A tree-planting ceremony was held on Friday at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in Bandar Seri Begawan to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami and ASEAN Disaster Management Day 2024.
The event was attended by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, who chairs the 12th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management.
Officials from the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and representatives from the EU, the event’s sponsor, were also present.
During the ceremony, ASEAN Ministers responsible for Disaster Management, along with their Plus Three dialogue partners, participated in the tree-planting activity.
Additionally, the ASEAN Ministerial Statement commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami was officially launched.
This occasion served as a poignant reminder of the devastating tsunami that claimed the lives of 230,000 people across 14 countries, significantly impacting communities throughout Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region. — James Kon
APIA, Samoa (AFP) – Britain’s King Charles deflected calls to atone for his country’s colonial past Friday, as a summit of Commonwealth allies turned into a factious debate about the legacy of slavery and empire.
Leaders from the 56-nation Commonwealth – made up mostly of British ex-colonies – gathered for a summit in Samoa, hoping to prove the bloc is united and still relevant.
But instead of finding common cause on pressing issues like climate change, Charles III’s maiden summit as king has been overshadowed by history.
Many African, Caribbean and Pacific nations want to see Britain – and other European powers – pay financial compensation for slavery, or to at least make political amends.
They want UK leaders to commit to a discussion on reparatory justice – which could involve financial payments.
It is a debate Britain’s cash-strapped government has worked hard to avoid.
But the Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis told AFP that a real discussion about the past was vital.
“The time has come to have a real dialogue about how we address these historical wrongs,” he said. “Reparatory justice is not an easy conversation, but it’s an important one.”
“The horrors of slavery left a deep, generational wound in our communities, and the fight for justice and reparatory justice is far from over”.
Experts estimate that over four centuries about 10-15 million slaves were brought from Africa to the Americas.
The true figure and human toll may never be known. The practice finally ended around 1870.
The British royal family, which benefited from the slave trade over centuries, has faced calls to apologise.
But the monarch stopped well short of that on Friday, asking delegates to “reject the language of division”.
“I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” he said.
“None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts, to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right the inequalities that endure.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also dismissed calls to pay reparations, and aides have ruled out an apology at the summit.
“The slave trade, slave practise was abhorrent and it’s very important that we start from that place”, Starmer told UK public broadcaster the BBC at the summit.
“The question then is ‘where do we go from there?’ My posture, if you like, is that we should look forward, that we should look at what are today’s challenges”.
A summit communique, calling for debate on colonialism, is still the subject of fierce negotiations.
One diplomatic source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP that developed countries were trying to water down the language in the final text.
“The call for reparations isn’t simply about financial compensation; it’s about recognising the enduring impact of centuries of exploitation and ensuring that the legacy of slavery is addressed with honesty and integrity,” Davis insisted.
Lesotho’s Joshua Setipa – one of three candidates vying to be the Commonwealth’s next secretary-general – said reparations could include non-traditional forms of payment such as climate financing.
“We can find a solution that will begin to address some injustices of the past and put them in the context happening around us today,” he told AFP ahead of the summit.
Kingsley Abbott, director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London, said the apparent inclusion of the text on reparatory justice was a “significant advancement” for the Commonwealth.
He told AFP it “reveals the door to meaningful dialogue is opening”.
The British monarch is concluding an 11-day tour of Australia and Samoa, both independent Commonwealth states – the first major foreign trip since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
SEATTLE (AP) — A 15-year-old boy accused of killing his parents and three of his siblings this week east of Seattle tried to pin the slayings on his younger brother, but a sister who survived after playing dead escaped to a neighbour’s house and told police who really carried out the shootings, authorities said in a court document made public Thursday.
The boy was charged Thursday in juvenile court with five counts of aggravated murder. Under Washington state law, a hearing is required before the case can be moved into adult court.
The 11-year-old sister who survived Monday’s shooting told investigators that the defendant had recently gotten into trouble for failing tests at school, and that the handgun he used belonged to their father. Of all the children, she said, he was the only one who knew the code to the lock box their dad kept it in.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Sarah Humiston, 42, Mark Humiston, 43, and their children Katheryn Humiston, 7, Joshua Humiston, 9, and Benjamin Humiston, 13.
