January 2022 Current Events: Disaster News

Updated January 31, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

World News | US News | Science & Technology 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 disaster news events you need to know so far for January 2022:

  1. Tonga Volcano Eruption
  2. Colorado Wildfires
  3. Flooding in Indonesia

Tonga Volcano Eruption

Tonga Volcano

Photo Source: Japan Meteorology Agency via Associated Press

On January 14, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano in Tonga erupted, blasting ash into the atmosphere and causing tsunamis across the Pacific. The eruption lasted for twelve hours, and sent waves as far away as Peru and the United States. The full extent of damage in Tonga is yet unknown, as the eruption damaged cables the country relies on for telecommunications. There are confirmed casualties in Tonga and in Peru.
Source: New York Times

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Colorado Wildfires and Winter Storms

Wildfire

Photo Source: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

A wildfire that began at the end of 2021 spread through Colorado, causing widespread damages and killing at least one person, as confirmed on January 5. The fire, which caused upwards of $500 million in damages, was followed shortly after by a winter storm that burst pipes across the state and caused further extensive property damage. 
Source: New York Times

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Flooding in Indonesia

Indonesia flooding

Photo Source: AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File

On January 4, heavy rains in Indonesia caused heavy flooding across the country. In a series of separate floods continuing into the following week, at least 9 people were killed and more than 30,000 were displaced by the widespread destruction. A state of emergency was declared as people are evacuated to safety. The flooding has additionally destroyed vast amounts of crops, and put many out of work.
Source: Al Jazeera

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