The world has not ushered in tranquility at the beginning of 2024, but has been overshadowed by three events of concern.
First, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto area of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The earthquake occurred on the afternoon of the 1st local time, and the subsequent 48 aftershocks that continued to exacerbate the situation. As a result of the earthquake, a large number of buildings collapsed, people were trapped, cracks appeared on roads and "sand liquefaction" appeared.
The tsunami caused by the earthquake had a severe impact on the surrounding area, and there was even a 5-meter-high tsunami in Ishikawa Prefecture. The Japanese government responded quickly, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida issued an urgent voice and ordered an all-out rescue effort.
At the same time, a few minutes before the earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Ontake volcano in Kagoshima, Japan, suddenly erupted, adding to the panic and worries of the people. The succession of these two incidents has shocked the Japanese people, and many people have expressed their worries and anxieties about the future, questioning "2024 has just begun, is Japan coming to an end?".
Secondly, there was a high-profile military conflict in the Red Sea. A cargo ship was attacked by the Houthis in Yemen, and the U.S. military intervened by helicopters that destroyed several attack boats, causing casualties among the Houthis. This incident is the first head-on clash between the US military and the Houthis, which has brought new uncertainty and tension to the Middle East region.
Finally, Iran announced the dispatch of the destroyer "Alborz" into the Red Sea. This decision comes at a time of escalating tensions in the Red Sea region, creating a standoff posture with the military deployment of the United States and its allies. This military move further complicates the situation in the Red Sea region and raises concerns about regional and global security.
These three incidents set off a storm of global concern in early 2024. Japan's earthquake and volcanic eruptions have brought about a catastrophe that has prompted the government to act urgently and raised concerns about the future.
In the Middle East, clashes between U.S. forces and the Houthis have escalated regional tensions, while Iran's presence in the Red Sea has added fuel to the fire. These three incidents highlight the challenges facing the world and call on the international community to work together to ensure regional and global security and stability.
These three events demonstrate the fragility and vagaries of the world. What are your thoughts on these events, what are your thoughts on the challenges facing the world, and you are welcome to share your views and observations in the comments, so that we can explore these important topics together.