Podcasts about Mandalay

Interview withNick Earner, MD of Alkane ResourcesFrazer Bourchier, President & CEO of Mandalay ResourcesRecording date: 19th May 2025Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK) and Mandalay Resources (TSX:MND) have announced a strategic "merger of equals" that will create a significant mid-tier gold producer. The all-share transaction values Mandalay at A$559.1 million ($357.8 million), with Mandalay shareholders receiving 55% ownership of the combined entity and Alkane shareholders retaining 45%.The merged company will operate under the Alkane Resources name, trading on both the ASX and TSX exchanges. It will maintain a diversified portfolio of three producing mines - Tomingley (Australia), Costerfield (Australia), and Björkdal (Sweden) - with an anticipated annual production of 160,000-180,000 gold equivalent ounces.Financial projections for the combined entity are robust, including over $100 million USD in cash, zero debt, and approximately $200 million USD in annual free cash flow. This represents a cash flow multiple of approximately 3:1, compared to the industry standard of 4-5x EBITDA."This company will have over $100 million US in net cash positive with no debt," noted Frazer Bourchier, President and CEO of Mandalay Resources, highlighting the strong financial foundation of the merger.A key strategic rationale for the combination is achieving "capital relevance" through a pro-forma market capitalization of approximately $650 million USD. This scale should qualify the company for inclusion in both the ASX 300 index and the GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF), potentially attracting institutional investors previously unable to invest due to size limitations.The merger has received unanimous board approval from both companies and secured voting support agreements from key shareholders. Shareholder votes are expected in June 2025, with transaction closing anticipated by August 2025.The combined entity will pursue a disciplined capital allocation strategy focused on organic exploration, M&A opportunities, and potential shareholder returns, operating with a philosophy of empowered site-level leadership and minimal corporate oversight.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Episode #344: Dominic Faulder's decades of reporting on Myanmar began serendipitously in 1981, when a Thai coup disrupted his travel plans and led to an impromptu journey to Burma for Thingyan. He was immediately struck by the atmosphere—enticing yet oppressive—and quickly became fascinated by the country's complexity, secrecy, and resilience. In the 1980s, he uncovered the unreported Mandalay fire, which destroyed a sixth of the city, and found that a similar catastrophe in the town of Taungdwingyi had also gone unnoticed. These early stories revealed the regime's ability to conceal massive tragedies from the outside world.Faulder reported extensively on the events leading up to the 1988 uprising. He witnessed the bravery of students, the absence of police in early demonstrations, and the eerie silence before the storm. His proximity to key figures—Aung San Suu Kyi, U Nu, Min Ko Naing—gave him unique access as history unfolded in real time. Faulder eventually conducted a rare interview with General Saw Maung, a junta leader, an extraordinary feat given the regime's paranoia. Despite Suu Kyi's frustration that generals would speak to media but not political leaders, Faulder defended the role of journalists in documenting the moment. His reporting emphasized not just the courage of the protesters but the regime's brutality, the fractures within the opposition, and the impossible balance journalists had to strike between access and truth-telling.Like many other past guests who have described their multi-decade relationship with the country, Dominic reflects on the pull that Burma exerts on those who come to be involved with its story. “Foreigners get involved with Southeast Asia and stay much longer than they ever anticipated. But Burma, it is the one story that you always go back to, [asking] what-ifs and why do you think that is?”

More than a month after the devastating March 28 earthquake, exhausted relief workers in Mandalay and nearby areas continue to toil in difficult conditions that have left some of them traumatised. In Doh Athan this week we hear from relief workers who have been deeply affected by the death and suffering around them.

We continue our campaign to #EndNeurophobia, with the help of Dr. Aaron Berkowitz. This time, Aye presents a case of behavior change, headaches, and blurry vision to Vale. Neurology DDx Schema Aye Chan Moe Thant (@AyeThant94) Aye graduated from University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar, and has been working with her mentor neurologist, one of only… Read More »Episode 395: Neurology VMR – Behavior change, headaches, and blurry vision

Canadian police say a suspect detained after a car was driven at high-speed into festivalgoers in Vancouver had suffered mental health problems. The interim police chief told a news conference that the number of people killed had risen to 11. Dozens more were hurt at the Filipino street festival on Saturday. He said many unanswered questions remained after what he called the darkest day in Vancouver's history. Canada's political leaders say the country is united in grief. Voters go to the polls on Monday in a general election.Also in the programme: we hear about life in Mandalay, one month after Myanmar's massive earthquake; and an unusual tribute to singer David Bowie- a memorial plaque in the northern English town of Stockport will honour the night he missed his train home after a gig in 1970 and fell asleep at the station.(Photo: A man places tributes on a fence, the morning after a vehicle was driven into a crowd at a Filipino community Lapu Lapu party, in Vancouver, Canada April 27, 2025. Credit: Reuters /Chris Helgren)

La Birmanie vit depuis le séisme du 28 mars 2025 au rythme des sans-abris, des très fortes pluies, des blessés qu'il faut soigner, des disparus qu'il faut retrouver, des gens qui fuient en Thaïlande, de la pression de la junte, malgré une trêve officiellement prolongée. Le tremblement de terre de 7,7 a fait au moins 3 700 morts ; des milliers de blessés. 90 000 maisons détruites ou endommagées. Le drame s'ajoute à la guerre civile consécutive au coup d'État de février 2021 qui a entraîné le déplacement de plus de 3 millions et demi de personnes.Dans les zones dévastées par le séisme et tenues par les rebelles, l'absence d'aide humanitaire laisse les Birmans livrés à eux-mêmes.Les journalises ne sont pas les bienvenus, ont prévenu les militaires au pouvoir.Les témoignages de la catastrophe, que vous allez entendre, sont donc rares.Notre journaliste Esther Lebleu est parvenue à rallier Mandalay, puis Sagaing, en zone rebelle : Là où la solidarité est vitale.«Séisme en Birmanie, entre dévastation et résilience», un Grand reportage d'Esther Lebleu.

2025年3月28日，緬甸發生矩震级規模7.7（芮氏規模8.2）強震，災情慘重，波及泰國與中國雲南。慈濟第一時間啟動勘災與賑災行動，慈濟空運物資送入災區，仰光志工組成先遣隊，深入曼德勒（Mandalay）重災區了解民眾急迫需求，並以「以工代賑」協助搭建臨時住處。 本期《洛城大愛百寶箱》的「愛的回力球」單元，特別報導災後第一線的慈濟行動，也邀請南加州緬華聯誼會會長陳永聯分享美國緬甸僑民的心聲與行動力。 請與慈濟美國一起關注緬甸、泰國災情，慈濟美國已啟動「等額捐款」（matching fund）行動，您的每一元善款，將因「等額捐款」加倍成為兩元善款。 捐款網址：https://donate.tzuchi.us/zh/myanmaraid 主播：李慈琛 I 來賓：陳永聯

Le bilan officiel s'établit à 3 645 morts, mais continue d'augmenter au fur et à mesure que les décombres provoqués par le tremblement de terre sont déblayés et les corps découverts sous les gravats. Un bilan alourdi par la lenteur des secours et l'organisation défaillante de la junte militaire, au pouvoir depuis le coup d'Etat militaire, en février 2021.L'armée n'a pas été mobilisée pour les secours, et les Birmans n'ont pu compter que sur l'aide de secouristes et de pompiers, rapidement débordés. Selon l'Organisation des Nations unies, plus de deux millions de personnes ont toujours besoin d'assistance à la suite du séisme.Ce tremblement de terre vient s'ajouter à la souffrance des Birmans, qui subissent une guerre civile depuis le putsch qui a renversé la dirigeante élue Aung San Suu Kyi, en 2021. Le conflit a fait à ce jour plus de 6 300 morts civils et provoqué le déplacement de plus de 3,5 millions de personnes.Alexandre Mandri, envoyé spécial du Monde en Birmanie, s'est rendu près de l'épicentre du séisme, à Mandalay et à Sagaing. Il raconte son reportage, dans cet épisode du podcast « L'Heure du Monde ».Un épisode de Garance Muñoz. Réalisation : Amandine Robillard et Thomas Zeng. Présentation et rédaction en chef : Jean-Guillaume Santi.Cet épisode a été publié le mercredi 16 avril 2025.---Que pensez-vous des podcasts du « Monde » ? Donnez votre avis en répondant à cette enquête. Hébergé par Audion. Visitez https://www.audion.fm/fr/privacy-policy pour plus d'informations.

Kate Adie presents stories from the USA, Myanmar, The Dominican Republic, Afghanistan and the Greek island of Syros President Trump's decision to impose huge tariffs across the world drew ire from Wall Street financiers this week - and even members of his own Republican party. But what do his supporters in small-town America think? Mike Wendling travelled to Delta, Ohio, in America's rust belt, where locals have other things on their mind.In Myanmar the military junta has restricted foreign rescue teams' access to areas damaged by the recent earthquake - not to mention international media. After entering the country undercover, Yogita Limaye reports from the city of Mandalay, close to the earthquake's epicentre.The Dominican Republic announced three days of national mourning this week, after the roof of a popular nightclub collapsed, killing more than two hundred people. Will Grant visited the scene in the capital Santo Domingo, where an investigation is now under way as to what caused the collapse.Since returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have steadily increased restrictions on the country's citizens and the introduction of a huge CCTV network in the capital Kabul has alarmed human rights groups. The Taliban says it is to combat crime, but Mahjooba Nowrouzi says there is unease over what else might be under surveillance.The battle for dominance in the electric car market is in full swing, but the EV evolution has been a long time in the making, as Sara Wheeler discovered when she stumbled across one of the world's first mass-produced models on the Greek island of Syros.Series producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina inayomulika shughuli za shirika lisilo la kiserikali la KINNAPA Development Programme la huko nchini Tanzania katika kutekeleza Malengo ya Maendeleo Endelevu likijikita zaidi katika usawa wa kijinsia. Pia tunakuletea muhtasari wa habari na mashinani:Uganda, ambayo tayari ni mwenyeji wa wakimbizi wengi zaidi barani Afrika, inakabiliwa na shinikizo kubwa baada ya wakimbizi zaidi ya 41,000 kutoka Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC kuingia nchini humo tangu Januari mwaka huu, wakikimbia machafuko mapya mashariki mwa nchi yao limesema leo Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia wakimbizi UNHCR. UNHCR imesema watu walioko katika mazingira hatarishi wanatambuliwa kwa msaada maalum, huku familia zilizotengana zikisaidiwa kuunganishwa tena.Siku kumi baada ya matetemeko ya ardhi ya kutisha yaliyoitikisa Myanmar tarehe 28 Machi, idadi ya vifo inaendelea kuongezeka. Titon Mitra, Mwakilishi wa Kikanda wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Maendeleo UNDP nchini humo, akiripoti leo akiwa katika jiji liloharibiwa sana la Mandalay, kwa njia ya video ameripoti kwa waandishi wa habari jijini Geneva, Uswisi akisema, “idadi ya vifo ya hivi karibuni imepita watu 3,500 na “inaweza kuendelea kuongezeka.”Kenya, Uganda na Rwanda zitanufaika na mpango wa mlo shuleni baada ya leo Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Chakula Duniani (WFP) kutangaza kuwa linaendeleza ushirikiano wake na Taasisi ya Novo Nordisk, kupitia ushirikiano wa kihistoria kati ya sekta binafsi na ya umma unaojumuisha Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje ya Denmark na Taasisi ya Grundfos, ili kupanua mpango wa mlo shuleni kutokana na chakula kinachozalishwa ndani ya nchi husika. Ushirikiano huu utajenga mfumo wa msaada unaohakikisha uendelevu wa muda mrefu wa mpango huu.Na mashinani mashinani jana tarehe 7 Aprili hapa Umoja wa Mataifa kumefanyika kumbukizi ya miaka 31 ya mauaji ya kimbari nchini Rwanda ambapo mmoja wa wazungumzaji alikuwa Germaine Tuyisenge Müller, manusura wa mauaji hayo na wakati huo alikuwa na umri wa miaka 9 wakiishi mji mkuu Kigali.Mwenyeji wako ni Leah Mushi, karibu!

