth all the effort,” Chadchart said.
What’s Next?
Continued search and rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar and Thailand.
International aid organizations are assessing the situation and mobilizing resources.
Myanmar’s military government is expected to provide further updates on casualties and damages.
Humanitarian groups are calling for global assistance as the region struggles with medical emergencies, food shortages, and displacement.
World
Caribbean Tourism Open for Business, CTO Says as Travel Operations Remain Strong
Published
2 weeks agoon
January 8, 2026By
Willie DavidBARBADOS (FNN) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) on Monday reaffirmed that the region remains fully open for business, emphasizing its resilience and operational stability following temporary airspace disruptions linked to geopolitical developments in Venezuela.
CTO officials said the organization and its 25 member destinations closely monitored the situation over the weekend and worked with industry partners to minimize traveler disruptions.
Travel Operations Remain Stable
Cruise and air travel throughout the Caribbean continue to operate normally, with advance bookings remaining strong, according to the CTO. Airline partners added capacity to accommodate affected travelers, while hotels and resorts demonstrated flexibility in supporting guests whose plans were impacted.
Tourism leaders noted that the Caribbean has extensive experience managing external disruptions and has consistently demonstrated the strength and adaptability of its tourism sector, which serves as a vital economic engine for the region.
CTO Encourages Travelers to Proceed With Plans
The organization encouraged travelers to move forward with their travel plans, assuring visitors and industry partners that destinations across the Caribbean are safe, accessible, and prepared to welcome guests.
CTO also expressed gratitude to airline partners and the accommodations sector for their swift response, emphasizing the collaborative effort that ensured continuity for travelers.
2026 Theme Highlights Unified Caribbean Experience
Looking ahead, the CTO highlighted its 2026 theme, “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” which underscores the region’s shared identity and diverse offerings. From world-class resorts and boutique hotels to eco-adventures, heritage festivals, and renowned cuisine, the Caribbean continues to offer a seamless and welcoming travel experience.
Beyond its attractions, CTO leaders emphasized the region’s defining characteristic — its people — whose warmth and hospitality ensure visitors feel at home while exploring the Caribbean’s rich cultures and natural beauty.
World
Dr. Rudolph Moise Aids Jamaica in Hurricane Melissa Relief as Jack Brewer Foundation Launches U.S. Evacuation Mission
Published
2 months agoon
November 25, 2025By
Willie DavidMIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Dr. Rudolph Moise, a distinguished Air Force Colonel, former Haiti Ambassador-at-Large, and global health care leader, joined the Jack Brewer Foundation on a humanitarian mission to Jamaica to support communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Emergency Relief Mission
Moise joined a team of 20 volunteers on a chartered humanitarian flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica, as part of the Hurricane Melissa response effort. The mission, sponsored by the Jack Brewer Foundation, delivered more than 15,000 pounds of critical aid, including tents, sleeping bags, batteries, pallets of meat, and food supplies intended for the regions hit hardest by the storm.
According to a posting on The Jack Brewer Foundation’s website, the organization is also coordinating an emergency evacuation and rescue mission for U.S. citizens stranded in Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Working with government partners and humanitarian agencies, the foundation plans to facilitate safe passage for registered passengers on a special evacuation flight scheduled to depart Wednesday from Montego Bay International Airport (MBJ) to Miami International Airport (MIA).
Priority is being given to families, the elderly, and individuals with medical needs, and all travelers must register individually to ensure proper documentation and seat assignments.
Medical Assistance and Community Support
During the relief mission, Moise provided medical assistance to several individuals in need. He noted the resilience and optimism of Jamaican residents despite widespread damage and loss.
“We came to the Caribbean nation of Jamaica to provide support to its beloved people during this critical time,” Moise said, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in disaster response. “The Jamaican people are incredibly resilient. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort to confront this crisis, and despite the tremendous losses many have endured, most still managed to greet us with a smile.”
Video clips and photographs from the trip document Moise’s work alongside volunteers as they distributed supplies and assisted local families.
A History of Disaster Response
This relief effort is not Moise’s first humanitarian deployment. In January 2010, he traveled to Haiti with a Disaster Rescue Team just two days after the catastrophic earthquake struck the country. His team saved 11 lives during that mission.
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Sports
USA U 17 Mens National Team Tops Group At 2025 FIFAf U 17 World Cup Advances To Knockout Stage Against Morocco
Published
2 months agoon
November 12, 2025By
Willie DavidDOHA, Qatar (FNN SPORTS) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team continued its impressive run at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, clinching the top spot in Group I with a 1-0 win over Czechia at Aspire Zone Pitch 4. Substitute Mathis Albert’s 78th-minute goal sealed the victory, giving the USA a perfect 3-0-0 record in group play — the program’s best start in 34 years.
Ranked third overall among group winners, the USA will face Morocco—who finished third in Group B—in the Round of 32 on November 14 or 15. FIFA is expected to confirm the official match date and time by Wednesday.
Albert’s Late Goal Seals Historic Win
With the group title within reach, head coach Gonzalo Segares rotated seven players from the starting lineup that defeated Tajikistan 2-1. Despite early pressure from Czechia, including a 14th-minute shot that hit the post, the Americans steadily grew into the match.
In the second half, substitute Mathis Albert brought new energy down the left wing, linking well with playmaker Máximo Carrizo. Their chemistry paid off in the 78th minute when Albert received a through ball from Carrizo, slipped behind the Czech defense, and calmly slotted home the decisive goal into the lower right corner.
The U.S. defense held firm despite a late red card to Mateo Tsakiris in stoppage time, preserving its second clean sheet of the tournament.
Milestones and Match Highlights
Historic Achievement: The victory marks the first time in 20 years—and only the fourth time overall—that the U.S. has won its group at the FIFA U-17 World Cup (previously in 1991, 1999, and 2005).
Perfect Record: It’s just the second time ever the U.S. U-17s have won all three group-stage matches, matching the 1991 squad’s feat.
Key Performances: Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes anchored a strong back line, recording two shutouts in three matches. Carrizo tallied his first assist of the tournament, while Albert netted his first U-17 World Cup goal.
Discipline: Tsakiris received a red card in stoppage time after a VAR review and will miss the Round of 32 match.
FINAL SCORE:
USA 1 – Czechia 0
Goal: Mathis Albert (78′)
Assist: Máximo Carrizo
The U.S. U-17s now turn their focus to the knockout stage, where they’ll look to continue their unbeaten streak and push deeper into the tournament.