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FACTBOX: 2024’s biggest natural disasters

From February 1 to 5, wildfires killed at least 137 people in Chile's Valparaнso region, with 200 more reported missing

© AP Photo/Mavendra JR

TASS FACTBOX. TASS editors have compiled a list of the largest natural disasters in 2024, which caused numerous fatalities and substantial material damage.

Earthquake

On January 1, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula near Japan, accompanied by over 8,500 aftershocks. The hardest-hit area was Ishikawa Prefecture. The earthquake triggered a tsunami with a height of 7.45 meters. A total of 462 people died, and 1,336 were injured. Estimated damage exceeded $17 billion.

Wildfires

From February 1 to 5, wildfires killed at least 137 people in Chile's Valparaнso region, with 200 more reported missing. The fires affected over 40,000 hectares and destroyed or damaged more than 14,000 homes. Chilean President Gabriel Boric called the disaster the worst in 14 years. Authorities attributed the fires to deliberate arson.

Abnormal Heat

In May, a record heatwave killed at least 27 people in Mexico, with the most casualties reported in San Luis Potosн. In Valles, temperatures exceeded 48°C (118°F). The extreme heat placed significant strain on the energy system, leading to widespread power outages.

Tornadoes

From May 19 to 27, approximately 240 tornadoes struck the central United States. The storms resulted in 21 deaths, including four children, across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Alabama.

Flooding

In September, Typhoon Yagi triggered severe flooding across Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. At least 844 people were killed (433 in Myanmar), with over 2,200 others injured.

Hurricane

From September 26-28, Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, killing at least 234 people across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The storm caused widespread flooding and significant destruction. U.S. authorities estimated the damage at $120 billion.

Tropical Cyclone

On December 7-8, Cyclone Chido moved from the southeastern Indian Ocean toward the African coast, hitting Mayotte first. From December 15-19, the cyclone moved through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Preliminary reports indicate at least 142 fatalities and over 3,200 injuries. Local media report "thousands" missing in Mayotte, and more than 100,000 homes were destroyed.

Fuel oil leak into Black Sea not as bad as originally estimated — Transport Ministry

The main way of eliminating the effects is to collect the pollutant washed up on the beach

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025

Revenues from West’s frozen assets allocated for support of Russian regions — ministry

The US Department of the Treasury said earlier that a $20 bln loan would be provided to Ukraine and paid in tranches

Russian paratroopers destroyed three Ukrainian tanks by drones

Russian paratroopers destroyed vehicles in Kursk region

FACTBOX: Celebrities who passed away in 2024

Many well-known politicians, statesmen, scientists and cultural figures passed away in 2024

US missile defense base in Poland long among Russian army’s targets — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stated that the US-NATO construction project, ongoing for nearly a decade with complete disregard to Russian security concerns, has consistently been a focus of Russia's attention

Russian diplomat blames shutdown of Russian gas transit via Ukraine on West, Kiev

According to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev authorities decided to end the transit of Russian gas to European countries even though the Gazprom company was complying with its contract obligations

Syrian ports of Latakia, Tartus fully resume operations — official

Both ports are now serving ships and handling cargo normally

Russia strikes Ukraine’s military-industrial sector, mercenaries’ sites over week

Russian air defenses down Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet, 559 UAVs over week

Putin’s Munich Speech 15 years later: What prophecies have come true?

Fifteen years ago today, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Munich Security Conference with a speech that was instantly interpreted as the harshest-ever manifesto since the Cold War era

French military expert says NATO may repeat Soviet Union’s fate

Regis Chamagnedescribed NATO and the EU as 'two sides of the same coin'

Ukraine loses over 46,460 troops since start of fighting in Kursk area

The Russian Defense Ministry also added that Russian forces repelled six counterattacks by Ukrainian assault teams in the past day

Oboronlogistics company blames loss of its ship Ursa Major on terrorist attack

The Ursa Major dry cargo ship wrecked in the Mediterranean Sea

Putin nearly doubles number of foreign visits in 2024 — TASS estimates

Russian President made 11 visits to other countries last year compared to six in 2023

Ukraine may lose Odessa and access to Black Sea if it refuses to negotiate — Musk

"It was a tragic waste of life for Ukraine to attack a larger army that had defense in depth, minefields and stronger artillery," american entrepreneur said

US creating NATO bases in Ukraine under guise of training centers — Belarusian president

"Unfortunately, the Ukrainian authorities don't care a bit about their own people and they don't hear our concerns," Alexander Lukashenko noted