Episode #331: “My friend told me it is like the crumbling of the world, because everywhere, everywhere is destruction.”Burmese Buddhist nun Sayalay (who has chosen not to give her full Pāḷi name for safety concerns) speaks about the humanitarian crisis following the devastating earthquake in central Myanmar. Focusing on the country's spiritual heartland, the Sagaing Hills, home to centuries-old monasteries and nunneries, she describes how the region was hit hard, with monks and nuns killed, buildings collapsed, and survivors left without clean water, shelter, or medical aid. Critical infrastructure, including bridges connecting Sagaing to Mandalay, was badly damaged, delaying relief. Junta restrictions further obstructed rescue efforts, blocking aid and forbidding the use of essential heavy machinery.It's mainly volunteers who are working rescue operations, but they are severely limited as to what they can use because of the junta's paranoia; even basic tools are sometimes confiscated. Hiring machinery to clear rubble costs more than many nunneries can afford, yet without it, decomposing bodies pose serious health risks. Survivors, especially young nuns, suffer from trauma and nightmares. Some speak of visitations from the dead, pleading for help from beneath the rubble.Sayalay, a former nurse, is coordinating aid through her nonprofit, Metta Stream Foundation, and stresses the importance of spiritual action. “When we practice mettā bhavana, it's not only for us to recite…but we need to do it physically.” Her message is one of compassion, resilience, and a call for global solidarity with those suffering in Myanmar.

Every week, Sami Shah (ABC, The Gadfly)—comedian, journalist, and award-winning writer of words—put the ew in news.TOP STORIES OF THE WEEKRiffing Tariffs!Monsters in Mandalay!Le Love and Le Law is Blind!QUOTE OF THE WEEK“Fairness is for nerds and this school runs on vibes and vengeance.”— On Trump's lunchroom approach to global trade policy.

This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group's Myanmar expert Richard Horsey about the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar last week, challenges facing relief efforts and implications for the country's civil war and its military leaders.In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group's Myanmar expert Richard Horsey to discuss the aftermath of the earthquake that struck central Myanmar last Friday. They examine the devastation in Myanmar's second largest city, Mandalay, and other hard-hit areas, how U.S. aid cuts have hampered the emergency response and the extent to which China and others have stepped in. They explore how Myanmar's civil war complicates relief efforts, with the army largely absent from rescue operations, and whether the disaster might impact military leader Min Aung Hlaing's grip on power. They also unpack the evolving policies of Myanmar's big neighbours, China and India, and what might break a stalemate in an increasingly intractable and neglected crisis.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more, check out our recent Q&A “Support Vital for Myanmar's Quake Victims, Despite Military Obstacles”, our briefing “Disquiet on the Western Front: A Divided Resistance in Myanmar's Chin State” and our Myanmar country page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

【欢迎订阅】每天早上5:30，准时更新。【阅读原文】标题：Myanmar's earthquake piles misery on civil warWhere will aid come from ,and how will the junta use it?正文：It will take some days for the full toll of the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28th to become clear. The epicenter lay just outside Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which has a population of about 1.5m people.知识点：1.Ravaged by conflict2.rattled much of Southeast获取外刊的完整原文以及精讲笔记，请关注微信公众号「早安英文」，回复“外刊”即可。更多有意思的英语干货等着你！【节目介绍】《早安英文-每日外刊精读》，带你精读最新外刊，了解国际最热事件：分析语法结构，拆解长难句，最接地气的翻译，还有重点词汇讲解。所有选题均来自于《经济学人》《纽约时报》《华尔街日报》《华盛顿邮报》《大西洋月刊》《科学杂志》《国家地理》等国际一线外刊。【适合谁听】1、关注时事热点新闻，想要学习最新最潮流英文表达的英文学习者2、任何想通过地道英文提高听、说、读、写能力的英文学习者3、想快速掌握表达，有出国学习和旅游计划的英语爱好者4、参加各类英语考试的应试者（如大学英语四六级、托福雅思、考研等）【你将获得】1、超过1000篇外刊精读课程，拓展丰富语言表达和文化背景2、逐词、逐句精确讲解，系统掌握英语词汇、听力、阅读和语法3、每期内附学习笔记，包含全文注释、长难句解析、疑难语法点等，帮助扫除阅读障碍。

The US President Donald Trump has announced universal 10% tariffs on all imports into the US. There will also be a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles. Also: BBC team reaches quake-hit city of Mandalay in Myanmar.

SEASON 3 EPISODE 115: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:45) SPECIAL COMMENT: It only took Trump losing a critical election by 10 points in a state he carried last November for even HIM to figure out that Elon Musk is the best electoral friend the Democrats have right now. The White House has leaked that Elon's 130-day exemption as a "Special Government Employee" is up at the end of May and so is his time inadvertently saving democracy from the MAGA cult. We CAN'T LET HIM LEAVE! Also, INDICT ELON! Also also, PROTECT ELON AT ALL COSTS! The reporting suggests Trump intends to keep Musk as an informal advisor and frequent White House visitor and that is great news. If Trump won't keep Musk attached to him sufficiently, we have to do it for him. ELON MUSK'S UNFAVORABILITY AMONG DEMOCRATICS IN WISCONSIN IS 97 PERCENT. Let's take that national! OH BY THE WAY TRUMP JUST TANKED THE WORLD ECONOMY. 54% tariffs on China? 26% on India? Huge on the EU and UK? 10 percent on the people he likes? This is the day the Leopards of Wall Street discover that Trump of the Leopards Eating Faces Party is a cannibal: he eats the faces of other leopards! Also I'll explain how this whole tariff crap mainlines back to Trump's insane fixation with gold and the color gold. MEDIA DISASTER: Bill Maher self-destructs. Stephen A. Smith thinks he's the first person to discover the Trump 3rd Term Scam. MSNBC's attempt to tank is so successful "Morning Joe" is now behind CNN in the demo. B-Block (36:14) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Whoever let the BBC start a piece about the Myanmar Earthquake with the line "On the road to Mandalay." Ex-journalist Matt Taibbi will never testify to the House again. And Richard Carlson, at the center of transphobia, sports, TV news, Fox News, Renee Richards, and even worse things, is dead. C-Block (49:45) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: With the New York Times reporting Chuck Todd is seeking to buy a podcast or local high school sports news company for two billion dollars, it's time for me to note that we are nearing the six year mark since I finally said "I have had enough of this idiot for one lifetime."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LONG The White House has urged investors to trust in Donald Trump as Wall Street continues a global sell-off in response to his tariff announcement. The Dow Jones index is down more than three percent, the dollar has fallen and oil prices have slipped. Shares prices in Europe and Asia closed sharply down. As government officials consider what to do next, we speak to a former US secretary of commerce and an American businessman. Also in the programme: a BBC team reports from Mandalay, close to the centre of the Burmese earthquake zone; and the UK is to host the women's football World Cup in 2035(Photo: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York Credit: JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

On March 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar—the strongest to hit the region in a century. The epicenter was in the Sagaing region, near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, in the northwest of the country. Sagaing is also the epicenter of Myanmar's civil war and the humanitarian crisis caused by the brutal conflict that has raged for the past four years. In other words, this earthquake created a crisis on top of a crisis. And it struck just as the main backer of global humanitarian relief—the United States—has suspended nearly all foreign aid and emergency humanitarian assistance programs. Joining me to discuss the damage caused by the earthquake and the ongoing local and international response is Bob Kitchen, a veteran humanitarian official and the Vice President for Emergencies at the International Rescue Committee. We begin by discussing the scope of the damage and the complexities of mounting a response in the midst of Myanmar's civil war, before delving into how the response to this sudden-onset natural disaster is being shaped by the absence of American leadership, which has long played a central role in global emergency relief efforts. Use this link to get a 40% discounted subscription to Global Dispatches and all we have to offer! https://www.globaldispatches.org/40PecentOff Use this link if you'd like to support us at full price https://www.globaldispatches.org/ 

Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Alex Mansfield Production Coordinator: Josie Hardy(Image: People ride a scooter past the rubble of damaged Buddhist pagoda in Mandalay on April 3, 2025. Credit: Sai Aung MAIN / AFP via Getty Images)

Un devastante terremoto di magnitudo 7.7 ha colpito il Myanmar (Birmania) il 28 marzo 2025, con epicentro vicino a Mandalay, lungo la pericolosa faglia di Sagaing. La scossa, estremamente superficiale (10 km di profondità), ha provocato ingenti danni e vittime, causando persino il crollo di un grattacielo a Bangkok, a oltre 1000 km di distanza. Ma com'è possibile? Perché il sisma è stato avvertito anche in Thailandia, India e Bangladesh? E potrebbe accadere anche in Italia? In questo video analizziamo il terremoto dal punto di vista geologico, spiegando le cause, gli effetti e i rischi di eventi simili. Prendi parte alla nostra Membership per supportare il nostro progetto Missione Cultura e diventare mecenate di Geopop: https://geopop.it/Muh6X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 2700 people are now know to have died after a massive earthquake rocked war-torn Myanmar and caused huge damage in neighbouring Thailand on Friday. The toll is expected to rise as people are still trying to recover bodies in the hardest hit city of Mandalay. Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv April Fools Day Are we too suspicious of a prank story nowadays Bletchley Park code breaker Betty Webb dies aged 101 Missing 11 year old girl was seen paddling in River Thames Mandalay was the city of gold. Now it reeks of dead bodies Three die in west London collision involving a car and bus XL bully Meeting a dangerous dog owner to ask why they have one Haiti gangs storm town of Mirebalais and release 500 prisoners Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan to star in Sam Mendes Beatles films UK has best chance to overturn tariffs, says Reynolds Water, cars and phones The seven bills set to rise this week

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Water, cars and phones The seven bills set to rise this week Haiti gangs storm town of Mirebalais and release 500 prisoners Bletchley Park code breaker Betty Webb dies aged 101 Mandalay was the city of gold. Now it reeks of dead bodies April Fools Day Are we too suspicious of a prank story nowadays Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan to star in Sam Mendes Beatles films UK has best chance to overturn tariffs, says Reynolds Missing 11 year old girl was seen paddling in River Thames Three die in west London collision involving a car and bus XL bully Meeting a dangerous dog owner to ask why they have one

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Water, cars and phones The seven bills set to rise this week Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan to star in Sam Mendes Beatles films Missing 11 year old girl was seen paddling in River Thames Three die in west London collision involving a car and bus Bletchley Park code breaker Betty Webb dies aged 101 UK has best chance to overturn tariffs, says Reynolds Haiti gangs storm town of Mirebalais and release 500 prisoners XL bully Meeting a dangerous dog owner to ask why they have one Mandalay was the city of gold. Now it reeks of dead bodies April Fools Day Are we too suspicious of a prank story nowadays

A religious leader in Mandalay says the situation is dire following Myanmar's earthquake. Also: shock Le Pen verdict rocks French far right; Nasa's Butch and Suni adapt to life back on Earth.

