THREAD: brazil environmental disaster

VENEZUELAN GANG’S Chaos: US Communities Under Threat

17 October 2024 — In New York City, kids as young as 11 are reportedly involved in violent robberies linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua (TdA). Surveillance footage from Aurora, Colorado shows a brutal attack on a worker by men refusing to accept a bribe. In Texas, two foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly planning to transport firearms for criminal use.

These incidents highlight the growing influence of TdA across the United States. The gang has gained notoriety through violent crimes that have alarmed law enforcement and policymakers. Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas has been vocal about the threat posed by TdA, especially in border communities unprepared for such brutality.

Gonzales and other GOP lawmakers have urged President Biden to designate TdA as a Transnational Criminal Organization. They warn that if unchecked, the gang could unleash terror similar to its impact in Central and South America. The gang’s activities include drug trafficking and human trafficking, leaving devastation across multiple countries.

Authorities caution that Tren De Aragua’s criminal operations pose an increasing danger to American communities nationwide. With its roots in Venezuela’s prisons, this “thug-for-hire” organization is spreading chaos from major cities like New York City down to small towns along border states like Texas.

HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Florida’s Heroic Rescue Efforts and Destruction

10 October 2024 — More than 3 million Floridians are without power as Hurricane MILTON wreaks havoc across the state. The storm hit near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving four dead in St. Lucie County due to tornadoes. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that over 48 people have been rescued so far, with more than 125 active rescue missions underway in 26 counties.

Milton has now moved off Florida’s east coast, downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but not before causing significant damage through destructive winds and flooding. The worst-hit areas include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. “The storm was significant,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the widespread impact but noting it was not the worst-case scenario.

Tampa Bay faced severe weather conditions with up to 18 inches of rainfall reported in some areas and a construction crane collapsing into an office building housing the Tampa Bay Times headquarters. The roof of Tropicana Field was also damaged by strong winds. Sarasota County experienced a substantial storm surge between eight and ten feet high.

Water levels are expected to rise along northeast and west-central Florida rivers over the next day or so, potentially reaching flood stages according to forecasts. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton’s impact on infrastructure and communities, rescue efforts continue

HURRICANE BERYL Slams Texas Coast with Deadly Force

08 July 2024 — Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning. The storm brought a dangerous surge and strong winds as it moved over land around 4 a.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service.

Beryl had strengthened back into a hurricane late Sunday, impacting southern Texas with rain and intensifying winds. Residents braced for the storm that had already caused destruction in Mexico and the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory at 3 a.m. CST warning of imminent landfall within two hours. This powerful storm has prompted significant concern and preparations along the Texas coast.

BIDEN’S Border Policy Disaster: Record Migrant Surge Sparks Outrage

17 June 2024 — The Biden administration’s border policies are facing renewed scrutiny as record numbers of migrants overwhelm U.S. border facilities. Critics argue that the administration’s lenient stance has encouraged illegal crossings, leading to chaos and insecurity.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported over 250,000 encounters in September alone, a historic high. This surge has strained resources and raised concerns about national security and public safety.

Republican lawmakers are calling for immediate action to secure the border. “Our communities are at risk,” said Senator Ted Cruz, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement measures.

The White House has yet to present a concrete plan to address this crisis, leaving many Americans frustrated. As the situation deteriorates, calls for accountability continue to grow louder.

UN Chief BLASTS Fossil Fuel Industry for CLIMATE Chaos

06 June 2024 — In a fiery speech in New York City, U.N. chief Antonio Guterres accused the fossil fuel industry of causing climate chaos while reaping record profits. He labeled climate change as a “stealth tax” on everyday people and vulnerable communities.

Guterres warned that the world is on a “highway to climate hell” and likened current actions to playing Russian roulette with our planet. He criticized the fossil fuel industry’s greenwashing efforts and their attempts to delay climate action through lobbying and legal threats.

The U.N. leader also targeted advertising and PR firms, comparing them to characters from Mad Men, for aiding fossil fuel companies in their destructive practices. He urged these firms to stop taking new fossil fuel clients immediately and plan to drop existing ones.

DEADLY Houston STORMS Leave City in Ruins, Power Restoration Underway

20 May 2024 — Deadly storms ravaged Houston last week, leaving seven dead and causing widespread damage. Thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds destroyed businesses, uprooted trees, and shattered glass in downtown skyscrapers. A tornado also touched down near Cypress.

