Philippines protest
Filipino healthcare workers have protested in the capital, Manila, to demand an end to what they called government neglect amid a covid surge. Protesters gathered around the Department of Health, demanding risk allowances and hazard pay. They urged the health secretary to step down. The demonstrations took place after an August 31 deadline for health and budget ministries to pay the health workers expired. The Philippines was the first country outside China to report a death when coronavirus began to spread around the world in late 2019. Total infections in the Philippines are now almost two million, with more than 33,000 fatalities. Cases and deaths have recently surged due to the delta variant, with hospitals being overwhelmed.
Ida aftermath
Residents in southeast Louisiana are desperate to get food and water two days after Hurricane Ida hit the US state. Louisianans stood in lines to get what they need in the aftermath of the strongest ever hurricane to hit their state. The powerful storm has left massive destruction, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. There are reports that power would not be restored to some communities for 30 days. Louisiana’s governor has asked those evacuating before the storm to stay away. He said the infrastructure could not handle their return. Ida made landfall in Louisiana on Sunday. So far, two people have been confirmed dead. The toll may rise, as search and rescue operations continue.
Migrant caravan blocked
Mexico has stepped up efforts to stop the progress of a caravan of migrants heading for the United States on foot. Immigration agents and security forces are trying to stop hundreds of migrants moving toward the capital Mexico City from southern Mexico. Some have been detained. The migrants including children began their journey days ago. They are mainly from Haiti, Cuba, Central America and Colombia. They want to reach Mexico City to seek expedited asylum proceedings, with many planning to get to the US. The migrants are fleeing poverty and violence in their homelands. Thousands have already taken such journeys in the past several years. That has prompted Mexico to tighten rules at its borders to stop the migrant flow.