分类： world

In the aftermath of a devastating fire in Hong Kong, survivors are desperately searching for hundreds of individuals reported missing. The blaze, which erupted on November 27, 2025, has left the community in shock and mourning. Emergency services are working tirelessly to locate the missing and provide support to affected families. The incident has drawn widespread attention, with local authorities launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in densely populated urban areas. As the search continues, the resilience and solidarity of the Hong Kong community remain a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

A devastating fire that engulfed a Hong Kong apartment complex has claimed at least 44 lives and left nearly 300 people unaccounted for, as desperate families search for their missing loved ones. The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, continues to rage, drawing grim comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy in London, where 72 people perished due to flammable cladding and systemic failures. Survivors and families are grappling with the aftermath, with many left homeless and uncertain about the fate of their relatives. An online app has been set up to track missing persons, with detailed reports submitted through a linked Google document. Descriptions range from ‘Mother-in-law in her 70s, missing’ to ’27th floor, room 1: He is dead,’ though Reuters has not independently verified these entries. The Grenfell United survivors’ group expressed solidarity with those affected, stating, ‘Our hearts go out to all those affected by the horrific fire in Hong Kong. You are not alone.’ Residents like 66-year-old Harry Cheung, who has lived in the complex for over 40 years, described the chaos as the fire erupted nearby, leaving him unsure of where he would sleep that night. Others, like a woman surnamed Ng, are frantically searching for missing family members, while long-time residents like 70-year-old Chu remain unable to contact friends in neighboring blocks. The tragedy has left the community in shock, with many questioning how such a disaster could occur.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook the waters off Indonesia’s Aceh province on Thursday morning, according to the country’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The seismic event occurred at 11:56 am local time, with its epicenter located 62 kilometers northwest of Sinabang town on the east coast of Simeulue Island. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers. BMKG confirmed that the earthquake posed no risk of triggering a tsunami. A shakemap released by the agency indicated light to moderate tremors in parts of Simeulue Island and surrounding areas. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ is highly susceptible to seismic activity due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates.

Western Indonesia was struck by a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic event adds to the ongoing natural calamities in the region, where northern areas are already reeling from the devastating impacts of floods and a tropical cyclone. The recent earthquake occurred amidst a backdrop of severe weather conditions that have claimed at least 28 lives in North Sumatra province due to landslides and flooding caused by relentless heavy rains. Rescue operations are significantly hindered by the complete disruption of road access and communication networks, as described by local officials. Earlier in the week, a rare tropical cyclone swept across Sumatra, exacerbating the situation by flooding the Malacca Strait and triggering further landslides. This series of natural disasters has left large parts of Southeast Asia struggling with the aftermath of deadly floods. Just days prior, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake had already shaken the eastern part of Indonesia, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such frequent and intense geological and meteorological events.

The United Arab Emirates has announced a major $1 billion investment initiative to revitalize the electricity infrastructure in government-controlled areas of Yemen, marking a significant development in the war-torn nation’s recovery efforts. The commitment was formally declared by Emirati ambassador Mohammed Hamad al-Zaabi during an energy forum in Aden, the interim capital where Yemen’s internationally recognized government is based.

The comprehensive investment package will fund the construction of diverse power generation facilities, incorporating solar and wind renewable energy sources alongside traditional oil-fired power stations. This strategic diversification aims to create a more resilient energy grid capable of meeting the substantial power deficits that have plagued Yemen for years.

Yemeni Prime Minister Salem ben Brik confirmed the substantial support from the UAE, characterizing electricity supply as ‘a chronic problem accumulated over many years’ that requires immediate addressing. The energy crisis has been particularly severe in Aden, where residents frequently endure prolonged blackouts that force them to rely on candlelight for both living and working conditions.

Separately, Ali Alshimmari, representing Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities, announced parallel projects valued at $1 billion, emphasizing that the investment strategy encompasses not merely energy production but also critical transmission and distribution infrastructure. This announcement was made through channels associated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which participates in Yemen’s power-sharing government.

The current administration in Aden was established in late 2020 through Saudi-brokered negotiations that unified ministers loyal to former president Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and the STC. Yemen’s infrastructure, including hospitals and power facilities, has suffered catastrophic damage during the prolonged conflict between government forces and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control Sanaa and most major population centers.

Even before the conflict began in 2014, Yemen’s energy infrastructure was inadequate, with only approximately two-thirds of the population having access to the public electricity grid. The civil war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, though hostilities have largely been frozen since a 2022 ceasefire took effect.

A devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong has claimed at least 44 lives, with hundreds still unaccounted for, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in decades. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, engulfed an eight-building residential area housing over 2,000 apartments. Despite ongoing efforts, the fire continued to smolder nearly 20 hours later, with authorities struggling to contain the inferno. Three suspects have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, though details of their alleged involvement remain undisclosed. The fire department reported that the death toll rose from 36 to 44 during an early morning press briefing. The blaze, fueled by bamboo scaffolding and strong winds, spread rapidly, with flames and thick smoke visible for miles. Over 900 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters, while rescue teams faced extreme challenges due to high temperatures and inaccessible floors. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims, including a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty. Hong Kong’s leader, Lee, pledged full government support for affected residents, as investigations into the cause of the fire and the materials used in the buildings’ exteriors were launched. The tragedy has reignited concerns about fire safety in one of the world’s most densely populated cities, despite significant improvements in recent decades.