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Ukraine
Gains in Counter-Offensive
Over the weekend, Ukrainian forces launched a major counterattack against occupying Russian forces in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine. The counter-offensive has inflicted a “major operational defeat” on Russian troops as Ukraine has regained over 1,158 sq miles (3,000 sq km) of land. The Russian retreat is the largest since Russia’s failed attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv in April. Ukraine continues to retake territory in the east, regaining control of a majority of the Kharkiv region. The counter-offensive continues to the south as well, with attacks on Russian holds near Kherson. Russia still holds approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, however the losses from the counter-offensive come amid heavy casualties, logistical issues, and declining morale from Russian troops and Kremlin supporters.
This map depicts territory land reclaimed by Ukrainian forces in a recent counter-offensive against occupying Russian forces in northeast Ukraine. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: BBC
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Papua New Guinea
Deadly 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit northeastern Papua New Guinea in the town of Kainantu yesterday morning, killing at least seven people. Tremors were felt as far as 310 miles (500 km) away in the capital city of Port Moresby. The United States Geological Survey reported the quake struck at a depth of 38 miles (61 km), damaging buildings and triggering severe landslides. Earthquakes are common in Papua New Guinea, given the country's location on the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire" - a hotspot region for seismic activity due to the significant friction between tectonic plates. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported people have been injured by falling structures or debris, with damage to health centers, homes, rural roads, and highways. At this time, the scale of the damage and number of casualties from yesterday's earthquake is still unclear.
This map depicts the location of a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck near the town of Kainantu in Papua New Guinea, killing at least seven people. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: Aljazeera
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Colombia-Venezuela
Shared Border Reopened
Last Friday, Colombia and Venezuela announced the reopening of their shared 1,370 mile (2,205 km) border for commercial activity. The Venezuelan government forecasted a reopened border would bring in more than $4 billion through commercial exchange with Colombia. Back in 2019, diplomatic strife between the two countries was heightened when then Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro expelled all Colombia diplomats. Four years before that, President Maduro had ordered the shutdown of crossing points in order to control and hinder smuggling operations, however the border closure was not successful in stopping smuggling activities. Since Colombia's left-wing President Gustavo Petro came to power this year, the two countries have been working towards fully restoring their diplomatic relations, and hope the opening of the border will result in economic growth for both countries.
This map depicts the geographical location of Venezuela and Colombia and their shared border. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: In which East African country can you find the world’s largest permanent desert lake?
A: Lake Turkana, Kenya
Lake Turkana, previously Lake Rudolf, is a large lake in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, with the northern end of the lake crossing into Ethiopia. Stretching out 2,473 sq mi (6,405 sq km), it is the world's largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake. Three rivers flow into Lake Turkana - the Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio rivers - and no rivers flow out of it, with its only water loss being evaporation. The presence of water in the arid region feeds much of the wildlife in the area, from migrating birds to crocodiles and giraffes. Researchers have led many anthropological digs in the area, and the remains of two skulls, one 2 million years old and the other 3.5 million years old have been discovered here.
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Q: While known for its high mountain tops, which South American country is also known for its unique tepuis - flat table-top mountains?
Stay tuned for the answer to today's question in tomorrow's DailyGeo.
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