13 // INTERNATIONAL HARD NEWS

The Philippines is estimated to be on of the world's most ecologically vulnerable countries according to the National Public Radio (NPR), facing approximately 20 typhoons and storms every year. But only recently have two typhoons of great magnitude ran rampant throughout the country: Typhoon Kalmaegi and Typhoon Fung-Wong.

As of November 10, The two typhoons have an estimated casualty count of 250. Kalmaegi was (currently) the deadliest of the duo, contributing to at least 96% of the total deaths.

After making landfall in the Philippines, Kalmaegi moved west through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The sudden mudslides and flash floods were devastating, with winds reaching 92 miles per hour. Survivors found sanctuary in various public buildings; schools and evacuation centers were were prime for refuge.

(Effects of Kalmaegi in the Philippines. From the Guardian)

While Fung-Wong is much more granular in its kill count, the cyclone has displaced up to 1.4 million Filipino residents and is northbound toward Taiwan.

With gusts reaching upward of 143 miles per hour, Fung-Wong has been deemed a super typhoon by the Philippine government, marking it as one of many that the Philippines face annually.

The typhoon has flooded up to 132 villages, waterlogging thousands of houses and catalyzing various landslides. With a sweep of 1,100 miles, Fung-Wong's destruction is generous and liberal.

(Estimated path of Fung-Wong. From the BBC)

Fung-Wong was especially cruel in its timing, hitting the Philippines a mere four days before Kalmaegi would even begin to dissipate. These circumstances caused Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a state of emergency.

Both the United States and Japan have offered assistance, acting as timely auxiliaries for the nation. Updates on Fung-Wong are of continuous scrutiny, and one can only dread just how much more severe this cyclone is going to become.

- C. Thomas Bailey

Comments

20 // WILDCARD

Magnolia is happy to announce that the Christmas parade will take place today (December 8th) at 5:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Square. Originally planned to occur last Thursday, the parade was delayed due to poor weather conditions. However, complete omission of the event was out of the question, as the parade is a lively Magnolia tradition. Monday's weather was expected to be far more acceptable, with clearer and cooler skies as the the sun and temperature drops. (An advertisement for this year's Christmas Parade) The parade will make one cycle around the square , starting at Calhoun before heading down North Jackson to Southern Arkansas University's campus. The procession will complement SAU's own Celebration of Lights, which is the institution's own festive custom. In the spirit of giving, three awards are going to be given to a few lucky recipients. These awards include the Knock Your Socks Off, Christ in Christmas, and Sugar Plum Award. More information can be f...

17 // OPINION (NATIONAL)

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the busiest day of the year for most retail chains is Black Friday, a corporate holiday signified by its discounted prices and frantic customers. This holiday has been a tradition since 1869, when it was originally used to describe an American financial crisis caused by a lack of gold. It only gained the customs we associate with it now sometime in the 1950s. The day marked when companies expected their revenue to venture from the "red" (a net loss of money)" to the "black" (a profit); thus, the name "Black Friday" was made. (Image of a Rural King Black Friday ad. I would link to the original ad, but I'm not getting paid, am I?) As reported by the Cable News Network (CNN) , this Black Friday saw an increase of retail sales by nearly 4% from last year's report. However, economists claim this percentage is slightly exaggerated due to recent inflation. Economist and Pinpoint Press writer Rick Newman est...

12 // NUMERACY

You might often hear people describe themselves as not being a "math person." You might know some intellectuals who struggle with long division or recognizing algebraic equations. You might even relate to both of the qualities just described. This is not a display of poor education or failing intelligence; no, this is most likely a struggle with numeracy. According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , numeracy is categorized into two types: "subjective" and "objective" numeracy. "Subjective numeracy is a person’s reported confidence in understanding mathematical data. Objective numeracy measures a person’s actual math skills." (Image from Freepik ) Numeracy is an invaluable skill, applicable even outside of an academic setting. Like the National Numeracy C harity states, numeracy can be used to interpret data, statistics, charts, and diagrams; manage and solve fiscal problems; and overall improve one's confidence in ...

MM 2003 // C. Thomas Bailey

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