A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia, killing at least 181 people and injuring over 2,500. The new Colombian government, led by President Abelardo de la Espriella, is struggling to manage rescue efforts and provide aid in areas also affected by poverty and armed conflict.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo.
At least 181 people died and about 2,595 were injured; around 195 to 4,000 remain missing.
Rescue teams are working urgently to find survivors within the critical first 48 to 72 hours after the quake.
Some survivors, including a baby and a woman, were pulled alive from rubble.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency to speed up emergency funding and recovery efforts.
The response is complicated by long-standing issues like poverty and ongoing armed conflicts causing displacement.
A 2016 peace accord has helped aid groups maintain a presence in conflict zones, improving delivery of emergency aid.
Aid organizations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council and the U.N. are involved in the humanitarian response.
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A passenger ferry caught fire near Bali, Indonesia, while traveling to the nearby island of Lombok. Rescue teams and passing boats saved 106 people and were working to rescue 25 others amid rough seas.
Key Facts
The ferry named Putri Yasmin caught fire early in the morning while traveling from Bali to Lombok.
The fire began around 4:15 a.m., and rescue teams were notified about 30 minutes later.
The ferry was carrying 114 passengers, 17 crew members, 44 vehicles, and 53 motorcycles.
Rescue efforts involved Indonesian navy ships, patrol boats, rescue vessels, and a helicopter for aerial search.
Waves up to 4 meters (13 feet) high made the rescue more difficult.
So far, 106 people have been rescued from the burning ferry.
Indonesia relies heavily on ferries for travel between its many islands.
Ferry accidents happen often in Indonesia, sometimes due to weak safety rules.
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Kosovo has started digging up newly found mass graves linked to its 1998-99 war, where around 1,600 people remain missing. The excavation near Kalluder aims to find the remains of intellectuals and others who disappeared during the conflict between ethnic Albanians and Serbian forces.
Key Facts
Excavations began in late July near Upper and Lower Kalluder in northern Kosovo.
The mass graves may contain victims who went missing during the 1998-99 Kosovo war.
About 1,600 people are still missing from the war, including ethnic Albanians, Serbs, and Roma.
Erblin Ademi’s father, a surgeon and one of 23 intellectuals who disappeared in April 1999, may be among the victims.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated the victims could be those caught fleeing forces trying to round them up.
Kosovo’s war caused roughly 13,000 deaths and led to Kosovo declaring independence in 2008.
Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
The search aims to bring closure to families who have waited decades for answers.
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Millions of people in Somalia are facing severe hunger due to a long drought combined with conflicts and economic challenges. Many are fleeing their homes and living in displacement camps as international aid decreases, while warnings of possible flooding may worsen the situation.
Key Facts
About 2 million people in Somalia face emergency food shortages, more than double compared to last year.
Families are leaving rural areas and moving to cities like Baidoa to escape drought and hunger.
Displacement settlements around Baidoa now house hundreds of thousands of people affected by the crisis.
Aid organizations have helped over 200,000 people but say more support is urgently needed.
Somalia is at high risk of extreme weather, with droughts followed by possible heavy rains from El Nino expected later in 2026.
The drought has lasted four years in some regions, destroying crops and killing livestock.
The combination of drought, conflict, and economic problems is causing many people to lose their homes and livelihoods.
Humanitarian groups and Somalia's government are calling for increased international aid to prevent further suffering.
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A drone attacked a power station in Zawiya, a city in western Libya. This power station is close to Libya’s largest working oil refinery, which has faced multiple attacks recently.
Key Facts
The attack involved a drone hitting a power station in Zawiya, Libya.
Zawiya is located in western Libya.
The power station is near Libya’s biggest operational oil refinery.
The oil refinery has been attacked several times in the past few days.
Due to ongoing attacks, the Libyan government is thinking about shutting down the refinery.
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British driver Andy Green set a new land speed record by driving a hydrogen-powered car at 406 mph (654 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. This is the fastest speed ever recorded for a hydrogen-powered vehicle and more than double the previous record from 2004.
Key Facts
Andy Green is a 64-year-old retired Royal Air Force pilot and the first person to break the sound barrier on land.
He reached 406 mph in a hydrogen-powered car called the JCB Hydromax.
The JCB Hydromax uses two hydrogen internal combustion engines delivering a total of 1,600 brake horsepower (bhp).
Green previously set speed records with jet-powered and diesel-powered cars, including a 763 mph run breaking the sound barrier in 1997.
The new hydrogen car record more than doubled the previous 2004 hydrogen speed record of 185.5 mph.
The Hydromax car was developed by JCB, a British engineering company, which also created a diesel-powered record car 20 years earlier.
Testing for the Hydromax car reached 208 mph in May 2024 before the record-breaking run.
Lord Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB, highlighted the achievement as a milestone for British engineering with hydrogen power.
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Firefighters and residents in southern Lebanon say the Israeli military has been starting wildfires by dropping flares and using drones to drop incendiary materials. These fires have damaged large areas of woodland and farmland since a ceasefire in June 2023 mainly ended fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.
