At least 13 people died after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck southern Ecuador on Saturday afternoon. According to the United States Geological Survey, The earthquake struck near the southern town of Baláo and was more than 65 km (nearly 41 miles) deep. An estimated 461 people were injured in the quake. The government had previously reported that 16 people were killed but later revised the death toll. In the province of El Oro, at least 11 people died. At least one other death was reported in the province of Azuay.
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Kazakhstan Parliamentary Election Cement President Tokayev’s Leadership
Kazakhstan held snap parliamentary elections on Sunday, March 19. The elections further strengthen President Kassyim-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership and power since he assumed a new term of presidency late last year. The elections come as part of Tokayev’s ambitious plan to modernize Kazakhstan and turn it into a “model nation” for Central Asia called New Kazakhstan. The snap polls are the first step in his five-year program, which includes constitutional reforms, economic development, and social reforms. Tokayev has chosen not to lead the ruling party, the rebranded Amanat, but it is certain to form the core of his support base in the legislature.
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The death toll from collided trains in Greece is rising
The death toll from the head-on collision of two trains in central Greece is likely to rise with officials acknowledging that scores of people have yet to be accounted for nearly 24 hours after it left at least 43 dead and many more injured. Larissa’s chief coroner, Roubini Leondari, said 43 bodies had been brought to her for examination and would require DNA identification.
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Russia attacked a residential area of Zaporizhzhya
A Russian attack on a residential area of the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya killed two people and injured seven. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said there had been a report about a third death in the strike on Zaporizhzhya but the person was resuscitated with the help of police paramedics and doctors on the spot.