By Sunday evening, 88% of Houston area customers had power restored, according to CenterPoint Energy spokesperson Paul Lock. “We expect everyone to be back on by end of business Wednesday,” Lock stated. Over 289,000 homes and businesses in Texas remained without electricity Sunday evening.

More than 3,900 customers in Louisiana were also without power due to strong winds and a suspected tornado. CenterPoint Energy deployed 2,000 employees and over 5,000 contractors to restore power in the Houston area. Lynnae Wilson emphasized the urgency given the high temperatures: “Getting the lights and air conditioning back on is even more important.”

HOUSTON BATTLES Deadly Heat And Smog After Storms

19 May 2024 — Houston is working to restore power to hundreds of thousands after deadly storms left at least seven dead. The area faces a smog warning and scorching temperatures.

National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard forecasts highs around 90 degrees through the start of the week, with heat indexes approaching 100 degrees by midweek. “We expect the impact of the heat to gradually increase,” Chenard said.

The weather service warns residents not to overexert themselves during cleanup efforts. Poor air quality could also pose health risks over the weekend in Houston.

PARASITE OUTBREAK Contaminates Water In England: 16,000 Homes At Risk

17 May 2024 — A fishing village in southwest England has been told to boil its tap water for a third day due to a parasite outbreak. Cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea, was found in the water supply affecting 16,000 homes and businesses in Brixham. At least 46 cases have been confirmed with over 100 more reporting symptoms.

South West Water’s Chief Executive Susan Davy apologized and stated that technicians are working non-stop to resolve the issue. “I am truly sorry for the disruption and wider anxiety this has caused,” Davy said. The contamination may have originated from a pipe in a cattle pasture.

This incident highlights ongoing issues with Britain’s aging water system, which has faced criticism for frequent sewage overflows into rivers and oceans. These problems have sickened swimmers and polluted fishing streams, leading to public outcry for improvements.

PORT CRISIS Triggered by Baltimore Bridge Collision: Full Recovery Weeks Away, Temporary Channels Opened

02 April 2024 — The MV Dali’s catastrophic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge continues to wreak havoc on Baltimore’s port operations. The primary shipping channel, designed to handle large Evergreen A-class container carriers, is still obstructed by remnants of the bridge. However, a smaller secondary route has been temporarily opened for use.

This new pathway is not dredged and only reaches a depth of 11 feet. It passes under the first standing span of the destroyed bridge. The Tugboat Crystal Coast marked its inaugural journey along this alternate route near the Dali container vessel site while pushing a fuel barge. This narrow passage will primarily serve barges and tugs involved in clean-up operations.

Governor Wes Moore from Maryland has revealed plans for another temporary channel south of the disaster area with a marginally deeper draft at 15 feet. Despite these advancements, obstacles and limited air drafts continue to hinder full port reopening efforts. Rear Admiral Gilreath from Coast Guard has stressed that reinstating access to the central deep water channel remains his main concern.

The incident has forced significant changes in East Coast ports as they accommodate cargo redirected from Baltimore harbor. Salvage specialists are now tasked with clearing debris from what was once an integral bridge serving thousands daily. With six people feared dead and two survivors rescued from Patapsco River

RUSSIA’S Unprecedented Attack: Ukraine’s Energy Sector Devastated, Widespread Outages Ensue

22 March 2024 — In a shocking move, Russia launched a colossal strike on Ukraine’s electrical power infrastructure, targeting the country’s most significant hydroelectric plant among others. This assault led to sweeping power outages and claimed at least three lives, as confirmed by officials this Friday.

The Dnipro Hydroelectric Station was among those hit during the attacks. This station supplies electricity to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant — the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The main 750-kilovolt line connecting these two vital installations was cut off during the assault, according to International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi. However, a lower-power backup line is currently functioning.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is under Russian control and has been an ongoing concern due to potential nuclear accidents amid continuous conflict. Despite this alarming situation, Ukraine’s hydroelectric authority assures that there is no immediate threat of dam breach at the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station.

A breach could not only disrupt supplies to the nuclear plant but also potentially trigger severe flooding similar to last year’s incident when a major dam at Kakhovka collapsed. Ivan Fedorov, Zaporizhzhia regional governor reported one death and at least eight injuries resulting from Russia’s aggressive actions.