It's Tuesday, April 1st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Myanmar earthquake death toll tops 2,000 The death count resulting from a major earthquake centered in Myanmar has topped 2,000, reports The Guardian.   The quake which registered 7.7 on the Richter scale, affected the areas of Mandalay and Sagaing.  (Look at a shake map of Myanmar that shows the areas most affected by the earthquake.) Rescue efforts in the area of Sagaing have been hampered by the nation's military, as that area has the reputation of resisting the junta since the coup of 2021.  The major Christianized areas of Myanmar include the Chin State in the northwest and the Karen State in the southeast.  The earthquake affected the center of the country. Help Samaritan's Purse pay for Myanmar field hospital Franklin Graham announced that the Samaritan's Purse DC-8 jet departed Greensboro, North Carolina just yesterday, heading for Myanmar with medical supplies and a fully-equipped field hospital, complete with doctors and nurses.   You can make a donation to this emergency medical response through a special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. 1,000 dead in Gaza from recent Israeli attacks War is heating up in the Middle East.  Al Jazeera reports 80 deaths in Gaza in the past 24 hours, and 1,000 deaths since the ceasefire broke two weeks ago. On Sunday, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to intensify attacks on Hamas until Israeli hostages are released. U.S. deployed B-2 Bombers, two air craft carriers to Middle East The United States has deployed a quarter of its B-2 Bomber fleet to the Middle East, based on the island of Diego Garcia, just south of the nation of Iran.  Also, the two aircraft carriers, the U.S.S. Carl Vinson and the U.S.S. Harry S Truman, have been moved into the Persian Gulf area, for a more significant military buildup. Trump threatened military action if Iran doesn't stop nuclear program President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Iran demanding a settlement on the nation's nuclear program.  He threatened military action, but has received no response in two months.   Trump told NBC News that "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before." Iran's skyrocketing inflation and severe water shortages Iran's internal pressures are rising as well. First, inflation remains at a staggering 40%. The Iranian rial, their currency, has lost significant value — crossing the 1,000,000 rial-to-dollar threshold recently. And second, because rainfall decreased by 25% last year, Iran's major dams are only at 6% capacity. The National Council of Resistance in Iran issued a recent report that summarizes the Iranian situation this way: “The sharp increase in water shortages, poverty, inflation, and systemic corruption has turned Iran into a powder keg, with officials scrambling to prevent an explosion that seems all but inevitable.”  Trump's tornado of tariffs This is the big tariff week for the Trump Administration.   What is called “reciprocal tariffs” are on schedule to take effect tomorrow, probably affecting India and Brazil most heavily - due to their tariff imbalances.   In addition to the reciprocal tariffs, auto import duties of 25% will kick in on Thursday — mostly affecting Mexico with $20 billion in tariffs, Japan with $10 billion in tariffs, South Korea with $9 billion in tariffs, Canada with $8 billion in tariffs, and Germany with $6 billion. Plus, about half of the cars sold in the U.S. will be subjected to the 25% tariff. Let's keep in mind these general principles from the Proverbs. “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished. … When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” That's Proverbs 16:5 and 7.  Governor DeSantis wants to eliminate Florida's property tax Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis indicated on X that he would support an initiative to eliminate property tax in his state. He noted that “taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation.” Both Pennsylvania and Florida are considering the elimination of this onerous taxing of the American people. States with the lowest property tax are Louisiana, Hawaii, Alabama, Delaware, and West Virginia.  The states with the highest property tax rates are New Jersey, New Hampshire, Texas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Declining Catholic population Catholics are losing ground – fast -- in America. In 1980, Catholics represented 29% of the U.S. population.  In 2024, Pew Research's recent survey found only 19% of Americans self-identified as Catholics. That's a 24% decline in 17 years. For every 10 people joining the Catholic Church, 84 are leaving. Mainline liberal Protestants have seen bigger drop By contrast, Protestants have declined by 19% over the last 17 years. Evangelicals have dropped from 26% to 23% of the population. That's only a 12% drop. Not surprisingly, mainline liberal Protestant denominations have seen a 39% drop in 17 years. 50% of parents support adult children Savings.com reports that half of U.S. parents support their adult children at an average of $1,474 per month. Interestingly, 40% of those same parents say they plan to cut off funds to their freeloading adult children within two years. Gold up, stocks down Gold continues on its upward surge, topping $3,120 per ounce on Monday. Meanwhile, stocks dipped again. The Nasdaq Composite scraping 17,000, about 3,000 points off of a February 19th high, reports the Associated Press. Disney's woke Snow White bombing at box office And finally, Disney is still losing big money on its woke projects. The new release of Snow White featured advocacy of girl power and socialism, not to mention computer-generated dwarves. Not surprisingly, it saw a 66% drop off from the first to the second week, marking this film in the “weak performer” category.   The $270 million film pulled in just $67 million at the box office over two weekends. Let's remember the lesson from 1 Samuel 12:25. It says, “If you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you.” And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, April 1st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

One moment they were in their apartment building. The next they were under it. Ninety people were trapped when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar suddenly leveled their building.Fifty Myanmar children went to preschool that day. At least a dozen died there in the sudden collapse of their school. One doctor in Mandalay said: "Wherever I looked, I saw collapsed buildings. Only dust." It's a tragedy that's almost incomprehensible. Especially when some scientists are estimating the death toll could even go to 10,000. Not numbers. Somebody's son or daughter. Husband or wife. Mom or dad. In spite of the ferocity of the quake, many did not have to die. As one expert explained, building codes in this quake-prone area "fail to fully consider earthquake resistance measures." In other words, unlike places like Japan, structures are not built to withstand the shock of a major quake. It's not just buildings with that kind of vulnerability. It's people. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "What the Quake Can't Take." Cancer. Stroke. Heart attack. The death of a child. Or, like me, the death of the love of your life. It's just been a litany of loss lately among friends and acquaintances. Bad news from the doctor. Financial collapse. A devastating fire or storm. The collapse of a marriage. Mental health and anxiety issues are off the charts. It's like we're all living in a quake prone zone. The question is not, "Will there be a lifequake?" The question is, "Is what I'm building my life on strong enough to withstand the trauma that shakes everything in my world?" So many things we live for... we depend on... our "go to's" fail us when the quake hits. We look around and there's "only dust." What is there that the quake can't take? That's something the Biblical psalmist addresses when he wrote these words in our word for today from the Word of God in Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with surging... Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall". He's saying here that literally, everything is collapsing. But listen... "The Lord Almighty is with us." A ship in a storm can be tossed around violently. But the anchor holds. Mine did nine years ago next month. It shook my world like nothing else ever could. The Great Quake - death - suddenly took my Karen, the love of my life since I was 19. But there's something it couldn't take. My personal relationship with the only Person who ever beat death. The one man who walked out of His grave under His own power. Jesus. The Christ. The Son of God. Yes, the one who promised to love me "til death do us part" kept her promise. But death did us part. But, in the words of Scripture, "Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39). It's the love we saw poured out for our sins on the day we call Good Friday. A love that didn't turn its back then. A love that never will. Millions of people for two thousand years have anchored their life to this Jesus, and found that "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19). It seems appropriate that on that morning we call Easter the Bible says, "there was a violent earthquake" at the tomb of Jesus. For that is the day He walked out of that grave to conquer the Great Quake of death. Listen, if you want to be sure you belong to Him in an uncertain world, our website is there to help you begin a relationship with Him. Would you go there today? It's ANewStory.com. Someday I will face the Great Quake. But not alone. For, as the Bible says, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For YOU are with me!" (Psalm 23:4)

Episode #326: “Every country could face disaster, but every country also has plans to respond to those kind of like devastating events. But our country is not like others! We don't have the manpower, we don't have the techniques, we don't have the preparation and equipment. So usually, what we most rely on is volunteers and the unity of the whole country,” says Kyaw Kyaw. “But now this time, it is not happening, since all the volunteers and the technicians and the experts, they are in prison or in the other countries.”Kyaw Kyaw, a former military doctor and CDM defector, gives a chilling account of the destruction following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar. He estimates over 10,000 people may be dead in cities like Mandalay and Sagaing alone—far exceeding the junta's official figure of 1,700. Entire cities have been leveled, with survivors trapped under rubble for days. Many die slowly, their cries fading as rescue efforts falter due to a lack of proper tools, training, and manpower.With bodies decomposing under debris and in the streets, the cities themselves are becoming public health hazards. People are forced to live near the dead, and calls have shifted from rescuing the living to simply removing corpses. Yet the junta continues to block aid convoys, enforce curfews, and restrict information flow. Foreign journalists are barred from entering. International rescue teams were diverted to Naypyidaw, where military facilities were quickly cleaned and repaired—while areas most in need remain sealed off.Even as resistance groups offered a ceasefire and assistance, the military refused cooperation. Worse, it has reportedly continued airstrikes in earthquake-affected zones and even conscripted young people in the midst of the disaster.Kyaw Kyaw emphasizes that local volunteers are doing what they can, but without equipment or freedom to act, their impact is limited. He appeals for international help, but warns donors to be careful. Aid must go directly to those working on the ground—not through junta channels.Donate today to provide urgent relief for earthquake victims!

