Global
A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in El Cambray Dos, Guatemala, has left 161 people dead and over 300 missing. Areas of the village were buried in up to 49 feet of debris after the side of a hill unexpectedly dislodged and crashed down. Rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Russia has sent ground troops into Syria, escalating its involvement in the Syrian Civil War. This action has also violated Turkish airspace twice. It is believed that Russia is positioning weapons to support a Syrian ground offensive. Although Russian officials have denied the accusations of increasing military activity, the Pentagon remains concerned. Prior to this, Russia was conducting airstrikes into Syria against ISIS targets.
A U.S. airstrike hit a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Afghanistan. At least 12 staff members and 10 patients, including three children, were killed. An additional 37 people were wounded. General John Campbell, commander of the US forces in Afghanistan, said that the attack was called in by Afghan forces to eliminate a Taliban threat. The Pentagon is investigating the incident.
National
In what Gov. Nikki Haley has described as “a thousand-year rainfall,†areas of South Carolina experienced massive flooding from heavy downpours over the weekend.
Cities around the state experienced rainfall amounts as high as 24 inches. At least 18 dams were breached and 14 people have died. Despite the rain having stopped, the rivers may not crest for another two weeks. The damage from the extreme flooding in South Carolina will cost billions of dollars to repair.
On Oct. 1, a gunman open fired at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, killing 10, including himself, and injuring nine. The gunman’s motive remains unclear. This tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about gun control and access to mental health resources across the country.
Local
Rhode Island Housing announced plans for the Sankofa Development in the West Elmwood neighborhood in Providence, which will include 50 affordable rental apartments and a community center for agriculture and neighborhood activities. The hope is to encourage economic growth and the farm-to-table movement in the area.
Five people involved in a breaking-and-entering were arrested in North Providence following a police car chase. The chase started in Scituate and ended when the car crashed into a wall in North Providence. The suspects fled on foot but were apprehended by the police. A loaded gun was discovered near where one suspect was arrested, but an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.