Tungurahua Volcano Evacuates 25,000

Four different villages on the slope of the Tungurahua Volcano ("Throat of Fire" in the indigenous Quechua languague) in Ecuador were evacuated on December 1 as the volcano became active for the first time in four months. This 16,500 foot volcano, located in the Andes Mountains just south of the capital Quito, forced 25,000 people out of their native villages and homes and into refugee housing provided by local authorities. 

Information for this story was found at:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/12/pictures/111207-tungurahua-volcano-eruption-science-ecuador/#/tungurahua-volcano-erupts-in-ecuador-

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http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/notitas-de-noticias/details/25000-evacuated-in-ecuador-due-to-tungurahua-volcano/12149/

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/pb-111130-volcano-ecuador-nj-02.photoblog900.jpg

Japan Hands Over Tsunami Relief Funds

I wanted to share this story with my extreme weather tracking blog to show another side of donating and the use of relief funds that I found to be very interesting.

The Japanese government decided to give $29 million of their tsunami relief funds to the whaling industry, which the government explains as a long-standing Japanese tradition. While there is not much of a demand (if any) for whale meat in this day and age, Japan has been receiving permission from the International Whaling Commission for years now to continue their "research-based" whale hunt, claiming 1000 (accounted for) whales every winter. Recent polls in Japan even show that 95% of residents say they rarely eat whale meat, if ever.

While there are several thousands still awaiting relief from the tsunamis in March, Japan is backing their decision entirely, claiming several people are awaiting the whale meat. Many residents of Japan disagree, saying they could spend the money on helping suffering Japanese.

While several are left awaiting relief in the form of food, shelter, or medical attention, Japan will be using the money you donated to buy a new whaling fleet.

http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2011/12/12/blood-money-tsunami-recovery-funds-go-to-japans-whaling-industry/

Quake Hits Mexico

12-11-2011- A 6.5 magnitude earthquake strikes just 100 miles outside of Mexico City in the state of Guerrero, even shaking resorts in Acapulco. It is said the quake was felt in nearly nine of Mexico's state, and claimed 3 lives. These lives were claimed by caving rooftops, and car accidents caused by falling rocks. Many other residents were frightened by the swaying buildings and waited outside, hoping for the best.

The USGS reports the quake occurred at a depth of 40.3 miles.

More on this, http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-12-10/mexico-earthquake/51788440/1?csp=hf