10 Most Dangerous Places On Earth

PART 1 of a Series


At first glance, one would immediately think Iraq, Israel, West Bank, Iran, etc....
When you stop to think about it, however- there are many places on Earth that the uninitiated would probably never think of as being quite dangerous to exist in or travel to. By browsing this site you'll see that every single day brings some horrific and startling news of bombings, social unrest and general chaos in seemingly interesting and beautiful places to travel.
Granted, quite a few of them are probably quite nice,but at what point do we distinguish between outright dangerous, and simply a place to remain vigilant with a watchful eye?
Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on this!

How would one begin to categorize the term "Dangerous"?

Social Unrest?
Governmental instability?
The number of volcanoes?
The number of active volcanoes ?
The number of people who have died in both earthquakes and volcanoes?
Propensity for Hurricanes and/or Tsunamis?
High Crime Rates?

How are you going to make your decision?

Here are just a few shocking factors to consider in this first part of a series we'll be adding to every couple days this month:

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be melted by volcanic lava? How about experiencing an earthquake and feeling your legs start to turn into jelly? Well, in Seattle and Western Washington it has been more common than you might think. Currently there are 10 major volcanoes, both active and extinct. In Washington a great volcanic eruption could occur from the gigantic Mt. Saint Helens which killed 57 people throughout the years. Many people have also died by taking the risk of skiing or boarding and climbing various snow covered mountains in the region while they are considered dangerous. If you thought volcanoes were bad- wait till you hear about Washington’s earthquakes. During the past 125 years there have been over 20 damaging earthquakes!

JAPAN
Home of sushi, Hello Kitty, the bullet train, and some of the world’s deadliest natural disasters. There are around 90 active volcanoes and numerous dormant volcanoes. There are about 6-10 eruptions a year. The famous Mt. Fuji erupted 200 years ago, lasting three days with subordinated lava flow and small pyroclastic flow. The Unzen volcano was also a deadly one. The volcano collasped in 1792, killing 14,300 people and causing a unexpected tsunami. Two earthquakes happened this year, ranging from around 5.0- 5.1 magnitude. The major erathquake that destroyed one- third of Tokyo and most of Yokohama. It was an 8.3 magnitude one, killing 143,000 people. Another dangerous one - a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Kobe Japan, killed 5,200 and injured 26,800 people.

SUDAN
On 30 August 2006, Sudanese security officials began seizing laptop computers from persons entering the country as part of new security measures in Khartoum. Security sources are claiming the laptops are searched and returned within one day in an effort to keep pornographic films and photographs from entering the country. Aid workers, businessmen, journalists and U.N. officials are concerned about sensitive and confidential information being put in jeopardy.

TAIWAN
Dozens of protesters gathered outside of the legislative building in Taipei on 31 August 2006 to demand the resignation of President Chen Shui-bian. There were no reports of violence or injuries at the protest. There are increasing calls for Chen's resignation and one anti-government group is expected to launch an indefinite protest on 1 September in New Park, which is located near the Presidential Office. The American Institute in Taiwan issued a Warden Message on 30 August concerning upcoming protests.

To be continued........

Bombs Rock Thailand

As many as 22 bombs exploded near simultaneously inside of commercial banks in the southern province of Yala at approximately 1130 local time on 31 August 2006. The bombs, many of which were detonated remotely via mobile phone, were hidden inside of garbage cans, newspaper stands, women's handbags, books and folders. Others were placed in ATM booths or near customer seating areas. The attacks affected 22 of the province's 30 banks; 10 bombs exploded in the city of Yala, five exploded in Betong district, two in Yaha, one in Bannang State and one exploded in Raman district. At least two people were killed and 40 others sustained injuries. Suspected Muslim separatists are thought responsible for the attacks, and police officers have arrested at least two people.

Police officials reportedly received prior intelligence that a large-scale attack would occur on 31 August, as it is the anniversary of the founding of Bersatu -- the United Front for the Independence of Pattani -- which is an umbrella organization for various ethnic Malay rebel organizations; security had reportedly been increased throughout Thailand's southern provinces in response to the threat. Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has ordered a probe into possible security lapses. All banks in Yala province have been closed as a result of the attacks and it is not known when they will reopen, particularly as the extent of damage sustained at the affected bank branches is not known. Security has also been increased in Songkhla's Hat Yai district in an effort to prevent attacks.

Labor Day Festivals Galore!

Fodor's editors are, as you might expect, a well-traveled lot, and they've picked their favorite end-of-summer parties from coast to coast -- from small-town affairs to big city blowouts!
CLICK HERE!