According to an affidavit of probable cause by King County sheriff’s detective Aaron Thompson, the defendant called 911 around 5am Monday to report that his 13-year-old brother had shot and killed their family at their home in Fall City because he had gotten in trouble for looking at pornography.
A neighbour a few minutes later called 911 saying the injured 11-year-old had come to the home reporting that her family had been shot by her 15-year-old brother and that she had played dead before escaping, the affidavit said.
Arriving deputies detained the 15-year-old in the driveway and found the bodies inside. The 11-year-old was treated at a hospital in Seattle and has since been released, a hospital spokesperson said.
The 15-year-old waived his right to appear in court on Tuesday, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. His defence attorneys said in court that he has no criminal history. His attorneys didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the charges Thursday.
The teen is scheduled to appear in court on Friday afternoon.
Mark Humiston worked as an electrical engineer with Hargis Engineers in Seattle.
“We are blindsided and saddened by the tragic events that have led to the loss of a respected colleague, mentor, and friend, as well as the loss of immediate family members,” the company said in a statement Thursday. “Mark’s leadership and vision were integral within our firm, and he will be greatly missed.”
Access to quality education must continue to be a priority, as widespread inequality in education can further marginalise disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.
This was highlighted in a sabda by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman during the opening ceremony of the 20th International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) on Friday.
“As social gaps widen and global inflation affects the lives of communities, it is our duty to ensure that quality education is inclusive and provided to everyone, young and old, regardless of status, ethnicity, gender or background”.
Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate barriers that hinder equity, inclusion, and quality in education, continued HRH, emphasising that everyone has a “duty” to deliver quality teaching across all levels of education.
“We must recognise that pervasive inequality in education only perpetuates the marginalisation of disadvantaged groups and vulnerable communities, such as ethnic minorities, the poor, women and girls as well as disadvantaged and migrant populations,” she affirmed.
Quality assurance should, however, focus on teaching strategies, learning materials, assessment, school leadership, professional development, parental engagement and a thorough understanding of each child’s individual needs and strengths.
HRH further noted that quality education hinges on creating an enabling and empowering learning environment in schools, where teachers can implement innovative approaches that encourage students to become critical thinkers, active learners, and caring global citizens.
“It is vital to educate and engage our youth, as agents of future change, for the concerted development and progress of our people and our beloved nation, Brunei Darussalam.”
In line with this, HRH reiterated that maintaining a focus on quality education must remain a priority to ensure ongoing progress in access to and equity in education.
“Countries, governments, and leaders must continue to pursue equity in education, despite the complex challenges and barriers presented by language, location, and other limitations.”
Touching on the ISB BGIC 2024, HRH stated that events like these offer a platform for the country’s youth to emulate world leaders by producing resolutions that promote quality education for all, reduce disparities, and ensure sustainable development to benefit humanity.
The ISB BGIC, an annual conference led by students for students, gathers schools from within and beyond the country for meaningful discussions on real-world issues.
It also fosters collaboration among inspiring individuals, caring corporates and government bodies to promote youth engagement and empowerment in the lead-up to Wawasan 2035.
This student-centred conference creates opportunities for multi-sectoral cooperation, ultimately benefiting the nation and contributing to a more sustainable future.
HRH noted that the theme is particularly relevant for youth engagement, recognising them as valuable assets and growth agents in achieving national development goals.
BGIC, HRH added, also enables the government, schools, and corporates to align their strategic plans with Sustainable Development Goal 4: “Quality Education – How can we ensure that inclusive and equitable quality education supports sustainable development?”
“I am pleased to see everyone stepping up to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and work collaboratively, across all ages, backgrounds and roles in society and our community.”
HRH then urged the young delegates to follow the exemplary conduct of world leaders working together at the United Nations. She encouraged them to be confident and vocal in their opinions while remaining open-minded, respectful, and receptive during their committee debates.
