October 2017 Current Events: Disaster News
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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 October 2017:
- Death Toll Continues to Rise After Maria Struck Puerto Rico
- California Wildfire Continues its Rampage
- Texas Inmates Come Together to Aid Hurricane Harvey Victims
- Thousands of Buildings Destroyed in The California Wildfires
- Puerto Rico Faces Another Disaster
- Storm Ophelia Hits Ireland, Killing 3
- Wildfires in Portugal and Spain Kill 39
- California Fire Estimated to have Caused $1.5 Billion in Damages
Death Toll Continues to Rise After Maria Struck Puerto Rico
Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in late September, devastating the country. In early October, Karixia Ortiz—the country’s spokesperson—announced that the death toll has risen to 45, and another 113 people remain missing. As of mid-October, the country is still without power and running water. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa
California Wildfire Continues its Rampage
The death toll is expected to rise as the fires in California continue to burn through October. On October 12, 2017, the death toll was estimated to be 23, while another 285 people are still labeled as missing. Expected to worsen, California has evacuated over 20,000 residents. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Texas Inmates Come Together to Aid Hurricane Harvey Victims
On October 13, 2017, inmates from facilities all over Texas announced that they have joined their commissary funds—raising $53,000 for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Along with monetary support, inmates have reportedly joined forces with officials to repair the facilities damaged by the devastating flooding. (Fox News)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Thousands of Buildings Destroyed in The California Wildfires
On October 13, state officials announced that the California wildfires are expected to have burned at least 5,700 buildings. Beginning less than a week ago, it is unlikely the fires will be contained before Friday, October 20 (The New York Times)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Puerto Rico Faces Another Disaster
Still recovering from Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico suffered another disaster on Monday, October 16. A river outside San Juan has turned into a mudslide as it began to pick up remains from Hurricane Maria. The mudslide was so powerful, it destroyed a bridge in nearby Guaynabo neighborhood, destroying many residents’ belongings, which had originally survived the hurricane.(CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa
Storm Ophelia Hits Ireland, Killing 3
Tropical Storm Ophelia raged through the southern coast of Ireland on October 16. Three people are reported to have been killed by fallen trees, and most of the region went without electricity for the remainder of the night.(Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/NOAA
Wildfires in Portugal and Spain Kill 39
On October 17, officials from both Portugal and Spain announced that the wildfires have killed an estimated 39 people thus far. The wildfires began in Portugal, spreading to Spain over the weekend. As of October 17, Portugal claims to have extinguished the remaining flames.(Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Armando Franca
California Fire Estimated to have Caused $1.5 Billion in Damages
On October 19, the California Department of Insurance released an estimate of insured wildfire losses to be $1.5 billion, a number likely to rise. The death toll has also risen, reaching 42 casualties due to the flames. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ben Margot
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