Gaza suffers as children and aid workers killed in Israeli bombardment "Tragedy deepens in Gaza as at least 322 children have been killed and 609 wounded in the past 10 days, UNICEF reports, after Israel resumed attacks. ""Children have again been plunged into deadly violence,"" warns UNICEF's Catherine Russell. Separately, Gaza's media office confirms 1,513 humanitarian workers killed in Israel's relentless bombardment. Meanwhile, The Palestinian presidency condemns forced evacuations in Rafah, calling them a violation of international law. Israel and Hamas remain at odds over key conditions, including prisoner releases and military withdrawal." French court bans Marine Le Pen from office over EU funds scandal "French political circles are in turmoil. Marine Le Pen's electoral ambitions face a stunning blow as a court imposes a five-year ban after she was found guilty of embezzling European Union funds. International figures, including US President Donald Trump and his billionaire supporter Elon Musk, decry the ruling as politically motivated. Le Pen vows to appeal, insisting she's ""eliminated,"" not defeated. Her National Rally party now weighs its options, with 29-year-old protege and the party leader Jordan Bardella potentially stepping into the spotlight." Myanmar declares national mourning as earthquake deaths surpass 2,000 "Myanmar declared a week of national mourning on Monday following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that claimed over 2,000 lives. The ruling junta announced flags would fly at half-mast until April 6 in honour of the victims. Rescue efforts have slowed in Mandalay, the worst-hit city, as fears of aftershocks persist. Thousands are still living on the streets, and with communication networks disrupted, the true scale of the disaster remains uncertain. At least 3,900 people are injured, and hundreds are still missing." Khamenei warns Trump that Iran will retaliate firmly against aggression "Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, responded sharply to US President Donald Trump's threat of ""bombing,"" warning that any external aggression would prompt a ""firm retaliatory blow."" Addressing a congregation in Tehran, Khamenei emphasised Iran's readiness for any confrontation. Meanwhile, Iran rejected direct talks with the US but remains open to indirect negotiations. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned Trump's remarks as a “shocking affront to international peace.”" France fines Apple over its app tracking transparency practices "French antitrust authorities have slapped Apple with a $162 million fine over its App Tracking Transparency or ATT feature. The watchdog argued that the implementation of ATT was excessive and harmed third-party publishers. The system, which debuted in 2021, requires users to opt-in before tracking across apps, with critics accusing Apple of using it to promote its own advertising. Despite the fine, Apple maintained the feature gives users greater control over privacy and has strong support globally. Investigations are ongoing in several European countries."

Following last Friday's massive earthquake in Myanmar, UN humanitarians are on the ground to support survivors and affected communities.The World Food Programme (WFP) started its first distributions in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, within 48 hours of the quake. It is also on the ground at the epicentre in Sagiang – and in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay - assisting thousands of families in desperate need.But the UN needs much more funding from the international community to address the enormous needs, as WFP's Country Director Michael Dunford tells UN News's Vibhu Mishra.Click here to read the text story.

Two days after a devastating earthquake, an aftershock hits as we speak to someone in Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city.Rescue teams from around the world are continuing operations to search for survivors and recover bodies in the conflict-hit country and in neighbouring Thailand.Also in the programme: We'll hear a report on how articial intellgence is being used in films in Hollywood; Syria's Islamist president appoints cabinet members from the country's minorities; and we'll hear how basketball is being used as a force for peace in Haiti.(Photo shows commuters drive past a building that collapsed in Mandalay, Myanmar on 30 March 2025. Credit: Reuters)

Episode #323: “Quite frankly, and I might catch flak for this, but I'll say it: there is a special place in hell for those who seek to exploit or weaponize this aid, or block this aid for political purposes from getting to those affected communities.”Jack Myint delivers a powerful and urgent appeal following the catastrophic, March 28th, 7.7-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar that devastated Mandalay and nearby regions, leaving hospitals, monasteries, universities, and homes in ruins. He describes how the initial rescue efforts came from ordinary citizens using basic tools to save lives. But he notes that, while heroic, such actions are not enough in the face of such widespread devastation. He also mourns the destruction of Mandalay's historic and religious landmarks, calling the national trauma incalculable.In the context of Myanmar's ongoing political crisis since the 2021 coup, Jack pleads for international aid that bypasses politics and directly supports affected communities. He outlines three paths for U.S. involvement: direct emergency assistance via USAID, cooperation with regional allies like India and Singapore, and support through international bodies such as the UN and ASEAN. He insists that these options are not mutually exclusive and must be pursued with urgency.He closes by urging support for Better Burma's grassroots fundraising and immediate international action, emphasizing that lives hang in the balance. “The people simply don't have time to wait through political deliberations,” he says, calling for direct support to those already saving lives on the ground.

Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar "The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, urging Israel not to obstruct the plan. The leader of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, announced the decision on Eid al-Fitr, a holiday following the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, emphasising their commitment to mediation efforts. Al-Hayya said that the weapons of the resistance are a red line. Meanwhile, Israel has countered with its own proposal, reportedly seeking the release of more captives. The push for a deal comes amid renewed Israeli air strikes on Gaza, which have killed over 920 people since March 18. In its war on Gaza, Israel has killed more than 50,200 Palestinians since October 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel." Academy apologizes after backlash over Palestinian filmmaker's arrest "The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued an apology after its initial response to the arrest of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal sparked outrage. Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning No Other Land, was assaulted by Israeli settlers and detained by Israeli forces before his release. Critics slammed the Academy's vague statement, prompting a stronger follow-up. While it now explicitly mentions Ballal and reiterates its condemnation of violence and suppression of free speech, it does not directly name Israel. No Other Land won Best Documentary for exposing Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes. " Syria's al Sharaa unveils new government "A new chapter for Syria has begun as President Ahmad al Sharaa unveiled the newly formed government, emphasizing a commitment to rebuilding state institutions grounded in transparency and accountability. Speaking at a ceremony in Damascus, al Sharaa declared the government's mission to advance education, healthcare and tackle corruption. The cabinet, comprising 22 ministers—including the first woman—covers key sectors, from defence to culture. The groundbreaking change in Syria comes after al Sharaa's leadership, following the ousting of Bashar Assad's regime." Sudanese army secures key area from paramilitary RSF "Sudan's army has announced it has seized control of the crucial Souq Libya market in Omdurman, a key area previously utilised by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for attacks during the two-year conflict. The new development follows the army's declaration of victory in the capital Khartoum. Souq Libya, a major commercial hub, was left abandoned by the Rapid Support Forces, who fled, leaving behind weapons and equipment. While the army already held much of Omdurman, it aims to secure the entire capital area. The Rapid Support Forces has yet to comment. The UN has described the war, triggered by a power struggle, as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, causing widespread displacement, hunger and ethnic violence. Estimates suggest tens of thousands have died. The conflict has further destabilised the region.   " Myanmar quake death toll exceeds 1,600 "The death toll from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand has surpassed 1,600. Myanmar's military junta reports at least 1,644 dead and over 3,400 injured, with the toll expected to rise. The quake, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, devastated Mandalay and surrounding regions. Rescue efforts continue as the isolated areas struggle with severe damage, including collapsed buildings and infrastructure. Amid the destruction, survivors are calling for urgent aid, with some fearing more casualties are trapped in the rubble."

The China Search and Rescue Team has arrived in Mandalay, the city hit hard by a devastating earthquake that jolted Myanmar on Friday.

At least 1,600 people have died in the earthquake in Myanmar. Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar has condemned the military government's continued attacks in areas controlled by ethnic rebel groups. Tom Andrews told Newshour at least three airstrikes were carried out in the Sagaing region - the epicentre of the quake and a rebel stronghold. He called on the ruling junta to stop. Also in the programme: Hundreds of thousands of Turks have attended a rally in Istanbul in support of the city's jailed former mayor; and why did a Polish presidential candidate appear on TV in disguise? (Photo: Rescue personnel work at the site of a building that collapsed, following a strong earthquake, in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 29, 2025. Credit: Reuters)

Amidst all the death and damage caused by the earthquake in Myanmar, the UN said they have had reports the military government is still launching air strikes on rebel-held areas. More than 1,000 are now known to have died in Myanmar and thousands more injured after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday. Also on the programme: the opposition protests in Istanbul continue to attract huge crowds; and an author who has conducted interviews with young men who call themselves involuntary celibates in many countries tells us what she discovered about the incel movement. (Photo: People look at the collapsed Maha Myat Muni Pagoda following an earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. Credit: STRINGER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Myanmar’s ruling military government now says more than 1,600 people have died in a devastating earthquake as more bodies are being pulled from rubble. The epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude quake was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and it rocked neighboring countries, including Thailand. Debi Edward of Independent Television News reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This week we're excited to present a conversation from the 62nd New York Film Festival with Grand Tour director Miguel Gomes. An NYFF62 Main Slate selection, Grand Tour is currently playing at Film at Lincoln Center, courtesy of Mubi. Get tickets at filmlinc.org/tour. In this fanciful and high-spirited cinematic expedition, the uncommonly ambitious Portuguese filmmaker Miguel Gomes (Tabu, NYFF50; Arabian Nights, NYFF53) takes a journey across East Asia, skipping through time and countries with delirious abandon to tell the tale of an unsettled couple from colonial England and the world as it both expands and closes in around them. It's 1918, and Edward (Gonçalo Waddington) has escaped the clutches of beckoning marriage, leaving his bemused fiancée, Molly (Crista Alfaiate), in indefatigable pursuit. Edward gives chase from Mandalay to Bangkok to Shanghai and beyond, while Gomes responds with a splendid and enthralling series of scenes that use a magic form of cinema to situate us in these places both then and now, keeping us at a knowingly exotic traveler's distance while also immersing us in rhythm, texture, and emotional reality. Whether black-and-white or color, zigzagging or meditative in tone, scripted or captured as documentary, Grand Tour is splendid, moving, and human-scaled. Winner of the Best Director prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. A MUBI release. This conversation was moderated by NYFF Artistic Director Dennis Lim.

Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall.*Inniu an naoú lá is fiche de mhí an Mhárta. Is mise Gwyneth Nic Aidicín Ní Loingsigh.Tá staid éígeandála i bhfeidhm i Maenmar tar éís crith talún a tharla Dé hAoine. Ceaptar go bhfuil na céadta daoine básaithe ach níl uimhir chruinn ar fáíl is a leanann oibríocht tarrtháile. Tharla dhá chrith tar éis a chéile agus tá eagla ar dhaoine go mbeadh iarchreathanna le teacht. Bhí eipealár an chreatha talún i ngar do na cathracha Sagaing agus Mandalay, braitheadh na creathanna ar fud na tíre agus chomh fada leis an tSín agus an Téalainn. Thit foirgneamh neamh-críochnaithe in Bangkok agus tá 81 oibrí ar iarraidh ann. Tá teannas polaitiúil i Maenmar ó tharla coup in 2021, tá smacht ag an rialtas ar na meáin agus an idirlíon sa tír agus tá sé deacair eolas a fháil mar thoradh air sin.Tá focal Gaeilge agus roinnt focail ó Béarla na hÉireann i measc na bhfocal nua in uasdátú an fhoclóra cháiliúil an Oxford English Dictionary i mbliana. Tá an focal “ludraman” - litriú Béarla den fhocal liúdramán, le fáil san uasdátú, an míniú atá tugtha air ná “a lazy, unproductive, or stupid person (esp. a man)". Tá samplaí úsáide den fhocal luaite ón úrscéal Ulysses agus roinnt sean-nuachtáin. Tá an focal ar fáil i bhfoclóir Gaeilge le fada anois ach i bhfoclóir agus úsáid nua-aimseartha tá an míniú "amadán" i bhfad níos coitianta ná "leisceoir". I measc na bhfocal a n-airítear ó Béarla na hÉireann tá “blaa”, “class”, “debs”, “mineral”, “morto”, “spice bag” agus “acting the maggot”.Tá imní ar an Rialtas agus eacnamaithe Éireannacha faoi tháillí atá fógartha ag Donald Trump ar tháirgí cogaisíochta, agus an tionchar a mbeadh acu ar thionscal agus ar gheilleagar na hÉireann. Ní bheidh sonraí cinnte ar fáil go dtí an 2ú Aibreán ach dúirt Trump cheana go mbeidh táillí de 25% ar dhrugaí ag teacht isteach i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá. Déanann Éire easportú de luach 72 billiún Euro go Meiriceá agus baineann táirgí cogaisíochta le 58 billiún Euro den mhéid sin. Tá cáin chorparáide an-íseal in Éirinn, ag 15%, a mhealann comhlachtaí domhanda móra isteach. Is pointe conspóide é an Cháin Chorporáide íseal ach deir an ESRI go bhfuil ról tábhachtach ag an ioncam ón gcáin sin san Airgeadas Poiblí agus go mbeidh torthaí dona ann má chailltear é.*Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá an script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta.*GLUAISstaid éigeandála - state of emergencyoibríocht tarrtháile - rescue operationiarchreathanna - aftershocksleisceoir - lazy persontáirgí cogaisíochta - pharmaceutical productscáin chorparáide - corporation tax

Myanmar’s ruling military government now says more than 1,600 people have died in a devastating earthquake as more bodies are being pulled from rubble. The epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude quake was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and it rocked neighboring countries, including Thailand. Debi Edward of Independent Television News reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Lebanon ceasefire "An unprecedented Israeli air strike hit south Beirut, marking the first such attack since the ceasefire reached in November with Hezbollah. Lebanese officials confirmed the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to ""strike everywhere"" in Lebanon against perceived threats, signaling a shift in strategy. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim reported growing momentum in Gaza ceasefire negotiations with mediators, despite Israel's ongoing attacks in the Palestinian enclave." US judge blocks Ozturk's deportation after visa revocation "Massachusetts federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Turkish-born Tufts University doctoral student, Rumeysa Ozturk, pending a ruling on her petition challenging the removal. The decision, made by US District Judge Denise Casper, halts her removal until at least April 1, while the court reviews jurisdiction concerns. Ozturk was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement near her Somerville home for criticising Israel in her academic work. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her visa revocation, citing her activism but providing no evidence of violence." Myanmar earthquake death toll tops 1,000 "A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has claimed 1,002 lives, with more than 2,000 wounded, according to the country's military government. The quake, which struck near Sagaing, caused widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay. A state of emergency is in effect across six regions. As international aid begins to arrive, China has deployed a rescue team, with both Russia and the US offering assistance. The disaster also affected neighbouring Thailand, heightening concerns across the region." VP Vance calls for stronger US leadership in Arctic "US Vice President JD Vance stressed the importance of American leadership in the Arctic during a visit to Greenland, warning that inaction could leave the region vulnerable to rivals like Russia and China. Speaking at a US Space Force base in Greenland's Pituffik, Vance emphasised the need to strengthen Arctic security, criticising European allies, particularly Denmark, saying they haven't done a good job. He also stressed the significance of the US's presence in Greenland, highlighting its crucial role in national security and urging Greenlanders to consider a partnership with the US for enhanced security and economic benefits." Elon Musk's xAI buys his X platform "Elon Musk has announced that his AI startup, xAI, has officially acquired X—formerly known as Twitter—for $33 billion in an all-stock deal, valuing the combined entity at $80 billion. Musk touts the merger as a leap toward ""accelerating human progress,"" intertwining xAI's AI prowess with X's vast user base. The acquisition follows Musk's controversial 2022 purchase of Twitter, which was marked by workforce cuts and advertiser exodus. Notably, banks recently offloaded $12 billion in X's debt amid renewed investor interest in AI and the platform's improved performance."

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake - which the US Geological Survey says had an epicentre in central Myanmar - has been felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand where an unfinished high-rise has collapsed. Dozens of construction workers are missing, the Thai deputy prime minister says, and a search and rescue operation is under way. Damage in Myanmar is still being assessed. We speak to the International Red Cross in Yangon and hear first hand testiomny from Thailand's capital Bangkok.Also on the programme: the European Commission -- the EU's executive arm -- has announced a package of measures to help winemakers struggling to sell their product. Wine writer Julia Harding MW tells us why less wine is being drunk; and the visit by the US vice-president, JD Vance, to Greenland has sparked controversy. Greenlandic politician Qupanuk Olsen shares her perspective.(Image: Motorists ride past a damaged building after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar, in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 28, 2025. Credit: Reuters)

Myanmar's military government has asked the international community for aid after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the country. We hear from rescue workers in the Mandalay area, close to the earthquake's epicentre. Also on the programme: US Vice President JD Vance visits Greenland, without an invitation from the Greenlandic government; and the singer Dua Lipa is cleared of accusations of plagiarising elements of her song ‘Levitating'. (Picture: People look at damaged house in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, 28 March 2025 Credit: NYEIN CHAN NAING/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

//The Wire//2300Z March 28, 2025////PRIORITY////BLUF: MAJOR EARTHQUAKES STRIKE BURMA AND THAILAND, THOUSANDS OF CASUALTIES ESTIMATED. DIPLOMATIC ACTIONS CONTINUE IN UKRAINE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Southeast Asia: A very large earthquake (and many aftershocks) struck the region this morning, primarily within the nations of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. The epicenter of the Burmese earthquake was located almost exactly under the city of Mandalay, Burma's second largest city. Early estimates indicate the earthquake's magnitude was 7.7, larger than usual for the region. In Thailand, several aftershocks were felt and have caused damage through much of the northwest. A state of emergency remains in effect throughout most of Burma, and parts of Thailand that have been hardest hit. Many skyscrapers and high-rise buildings have collapsed in Bangkok, about 600 miles from the epicenter.AC: This earthquake is a big deal, with most authorities estimating thousands, if not tens of thousands of casualties spread throughout the region. Right now, numbers are impossible to verify as most communications networks throughout Burma and Thailand (which barely functioned before the earthquake) are simply overwhelmed. Additionally, since Burma has been living under a state of military coup for several years, communications blackouts have been the norm to prevent access to the internet by locals. As such these censorship efforts probably will have a negative impact on determining the scale of the crisis in Burma.Eastern Europe: The potential for peace in Ukraine remains on the table as diplomatic efforts remain constant. Overnight, President Putin gave a very frank and direct talk regarding his concerns for the war coming to a close. One of his chief concerns is the legitimacy of peace; in short, Putin stated that he's not sure if a peace agreement with Zelenskyy would be legally binding, because he is not the elected leader of Ukraine (referencing the fact that elections have been suspended in Ukraine, and Zelenskyy's term of office expired some time ago).-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Though many may scoff at listening to anything Putin says, his remarks last night provide some much needed insight into his perspective during negotiations. For instance, from Putin's perspective, regime change is a non-starter. From where Putin sits, Zelenskyy must go even if that means ousting him and creating an interim transitional government while elections take place. Considering his strangely direct remarks, he probably would be amenable to a ceasefire while Ukrainian elections take place, but that's sheer speculation at best.Rightly or wrongly, and like it or not, Zelenskyy remaining in office is one of the biggest barriers to peace and Russia has made it clear that they will continue fighting as long as he is in power. Zelenskyy himself did make it illegal for any ceasefire or peace talks to even happen with Putin, that is an undeniable fact that is complicating things quite a bit. Of course, on the other side of the issue, Russia wants to come out of this war in the best position possible, and a transitional government where everyone is vying for power would be politically advantageous to Russia.Fundamentally, opinions will vary on what is happening as long as those interpreting the diplomatic efforts adopt certain opinions. For instance, if a person thinks that Putin is hellbent on taking the entire continent of Europe, one analytical perspective will be adopted. If a person thinks that Putin just wants to make a minor land grab and isn't interested in land outside of Ukraine, another analytical perspective will be used. This is one of the major reasons for analytical discrepancy throughout the conflict, and is why the terms of a peace agreement might be confusing to many people who had believed one set of beliefs about the

Fuerte terremoto en Myanmar. La junta militar birmana habla de momento de al menos 200 muertos y cientos de desaparecidos pero viendo las imágenes que llegan, sobre todo de la ciudad de Mandalay, parece evidente que esas cifras van a aumentar en los próximos días de forma sustancial. El seísmo se ha dejado sentir también en Tailandia.Vamos a estar en Estados Unidos porque la administración Trump está deteniendo a simpatizantes de la causa palestina con vínculos a algunas universidades. El ejemplo más reciente es el de una joven turca detenida en Boston, vamos a saber más de ello. Sudán del Sur está al borde de la guerra civil, vamos a tener una entrevista sobre la situación en el país, que es crítica. También hablaremos sobre un caso de demanda estratégica contra la participación pública, conocida como SLAPP, y cómo afecta a los defensores del clima y hablaremos de uno de los países más estables del cono sur, Uruguay, que celebra 40 años de democracia. Escuchar audio

Oggi, 28 marzo 2025, due potenti scosse di magnitudo 7,7 e 6,4 con epicentro a Mandalay, in Myanmar, hanno colpito il paese e la vicina Thailandia. Ci descrivono la situazione Massimo Morello, giornalista del Foglio a Bangkok e Guido Calvi, responsabile AVSI progetti in Myanmar.Il presidente Vladimir Putin ha lanciato l’idea di “un’amministrazione transitoria” sotto l’egida dell’ONU in Ucraina. Ha anche parlato al Forum Artico a Murmansk sottolineando gli interessi statunitensi verso la Groenlandia e ribadendo l’impegno russo nella regione dell’Artico. Ne parliamo con Carolina De Stefano, professoressa di storia e politica russa alla Luiss, editorialista de Il Sole 24 Ore, autrice di “Storia del potere in Russia - Dagli zar a Putin”, edito da Morcelliana.A Istanbul proseguono le proteste scoppiate dopo l’arresto del sindaco della città, Ekrem Imamoglu. Ce ne parla Riccardo Gasco, Visiting Research Fellow dell’Istanbul Policy Center.