FBI confirms death of hit-and-run driver in New Orleans

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is working with partners to look into the details of this terrorist attack

EAEU emerges as key player in international relations — Russian Foreign Ministry

Throughout its existence, the EAEU's member states – Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan – have achieved notable results, the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted

Russian air defenses down Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft — Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, a total of 651 aircraft have been destroyed since the start of Russia’s special military operation

Turbine for Nord Stream 1 delayed due to Canada’s sanctions — Siemens

Turbines require regular repair for smooth operation

Four drones, two USVs destroyed in Sevastopol

All municipal services are working in the robust security regime

Illegal migrants must leave Russia or legalize their status until April 30 — decree

The deportation requirement will not be applied to foreigners, who want to stay on legal grounds and have met several preconditions

FACTBOX: New Year’s key traditions reviewed

Russia has celebrated New Year and Christmas with decorated fir trees since Peter the Great’s reign

Police computer outage at German airports resolved — daily

Earlier on Friday, police computer systems suffered almost four hours of outage at airports across Germany

German legislator calls for launching Nord Stream, as gas flow through Ukraine runs dry

"By stopping the flow of Russian gas to Europe, Ukraine is pushing energy prices even higher," Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen said

Russian Armed Forces destroy Ukrainian ammunition depot — Defense Ministry

Units of the Vostok combat group, with the support of aviation and artillery, also destroyed a stronghold and a car with soldiers of the Ukrainian army near the village of Urozhaynoye in the DPR

Bosphorus transit suspended due to malfunction of tanker en route to Russia

The Cordelia Moon is 274 meters long and 50 meters wide

Diplomat calls on top German diplomat to stop speculating about Russian bases in Syria

Commenting on the top German diplomat’s statement that Russia should refuse from having military bases in Syria, Maria Zakharova noted

At least 90 Palestinians killed following Israel’s strikes on Gaza Strip over past day

According to Al Jazeera, hundreds of people were wounded

Ukraine loses up to 1,050 troops in all areas of special military operation in past day

Russian air defenses downed seven HIMARS and Uragan rockets and 66 Ukrainian drones in the past day, according to the Russian Defense Ministry’s bulletin

Almost 440,000 Russians sign up for military service this year — Medvedev

"The results of work over the year can already be assessed," the politician said

Russian Defense Ministry identifies over 30 more people connected to US biolabs in Africa

The Major General noted that among these individuals are: servicemen of the US Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, employees of regional branches of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, disease control and prevention centers in Africa, as well as members of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip exceeds 45,600 — health ministry

As many as 145 civilians received wounds during the past day, bringing the overall number of those wounded up to 108,583

Evolute brand plans to launch five new electric vehicle models in 2023

Сompany did not specify which models would be released in the second half of the year

Russian heavy strike drone Okhotnik makes first flight

The first flight lasted for over 20 minutes

Russian state arms seller reports record high orders portfolio of over $57 bln in 2024

Rosoboronexport clarified that the priority of the defense industry sector today is to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces

Russian military police conduct patrol missions in three Syrian governorates

The Russian military policy carried out patrol missions in Syria's Aleppo, Raqqa and al-Hasakah governorates

Kiev's forces shell village in Kursk Region, no casualties reported yet — acting governor

The head of the Rylsk district, as well as all emergency response services are at the scene of the attack

Ukrainian agents attempted to deliver booby-trapped documents to Archangel Project head

The project's curator Vitaly Romanov noted that the bomb was defused, and no one was injured

EAEU leaders approve 17 documents following summit in Leningrad region

These include an agreement on the single customs transit system, a decision on the entry into force of the free trade agreement with Iran, and an order on the functioning of the single services market within the EAEU

Pentagon refrains from announcements on more security assistance for Ukraine

Earlier, White House National Security Council Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters they can expect additional security assistance announcements "with respect to Ukraine" in coming days

FBI sees no connection for now between New Orleans, Las Vegas terrorist attacks

Bureau’s Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said noted that the investigation was at an early stage

West to discuss sending more weapons to Kiev in coming days, White House announces

"I think you're going to see another iteration of the Ramstein group here in coming days," John Kirby said

Nornickel CEO calls on Russian athletes to stay competitive amid isolation

"Maintaining competitive skills is key. Therefore finding good sparring partners is important for tactical reasons," he added

US rock star says he wears ring with Russian coat of arms as "truth lives in Russia"

Ex-vocalist of Deep Purple and Rainbow Joe Lynn Turner told TASS he doesn't love the US anymore and will move to Belarus if Alexander Lukashenko lets him do it

Russia’ special operation has every chance to reach Transnistria — French expert

Regis Chamagne added that Ukrainian men were now being chased on the streets and sent to fight 'as cannon fodder'

Kazakh President Tokayev rules out early presidential election in his country

He also said that there were no prerequisites as of yet for holding the parliamentary election as well

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

Russian Armed Forces made more than 1,500 strikes by precision weapons in 2024

At least five mass strikes were also delivered from the beginning of the last year.