She expressed hopes that all young delegates understand that the crucial exercise they are undertaking at BGIC is an important part of their preparation for their future lives at university and in the workplace.
“It is our sincere hope that our students garner a better understanding of relevant issues and their roles as part of the global community.”
HRH also commended the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) for their ongoing support of this annual conference, which greatly benefits youth and students.
She acknowledged the contributions of Golden Tree, Silver Leaf, Bronze Earth, and in-kind sponsors, who continue to support the BGIC year after year, making it possible to benefit our students, schools, communities, and country.
“I am confident that ISB’s well-received conference will prove to be another great success, and I wish you all the best in your deliberations and debates,” HRH added. – Lyna Mohamad
During the Friday sermon today, Imams across the country urged the faithful to embrace virtuous qualities while steering clear of behaviours that run counter to Islamic teachings, focusing particularly on the dangers of riya’ or showing off.
Imams highlighted that true happiness and success are only attainable through sincere actions in this world and the hereafter.
The sermon described riya’ as a “spiritual ailment” that resides in the hidden corners of a person’s heart, motivated by a desire for praise from others. Drawing from the teachings of Imam Al-Hafiz Ahmad ibn Hajar Al-’Asqalani, the Imams explained that riya’ involves outwardly displaying acts of worship with the intention of being admired.
Such actions, they noted, are starkly different from those aimed at inspiring others towards goodness, as the latter are performed solely for the sake of Allah the Almighty.
The message was clear: a person who engages in riya’ is more concerned with showcasing their virtues and achievements rather than seeking divine approval.
Such individuals, imams said, are always on the lookout for praise, and adjust their actions based on how others perceive them – thriving when commended, yet retreating when criticised.
This attitude, imams emphasised, contradicts the core Islamic principle of performing good deeds with pure intent and sincerity.
The sermon also warned that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) classified riya’ as shirk asghar or minor idolatry – an insidious form of associating others with Allah the Almighty.
As such, riya’ is seen as a destroyer of good deeds, making actions worthless without the person even realising it.
Imams noted that pride, the pursuit of fame, and forgetting the majesty of Allah the Almighty often drive a person towards riya’.
To combat this, they outlined several key steps, urging believers to adopt mujahadah (earnest striving against desires), muraqabah (self-monitoring), taubah (repentance), tawadhu’ (humility), sincerity, and gratitude. These practices, they said, help purify the heart and soul, steering individuals away from insincere intentions.
The sermon concluded with an unequivocal call to action, which was to strive for purity of intention, acting solely for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. Imams encouraged worshippers to remember Allah the Almighty whenever feelings of riya’ arise, seeking His forgiveness and turning away from insincerity.
KOLKATA (AFP) – Cyclone Dana uprooted trees and power lines after making landfall on India’s east coast, with officials warning of more fierce weather on Friday.
Cyclones – the equivalent of hurricanes in the North Atlantic or typhoons in the northwestern Pacific – are a regular and deadly menace in the northern Indian Ocean.
At least 1.1 million people in the states of Odisha and West Bengal were relocated to storm shelters before the eye of the cyclone reached the coast just after midnight.
District official Siddarth Swain told AFP that the storm had left a “trail of destruction” in the coastal town of Puri.
“Many trees and electric poles are uprooted,” he added. “Makeshift shops on the sprawling beach have been blown away.”
No casualties have been reported so far.
Dana flooded parts of the coast after triggering a surge in sea levels of up to 1.15 metres (3.75 feet).
On landfall the storm had gusting winds up to 120 kilometres per hour, Kolkata-based weather bureau forecaster Somenath Dutta told AFP.
The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, was hit by a “gale force wind” that caused hundreds of trees to be uprooted, West Bengal minister Bankim Chandra Hazra told AFP.
“The cyclone also damaged hundreds of homes, blowing off roofs in coastal areas,” he added.
Major airports have been shut since Thursday night in Kolkata, India’s third-biggest city and a key travel hub, which was lashed by heavy rains.
Scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world heats up due to climate change driven by burning fossil fuels.
Warmer ocean surfaces release more water vapour, which provides additional energy for storms, strengthening winds.