The Drive: A Tour of New Orleans

The Drive is a driving tour through the most devastated neighborhoods in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. This is the trailer to The Drive: Lakeview. It provides a sample of what's included in the entire segment that's currently in post-production. The Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans was not devastated by hurricane force winds so much as by the flooding caused by the breached 17th Avenue Canal and London Avenue Canal Levees.

Falling Gas Prices Fuel Labor Day Travel

Labor Day travel is expected to increase this year, if only slightly, and some of that end-of-summer wanderlust can be attributed to gas prices that have fallen of late.
That's the assessment of AAA Mid-Atlantic, the nation's fifth largest auto club, which says 452,000 residents in the region will take car trips of 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend.

They will hit the roads a week after gas prices fell 6 cents, bringing the average price for self-serve regular to $2.88 in Maryland, for example. That compares to the $3.09 motorists were enduring one month ago. Last year at this time, the price of a gallon of unleaded regular gas was 22 cents cheaper.
The recent drop in prices at the pump is the biggest two-week decline since last September, when refineries in the Gulf of Mexico came back online in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, some oil industry anaysts say.

"The recent drop in local gasoline prices is encouraging news to motorists and all consumers alike, who have been pinched all summer long by the second highest gasoline prices in history," AAA Mid-Atlantic's John B. Townsend II said in a statement.

With gas prices traditionally dropping after Labor Day, further relief could be on the way, AAA said.

Flight Tracker In 3D!

Cool Stuff!
See live inbound traffic for a number of US-based airports, live and in 3D using Google Earth. I've only just begun to browse the site, and so far it looks rather useful.
Anyone know of similar such online tools?
Leave a comment!
FLIGHT TRACKER

Brazil Unrest Reported

Reports indicate that renewed gang-related violence flared in Sao Paulo over overnight on 29 - 30 August 2006. Most attacks were directed against financial institutions located in upscale neighborhoods of the city of Sao Paulo. Attacks targeting private vehicles and at least one police station and a police vehicle also occurred in the interior of the state. Following the attacks, the police force increased security at all police stations, as in the past these have been the main targets of the attacks. Despite the attacks, business is being conducted as usual in Sao Paulo on 30 August.

The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) criminal organization, which staged attacks in May, July and early August, is claiming responsibility for the attacks and threatening "attacks in proportions never seen before" to protest against what they consider to be unfair treatment of prison inmates. Authorities were aware that violence was going to resume in the state, as they had intercepted a written order to renew the attacks. Reports indicate that the PCC has ordered the kidnapping of a politician, which would reportedly take place on 30 or 31 August.

Travelers to Sao Paulo and those already in the city should exercise increased caution in the coming days, particularly during night hours, when most attacks occur. In addition, travelers should keep abreast of local developments at all times.

Argentina Travel Alert

Hundreds of demonstrators are expected to take part in an anti-crime march on 30 August 2006 at Plaza de Mayo in downtown Buenos Aires. Juan Carlos Blumberg, who is the father of a kidnap-for-ransom victim killed in 2004, is organizing the march. In the past, Blumberg has organized demonstrations that have drawn thousands of protesters. In 2005, he managed to introduce modifications in the criminal code that increased prison times for those who commit violent crimes.

The protest action has widespread public support; however, some opponents believe that the march is a political strategy of the opposition (Blumberg will possibly run for governor in 2007) and that the toughening of the criminal code has also resulted in a more violent police force. There is a possibility of a counter-demonstration organized by pro-government groups. Reports indicate that at least 1,000 police officers will be deployed in the area to prevent any violence from occurring. The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 1915 local time.

Sudan Unrest Continues

On 27 August 2006, protesters mobbed the vehicle of U.S. diplomat Jendayi Frazer as she arrived in Khartoum. Protesters surrounded the convoy, carrying signs stating, "Go back home" and "We need peace." Frazer met with government officials in an attempt to convince the Sudanese to accept a possible U.N. force to assist the African Union in Darfur. However, Sudan is ignoring pressure from the United States and the United Kingdom, while Sudanese Islamist leaders claim they will take up arms to expel any U.N. forces in Darfur, even if the government were to accept the international troops.

Meanwhile, Sudan is reportedly building up its military in the Darfur region despite the May 2006 peace deal. On 28 August, the U.N. Security Council is scheduled to discuss a proposal to deploy 20,000 U.N. troops and police officers, despite rejection by the Sudanese government.