Key Facts
Firefighters say Israeli military actions have caused fires in about 30-40% of forested land near the Lebanon-Israel border.
Israeli drones have been dropping incendiary devices that start fires in olive groves, woodlands, and agricultural land.
Firefighters sometimes had to stop fighting fires because drones attacked near them.
The Lebanese army coordinates firefighting efforts and communicates with an Israeli-led “deconfliction” group to allow firefighters to work safely.
Environmental groups claim this is a repeated Israeli tactic to damage Lebanon’s natural environment.
The fires harm important ecosystems that support trees like stone pine and oak and migratory birds.
These environmental attacks are described as "ecocide," meaning they destroy ecosystems to disrupt people’s lives and control the land.
Fighting between Hezbollah and Israel reignited in October 2023 and has included damage to south Lebanon's woodlands.
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A 74-year-old British man with dementia who has lived in Sweden for 25 years must leave the country after losing a migration court case. The court ruled that Sweden's immigration rules are more important than his need for full-time care in Sweden.
Key Facts
Horace Mason is 74 years old and has advanced dementia requiring round-the-clock care.
He has lived in Sweden for 25 years, near his son and grandchildren.
Swedish courts ruled that immigration control is more important than his personal situation.
His application for a residence permit was rejected because of missing documents.
Appeals based on medical evidence and human rights were also denied in July.
Mason cannot care for himself or move independently to the UK.
The UK government is aware and supporting Mason and his family.
This case is similar to another British dementia patient facing deportation in Sweden after Brexit.
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Russia has freed Robert Gilman, a former US marine who was jailed in 2022 for attacking a police officer. President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to release Gilman due to his poor health.
Key Facts
Robert Gilman is a former US marine.
He was jailed in Russia since 2022.
The charge was attacking a police officer.
President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin agreed to release Gilman because of health concerns.
Gilman has now been released from Russian custody.
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In Taiwan, Chinese-born spouses who became citizens through marriage face questions about their loyalty and experience some discrimination as tensions with China grow. One such spouse, Li Chen-hsiu, briefly served in Taiwan’s Legislature but was forced out amid concerns over allegiance to Taiwan.
Key Facts
Li Chen-hsiu was the only Chinese-born lawmaker in Taiwan’s Legislature before she was removed after two months.
Around 369,000 people in Taiwan are Chinese-born spouses who have citizenship through marriage.
These spouses face changing government policies and suspicion due to rising tensions between Taiwan and China.
Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war, and contact between them only resumed in 1987.
China frequently sends military planes and navy ships near Taiwan and works to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
A Taiwanese court recently sentenced a leader of a spouses’ support group to prison for spying for China.
The community of mainland spouses includes older women married to retired Chinese soldiers and younger, educated newcomers.
Taiwan’s concerns about loyalty reflect broader fears of Chinese military threats and political interference.
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Park Geon-roung, known as Baby Shark Boy, starred in the Baby Shark video that became the most-watched YouTube clip with over 17 billion views. At seven years old, he is now preparing to debut as a K-pop singer with support from Pinkfong, the company behind Baby Shark.
Key Facts
Park Geon-roung is seven years old.
He appeared in the Baby Shark music video.
Baby Shark is the most-viewed video on YouTube, with over 17 billion views.
Pinkfong is the South Korean company that created Baby Shark.
Pinkfong is supporting Baby Shark Boy's entry into K-pop music.
Baby Shark Boy aims to become a K-pop star.
The news was reported by the BBC and appeared recently.
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The US military fired missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship trying to enter an Iranian port, breaking the US blockade. President Donald Trump said the US has full control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway near Iran.
Key Facts
A US helicopter fired missiles at the engine room of the cargo ship M/V Vela Nova.
The ship tried to enter an Iranian port despite warnings from US forces.
The ship was disabled and stopped from breaking the blockade.
This is the third ship forced to stop since the US reinstated the blockade on July 14, 2026.
US Central Command said they have redirected 55 ships and boarded two since the blockade started.
The US previously blockaded Iranian ports from April to June 2026, stopping nine ships and redirecting over 140.
President Trump said the US has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important passage for oil and gas shipments near Iran.
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Yemen’s internationally recognised government said the Houthi rebel group attacked a cargo ship in the Bab al-Mandeb strait, killing at least six people and injuring 10. The Houthis also launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi and Yemeni targets as fighting escalates following the collapse of a truce.
Key Facts
The attack targeted the Egyptian-owned cargo ship Tihamah in the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Six people died, including three Pakistani and one Indonesian national, with 10 others injured.
The Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at the ship and a fourth missile during rescue operations.
The Houthis are aligned with Iran and have increased attacks after the U.S. and Israel started a war on Iran in late February.
The Saudi-led coalition and Yemen’s government are fighting the Houthis, who control parts of Yemen.
The conflict worsened after a truce collapsed following a Saudi airstrike on Sanaa airport in July.
The UN warns the conflict could widen into a bigger regional war, harming Yemen’s people.
Separately, the U.S. military attacked a ship trying to break a blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.
