January 2020 Current Events: Disaster News

Updated September 25, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

US News | Science & Technology News | World News

The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world news events you need to know so far for January 2020:

  1. Australian Wildfire Continues
  2. Earthquake in Puerto Rico
  3. Floods in Jakarta
  4. Severe Weather in Southern US
  5. Avalanche in Pakistan
  6. Earthquake in Turkey

Australian Wildfire Continues

Australia Wildfires

On January 4, it was announced that veteran California firefighters will go to Australia to help fight the wildfire on the ground. The fires in Australia have killed 23 people so far, and destroyed thousands of homes. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft

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Earthquake in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Earthquake

On January 6, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Puerto Rico. Many homes have been damaged from the quake, but no deaths have been reported. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

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Floods in Jakarta

Jakarta Flood

On January 6, the death toll in Jakarta has risen to 66. The floods have been going on since a torrential downpour on New Year’s Eve, leading to landslides as well. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana

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Severe Weather in Southern US

US Storms

On January 12, severe weather (high winds and heavy rain) swept across southern US, killing at least 11 people. Many homes have been destroyed, roads have been flooded, and hundreds of thousands of people are without power. (BBC)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Mic Smith

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Avalanche in Pakistan

Pakistan Avalanche

On January 15, multiple avalanches in Pakistan ruined and buried houses. At least 77 people have died and 94 have been injured. There are concerns that more people are still trapped in buried houses and the death toll may rise. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Abdul Razaq

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Earthquake in Turkey

Turkey Earthquake

On January 24, an earthquake struck Turkey, killing at least 22 people and wounding another 1.000. The magnitude 6.7 earthquake has left people trapped in the rubble as rescuers fight to save them. (CNN)

Photo Source: IHA via AP

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