Law enforcers clash with military at South Korean impeached President Yoon’s residence

Law enforcers were blocked by the military upon the execution of their order to detain impeached President Yoon, Yonhap reported

Almost 1,000 vehicles burned down in France in New Year night

Hooligans burned down 690 vehicles last year, earlier reports said

Moscow-Fergana flight redirected to Tashkent over fog

The crew of flight HY-9628 has decided to fly to an alternate airport in Tashkent

FACTBOX: Mir payment system launched in 10 countries, over 15 want to introduce it

In 2023, the regulator plans to bring the card to 5-6 new countries

Russia bans mining in ten regions from January 1

The ban was introduced in Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachai-Circassia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions

Republican Johnson retains his post as US House Speaker

US media speculated earlier that problems with Johnson’s reelection to the post or his failure to win it could tell negatively on US President-elect Donald Trump’s positions as he had voiced full support to his candidature

Authorities checking potential link between New Orleans, Las Vegas incidents — Biden

The intensive work on the incident will continue "until we have a full and complete information," the president said

FSB eliminates Ukrainian military intel agent plotting terror attack in Zaporozhye Region

In the private home, the FSB operatives found an object resembling a Makarov pistol, a grenade trigger and an improvised explosive device

Press review: Middle East may host Putin-Trump talks as experts probe Kazakhstan crash

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, December 26th

Chinese envoy sees Moscow, Beijing supporting each other on key issues

"Russia understands and supports China’s position on Xizang-related issues, and it supports China’s efforts toward peace, stability, prosperity and development in Xizang," Zhang Hanhui stated

Kyrgyzstan takes the CSTO chairmanship from Kazakhstan

It is reported that Kyrgyzstan plans to host an international conference on cybersecurity in 2025

Termination of Russian gas supplies to spur inflation in Moldova — expert

Pensioners and public sector employees, whose wages and salaries have long lagged behind rocketing prices, will also be among the most affected

Over 1 mln members of Ukrainian armed forces killed or wounded since start of special op

Data obtained from the Russian defense ministry’s daily bulletins and other open-access information from its officials indicates that Kiev lost some 595,000 troops as killed or wounded in action in 2024

Almost half Ukrainians believe Ukraine is collapsing, says poll

Residents of western Ukraine tend to be more positive in their views, while those residing in the east and the south of the country are more downbeat, as per the survey

Members of Astana format call for dialogue between sides in Syria — Lavrov

According to the minister, it is important to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 2254

Ukraine’s central bank lowers hryvnia rate to record low of 42 per $1

The central bank last time intervened in June 2022 by injecting $3.99 billion

Police computer systems at German airports suffer outages — Bild

According to the WDR broadcaster, passengers at Dusseldorf Airport have been forced to wait for about two hours, while entry from countries outside the Schengen area is not currently possible amid the outages

Serial production of missiles for S-500 air defense systems begins in Russia — source

State trials of S-500 are under way at a testing range in southern Russia

Pentagon chief to take part in meeting on Western weapons supplies to Kiev in Germany

Lloyd Austin will visit Germany on January 7

Kazakh leader calls Russia invincible, Ukraine trying to withstand with West’s help

Astana favors talks on settling the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict but does not insist on its mediation in the process, he said

Russian diplomat highlights Moscow’s main achievement of past years

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that "developments at home are more important to us"

Finnish police detain oil tanker on suspicion of damaging communication cables

It is also reported that the Eagle S "noticeably slowed down" presumably at the moment when the cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged

Turkish Airlines suspends flights to several Russian cities, Minsk, Ukraine till yearend

The suspension applies to flights to Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, and Sochi

Moscow says shelling of Kramatorsk by Ukraine confirms Russian operation is justified

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed confidence that Kiev won’t be able to evade responsibility for the shelling of civilians in Kramatorsk

US, Britain, Ukraine behind Crocus City Hall attack — FSB chief

Alexander Bortnikov believes that Ukraine has been trying to prove it is capable enough