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Ahmed al Ahmed, who helped stop the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney last year, had assault charges against him dropped by police. He agreed to follow a court order limiting contact with his father, and the charges were withdrawn without Ahmed admitting guilt.
Key Facts
Ahmed al Ahmed was charged in June with domestic violence assault, stalking, and intimidation related to an incident with his father in March.
He denied all charges.
Prosecutors dropped the charges after Ahmed agreed to a 12-month court order limiting contact with his father.
Ahmed is the man who disarmed one of the shooters during the deadly Bondi Beach attack that killed 15 people last year.
The attack was declared a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community.
Ahmed was shot several times during the attack but survived.
A fundraiser raised over AU$2.5 million to support Ahmed after the shooting.
Two of Ahmed’s brothers have been charged recently for allegedly threatening him and trying to take some of the donation money.
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Zambia is holding a presidential election to decide if President Hakainde Hichilema will serve a second five-year term. Since taking office, Hichilema has worked to fix the economy, reduced inflation, stabilized the currency, and restructured over $12 billion in debt, but many citizens still face high living costs.
Key Facts
Zambia’s election is on Thursday to possibly re-elect President Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambia faced a debt crisis after defaulting on payments during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Hichilema became president in 2021 and has led efforts to restructure Zambia’s debts.
The economic recovery plan includes tripling the country’s copper production by 2031.
Copper is a critical mineral used worldwide, and Zambia is one of the top producers.
Hichilema’s strongest challenger is Brian Mundubile, leader of the Tonse Alliance.
Despite economic improvements, many Zambians still struggle with high food and energy prices.
Zambia has a population of about 22 million and uses the Kwacha as its currency.
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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a second leadership challenge ahead of the general election set for November 7. He said he has strong support from his party despite low approval ratings and recent controversies.
Key Facts
Luxon called a meeting with his National Party due to growing doubts about his leadership.
The meeting lasted over three hours and ended with Luxon saying his party is united.
This was Luxon's second leadership challenge in four months.
His party’s support is weak mainly due to slow economic growth and his recent mistakes.
Luxon upset business leaders with comments about small businesses needing to “be adult” but later apologized.
He previously suggested a referendum on the country's voting system without consulting his party.
Unemployment in New Zealand rose to 5.6%, the highest in 11 years.
Polls show Luxon’s popularity as preferred prime minister is at a new low of 17%, but he still leads over other candidates.
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A ferry carrying too many people capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. At least 15 people died, 27 are missing, and 77 were rescued and reached a nearby island.
Key Facts
The ferry was overloaded with passengers.
The accident happened on Lake Kariba, located in Zimbabwe.
At least 15 people died in the capsizing.
Twenty-seven people are still missing after the incident.
Seventy-seven people were rescued and made it safely to a small island.
Rescue teams continue searching for the missing passengers.
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Iran insists it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States ends its military actions, lifts its naval blockade, releases frozen Iranian funds, and agrees to a regional ceasefire. Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran to discuss stronger ties and mediation efforts amid ongoing conflicts involving the US, Iran, and Yemen’s Houthis, who have recently attacked ships in the Gulf and Red Sea.
Key Facts
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head stated the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US demands are met.
Iran requires the US to stop its military campaign, end the naval blockade, free frozen Iranian assets, and accept a ceasefire including Gaza and Lebanon.
Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran to strengthen bilateral ties and mediate in the conflict.
Qatar also is mediating, with talks between Iran and Oman on shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz progressing.
The US Navy disabled a Panama-flagged cargo ship that ignored a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces attacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea, killing four crew members and two rescuers.
Houthis claimed to have attacked a Saudi military ship in the Bab al-Mandeb strait, though details remain unclear.
President Donald Trump has varied between threats and hopes for a peace deal with Iran while negotiating.
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People in Idlib, Syria, celebrated after a court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad and several other officials to death for crimes during the Syrian civil war. Idlib played a key role in the fight that ended the Assad family's 53-year rule.
Key Facts
A court sentenced Bashar al-Assad and other former officials to death.
The sentences are for crimes committed during the Syrian civil war.
Syrians in Idlib gathered to celebrate the court's decision.
Idlib was an important area in the conflict against Assad’s government.
The Assad family ruled Syria for 53 years before being ousted.
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North Korea fired a ballistic missile on August 12, its second launch in less than a week, seen as a protest against upcoming joint military drills by South Korea and the United States. The missile flew over 700 kilometers and landed in waters near Japan. The South Korean and Japanese governments condemned the launch and expressed readiness to respond to any threats.
Key Facts
North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the Wonsan area on its east coast.
The missile flew about 700 kilometers (435 miles) before landing in waters between Korea and Japan.
This is North Korea’s second missile test within a week.
South Korea and the US are preparing to start annual large-scale military drills on August 17.
North Korea views these drills as rehearsals for an invasion and often responds with weapons tests.
Japan protested the missile launch, citing it as a serious safety concern.
UN Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from missile launches, but the country has continued testing.
North Korea is expanding its missile and nuclear weapons despite past diplomatic talks with the US ending in 2019.
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