This week across Asia, communities faced natural disasters, unexpected incidents, and significant policy shifts. Here’s a roundup of the top stories you might have missed.
Floods in Jakarta Claim a Life and Displace Thousands
In Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, torrential rains since Monday led to severe flooding, with waters reaching up to 3 meters in some areas. The flooding tragically claimed the life of a young girl and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Indonesia’s disaster agency reported extensive inundation in and around the city. In response, authorities launched weather modification operations, deploying sodium chloride into rain clouds to reduce excessive rainfall.
Accidental Bomb Drops Injure 29 in South Korea
A military exercise in Pocheon, South Korea, resulted in an unexpected mishap on Thursday. Two South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight air-to-surface bombs on a civilian district. The incident injured 29 people, including 15 civilians and 14 soldiers, and caused damage to houses and a church. Pocheon is located about 40 kilometers northeast of Seoul. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Thailand Revises Casino Entry Requirements
Thailand has reversed its plan to limit casino access to citizens with assets of at least $1.5 million. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced on Monday that the draft law now proposes allowing Thai nationals with a three-year tax history to enter the planned casinos, removing the previous high-asset requirement. The proposed 5,000 baht entry fee remains. The government hopes this move will attract significant investment, boost tourism by 5 to 10 percent, and generate substantial annual revenue.
Militant Attack on Pakistani Military Base Kills 18
In Bannu, northwestern Pakistan, a suicide attack on a military base on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of 18 people. Militants drove two explosive-laden vehicles into the base, leading to clashes with security forces. Among the deceased were five soldiers and 13 civilians. The Pakistani military confirmed that all 16 attackers, including four suicide bombers, were neutralized. The explosions caused damage to a nearby mosque and residential building.
Heatwave Causes School Closures in the Philippines
As temperatures soared, schools in nearly half of Metro Manila, the Philippines’ capital region, were shut down on Monday. The national weather service issued advisories warning that the heat index could reach “danger” levels, posing risks such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Residents were cautioned to avoid prolonged sun exposure. Metro Manila, home to over 2.8 million students, faced significant disruptions as educational institutions suspended classes to ensure student safety.