CENTRAL US RAVAGED: Tornadoes Leave Trail of Destruction and Heartbreak

15 March 2024 — A series of violent tornadoes tore through the central U.S., causing extensive damage and claiming at least three lives. The storms left a path of devastation, flattening homes and trailers in an RV park, with Ohio’s Logan County bearing the brunt of the destruction. Lakeview and Russells Point villages were among the hardest hit areas.

On Friday, search crews accompanied by cadaver dogs sifted through the debris for any additional victims. Despite challenges posed by gas leaks and fallen trees obstructing some neighborhoods, authorities conducted a thorough second sweep in areas initially checked right after the storm hit.

Sheriff Randy Dodds cautioned that recovery operations would take time but assured that he was not aware of anyone still missing. Meanwhile, residents like Sandy Smith shared chilling accounts of seeking shelter while their homes crumbled around them during the storm’s onslaught.

The aftermath paints a grim picture — twisted metal wrapped around tree tops, damaged campgrounds and laundromats, roofs sheared off houses. Snowplows were dispatched to clear roads strewn with debris as communities begin to grapple with their new reality.

Haiti’s MAIN AIRPORT Under Siege: Armed Gangs Launch Shocking Takeover Attempt

05 March 2024 — In a startling rise in violence, armed gangs launched an audacious bid to seize control of Haiti’s primary international airport on Monday. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport was effectively shut down during the attack, with all operations suspended and no passengers in sight. An armored vehicle was spotted firing at the assailants in a desperate effort to keep them off airport property.

This assault is unprecedented in Haiti’s history concerning an airport. It remains uncertain whether the gangs were successful in their audacious takeover attempt. Just last week, stray bullets hit the airport during ongoing gang skirmishes.

This alarming incident unfolded merely hours after authorities imposed a nighttime curfew due to escalating violence. This surge saw armed gang members overrun two major prisons and liberate thousands of inmates.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric voiced grave concern about the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Port-au-Prince. He noted that attacks on critical infrastructure had escalated over the weekend.

HAITI NIGHTMARE: Gangs Unleashed as Prisons Breached and Thousands Set Free

04 March 2024 — Haiti is grappling with a violent crisis. In a shocking turn of events, armed gang members infiltrated the nation’s two biggest prisons over the weekend, setting free thousands of prisoners. To regain control, the government has enforced a nighttime curfew.

The gangs, believed to have dominance over approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, have grown alarmingly bold and organized. They are now daringly attacking previously untouched sites such as the Central Bank — an unprecedented escalation in Haiti’s ongoing battle against violence.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry is pleading for international assistance in forming a UN-backed security force to stabilize Haiti. However, with only around 9,000 officers responsible for more than 11 million citizens, Haiti’s National Police force is frequently outmatched and outgunned.

The recent onslaught on state institutions has led to at least nine fatalities since Thursday — including four police officers. High-profile targets like the international airport and national soccer stadium were not spared from these coordinated attacks.

Nairobi NIGHTMARE: ILLEGAL Gas Depot Ignites, Triggering Deadly Explosion and Chaos

02 February 2024 — Late Thursday night, a truck laden with liquid petroleum gas cylinders exploded at a depot in Nairobi, Kenya. This devastating incident claimed three lives and injured 280 people. The explosion ignited a massive fire that rapidly spread to nearby homes and warehouses. Experts predict the death toll will rise.

The gas depot where the disaster unfolded had been repeatedly denied operational permits due to its close proximity to residential areas. This raises alarming questions about whether the depot was operating illegally.

Charles Mainge, a local resident, voiced his frustration at the government for permitting such a hazardous site to continue operations despite its clear risks.

Eyewitnesses recalled hearing what they believed was a gas leak before two explosions sparked off the extensive fire. Many residents were likely inside their homes when flames engulfed their houses in Nairobi’s Embakasi neighborhood.“; PARAGRAPH 5: ”The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that at least 24 victims are critically injured following this deadly incident. This disaster highlights an urgent call for tighter regulations on hazardous materials storage near populated areas.

UK’S IRON Fist: Peaceful Protesters Face HARSH Prison Terms Under New Conservative Laws

29 December 2023 — Peaceful environmental activists in the United Kingdom are now under legal fire for their demonstrations. One retiree could face two years behind bars simply for holding a sign outside a courthouse. An engineer, on the other hand, has been handed a three-year sentence for displaying an “Just Stop Oil” banner from a bridge. Even walking slowly down the street has led to numerous arrests.

These arrests are part of new stringent laws that limit protest rights. The Conservative government justifies these laws as necessary tools to halt extremist activists from harming the economy and causing daily disruptions. Critics, however, contend that these laws chip away at civil rights without proper legislative oversight or judicial safeguards.

