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Spain
Ceuta Overrun by Migrants
Tens of thousands of migrants flooded across the border into Ceuta, a Spanish exclave in North Africa, on Thursday. Some scaled the border fence, while others swam in from the Moroccan coast. In total approximately 60,000 migrants arrived in the tiny peninsula, equal to about 70% of the city’s population. At least 41 migrants were killed in the stampede. The unprecedented mass breach prompted Spanish authorities to deploy the military to assist the police in securing the border. While many migrants have returned, thousands still remain at large in the city. Spanish officials point to a recent Supreme Court ruling barring immediate deportation of migrants intercepted at sea as a possible cause for the surge, though some Moroccan human rights activists doubt this explanation. Others have suggested that it was coordinated by Moroccan authorities in response to warming relations between Spain and Morocco’s regional rival, Algeria.
This map depicts the location of Ceuta and Findeq, the start point of many of the migrants’ journeys.
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Graphic Source: Anadolu Agency
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Israel-Palestine
Land Barrier Extensions in Gaza
Israel is building a large earthen barrier inside Gaza that could turn the ceasefire’s temporary “yellow line” into a more permanent internal boundary. More than 14 miles (23 km) of berms have been built in recent months, running through Palestinian community areas. Israel confirmed building a physical barrier near the yellow line and said the system is meant to prevent infiltration and protect Israeli troops and communities near Gaza. However, some reports show parts of the barrier extend beyond the yellow line into areas originally designated as outside Israeli control, including about 1300 feet (400 m) near Khan Younis and up to 0.8 miles (1.3 km) near Rafah. Some satellite analysis also show a southern section expanding and separating the ruins of Rafah from Muwasi, where large Palestinian tent camps are located. The “yellow line” is the boundary inside Gaza where Israeli forces withdrew under the U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It functions as a temporary military demarcation line separating areas still under Israeli military control from the rest of Gaza.
This map depicts Israeli earth barriers and military positions in relation to the “Yellow Line” running north-to-south through the Gaza Strip. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: BBC
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Europe
Heat and Drought Shrinks Danube
Extreme heat and drought has lowered water levels in the Danube River, affecting several countries in central Europe. Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria are particularly impacted. Water levels were reported to be at the lowest levels in 30-60 years, with Romania reporting a water flow as low as one-third the typical July volume. In Budapest, Hungary, water levels were measured to be as low as 9 inches (23 cm). Due to the lack of adequate water supply for cooling, nuclear power plants have been shut down, resulting in rolling blackouts. River traffic was also impacted, with cruise ships stranded and cargo vessels trapped. The low water levels have pulled back from the riverbanks, leading to unexpected archaeological discoveries, including shipwrecks and ammunition dating back to WWII and the remains of a prehistoric mammoth.
This map depicts shrinking water levels of the Danube River in Hungary . Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: Which tropical wetland holds the title of being Africa’s largest?
A: Sudd Wetlands
The Sudd Wetlands, located in South Sudan, is one of the largest tropical wetland systems in the world, extending approximately 310 miles (500 km) from south to north and 124 miles (200 km) east to west. The Sudd serves as a vital ecological zone characterized by diverse ecosystems, including open water, submerged vegetation, and seasonally flooded grasslands. The wetlands play a crucial role in supporting a rich biodiversity, hosting over 400 bird species and 100 mammal species. The region’s hydrology is heavily influenced by the adjacent Nile River and the seasonal flooding that shapes the landscape. However, climate change is affecting the seasonal patterns, resulting in longer dry periods and more intense flooding, which poses challenges for both agriculture and biodiversity.
Source
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Q: With an estimated area of 143,100 square kilometers (55,251 square miles), which country encompasses the smallest amount of land among the five Central Asian states?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in Monday’s DailyGeo.
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