North Korean Floods: 

     In the southeastern coastal province of Kangwon, 81 people are dead and thousands are homeless after massive flooding during the week of October 22, 2001.  In one small village, 125 of 138 families lost their homes and all of their possessions.  The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Red Cross, with support from the International Federation, has been providing food, water, blankets, tarps, and kitchen sets to the disaster victims.  In an area already suffering from a severe food shortage, 23,000 hectares of rice paddies were destroyed or damaged. 

Afghan Refugees Seek Assistance in Iran:

     The number of Afghan refugees fleeing to the Iranian border has dramatically increased since October 22, 2001.  The Iranian government is referring to the new arrivals as “Externally Displaced Persons.”  The Iranian Red Crescent Society has reported there are currently 6,500 people in temporary camps on the southern border and predicts more are on the way.  When Afghan citizens arrive at the camps, they are registered, medically examined, and vaccinated by members of the Iranian Health Ministry who are working around-the-clock to keep up with the pace of the influx. The Health Ministry has  reported that approximately 10% of the population suffers from malnutrition.  Since the duration of this humanitarian operation is unknown, additional  international support will be needed soon. 

Cyclone Hits Southeast India: 

     Receiving 30 centimeters of rain in 24 hours, the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh suffered its heaviest rains in four years.  38 people are confirmed  dead and another 23 are still missing.  Army helicopters have been assisting rescue operations and transporting victims to nearby hospitals.  Local rivers and canals were breached at 242 points, and communication links in the disaster area are almost nonexistent.  The state chapter of the national Red Cross  was among the first organizations to respond to the needs of victims, providing temporary shelter, food, water, and blankets. 

Swiss Tunnel Crash Kills 10, 128 missing: 

     Two trucks collided inside the Gotthard Tunnel, the world’s second-longest road tunnel and the main route through the Alps from Germany and Switzerland  into Italy.  At least ten people died Oct. 24 when rescue workers were unable to reach the fire for several hours because the explosion filled the tunnel with dense black smoke.  As many as 128 people remain missing.  Officials fear that some victims may be trapped inside and suffocating from the fumes and smoke.  Police say there could be anywhere between 10 and 40 charred and crushed vehicles at the heart of the disaster, about a mile from the southern end of the Gotthard tunnel. Parts of the tunnel's ceiling had collapsed, hampering rescue efforts.