The widespread arrest of peaceful demonstrators and branding of environmental activists as extremists signal an alarming shift in this traditionally liberal democracy. Jonathon Porritt, an ecologist and former director of Friends of the Earth stated, “The government is clearly intent on suppressing what is legitimate, lawful protest.”

Britain’s democratic system with centuries-old roots relies heavily on governmental self-restraint — something critics fear is now being eroded.

OIL TYCOONS Rule COP28: A Shocking Paradox or a Bold Leap for Climate Goals?

30 November 2023 — The forthcoming COP28 climate summit, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is stirring up a storm of controversy. Critics are questioning the seemingly ironic choice of Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of UAE’s state oil company, as the event’s overseer.

UK Guardian columnist Marina Hyde has expressed concerns about this decision. She compares it to China’s temporary factory closures during the 2008 Olympics for cleaner air. She questions whether UAE will also pause its gas flaring operations during the conference.

Climate advocates fear that powerful politicians and industrialists could twist climate policies for personal gain. These fears are amplified by reports that Al Jaber and UAE may exploit COP28 to broker oil and gas deals with other nations.

Despite these apprehensions, some believe that involving major oil producers is key to meeting climate objectives. But with President Joe Biden absent and protests pushed to distant locations, doubts over COP28’s effectiveness continue to mount.

IRAN’S CRY to Brics Nations: ‘Help Stop Israeli Attacks’

07 November 2023 — Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has made a plea to the foreign ministers of the BRICS nations. These nations include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He is asking them to call for an Israeli ceasefire in Gaza. This appeal comes as Israel continues its attacks on the Hamas terrorist network. Iran became part of the BRICS coalition in August 2022.

Amirabdollahian’s letter doesn’t mention any of Hamas’ atrocities from October 7th. Instead, he focuses only on what he calls Israel’s “genocidal attacks.” He uses casualty figures from Hamas-run agencies as if they were reliable facts. Furthermore, he accuses Israel of illegal land usurpation and human rights abuses against Palestinians.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi backed Amirabdollahian’s views in a phone call with Pope Francis. Like his foreign minister, Raisi presented unverified Hamas casualty figures as fact and accused Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinians. Neither Iranian official acknowledged recent Hamas crimes against humanity.

These crimes include using civilians as human shields and preventing civilian evacuation after warnings from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) about impending airstrikes. This selective narrative by Iranian officials raises questions about their objectivity and commitment to peace in the region.

STORM BABET Unleashed: Fourth Life Claimed in UK’S Brutal Downpour

23 October 2023 — The relentless storm battering the U.K. and northern Europe has claimed a fourth life. Derbyshire Police reported an elderly woman found dead in her Chesterfield home, central England, with her death attributed to area flooding.

The River Derwent, near Derby, surged to its highest recorded level during the storm. This torrential downpour dumped an unprecedented 8 inches of rain on parts of Britain.

The storm, christened Babet by the U.K. Meteorological Office, has been wreaking havoc since Thursday. It has taken five lives across Britain, northern Germany and southern Scandinavia.

Beyond the fatalities, severe flooding forced over 300 homes to be evacuated in eastern Scotland. A North Sea oil platform had to airlift more than half its staff after four out of eight anchors came loose during Saturday’s tempest.

BRUTAL HAMAS Attack on Israeli Music Festival: An Unprecedented Horror Revealed

16 October 2023 — This past weekend, the Supernova music festival in southern Israel fell victim to a savage attack by Hamas militants. This brutal assault marked one of the first targets and resulted in widespread devastation across several towns. The attack led to at least 260 deaths, making it one of the most deadly civilian incidents in Israel’s history.

ABC News collected accounts from survivors and relatives of the missing to reconstruct this chilling event. They scrutinized and authenticated witness videos as well as security footage. Numerous festival attendees also contributed their experiences and original cell phone videos.

The pandemonium erupted just after sunrise at 6:40 a.m., signaled by initial rocket trails streaking across the sky. As crowds tried to escape by car, roads quickly became jam-packed and impassable. One witness reported close-range fire from Hamas militants while fleeing via the main road north—a claim backed up by images of their bullet-riddled vehicle.

ABC News has confirmed video evidence that emphasizes the intentional nature of this attack on Supernova. This episode marks a bleak moment in Israel’s history, spotlighting an escalating conflict with potentially wide-ranging implications.