Your brief - 24h (11 articles)

Kenya’s Rift Valley region has been devastated by landslides, which have killed at least 21 people and left 30 others missing, according to Kenyan officials. The Kenyan Red Cross shared aerial footage revealing widespread destruction in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, with over 1,000 homes destroyed. Rescue operations, supported by the military and police, are hampered by blocked routes, slowing the delivery of relief supplies. Analysts highlight Kenya’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters, underscoring the need for robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The tragedy also underscores broader regional challenges as extreme weather events become increasingly frequent. Source 19

Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaica reeling, with 19 deaths reported and concerns rising about mosquito-borne diseases, waterborne illnesses, and food contamination. Health Minister Christopher Tufton urged residents to discard spoiled food and warned about the potential surge in illnesses. The country’s healthcare infrastructure has been overwhelmed, and the lack of clean water has exacerbated the situation. This disaster highlights the urgent need for resilience planning in the Caribbean, particularly in creating robust health systems capable of responding to such crises. Source 3 Source 37

The weight-loss pill Molecule, illegally containing the banned substance sibutramine, has become a dangerous trend among Russian teenagers. Reports of severe side effects, including hospitalizations for anxiety and hallucinations, have raised alarm. Public health experts have criticized lax regulatory enforcement, while sellers evade bans by relabeling the product. The incident underscores the broader issue of online platforms enabling unsafe health trends, necessitating stricter oversight and global cooperation to combat the spread of unregulated pharmaceuticals.

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The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) has announced a $70.8 million payout to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa caused widespread devastation. Finance Minister Fayval Williams emphasized the importance of diversifying financial mechanisms to address natural disasters. While the payout brings immediate relief, experts stress the need for long-term climate adaptation strategies to reduce the financial and human toll of increasingly severe hurricanes. Source 3 Source 37

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, Israel has allowed only 24% of agreed-upon aid deliveries into Gaza, according to the territory’s Government Media Office. Palestinians face severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, while Israeli authorities cite security concerns. Analysts argue that the restrictions exacerbate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, risking further destabilization. The situation highlights the complex interplay of politics, humanitarian needs, and security considerations in the region. Source 1 Source 38

Hurricane Melissa’s devastation has highlighted Jamaica’s economic fragility, with 60% of the population still without power and critical infrastructure crippled. The storm’s impact on agriculture and tourism, two pillars of Jamaica’s economy, will likely have long-term repercussions. As climate change intensifies natural disasters, Caribbean nations face increasing economic risks, underscoring the need for enhanced climate financing and global support.

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A study by Keele University revisits the historical practice of two-phase sleep, where people slept in shifts separated by wakefulness. Modern artificial lighting and industrial schedules have disrupted this natural rhythm, contributing to widespread insomnia. Experts suggest that understanding historical sleep patterns could inform more effective treatments. This research provides a fascinating perspective on the intersection of historical lifestyles and contemporary health challenges. Source 22

Research published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that cannabis use may lead to epigenetic changes, altering how genes are expressed without modifying DNA itself. These changes have been associated with neurological disorders and substance use issues. While the findings do not conclusively establish causation, they underline the need for further research into the long-term health effects of cannabis. This study adds to ongoing debates about cannabis legalization and its implications for public health.

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An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed four people, further straining the fragile truce with Hezbollah, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Gaza continues to face a humanitarian crisis as Israel restricts aid deliveries and conducts military operations. Both situations highlight the precariousness of ceasefires in the region and the challenges of achieving lasting peace amidst deep-seated tensions. Source 6 Source 38

Ukraine has deployed special forces to Pokrovsk, a critical city facing intense Russian assaults in the Donetsk region. Russia’s efforts to capture the city, a key logistics hub, would mark a significant propaganda victory. Analysts view the situation as emblematic of the protracted and costly conflict, with both sides locked in attritional warfare. The escalating violence continues to strain Ukraine’s resources and underscores the geopolitical stakes of the ongoing war. Source 39 Source 40