A rough start of the year

Usually, people get excited when it comes to welcoming another year. The New Year has always been a symbol to start over, to be better, and hope.

Courtesy of ABC News

But with what we have been hearing and seeing on the news, all over the world, that makes it harder to believe now.

Death of Iran’s Gen. Soleimani

courtesy of BBC News

After the United States decision of withdrawing from the Iran nuclear agreement in 2018, it seemed like everything started falling apart. The tension between the two countries grew bigger and bigger. January 3, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike to kill Iran’s top General Qassem Soleimani at Baghdad airport. This became a bomb to the Iranians and has only made them more eager to fight back.

Australia Bushfires

Courtesy of BBC News

If you thought that the bushfire in Australia just started this year, then you’re wrong. The deadly wildfires sparked in September of 2019 and the country has been experiencing drought since 2017. The fires caused several casualties and on November 2019, a state of emergency was declared in Queensland and New South Wales. Animals were killed. The roads are nearing zero visibility. The remaining months and until now, the fires continue to spread. Firefighters from the U.S. and Canada have come to help.

Ukrainian Airlines Plane Crash

Courtesy of VOX

The plane crash that costs 176 lives. This incident immediately caused people to blame Iran after knowing that a missile was launched hours before the departure of the plane at Tehran’s airport. Though Iran wasn’t admitting to having any involvement in the crash, the investigation says otherwise. In the end, Iran admits that it “mistakenly” shot the plane. This only proves that the tensions between Iran and the U.S. is getting out of hand, and has now affected the lives of the innocent.

Puerto Rico Earthquake

Courtesy of ABC News

Puerto Ricans are still dealing with trauma caused by the disaster brought by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Just last week, they faced a 6.4 magnitude earthquake causing a blackout like what Maria did. This sparked fear to the residents. Homes, schools, and other buildings were badly damaged. Strong aftershocks followed as well.

Philippines Taal Volcano Eruption

Courtesy of ABC News

The iconic Taal Volcano that people can see from Tagaytay and Batangas, has erupted last Sunday causing ashfall in its surrounding areas. The alert level has quickly escalated from level 2 to level 4, which states that the situation is now hazardous for the residents. The towns near the volcano were immediately covered with ashes. Horses and other animals were badly affected. Residents in Batangas were called to evacuate. The quick spread of the volcanic ashes reached parts of Metro Manila as well. The water system is contaminated. People are advised to wear masks as the ashes can cause health problems, especially to the seniors and children.