A warming atmosphere also allows storms to hold more water, boosting heavy rainfall.
But better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced death tolls.
In May, Cyclone Remal killed at least 48 people in India and at least 17 people in Bangladesh, according to government figures.
SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – BTS’s Jin is gearing up to bring a wave of excitement to his fans with the release of his highly anticipated solo album. The eldest member of the global sensation will be marking the occasion with a special fan showcase, “Jin ‘Happy’ Special Stage,” set to unfold on November 16 and 17 at the Jangchung Arena in Seoul’s Jung-gu district.
For those unable to join in person, the event will also be live-streamed, ensuring international fans don’t miss out on the festivities.
The showcase promises a treat for ARMYs as Jin will perform tracks from his solo album Happy, dropping a day earlier on November 15.
Fans can expect to hear some of the new songs live for the first time, as well as hear Jin share exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the album—offering a deeper connection to his creative journey.
Adding to the anticipation, Jin is set to release a pre-release single, “I’ll Be There,” this Friday at 1pm (KST). The full album will feature six tracks, including “I’ll Be There” and the lead track “Running Wild.”
The entire collection is centred around a band music sound, giving fans a fresh twist on Jin’s musical style. With excitement building up, the upcoming events are sure to leave fans eagerly counting down the days.
LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) – Four time NBA champion Klay Thompson scored 22 points in his Dallas debut on Thursday, giving a lift to Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in a 120-109 NBA victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
Slovenian star Doncic scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Mavs, who fell to the Boston Celtics in last season’s NBA Finals and acquired Thompson in a free agent deal in the off-season with the hope of going even further this season.
Thompson, who won four titles in 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, was delighted with his first outing for the Mavs.
“Blue is my favourite colour,” he told broadcaster TNT. “And Mavs blue looks good on me.”
Kyrie Irving scored 15 points for Dallas and the Mavericks harried the Spurs defensively.
San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama, aiming to build on last season’s Rookie of the Year campaign, connected on just five of 18 shots from the field on the way to 17 points and the Spurs coughed up 19 turnovers leading to 17 Mavericks points.
Chris Paul, an 11-time All-Star point guard brought in to lend veteran experience to the young San Antonio squad trying to get the Spurs back in the playoffs after a five-season absence, scored all of his points on a lone three-pointer, finishing one-of-six from the field with eight assists.
“Couldn’t ask for a better start,” Thompson said. “Just sharing the flow with (Irving), Luka and the rest of the guys – very special after a hard month of really good work.
“But it’s just a small step for where we want to go,” Thompson added.
The reigning champion Boston Celtics, coming off a season-opening rout of the New York Knicks, got off to a slow start against last season’s second-worst team Washington, who led by as many as eight points in the early going.
It was tied at 51-51 with five minutes left in the second quarter, but Boston closed the first half on a 13-3 run and dominated the second half on the way to a 122-102 victory.
Jaylen Brown celebrated his 28th birthday by scoring 27 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 with 11 rebounds for Boston, who had 19 points from Derrick White.
“We just had to carry over from the first game,” Brown said. “This was our first road game … we started off a little slow but we stayed the course and we were able to get the win.”
Jordan Poole led the Wizards’ scoring with 26 points – 20 in the first half as he kept Washington in touch early. But the Celtics out-scored the Wizards 34-19 in the third quarter and the rout was on.
With the game in hand, Tatum sat out the entire fourth quarter while Brown departed with just over eight minutes to play.
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman graced the opening ceremony and formally launched the 20th International School Brunei (ISB) Borneo Global Issues Conference (BGIC) on Friday.
Held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas, the ceremony commenced with a welcoming address by Executive Principal and CEO of ISB, Dominic Morley.
He highlighted how the ISB BGIC offers students and youth a wide range of educational experiences beyond the classroom, enabling them to grapple with the global challenges that world leaders face today—such as economic crises, food insecurity, and growing inequality.