Geomagnetic storm begins on Earth — expert

The geomagnetic storm is expected to continue at least until Sunday noon

Life and career of Russian politician Boris Nemtsov

Overnight to February 28 Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in downtown Moscow

Project 885M latest nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk joins Russian Navy

During the ceremony, the Russian Navy chief handed in the St. Andrew’s naval flag to the submarine commander, Captain First Rank Alexander Gladkov

Putin approves possibility of suspending ban on organization listed terrorist

The suspension is possible if there is verified evidence that the organization, following its inclusion in the list of terrorist organizations, has ceased carrying out activities aimed at the propaganda, justification, and support of terrorism or committing relevant crimes described in the Criminal Code

Russian aircraft destroy Ukraine’s Buk missile system - Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, the targets were destroyed by air-to-surface missiles

Israel attacks military facilities in Latakia in Syria

According to the TV channel, Israeli warplanes attacked missile weapons depots

Gas supplies to household consumers suspended in Transnistria

The authorities in both Moldova and Transnistria have declared emergencies

This year’s first most intense solar flare registered Friday

Two flares of similar intensity, X 1.1. and X 1.5, were last reported on December 30

Clashes between Palestianians, Israeli troops take place in West Bank — TV

According to Al Mayadeen, fighters from Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the radical Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad, attacked Israeli military vehicles

West does not rule out Ukrainian defense collapse soon — Russia’s intel agency

The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden seeks to avoid this scenario, making emphasis on "the deliveries of more sophisticated weapons, including longer-range missiles," the press office said

Pentagon mum on F-16 fighter jet downed in Zaporozhye Region

The US Department of Defense "has no statement or information to provide," a department’s spokesperson said

Trump team offers nothing interesting in proposals on Ukraine — Russian envoy

Lately, the Ukrainian side has also indicated "signals about some accords," which cannot be perceived seriously, he added

Experts forecast moderate gas price growth in 2025, then a decline in 2026-2027

Finam analyst Sergey Kaufman forecasts a moderate increase in Europe's average gas price to $420 per 1,000 cubic meters

Syrian foreign minister to visit Qatar, UAE, Jordan

According to al-Shibani, Syria’s new authorities hope that this visit will contribute to the stability and security of Syria, as well as its economic recovery

Yemen’s Houthis claim to have conducted missile attack on power station near Tel Aviv

Earlier, the Israeli army reported intercepting a missile crossing from Yemen

Russia’s freshly launched satellite transmits images of US, China, UAE

Data obtained from satellites in the Resurs-P series are used to study natural resources and monitor pollution and environmental degradation, water protection areas and natural reserves

Only Western countries present nuclear war scenarios, says Lavrov

The foreign minister stressed that "it was at Russia’s initiative that the Gorbachev-Reagan formula that there can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be unleashed was reinstated"

Russian government increases customs duties on beer from unfriendly countries

This measure is not a prohibitive one and will make it possible to make competitive conditions equal for Russian producers, the ministry said

Russia not satisfied with Trump team’s proposals on Ukraine — Lavrov

At the same time, Lavrov noted that Moscow has not received any official signals from the United States on the Ukrainian settlement at the moment

CIA station in Kiev targeted in recent Russian attack, military expert reveals

According to Alexander Stepanov, strikes are systematic efforts to gradually wipe out the military capabilities of Ukraine

Moldovan president plans military operation in Transnistria — Russian intel agency

According to the SVR, Maia Sandu recently convened a meeting on energy security issues with senior government officials

Europe not finance establishment of Islamist structures in Syria — top German diplomat

Baerbock and Barrot were the first European foreign ministers to visit Syria following the ouster of former President Bashar Assad

VTB becomes owner of Otkritie bank — regulator

Otkritie ranks eighth in terms of assets among Russian banks

Russia urges Israel to end Gaza hostilities immediately at UNSC meeting

Russia’s Representative at the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya noted that Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave and attacks had caused a humanitarian crisis, damage to medical infrastructure and mass displacements

US commercial satellites surveyed Russia’s Engels airstrip ahead of Kiev’s strike attempt

Earlier, it was reported that, on Monday morning, Kiev attempted to strike the two airstrips with Soviet-made jet drones in order to disable Russian long-range aviation planes

Murderer in Montenegro died after suicide attempt

The attacker died from sustained injuries when being transported to a medical institution

Villager in Russia’s Kursk region killed in Ukrainian drone attack — governor

The deadly attack occurred outside his house as he was walking down the road