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Health & Environment

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Coronavirus pandemic
Climate change
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A wave approaches Miyako City from the Heigawa estuary in Iwate prefecture, Japan, after an earthquake struck the area on March 11, 2011. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan warns up to 298,000 could die in potential Nankai Trough ‘megaquake’

The figure is revised from previous projections of 323,000 deaths, but economic damage is estimated to increase to US$2 trillion.

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Myanmar

Myanmar diaspora rallies for quake victims with 1 rule: do not help the junta

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Indonesia

‘The sooner, the better’: Bali governor wants island waste-free by 2027

Japan

Japan to spend a record US$133 billion on earthquake resilience

One focus will be on strengthening essential services affected by recent disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake last January.

A police officer and a rescue dog search for survivors after a earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024. Photo: Kyodo
A police officer and a rescue dog search for survivors after a earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024. Photo: Kyodo
Myanmar

‘We are on our own’ in quake-hit Myanmar, as rescuers wait for aid to arrive

‘The cemetery is packed with bodies, there are so many that we are cremating them every three minutes,’ a Sagaing resident says.

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Environment

Black carbon: the super pollutant melting Asia’s glaciers

While CO2 gets the spotlight, black carbon’s potent, short-lived warming effect is pushing Asia’s glaciers past the tipping point.

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Myanmar

‘It’s like apocalypse’: Myanmar, Thailand quake death toll tops 1,600

Over 3,400 people have been injured, with deaths and injuries expected to rise significantly amid devastating and widespread damage.

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Residents inspect the collapsed Maha Myat Muni Pagoda in the city of Mandalay, Myanmar, following a devastating earthquake. Photo: EPA-EFE
Residents inspect the collapsed Maha Myat Muni Pagoda in the city of Mandalay, Myanmar, following a devastating earthquake. Photo: EPA-EFE
Japan

Japan faces 99 times more heatwaves if global warming intensifies, report warns

A new report reveals global warming could cause “once-in-a-century” heatwaves annually.

Thailand

Over 150 dead across Myanmar, Thailand as quake traps scores under rubble

A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok as rescuers rush to the site of a collapsed building where at least 80 workers are unaccounted for.

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South Korea

South Korean mayor sparks outrage by blaming female workers for wildfire woes

Kim Doo-gyeom of Ulsan city cites limitations in fighting the devastating blaze, saying it is not easy to send women into ‘rugged mountain areas’.

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Houses burn in a South Korean village after being engulfed by a wildfire fuelled by winds. Photo: Yonhap via AP
SCMP Highlights

Chiang Kai-shek’s great grandson, Coldplay ticketing mess: 7 highlights

From a cross-straits move to Coldplay’s ticketing mess, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Andrew Chiang You-ching, the great-grandson of Taiwan’s former leader Chiang Kai-shek, announced on social media that he is moving to Hangzhou to build a career and promote cross-strait ties. Photo: Douyin/Andrew Chiang
Andrew Chiang You-ching, the great-grandson of Taiwan’s former leader Chiang Kai-shek, announced on social media that he is moving to Hangzhou to build a career and promote cross-strait ties. Photo: Douyin/Andrew Chiang
Thailand

Thailand offers rewards for reporting e-cigarette use as vaping concerns rise

Thailand’s new initiative aims to curb vaping and protect public health, with fines and jail terms for offenders.

Japan

Norovirus cases in Japan hit decade high amid ‘unseasonal’ outbreak

The spread of norovirus nationwide has prompted health warnings about hygiene and food safety.

Thailand

Thai tourist gems Chiang Mai and Bangkok among world’s worst for air quality

With both Thai cities listed among the 10 worst in air quality worldwide, emergency measures and regional cooperation are under way to address the crisis.

Bangkok’s skyline is seen amid high levels of air pollution on March 21. Photo: AFP
South Korea

As South Korea burns, officials suspect human error to blame for wildfires

At least 24 people have died and a 1,300-year-old temple has been destroyed. Investigators say tomb clearing or welding may be the culprit.

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A wildfire is seen near a stone lantern on a family tomb in Andong, South Korea, on Wednesday morning. Photo: AFP
A wildfire is seen near a stone lantern on a family tomb in Andong, South Korea, on Wednesday morning. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysian minister’s claim of ‘Yolo’ mindset driving HIV cases draws ridicule

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni says the ‘you only live once’ mindset encourages individuals ‘to try something new’.

Japan

What happens if Mount Fuji erupts? Japan lays out ‘major disaster’ action plan

An eruption of the iconic mountain could release 10 times the amount of debris generated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

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Laos

In Laos, 1 in 3 children has stunted growth – despite surplus rice

In some poorer areas, stunting is even more prevalent. Experts say a lack of dietary diversity is a big part of the problem.

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Health volunteers screen children for acute malnutrition in a village in Taoy, Saravan, Laos. Photo: Unicef
Health volunteers screen children for acute malnutrition in a village in Taoy, Saravan, Laos. Photo: Unicef
Singapore

AI chatbots throw Singapore’s young people a mental health lifeline

Nearly one-third of young people in Singapore report mental health struggles. They’re turning to chatbots like Wysa for emotional support.

Singapore

Cosmetic cravings: Asia’s Gen Z risk it all to keep their youthful looks

Young Southeast Asians are running a gauntlet of bootleg botox, fake fillers and clandestine clinics in their quest to defy ageing.

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Singapore

Is Singapore still smiling after a drop in the world happiness report?

Singapore remains Southeast Asia’s happiest nation despite its lowest global ranking in a decade, with strong GDP but weak social support affecting citizens.

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Singapore topped Southeast Asia for happiness, despite a decade-low global ranking. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia

Can Jakarta’s ‘cat island’ boost tourism and solve its stray cat problem?

Jakarta’s innovative “cat island” plan aims to solve its stray cat crisis, promote tourism and establish a safe feline haven.

Cats are fed at a shelter in Bogor, West Java province, Indonesia, in December 2019. Photo: Reuters
Cats are fed at a shelter in Bogor, West Java province, Indonesia, in December 2019. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Indonesia denies marijuana farm cover-up after video of cannabis crops emerges

Indonesia denied claims that officials grew cannabis near Mount Semeru following the release of drone footage, asserting the marijuana farm was raided in 2024.

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Thailand

British woman trapped in toilet dies in Thai dive boat fire

A crew member was reportedly filling diving tanks with oxygen when the equipment malfunctioned and fire engulfed the boat.

South Korea

Vietnamese woman gives birth in South Korean ambulance amid doctor shortage

South Korea is facing a 13-month-long medical crisis after doctors walked out over a plan to increase admission quotas at medical schools.

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An ambulance seen in Pocheon, South Korea. Photo: AP
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