NOTE: This interview was recorded before the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28. Please see the statement from our guest, Lucas Myers, which follows the episode description below.In this episode of Need to Know, Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast Asia for the Wilson Center's Indo-Pacific Program discusses Myanmar's proposed elections, the junta's dwindling control, and China's role in the crisis. Along with host John Milewski, they analyze whether or not a vote under military rule would be credible. Statement from Lucas Myers:Midday local time on Friday, March 28th, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand. The epicenter was near Mandalay, the second largest city in the country, and damage extended throughout the country's central regions. Thailand was also heavily impacted, including Bangkok. Given the ongoing civil war, human cost could be catastrophic for the people of Myanmar. Casualty numbers are difficult to verify considering the wartime circumstances but could be well into the thousands. The humanitarian situation in Myanmar was already dire, and the earthquake only adds to a number of crises across the country. These include a widespread risk of famine in parts of the country and a collapsing economy.Rapid response international aid will be needed, but the Myanmar military junta is likely to attempt to interfere for its own ends. The international community will need to coordinate closely with the resistance actors who now control almost 50% of Myanmar's territory.

A powerful earthquake has rocked Myanmar and Thailand killing several people and causing extensive damage. The 7.7 magnitude quake was centred around Mandalay. In Bangkok, rescuers are searching for 81 people in the rubble of a collapsed building. We talk to Irish tourist Patrick Donovan, and by Tommy Walker, a freelance journalist in Bangkok...

A las 7, las 6 en Canarias. ¿Qué tal? Soy Ángel Expósito y encendemos la linterna de este viernes 28 de marzo. Con Expósito, la última hora en la linterna. Cope, estar informado. Al menos 200 muertos, más de 700 heridos, es el último balance oficial del terremoto que ha sacudido esta noche el sudeste asiático, Birmania, Tailandia. Cifras que muy probablemente irán a más con el paso de las horas porque las imágenes son espeluznantes. El epicentro del seísmo de 7,7 en la escala Richter se sitúa a 10 km de Mandalay, la segunda ciudad más importante de Birmania con más de 1 millón de habitantes. ...

