标签： Asia

A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, resulting in at least seven fatalities and approximately 150 injuries, according to provincial authorities. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles), struck near Mazar-e Sharif, a city with a population of around 523,000. The US Geological Survey (USGS) issued an orange alert through its PAGER system, warning of significant casualties and widespread disaster potential. Past events with similar alerts have necessitated regional or national-level responses. The earthquake caused extensive damage, including the partial destruction of the revered Blue Mosque, a holy shrine in Mazar-i-Sharif, as confirmed by Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid. Rescue operations are underway, with videos circulating on social media platform X showing efforts to extract victims from the rubble. Afghanistan, situated on two major active fault lines, remains highly susceptible to seismic activity. This latest disaster follows a series of deadly earthquakes in recent years, including a 2023 quake that claimed over 1,000 lives. The national disaster management agency is expected to release further details on casualties and damage.

Central Vietnam is grappling with the aftermath of severe floods and landslides that have claimed at least 37 lives, displaced tens of thousands, and left many areas isolated and without power. The disaster, triggered by record-breaking rainfall since late October, has caused widespread destruction, including the erosion of canals, riverbanks, and coastlines, as well as the blockage of several national highways. Rescue teams and aid workers are racing to reach affected communities, particularly in Danang and Hue City, where rivers have reached dangerous levels. Meanwhile, Typhoon Kalmaegi is expected to intensify as it approaches Vietnam’s central coast, with winds potentially reaching 166 kph (103 mph) by Wednesday. The storm, which recently crossed the Philippines, poses an additional threat to the already battered region. Authorities have been distributing food, clean water, medicine, and shelter while assisting families in rebuilding damaged homes. Efforts are also underway to restore power, water, and transport links, clean debris, and prevent disease outbreaks. The government is focusing on repairing irrigation systems and supporting farmers to restart agricultural activities as floodwaters recede. Vietnam has faced a relentless series of storms this year, including Typhoon Ragasa, Typhoon Bualoi, and Typhoon Matmo, which collectively caused over 85 deaths or disappearances and an estimated $1.36 billion in damage. As one of the world’s most flood-prone countries, Vietnam’s vulnerability is exacerbated by climate change, which scientists warn is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia.

The recently concluded APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, has underscored the Asia-Pacific region’s pivotal role in steering the world toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. Amid ongoing global resistance to climate action, experts emphasize that the region must spearhead efforts to combat environmental challenges. APEC’s ambitious goal, set in 2014, to double renewable energy usage by 2030 from 2010 levels, is already ahead of schedule. Between 2010 and 2022, renewable energy’s share in power generation surged by 63.4%, from 15.58% to 25.46%. Kazutomo Irie, president of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre, expressed confidence that APEC will achieve its target in the power sector by 2030. The Gyeongju Declaration, adopted at the meeting, urged member economies to address shared challenges such as energy security, food security, and extreme weather events. Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development, highlighted the region’s growing recognition of green development’s importance amid global climate pressures. This year’s meeting, themed ‘Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,’ emphasized collaboration to tackle climate change and promote green growth. Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy, noted that APEC provides a crucial platform for addressing common challenges, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Despite progress, the region faces hurdles such as insufficient momentum and investment in the green transition. Experts called for deeper international cooperation to enhance investment, facilitate technological exchange, and promote policy coordination. Ramay suggested establishing an apolitical green transition fund to support developing economies. Lin also advocated for reducing trade barriers to enable the entry of affordable clean energy equipment into the Asia-Pacific market, fostering both energy security and clean energy goals.