February 2018 Current Events: Disaster News

Updated September 25, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

World News | Science & Technology News | US 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 February 2018:

  1. FEMA to Continue Providing Aid to Puerto Rico
  2. Cyclone Fehi Hits New Zealand
  3. Earthquake in Taiwan
  4. Earthquake Strikes Taiwan
  5. Snowfall Causes Eiffel Tower to Close
  6. Two Dead in US Midwest Snowstorm
  7. Cyclone in Tonga’s Capital
  8. Earthquake Strikes Mexico
  9. ‘Day Zero’ Approaching Cape Town
  10. Flooding Across US South and Midwest
  11. Earthquake Strikes Papua New Guinea
  12. ‘Beast From the East’ Arrives in Europe

FEMA to Continue Providing Aid to Puerto Rico

Hurricane Maria Damage

After an announcement in January that FEMA would no longer provide water and food, the decision was reversed on February 1. FEMA stated that there was never a decision to cut aid, and it has always intended to continue to help Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Carlos Giusti

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Cyclone Fehi Hits New Zealand

New Zealand Storm

On February 1, Cyclone Fehi struck New Zealand. The storm was so strong that the flooding has damaged roads, power lines and trees. As a result, hundreds of tourists are now stranded in the country for the time being. (Reuters)

Photo Source: Brett Phibbs/New Zealand Herald via AP, File

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Earthquake in Taiwan

Taiwan Earthquake

On February 4, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Taiwan. Luckily, no injuries have been reported due to the strike. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Johnson Lai

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Earthquake Strikes Taiwan

Taiwan Earthquake

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan on February 6. At least seven people have been found dead among the rubble, and another 67 have been listed as missing. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying

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Snowfall Causes Eiffel Tower to Close

Eiffel Tower Closure

On February 7, snowfall in Paris was so heavy, the Eiffel Tower was closed down for the day. The heavy snow also caused a record traffic jam, reaching 700 km long. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Thibault Camus

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Two Dead in US Midwest Snowstorm

Midwest Storm

A winter storm swept across the midwest on February 9, killing two people in Chicago. Some states received as much as nine inches of snow, and over 1,500 flights were cancelled. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

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Cyclone in Tonga’s Capital

Cyclone in Tonga

On February 9, a cyclone swept across Tonga’s capital, ripping roofs off homes and and flattening parliament. Despite the damage, no deaths have been reported due to this Category 4 storm. (Reuters)

Photo Source: TVNZ via AP

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Earthquake Strikes Mexico

Mexico Earthquake

On February 16, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Southeastern Mexico. There have not been any reported injuries thus far. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Felix Marquez

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‘Day Zero’ Approaching Cape Town

Day Zero

On February 21, a drought-stricken Cape Town moved its Day Zero from June 4 to July 9. The tourist destination continues to utilize all its resources to prevent this day from coming. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

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Flooding Across US South and Midwest

Midwest Flooding

On February 22, as snow melted and rain continued to fall, various states in the South and the Midwest were forced to evacuate. At least 2 people have been reported dead from the flooding. The flooding is expected to remain for the next few days. (Reuters/CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ivan Moreno

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Earthquake Strikes Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

On February 26, a magnitude 6.4 quake struck Papua New Guinea one day after the magnitude 7.5 quake hit. Up to 30 people have died from the quakes. Entire villages have been flattened and water resources have been spoiled. (Reuters)

Photo Source: Australia Broadcasting Corporation via AP, File

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‘Beast From the East’ Arrives in Europe

Beast from the East

Freezing winds and snow have blanketed Europe on February 28 in what has been labeled as the “Beast from the East.” At least 10 people have died in the cold weather, and roads continue to close. (BBC)

Photo Source: REF: JGE 18347/IPX

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