Last time we spoke about the fall of Mandalay. Fierce battles raged over northern Luzon as General Clarkson's forces advanced, capturing key locations while Colonel Volckmann's guerrillas targeted enemy positions. The challenging terrain favored Japanese defenses, creating fierce resistance. Despite this, American troops steadily progressed, securing hills and towns. By mid-March, the 38th Division's relentless push led to significant Japanese losses. The brutal history of POW massacres fueled American resolve, leading to further victories in the region, American forces, led by Major-General Jens Doe were given the task of invading Palawan. Despite facing fortified defenses and rough terrain, the 41st Division advanced under artillery and air support. Meanwhile, in Burma, British-Indian forces clashed with the Japanese, capturing key positions and repelling assaults. As tensions rose in French Indochina, the Japanese executed a coup, disarming French forces and establishing puppet governments. The conflict intensified, reshaping the region's power dynamics. This episode is the Fall of Iwo Jima Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Today we are picking up on Iwo Jima. By March 10, General Schmidt's Marine forces had finally breached the determined enemy defenses to reach the northeastern shore of the island. However, there were still some Japanese strongholds to eliminate in the central and southern areas. One of these was Cushman's Pocket, named after the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, and located around a devastated ridge overlooking the sea, which housed the stubborn resistance southwest of Hill 362C. The other stronghold, held by General Senda's remaining troops, was established on March 11 after General Cates initiated his final push southeast toward the sea. Consequently, while Colonel Wensinger's 23rd Marines advanced quickly to the coast, Colonel Lanigan's 25th Marines struggled to make headway, as they were quickly halted by intense rocket, mortar, and small-arms fire from Senda's pocket. Unbeknownst to the Americans, Senda had committed suicide on March 8 following the failure of his banzai counterattack, leaving the disorganized Japanese forces in the pocket without leadership. Meanwhile, General Rockey's 5th Marine Division had advanced all the way to General Kuribayashi's last line of defense in northern Iwo Jima, where the battered defenders were prepared to make their final stand. Following a 50-minute preparation involving air, naval, and artillery support on March 11, Colonel Liversedge's 28th Marines launched their attack on the left with three battalions in line, while Colonel Wornham's 27th Marines attacked on the right with four battalions. However, fierce resistance soon forced the combat to close quarters, resulting in the Marines advancing only a few yards—up to 50 yards—across the front. To the right, while the 21st Marines advanced northward to connect with the 5th Division, Colonel Kenyon's 9th Marines resumed their assaults on Cushman's Pocket. The 1st and 3rd Battalions effectively eliminated all resistance in the eastern sector, completely sealing off the area controlled by the Japanese. On March 12, these battalions launched an attack westward toward Cushman's Pocket, with Colonel Withers' 3rd Battalion serving as a holding force on the opposite flank. However, the Marines faced strong opposition and could only advance slowly against the camouflaged enemy positions. To the north, Rocky's units continued to face intense resistance, with Liversedge making no progress and Wornham achieving only minor advances. An intelligence officer with the 5th Division estimated that a minimum of 1,000 Japanese troops were defending the northern end of the island, and stated ". . . there is no shortage of manpower, weapons, or ammunition in the area the Japanese have left to defend." The entire northern tip of the island seemed to be honeycombed with caves and passageways. When a 500-pound bomb landed in the mouth of a cave near Kitano Pint, a big puff of smoke blew out the side of a cliff over 400 yards away, and another bomb landing in a cave entrance in the same area caused a ring of smoke and dust to come up through the ground for a radius of 200 yards around the point of impact. Meanwhile, to the south, the 25th Marines pressed eastward while Colonel Jordan's 3rd Battalion contained the pocket from the north. Supported by tanks, flamethrowers, bazookas, anti-tank grenades, and 60mm mortars, Lanigan's troops engaged in fierce combat with the heavily fortified Japanese forces in the pocket for four days. During this time, Jordan's 2nd Battalion cleared the beach road, allowing the Shermans to move behind the pocket. On March 13, as Withers' 3rd Battalion returned to the 21st Marines, Kenyon's 1st and 3rd Battalions continued their offensive from the east, making significant gains that reduced Cushman's Pocket to 250 yards. Meanwhile, following a successful water-borne reconnaissance of Kama and Kangoku Rocks the previous afternoon, an armored amphibian company landed on these islets without encountering any resistance. At the same time, Rocky's weary Marines maintained pressure on the ridge above the gorge, achieving only slight gains on the right. Fortunately, by March 14, it seemed that the slow, arduous progress of the past three days had enabled the 27th Marines to push through the last strong enemy positions along the northeastern side of the island. As a result, Liversedge was instructed to hold position while the 26th and 27th Marines advanced north and northwest against lighter resistance, successfully gaining up to 1,000 yards by March 15.After armored dozers hacked paths forward, tanks were able to lend support. The flame tanks were particularly effective during this phase and provided "the one weapon that caused the Japanese to leave their caves and rock crevices and run." Army planes flew the last air support missions of the operation on 14 March when five P-51's dropped fire bombs (gasoline and diesel oil mixture) and strafed in front of 3/27 from 1030 to 1100. From then on, the narrow confines of the area of operations prevented use of those planes that had performed so well in supporting ground troops. Artillery and destroyers continued to furnish limited support, firing a preparation for RCT 26 on 15 March and performing night harassing and illumination missions. Meanwhile, operations against Cushman's Pocket entered their final phase on March 14, when Kenyon's 1st and 3rd Battalions finally breached the last enemy defenses by nightfall and completed the cleanup of the pocket two days later. On March 15, Lanigan redirected the main focus of the attack on Senda's pocket to the south, ordering the two battalions in the center to engage aggressively, resulting in a gain of approximately 200 yards and a deep penetration into the left flank of the Japanese's strongest positions. During the night, enemy forces attempted to infiltrate Marine lines from the south, but each attempt was detected and thwarted. Lanigan launched his final assault on March 16, facing only small, isolated pockets of resistance that were quickly eliminated as his battalions advanced toward the beach road. That day, with organized resistance in the 3rd Division's area of operations coming to an end, the 21st Marines were deployed to relieve the 27th Marines on the right flank to continue the northwest attack. With strong naval and artillery support, Withers' 1st Battalion encountered light resistance in its sector on the right, while the 2nd Battalion faced tougher opposition from scattered enemy positions. Nevertheless, both battalions reached the coastline at Kitano Point by the afternoon and began mopping up. To the left, Colonel Graham's 26th Marines also advanced cautiously northwest, with tanks effectively neutralizing enemy positions as the Marines gained about 400 yards. Despite the presence of 500 determined enemy troops still resisting in the western section of Kitano Point and the draw to the southwest, Iwo Jima was officially declared secured by the end of the day. However, on March 17, the battle for the gorge commenced as the 26th Marines advanced under moderate rifle fire, reaching the northern coast before shifting their focus southwestward to confront the gorge in front of the 28th Marines. The gorge in which the last resisting Japanese were now cornered was rocky and steep-sided, approximately 700 yards long and between 200 and 500 yards wide. Rock outcrops cut this ravine into other minor draws that constituted major obstacles to all types of movement. The entire area was ideally suited to the type of last ditch defense the Japanese had adopted. All routes into the main gorge were swept by heavy and accurate fire from machine guns and rifles concealed in cave positions in the cliffs and outcrops. The plan for attacking this strong point called for the 28th Marines, with attached elements of the 5th Pioneer Battalion and Division Reconnaissance Company, to hold the southern rim along the steep cliffs, while the reinforced 26th Marines worked in from the north and east. For the next nine days exhausted Marines carried out a battle of attrition against the thoroughly entrenched enemy. Advances into the east end of the ravine were measured in yards as each cave had to be sealed off before further progress could be made. Flame-thrower tanks, armored bulldozers, and infantry combined operations to provide the power and teamwork necessary to penetrate the last stronghold. As they gradually pushed down the ravine, resistance concentrated around a large concrete structure built into a knoll near the eastern end. After two days of assaults that silenced the supporting positions, engineers used bulldozers to seal a door on the north side and then demolished the structure with five charges totaling 8,500 pounds of explosives. Nevertheless, the battle of attrition persisted, and it wasn't until the end of March 24 that the pocket was reduced to an area of about 50 by 50 yards at the northwest end of the draw. The following morning, units of the 28th Marines, which had taken full responsibility for the pocket, reached the coastal cliffs to finally eliminate the last remnants of resistance in the gorge. On March 20, the 147th Regiment, set to take over the defense of Iwo Jima, arrived from New Caledonia, and by March 24, it had relieved the 21st Marines to establish night ambushes and patrols. The Japanese defenders fought tenaciously until the very end, choosing death over surrender. However, Kuribayashi had one final assault planned. In the pre-dawn darkness of March 26, the final act of the tragedy was performed. Between 200 and 300 Japanese troops from Death Valley and other scattered positions on the west coast silently crept through the ravines of the 5th Division sector headed for a tented area between Airfield No. 2 and the sea occupied by a mixture of Seabees, Air Force personnel, Shore Parties and AA Gunners. Most of them were sleeping, secure in the knowledge that the battle was virtually over. In a coordinated three-pronged attack against unsuspecting Marines and Air Force ground crews, aiming to create maximum chaos and destruction. Kuribayashi and his men stealthily cut through tents, bayoneted sleeping soldiers, and threw hand grenades, resulting in the deaths of around 44 Airmen and 9 Marines. The noise soon alerted troops from the surrounding area, and Marines from a nearby Pioneer Battalion, african american troops from a Shore Party, and soldiers from the 147th Infantry joined battle in a frenzy of shooting, punching, kicking and stabbing. Once the initial surprise wore off, the defenders retaliated, engaging in a chaotic hand-to-hand combat until the 5th Pioneer Battalion quickly organized a defensive line and halted the attack. Dawn revealed the full extent of the carnage in the ruined encampment: 44 Airman and 9 Marines lay dead with a further 119 wounded; of the attackers 262 were killed and 18 captured. Lt Harry Martin of the 5th Pioneers had hurriedly organized a defense line during the attack and single-handedly killed four enemy machine gunners before dying himself. He was to be Iwo Jima's final Medal of Honor hero, bringing the total to an incredible 27.  The circumstances of General Kuribayashi's death have always been shrouded in mystery. Over the years various sources have suggested that he died in the fighting around Death Valley or that he killed himself in his HQ. According to General Kuribayashi's son, Taro: “It seems that it was after sunset on March 25 to the dawn of the 26th that surviving Imperial Japanese forces were obliged to stand still under the US onslaught and showering shells. Under such circumstances, he had his sword in his left hand and ordered the chief staff officer, Colonel Takaishi, who was beside him, 'Send snipers to shoot'. Sargent Oyama heard the order. Oyama, who was seriously wounded in the last combat, fell unconscious, was hospitalized by the US and after having served as a POW came back and testified the dreadful account of the night to me. My father had believed it shameful to have his body discovered by the enemy even after death, so he had previously asked his two soldiers to come along with him, one in front and the other behind, with a shovel in hand. In case of his death he had wanted them to bury his body there and then. It seems that my father and the soldiers were killed by shells, and he was buried at the foot of a tree in Chidori Village, along the beach near Osaka Mountain. Afterwards General Smith spent a whole day looking for his body to pay respect accordingly and to perform a burial, but in vain.” Following the destruction of this final force, the capture and occupation phase of the Iwo Jima operation was declared complete. Over 34 days of combat, approximately 18,000 Japanese soldiers were killed, and 216 were taken prisoner, while the American side suffered heavy losses: 6,821 killed, 19,217 wounded, and 137 tanks destroyed. On April 4, the 147th Regiment took over full responsibility for the ground defense of Iwo Jima as the Marines were departing the island. Throughout April and May, aggressive patrols and ambushes by infantrymen resulted in an additional 867 prisoners and 1,602 Japanese killed, with the Americans losing 15 killed and 144 wounded. Meanwhile, General LeMay's 21st Bomber Command continued its firebombing campaign against Japan. After the successful Tokyo Great Air Raid and a less effective attack on Nagoya, LeMay decided to send 301 B-29s on the afternoon of March 13 to strike Osaka. Despite having to use radar bombing due to cloud cover, American bombardiers achieved a denser and more uniform bombing pattern than the impressionistic methods employed in Nagoya. This resulted in the destruction of 8.1 square miles in the city's core, including commercial and industrial areas, and caused 13,129 civilian casualties, with the loss of 2 bombers and 13 others damaged. Keeping up the intensity of the firebombing campaign, LeMay dispatched 307 B-29s to attack Kobe on the night of March 16. They faced 314 enemy interceptors, which proved ineffective against the Superfortresses unleashing fire over the port. Consequently, the fire on March 17 spiraled out of control, obliterating the eastern half of the business district and devastating a significant industrial zone to the southeast, including the Kawasaki shipyards. Japanese statistics show that the destruction was appalling. About 500 industrial buildings were destroyed, 162 damaged. The loss of 65,951 houses left 242,468 persons homeless. Police reported 2,669 dead or missing and 11,289 injured. Although the destruction was devastating for the Japanese, LeMay was disheartened to find that only 2.9 square miles of the city had burned. To complete his campaign, LeMay sent 313 bombers back to Nagoya on the night of March 19, utilizing radar techniques to cover a large portion of the city. This resulted in the burning of 3 square miles, including the Nagoya arsenal, freight yards, and Aichi's engine works. With an average of 380 aircraft, the 21st Bomber Command conducted 1,595 sorties over 10 days, dropping a total of 9,365 tons of bombs. The results far exceeded expectations, as the B-29s left a trail of destruction across four major cities, decimating 32 square miles and destroying numerous critical targets. Thus, LeMay's strategy proved successful, leading to incendiary area bombing becoming standard practice in the future. The focus now shifts from the Central Pacific to the South Pacific, where we need to address the ongoing Australian operations in New Britain. Following the capture of Milim and Ea Ea in January, General Ramsay's 5th Division aimed to continue its limited advances to the north. To secure crossings over the Ip River and patrol towards Henry Reid Bay, the entire 6th Brigade began moving to the Kiep-Milim area on January 26, completing this relocation by February 11. Concurrently, the 14th/32nd Battalion had advanced beyond the Ip and was conducting patrols towards Kalai Plantation, where they faced enemy resistance. The 36th Battalion also moved forward to Mavelo Plantation, leading to retaliatory actions against the new Australian outpost at Baia. In response, Ramsay dispatched stronger patrols to the Sai River throughout February, successfully establishing a new defensive line along the Mavelo River by the month's end. Returning to Wide Bay, after a series of aggressive patrols and nighttime ambushes, the 14th/32nd Battalion managed to reach Kamandran Mission by mid-February. The Australians continued to advance, and by the end of the month, the 19th Battalion, which had replaced the 14th/32nd at Gogbulu Creek, secured crossings over the Mevelo River and patrolled east toward the Wulwut River. On March 3, Ramsay ordered the 6th Brigade to cross the Wulwut and capture the Waitavalo Ridge. Two days later, the 19th Battalion initiated the assault but struggled to push more than one company across the river due to fierce enemy resistance. On March 6, following an artillery bombardment, another company successfully crossed and quickly seized Cake Hill. The next day, Lone Tree Hill was taken following another round of artillery bombardment. By March 10, Moose Hill, Young's Hill, and Perry's Knoll had also been captured. In the days that followed, Australian artillery began to suppress enemy mortars as infantry moved toward Kath's Hill. By mid-March, the 14th/32nd Battalion replaced the 19th Battalion, and on March 16, the Australians resumed their offensive, facing fierce resistance but successfully encircling Bacon Hill. The assault continued the next day as the 14th/32nd fought to reach the summit of the hill. On 18th March the mortar fire was intensified from the few remaining enemy positions, and it seemed that the Japanese were firing off their ammunition while they could. The attack was resumed. When Corporal Martin's section was halted on the steep spur by fire from three posts he jumped up shouting, "They can't do that to me", and went on alone, firing posts, killing five, before he himself was hit. The decisive attack was launched through this foothold. By 3 p.m. all the Japanese had been cleared from Bacon Hill; and a patrol from Kath's, under Lieutenant Lamshed,3 penetrated to a knoll 800 yards to the east and found no enemy there. No Japanese now remained in the Waitavalo-Tol area. In the five days from the 16th to the 20th 4 officers and 53 others had been killed or wounded.  