China goes into emergency mode as corona virus casualties clock thousands

The death toll from the Wuhan coronavirus now stands at 80, with almost 2,800 cases confirmed across China, as the country initiates emergency procedures to try and rein in the pathogen's global spread.

Making that task more difficult is the fact that the virus can be spread before any symptoms appear, Chinese health authorities said Sunday, meaning carriers may not realize they are infected before they transmit the virus to others.

Across China, 15 cities with a combined population of over 57 million people -- more than the entire population of South Korea -- have been placed under full or partial lockdown.

Volcanic Eruption in the Philippines

There are reports of a volcano spewing Lava in the Philippines. In the early hours of Monday, a weak flow of lava began seeping out of Taal volcano - located some 70km (45 miles) south of the capital Manila.

The Taal Philippines volcano is considered the second most active volcano in the country, It is positioned on an Island in the middle of a lake, it is one of the world's smallest volcanoes and has recorded at least 34 eruptions in the past 450 years.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert level to four, meaning an "explosive eruption" could happen in the coming hours or days. Its highest alert level is five, indicating an eruption is taking place. - CNN

66 People Have Died in Indonesia's Devastating Floods

From the Jakarta flood, Indonesia, dozens of people have been reported dead while  Landslides and flash floods have displaced more than 36,000 in Jakarta and the nearby provinces of West Java and Banten, according to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA).

Mudslides and power blackouts have hampered the search for people missing in massive floods in Indonesia’s capital, where more than 60 people have died and some of the tens of thousands of evacuees are living in damp, cramped emergency shelters.

Reports say it is the worst flooding since 2007 which killed over 80 people, spanning over 10 days. More rain is forecast, with the potential for more extreme rainfall in the next month.

Economic impact of Australia's bushfires set to exceed $4.4bn cost of Black Saturday

Damages record of $4.4b from the 2009 Australian bush fire called Black Saturday is set to be broken by the intense wildfire currently battled in the Country, according to Moody Analytics.

The Moody’s economist Katrina Ell said the fires would further cripple Australia’s already anaemic consumer confidence, increasing the chances of a rate cut next month, as well as causing damage to the economy through increased air pollution and direct harm to industries such as farming and tourism.

Fires have charred about 8.4 million hectares of land compared to the 450000 from the 2009 Black Saturday blazes where about 173 people were killed. Currently, reports show that about 25 people have been killed by the ongoing fire.

Tourism in the country has already taken a significant hit during what is supposed to be a Peak season and Tourism bodies say it will cost billions to rebuild.

Record-breaking 4.9m hectares of land burned in New South Wales (Australia) this bushfire season

A record-breaking area of land has been burned in New South Wales this bushfire season, according to the latest figures released by the Rural Fire Service.

A total of 4.9m hectares – an area larger than Denmark – has been destroyed in the state during the nationwide fire crisis.

The total area burned across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania has now reached 8.4m hectares – an area larger than Scotland. At least 25 people have been killed, including three volunteer firefighters, and thousands of homes destroyed.

Statistics show that it has burned an estimated 8.4 million hectares (21 million acres; 84,000 square kilometres; 32,000 square miles), destroyed over 2,500 buildings (including over 1,300 houses) and killed 25 people as of 5 January 2020.