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Tunisia
Sub-Saharan Migrants Targeted
Tensions in the city of Sfax on the Tunisian coast have fueled violence against migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Sfax is Tunisia’s second largest city and is a departure point for many migrants attempting to reach Italy by sea. Dozens of migrants were forcibly evicted from the city or fled, with a group of 100 being deported as far as the Libyan border over 200 miles (300+ km) away. Unrest began following the funeral of a 41-year old Tunisian man who was killed on Monday during an altercation between local citizens and migrants. With racial tensions increasing in recent months, residents of Sfax have demanded the Tunisian federal government find a “radical solution” to the presence of illegal migrants that does not require transportation to Sfax.
This map depicts Sfax, Tunisia where sub-Saharan migrants have been targeted and attacked by Sfax citizens. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: Al-Monitor
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Pakistan
Deaths from Monsoon Rains
Monsoon rains have caused significant devastation in Pakistan, resulting in a death toll of at least 55 people. The city of Lahore experienced a record-breaking downpour on Wednesday, leading to flooding and the deaths of 19 individuals due to collapsing roofs and electrocution. In Shangla district, a massive landslide claimed the lives of eight children, with rescuers still searching for others trapped in the debris. The main rivers in Punjab province, Jhelum and Chenab, have overflowed, prompting concerns about flash floods. Last year, Pakistan suffered severe floods that killed 1,739 people and caused $30 billion in damages. The Meteorological Department predicts more heavy rainfall and potential flooding in Punjab’s catchment areas.
This map depicts heavy monsoon rainfall that has driven deadly flooding and landslides in Pakistani cities. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: Al Jazeera
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United States
PFAS Water Contamination
According to a new study from the US Geological Survey (USGS), almost half of the country’s tap water is contaminated with per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS. These “forever chemicals” have dominated water and environmental safety research in recent years due to their links to health issues such as cancer, thyroid disease, and liver damage. PFAS chemicals normally contaminate drinking water through fire-fighting foams and fertilizers derived from sewage contaminating nearby water supplies. They have been given the “forever” title due to their resistance to water, grease, and heat, making it impossible for our bodies and the natural environment to break them down. While this study only focused on 32 of the 12,000 different types of PFAS chemicals, experts fear the percentage of people drinking contaminated water may be even higher than reported. Authorities have urged people nationwide to review local utility websites, get the most recent water reports, and invest in water filtration systems.
This map depicts the number of positive results for PFAS chemicals detected in tap water samples of private and public supplies across the US between 2016 and 2021. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: What islands, previously under Norwegian and Danish control, became part of Scotland in 1472, but are now looking to become a self-governing territory of Norway?
A: Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands are an archipelago located in the Northern Isles of Scotland off the northern coast of Great Britain. Just a few days ago, Orkney councilors voted to explore alternative methods of governance as officials and residents of the islands shared their frustrations. The vote was won, 15 to 6, leading to speculations of the Orkney Islands leaving the UK and becoming a self-governing territory of Norway. Amid funding and governance frustrations, the Orkney councilors reported they want to be taken seriously by the UK government and there are more options to explore. Orkney officials have felt discriminated against, noting how much less financial support the Orkney Islands receive compared to the UK’s other island groups. A similar vote was taken in 2017, however full independence of Orkney did not pass. Previously under Norwegian and Danish control, the islands were part of a wedding dowry of Margaret of Denmark, who married King James III of Scotland. While the Norwegian government has made no comments on the matter, the Scottish government has reported the 23-24 Orkney Islands Council would be receiving almost £100m to fund services through an increase in council tax.
Source
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Q: What are the three major mountain ranges in the United States?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in Monday’s DailyGeo.
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