In the following days, patrols ventured deep into enemy territory but found few stragglers. On March 21, the 19th Battalion took over again and advanced toward the Bulus and Moondei Rivers. On March 28, Ramsay ordered the 13th Brigade to relieve the 6th Brigade, a transition that was completed by April 12. Following the capture of Waitavalo Ridge, there were four months of infantry patrolling and routine maintenance by other troops, with the 16th Battalion patrolling forward to Jammer Bay in this area. Additionally, looking west, a company from the 36th Battalion successfully landed north of the Sai on March 30 but could not proceed to the Matalaili River due to heavy rains. However, Japanese positions there were heavily bombarded by aircraft and the sloop Swan, prompting the defenders to withdraw to the Toriu River in April. Meanwhile, Brigadier King's 16th Brigade advanced to the Ninahau River by March 12, while Brigadier Moten's 17th Brigade continued its westward push through the Torricelli Mountains, aiming to capture the Japanese base at Maprik. Throughout March, the 2/7th Battalion executed several successful ambushes from their new bases at Ilahop, Balangabadabil, and Bombeta, while Hayforce advanced through Sinahau to the north of Utumugu and eastward to Tatimba. By early March, Moten had cleverly led the enemy to believe that the primary offensive would be launched by the 2/10th Commando Squadron from the north via Ami. As a result, the Japanese bolstered their forces in that area, successfully driving back Australian patrols from Chaulak, Gwanginan, and Wambak. On March 13, the commando outpost at Milak came under attack, with the Japanese gradually encircling the position in the following days but failing to overcome the defenders' steadfast resistance. Fortunately, by March 17, patrols had restored communication lines, and two days later, the enemy pressure finally subsided. During this time, smaller Japanese forces also targeted the commando outposts at Murak and Aupik, but the defenders managed to repel these attacks as well. However, as the 2/10th was completely exhausted, the 2/6th Battalion was dispatched to relieve the commandos in late March amid a new wave of Japanese assaults. Meanwhile, the 2/7th Battalion was engaged in assaults on the fortified enemy positions at Ilaheta, which fell on March 20. The Australians then turned their attention to the Aupik villages, successfully focusing their efforts on the west bank of the Ninab River by the end of March, coinciding with Hayforce's crossing of the Amuk River. In the following three days, the 2/7th Battalion cleared all opposition along the eastern side of the Ninab in preparation for the final push toward Maprik. Consequently, General Miyake's 78th Regiment was ultimately compelled to retreat toward Jamei. Looking further north, King decided to initiate his advance towards But. By mid-March, a company from the 2/2nd Battalion had crossed the Ninahau on March 14 and quickly moved through Bai and Ultan. Although the Australian advance faced a strong enemy position that delayed progress for two days, the 2/2nd ultimately broke through Manib Creek, catching the defenders off guard and swiftly capturing the But airfield on March 17. Following this, the Australians patrolled the foothills and the Old German Road towards the Dagua airfield, encountering minimal resistance. Consequently, on March 21, the 2/2nd advanced rapidly again, successfully taking Dagua while the 2/1st Battalion moved in to secure But. At this stage, Japanese resistance along the coast was light, as General Adachi had focused on the Maprik district, which could produce more food. With the main enemy forces now concentrated in the hills to the south, King directed the 2/2nd to clear the foothills south of Dagua and eliminate the enemy in the Tokoku Pass, while the 2/3rd Battalion launched a flanking attack in the Mabam River-Hamsuk-Yalaminuni area. The 2/2nd then patrolled deep towards Magahen and Wonginara Mission, facing strong resistance at the 1410 Feature. On March 24, they finally captured the feature, while another patrol reached Wonginara without encountering enemy forces. However, in the final days of March, the Australians struggled to advance against the strong resistance of the Japanese defenders on the Wonginara Track, although one patrol successfully probed towards Kauremerak Hill. On April 2, following intense air and artillery bombardments, the 2/2nd Battalion finally managed to break through to Tokoku Pass, which was secured the next day. Meanwhile, another patrol advanced south from Dagua to the Autogi-Walanduum area and then to the coast near Kofi. The 2/3rd Battalion moved south from Feature 1410 towards the Mabam River and Wonginara Mission, successfully eliminating a series of Japanese ridge positions by April 6. The 2/1st Battalion patrolled deep into the hills south and west of But, completely clearing the area by April 1 while also pushing eastward to capture Saburuman. Concurrently, the 2/3rd Machine-Gun Battalion advanced to the upper Ninahau, effectively clearing the region up to a north-south line about two miles beyond Muguluwela by the end of March. In early April, the machine-gunners successfully cleared the Marabus area and connected with the 2/1st Battalion. Finally, it was time to shift focus to Bougainville to continue covering the Australian offensives on the island. As previously noted, Brigadier Stevenson's 11th Brigade had secured the Tsimba Ridge area, while Brigadier Field's 7th Brigade was advancing south towards the Puriata River. The swift capture of Mosigetta and the unexpected secondary landing at Toko had already compelled the Japanese to retreat behind the river amid a command crisis. The Japanese policy of resisting the southward advance more strongly even if it entailed heavier casualties failed to impose the hoped-for delay of the Australians. Nevertheless the Japanese leaders considered that the 13th Regiment's "swift damaging hit-and-run tactics" were well executed. However, Mosigetta was at length abandoned and a withdrawal south of the Puriata ordered. The landing at Toko was unexpected and caused an acceleration of this withdrawal. There now occurred a major crisis in the Japanese command. The young reserve officers were highly critical of the conduct of the campaign and blamed the policies of the older professional officers for the constant reverses. This criticism became so outspoken that, in February, a number of the younger officers were relieved of their commands; perhaps partly as an outcome of this crisis, General Hyakutake suffered a paralysis of his left side. General Kanda took command of the 17th Army and Lieutenant-General Akinaga Tsutomu, Chief of Staff of the Army, succeeded him in command of the 6th Division. "This change of command was regarded favourably by the younger officers, but it soon became apparent that Kanda intended to pursue the same policy as Hyakutake. Kanda was a shrewd, hard, fussy little professional soldier of long experience. He was steeped in tradition and a ruthless commander, but even his bitterest critics admitted his capabilities. Akinaga… was a dyed in the wool militarist and a strict disciplinarian. Unused to an active command he was plunged into a situation which was a little out of his depth. One of his staff stated that he spent too much time doing a corporal's job in his forward battalions to be a good divisional commander." In late February, General Bridgeford's forces advanced toward the Puriata, facing only minor rearguard positions. The 25th Battalion captured Barara on February 22 and a five-acre garden two days later, while the 61st Battalion took control of another garden measuring 600 by 400 yards near the river on March 1. Meanwhile, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was sent to secure the Makapeka area, successfully taking Commando Ridge and a ford across the Makapeka River by March 5. With General Savige aiming to reach the Hari River next, Bridgeford promptly ordered the 7th Brigade to move to the Hongorai River line. As a result, Field planned to initiate his main advance on March 11, utilizing the 25th Battalion and the 2/8th Commando Squadron, while the 61st Battalion pushed forward toward Horinu. In response, Kanda dispatched the 23rd Regiment to bolster the 13th at the front, preparing both units for a full-scale counterattack should the Australians cross the Puriata, aiming to delay the enemy long enough to finalize preparations for a decisive battle along the Silibai-Porror Rivers. By March 5, the 25th Battalion had already crossed the river and swiftly captured Slater's Knoll, which soon came under enemy mortar fire. Patrols were sent ahead and found that the 13th Regiment was poised to fiercely contest the Australian advance. Although the northern flank of the 25th Battalion would be effectively contained along the Buin Road on March 11, two Australian companies managed to maneuver through Tokinotu to the south, reaching Hiru Hiru by the end of the day. One of these companies moved along the eastern side of the Buin Road toward Slater's Knoll, but from March 15 to 17, they faced a heavy counterattack that ultimately forced them to withdraw. In response, Field initiated a strong offensive along the Buin Road on March 19, managing to push the Japanese back to some rear positions. Following a significant air and artillery bombardment, the attack resumed on March 22, successfully overcoming all enemy resistance. Meanwhile, the commandos advanced to Nihero, where they began extensive patrols southward towards Unanai, Hari, and the Buin Road. During one of these patrols, they captured detailed orders for a large-scale Japanese offensive planned for early April. As a result, Bridegeford decided to pause his offensive and send the 15th Brigade along with a tank squadron to Toko to reinforce his perimeter. On March 28 and 29, before Akinaga's main assault, the Japanese conducted a series of raids on the Australian lines of communication and rear areas, all of which were successfully repelled by vigilant defenders. On March 30, the 13th Regiment launched several strong attacks against the 25th Battalion, all of which were costly for the attackers and repelled, while the armored squadron advanced toward Tokinotu. Just as the tanks reached the front, the Japanese initiated another wave of fierce attacks against the 25th Battalion on March 31, which were thankfully repelled with the support of the armored units. Consequently, on April 1, two companies advanced again, establishing a perimeter 1,000 yards south of Slater's Knoll. That evening, and for the following three days, Akinaga launched a series of raids to facilitate the arrival of the 23rd Regiment for a renewed assault. In the early hours of April 5, the Japanese began infiltrating the Australian perimeter, launching a vigorous two-pronged assault on Slater's Knoll later that morning. The 23rd Regiment attacked about 1,000 yards to the right of the 13th and north-east of it. The attack failed, Kawano was killed and the regiment withdrew south to the rear of the 13th. The 13th Regiment with 600 men made the main attack from north and east.  Until 6.20 a.m. wave after wave charged forward and was brought low. Some Japanese fell within four yards of the weapon-pits. The artillery sent over accurate defensive fire, registered the previous day. At dawn the surviving Japanese were heard digging in on dead ground. As the light became clearer, the Australians saw that "enemy dead lay, literally, in heaps in front of the wire", and bodies could be seen scattered over an area some 200 yards square. It was gruesome evidence of the efficient siting of weapons and choice of fields of fire in preparation for expected attack. The attackers were ordered to dig in until darkness and make full use of grenades and mortars. However, in the afternoon, tanks and artillery fire drove the Japanese from the positions they had gained, and the Japanese commander accepted defeat. All three battalion commanders in the 13th were killed. After Akinaga had reported his failure Kanda said to his Chief of Staff, Colonel Yoshiyuki Ejima: "It would not have happened if I had been in command. The enemy right flank was wide open. I would have severed his life line and controlled Toko. We could have delayed the enemy for three months."  Concurrently, around 100 Japanese troops attacked the two forward companies along the Buin Road but were similarly repelled with ease. Following the unsuccessful counteroffensive by Akinaga, Slater's Knoll received reinforcements while the remaining Japanese forces were being dealt with, resulting in 620 Japanese fatalities since March 28, compared to 189 Australian casualties. However, Bridgeford could not capitalize on this victory due to the prolonged supply line, which temporarily halted his offensive. As a result, while the 2/8th Commando Squadron moved forward along the Commando Road, the 13th Brigade began to relieve the battered 7th Brigade under Field on April 13. Meanwhile, in the northern sector of the 11th Brigade area, the 26th Battalion launched a significant advance northward on February 21, successfully overrunning the Lalum-Downs' Ridge area by March 8. Two companies then advanced further north to secure the crossing of the Nagam River. On March 13, another company landed near the southern edge of Soraken Plantation and quickly pushed the enemy back behind the Nagam. Australian patrols harassed the Japanese forces at Horseshoe Knoll until March 20, when they finally withdrew. Simultaneously, the 26th Battalion eliminated the remaining enemy positions at the Compton River and secured the Soraken Peninsula, while the Taiof and Saposa Islands were also captured off the coast. The next battalion to take over the forward positions was the 31st/51st Battalion. Perhaps the outstanding patrol leader in the 31st/51st was Lieutenant Reiter, who led out 3 patrols which killed 10 out of the 78 Japanese killed by this battalion's forays. One of these patrols was named by the battalion "the raid on Reiter's Ridge". Reiter and 15 men were given the task of harassing the Japanese occupying a prominent ridge just east of Sisivie and discovering their strength. They departed from Keenan's Ridge at 17:30 on March 27, bivouacked at a former artillery observation post and moved on at 03:00 next morning for a dawn attack. At 06:00 “the patrol moved in, and throwing grenades and firing LMG occupied a small knoll (its report stated). 2 Japanese were killed and 1 pillbox containing LMG destroyed. Patrol raced down narrow neck to a wide clearing in which several huts were sighted. Phosphorus and HE grenades were thrown. In a matter of seconds 4 more Japanese killed (2 in slit trenches, 1 as he ran and another while abluting). 2 were wounded by phosphorus grenades. 3 huts were blazing and 1 (considered to be an ammunition dump) blew up. Enemy opened up with one LMG and 15 rifles and patrol pulled out with 1 man wounded.” Instead of hastening them away Reiter assembled his men nearby in concealment and watched the enemy. At length Japanese began to move about again, and soon they were washing clothes, chopping wood and performing other tasks. There were from 25 to 30 enemy in the post. The Australians watched throughout the morning and at 12:30 opened fire with all their weapons. 2 Japanese were killed and 4 more huts set on fire. The enemy fired back, and at 01:15 Reiter withdrew his men and returned to Keenan's Ridge leaving an ambush on the enemy's track. The ambush party returned later and reported that it had seen no movement.  On the 29th, the day after Reiter's return, a platoon of the 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Martin set out for Buritsiotorara along the Wakunai River. There they found three huts and a large garden with seven Japanese moving about unarmed. Throwing grenades and firing from the hip the native soldiers attacked and killed all seven. Three more who emerged from a hut were chased and killed. Three of the dead men were found to be lieutenants; three machine-guns were cap-tured. Next day at Aviang, 1,200 yards away, seven more Japanese were seen, of whom three including another lieutenant were killed and the others fled. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The battle for Iwo Jima had come to a bitter end. The lessons learnt on Iwo Jima would become guidelines for the Battle of Okinawa in April and would influence allied plans for the invasion of the Japanese home islands. The war planners would later notably take into account that around a third of the troops committed to Iwo Jima, and later again at Okinawa, had been killed or wounded and that they could expect far more in Japan.