Afghanistan and Bangkok in the News
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Photos: AFP
This weekend was off to a rough start as the United States learned that five troops and eight civilians were killed in Central Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday morning when a suicide bomber struck a vehicle in a military convoy. Two students were among those reported dead. It was believed that an armored bus was carrying U.S. Troops from one base to another when the incident took place.
Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, offered his apologies and condemned the attacker/attackers for their cowardly character.
Details are still unfolding in this incident. Although the United States is trying to establish peace negotiations with Afghanistan, high-profile attacks in the last couple of months have been a negative deterrent.
In another part of the world, Central Bangkok, floods submerged outer suburbs and the city is facing two converging threats. Massive runoff is flowing south out to the sea through Bangkok as high tides are pushing the water in the opposite direction. This will surely be the largest challenge. Another high tide, about 13 feet high, is forecasted for Sunday morning. Those residents that choose to venture outside are up to their waist in murky, dirty water.
The risk of infection and communicable disease are a very strong concern for health officials.
Houses are flooding and crocodiles and snakes have been spotted. Elderly residents are being bused out of the city of Bangkok and being transported to the outer provinces.
Food and bottled water are in high demand and shortages are likely. The most critical of patients have been moved from hospitals in the city to hospitals in other provinces.
This is the worst flooding to hit the region in half a century and overall damage could exceed $6 billion.
Tourists are being urged to stay away until the crisis subsides.
Comments are closed.