“Active and experiential learning opportunities will enhance their development of essential soft skills and deepen our students’ understanding of complex global issues as they collaborate to produce feasible resolutions whilst maintaining international understanding, cooperation and harmony. “
Morley expressed deep gratitude to ISB’s partners and extended thanks to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) for their longstanding support in nurturing future leaders.
ISB also conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support from the Ministry of Education (MoE), as students and teachers travelled from across the Sultanate’s four districts.
“We also warmly welcome students and teachers from two overseas schools, from Malaysia and Japan, joining us here in Brunei Darussalam.”
The ISB BGIC Secretaries General, Zara Jeffri, Emilka Lim and Francisca Vega, also extended their appreciation to Her Royal Highness for her patronage and for inspiring young people to be compassionate global citizens.
“We are very pleased to welcome nearly 300 students from 23 schools participating in our Model United Nations-style conference, where we will emulate world leaders in contemplating serious global issues and work together to produce fair and practical resolutions.”
In the lead-up to the conference, training workshops were held for students and teacher-advisors at the ISB campus.
During the event itself, committees will deliberate, discuss, and debate topics aligned with this year’s ISB BGIC theme, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
The conference will feature discussions and resolutions on key issues, such as the need for nations to provide free and equitable compulsory education to ensure relevant and effective learning outcomes for all youths.
Another focal point will be the importance of integrating digital literacy into school curricula to better prepare students for the future job market.
After the speeches, the ceremony continued with presentations from keynote speakers; award-winning motivational & public speaker, Hon Dr Stuart Lawrence and leadership expert, international frontline humanitarian as well as Founder of Race4Good, Linda Cruse.
Following this, Her Royal Highness delivered a sabda before officially opening the conference and presenting certificates of participation to representatives from the 23 attending schools. Mementos were also presented to sponsors and supporters in appreciation of their contributions.
As a token of gratitude, Dominic Morley presented Her Royal Highness with a memento, acknowledging ISB’s deep appreciation for her gracious presence at the event.
The 20th ISB BGIC, organised by International School Brunei in partnership with the MCYS and the MoE, is supported by Golden Tree sponsors Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, along with Silver Leaf sponsor Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd.
Bronze Earth sponsors include Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd, Brunei Fertiliser Industries Sdn Bhd, CFBT Education Services (B) Sdn Bhd, and Imagine Sdn Bhd, while in-kind support comes from Aewon Garment & Embroidery, TLT Enterprise, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, Interhouse Company, Air Cat Logistics Sdn Bhd, and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
The event is also backed by Green Brunei and the Prime Minister’s Office in conjunction with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Youth Camp.
In attendance at the opening ceremony were members of the ISB Board of Directors Nicholas King, Deputy Board Chairman, Haji Rashid Abdul Razak, Sharon Tan, Jorge Francisco Vega, Permanent Secretary at MCYS, Hajah Nor Ashikin Haji Johari and Wong Chin Toon, as well as ISB’s General Manager, Vienna Law.
Also in attendance were foreign dignitaries, school officials, and student representatives.
ISB BGIC is an annual student-led Model United Nations-style conference where participants represent countries to debate and discuss real-world issues. The initiative aims to foster students’ understanding of global citizenship and equip them with critical skills in research, public speaking, and negotiation.
The 20th ISB BGIC will run at the ICC in Berakas from October 25 – 27, featuring keynote speaker sessions, committee discussions, and the General Assembly.
This year’s conference marks a significant milestone as the 20th edition and coincides with the 60th anniversary of ISB, celebrating six decades of inclusive academic excellence. – Lyna Mohamad
LETICIA, Colombia (AP) — Marciano Flores stood knee-deep in the Amazon River with the rest of his crew, ready to haul in a giant net as a man in a canoe circled in an attempt to drive fish their way.
At 69, after a life of working the river, Flores can tell at a glance just the right spots to seek a catch he can sell at the market.
But standing here a year ago would have been impossible, with the river far above his head. Flores had never seen the Amazon so low, and the men’s net came up empty before they relocated downriver and caught a few small fish.
A declining catch is forcing him and his fellow fishermen to search farther and farther down the river each day, and costing him more in fuel too.
