World News

Chinese authorities imposed a complete transportation lockdown on Wuhan City, epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, isolating 11 million residents to prevent further spread of the deadly virus that has already infected hundreds and claimed over a dozen lives across several countries.

The UN's International Labor Organization reports a critical global employment challenge, with unemployed individuals expected to reach 190.5 million this year. ILO chief Guy Ryder describes the situation as "extremely worrying," highlighting significant challenges in job markets worldwide and potential economic instability.

A week after Taal Volcano's eruption, Tagaytay businesses are reopening. 59 tourism and non-tourism establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and malls, have resumed operations after securing safety permits from local agencies.

The World Health Organization is urging Asian countries to strengthen infection prevention measures after a new coronavirus outbreak in China. Two deaths have been reported, and cases have been identified in Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, prompting concerns about potential health security threats.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has imposed a total ban on deploying overseas Filipino workers to Iraq following escalating tensions in the Middle East. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III signed a resolution stopping all worker processing and deployment, with the Foreign Affairs Department ordering mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in the region.

Extreme winter weather has devastated Afghanistan and Pakistan, killing 54 people. Afghanistan reported 24 deaths from snowfall and rains, with 131 houses destroyed. Pakistan suffered 30 fatalities, primarily from roof collapses during heavy snowfall, highlighting the region's harsh winter conditions.

Amid ongoing pro-democracy protests, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam asserts the city's financial system remains unshaken, drawing on lessons from the Asian financial crisis to maintain economic stability and global financial hub reputation.

After the Taal Volcano eruption, the Philippine government mobilized multiple agencies to provide immediate assistance to affected residents, ensuring rapid relief efforts, health services, and essential supplies for thousands of displaced victims.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Taal Volcano's alert level to 4, warning of potential volcanic tsunami if magmatic activity escalates. The bureau indicates that a full Alert Level 5 could be imminent, signaling extreme hazards and displacement of over 23,000 residents in the surrounding areas.

The Taal Volcano near Manila erupted on Sunday, forcing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to suspend operations. Philippine Airlines cancelled multiple international flights to and from Manila, affecting routes across Asia and North America.