“The drought has hit me hard,” said Flores, of the Cocama Indigenous community. “When the water’s low, the fish die, so there’s nothing to get.”
The Amazon River naturally fluctuates during the dry and rainy seasons. But since last year a dramatic drop has been evident, most critical in Brazil. Now the phenomenon is spreading into other Amazon nations, wreaking havoc on local economies and food supplies.
In Colombia, the river’s fall has isolated some rural Indigenous communities, prompting nonprofits and the government to deliver water and food to places that depend on rain and river water to survive.
In some communities, it’s an arduous hour-long walk along the dried-up areas to get basic supplies. In other areas, schoolchildren have to walk two hours to get to their classes as boats are unable to drop them close by.
Water levels decreased between 80 per cent and 90 per cent in the past few months, Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said last month.
“I’ve been very concerned, particularly for the Indigenous communities that are affected the most because all the food has already run out,” said Álvaro Sarmiento, head of operations for the Colombian Civil Defense in the Amazonas province at Leticia’s port.
“For Indigenous people, fishing is their main source of food.”
Large patches of sandy areas can be seen where the river has receded. Evidence of how dramatically the water has fallen can be seen along banks where the earth has cracked under the heat, with large parts collapsing into what’s left of the river. In some areas, white marks high on tree trunks show where the water used to be.
“In the 35 years I’ve been in the Amazon, it’s the first time I’ve seen it this low,” said Jugalvis Valencia, 61, a boat tour guide. He worries that a repeat drought next year will dry up some parts of the river completely.
“If we have a similar summer next year, it’s possible that (the river) will get cut off and we’ll be stuck in Leticia,” he said.
Communities in need of resources, water
In a community called La Playa on the outskirts of Leticia, Ermencida Miranda runs a small store out of her wooden home propped on stilts, selling things like cleaning supplies and Peruvian, Colombian and Brazilian foods in this area where the three countries come together. And Miranda worries about access to water.
“In all the communities … We are suffering because of the water, because it’s not raining, the drought is really severe,” said Miranda, 48, who came from Putumayo eight years ago in search of better economic opportunities.
“We bathe in the river water, but for cooking and drinking we have to wait for rainwater and when there’s none, we have to buy water from Leticia. Imagine that!” said Miranda, of the Tikuna people.
Some 32 kilometres (about 20 miles) down the river is the Indigenous reserve of Santa Sofia, a community of about 2,400 made up of five different Indigenous groups, where locals waited in the shade of mango trees for the arrival of supplies from a nonprofit organisation.
Last year, the river came right up to the mango trees, but now the water is so low it takes a five-minute walk down a dry, cracked mud path.
The nonprofit delivered food supplies like lentils, rice and cooking oil, as well as three large cisterns that can be used to catch and store rainwater. Locals shouldered the heavy white bags of supplies to carry them back to their homes, and men teamed up to move the bulky cisterns.
“It’s been hard for us to get food, and to take our crops for sale to Leticia because of the drought,” said Santa Sofia resident Elder Kawache, 47.
Access to drinking water has been the most difficult part of the drought for the community since the local well also dried up, Kawache, from the Cocama community, said.
Colombia’s environment ministry didn’t respond to a request for comment on the drought.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said this month it will deliver motorised pumps and hoses for water supply to isolated territories and that a contract for the exploration of underground water sources will be initiated.
It has said it is sending humanitarian assistance kits with drinking water and nonperishable food for the communities.
Peru announced a state of emergency and said it would deliver medicines and chlorinated water to communities near the river.
Brazilian authorities have been distributing potable water and water purification systems and the government says it will make advance payments to those eligible for monthly welfare payments for poor families in affected areas.
The river has risen slightly in some places in recent days, but after back-to-back and increasingly severe droughts, locals worry about next year.
At her homemade store, Miranda has seen no evidence of help from the government. She’d love to see an elevated tank filled with water so people don’t have to “suffer so much in carrying water” during the summer.
“If someone could help us to get water, it would be a happiness and a change to life, wouldn’t it? Because water is very important for us.”