Turkish Resort Explosion

Emerging reports indicate that an explosion occurred in the Turkish resort of Antalya on 28 August 2006, killing one person and injuring five others. No further information about the incident has been released. On 27 August, three simultaneous explosions injured more than 20 people in the southwestern coastal resort town of Marmaris. The explosions in the Bagcilar district injured 10 British tourists and at least 11 Turkish citizens. One of the three bombs detonated below a seat on a minibus. Officials suspected the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was responsible for the bombings. Another explosion also occurred in Istanbul's central district the same day, injuring six people, three seriously. It is not known if the bombings are related.

On 25 August, two small bombs exploded in the Kucuksaat area in central Adana, injuring four people and shattering windows near the sites of the explosions. The first bomb detonated outside of a bank at approximately 1630 local time (1330 UTC), while the second exploded approximately five minutes later near the local offices of the Human Rights Association. Although no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, Kurdish militants are suspected of carrying out the attack.

Spying Charge Brought Against Geographic Reporter in Sudan

On assignment for National Geographic magazine in Africa, U.S. journalist Paul Salopek was charged with espionage and other crimes today by a Sudanese court—charges that could land him in prison for years.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent had been reporting on the Sahel—the semi-arid southern fringe of the Sahara that stretches nearly the width of Africa. Three weeks ago Sudanese forces in Darfur Province captured him and his driver and interpreter, who are both from neighboring Chad.

At the time of his arrest, Salopek, who is on leave from the Chicago Tribune, had been carrying publicly available maps of Darfur and two United States passports, which Sudanese officials consider indications that he was spying, according to sources close to the investigation.

Traveling with multiple passports is legal and even common among reporters looking to shuttle among several countries without arousing suspicion.

"As one who has worked in Africa for more than 15 years, I have two passports," said Chris Johns, Editor in Chief and photographer for National Geographic magazine.

"There are many reasons for that. For example, during apartheid days, if I needed to cover South Africa, it was not in my best interest [when entering black-controlled African countries] to have a South Africa stamp in my passport," said Johns, speaking from his home in Virginia.

He added that the charges against Salopek are "false."

Repeatedly extolling the 44-year-old reporter's integrity, skill, and professionalism, Johns said Salopek "would never in any circumstances be involved in espionage. He is not a spy."

Similar sentiments came today from Tribune Editor Ann Marie Lipinski. "Our colleague and dear friend, Paul Salopek, is one of the most accomplished and admired journalists of our time. He is not a spy," she said in a statement.
READ MORE.....

Uganda Truce Signed

Life in northern Uganda implies living within what essentially amounts to genocide. Since 1987, the Lords Resistance Army has been engaging in activities to overthrow the Ugandan government, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of their brutal tactics, often via the forced kidnapping and recruitment of child soldiers. The Video piece below documents how one organization, Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR) has been training those released from captivity to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to rebuild their livelihoods.

KAMPALA, Uganda -- The Ugandan government and Lord's Resistance Army rebels agreed yesterday to end a 19-year conflict that has left thousands dead in one of Africa's longest wars, government officials said.
The agreement, reached during peace talks in southern Sudan, calls for both sides to end all military action at 2 a.m. EDT on Tuesday.

``We have agreed on the issues and put our signatures on the document," government spokesman Paddy Ankunda said by telephone from Juba, southern Sudan.

``We are happy, and now we will continue working for a comprehensive peace agreement," Ankunda said. The Ugandan army will continue operations until the deadline, he said.

Rebel negotiators could not immediately be reached for comment.

The rebels have three weeks from the start of the cease-fire to gather at two points in southern Sudan, where they will be given food and monitored by southern Sudanese forces, government officials said. They also will have a guarantee of safe passage from Uganda to southern Sudan.

The government of Sudan's autonomous southern region is mediating the peace process.

In a news conference with the Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, after the closed-door meeting Saturday, south Sudan's president, Salva Kiir, said that both Ugandan and south Sudanese forces would fight the rebels if the peace process failed.

Thailand Travel Alert

Media reports issued on 25 August 2006 continue to draw speculation to the events surrounding the alleged plot to assassinate caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra near his residence in Bangkok on 24 August. Reports clarify that the car that police officers seized near the Bang Phlat overpass contained TNT, C-4 explosives, fertilizer, detonating cords, fuses and a remote control set. The items were not, however, assembled into a bomb. Thaksin continues to assert that his opponents were plotting to assassinate him and accused several military officers of being behind the plot. The National Intelligence Agency stated its certainty that the 24 August incident was indeed a plot to assassinate Thaksin. Government critics claim, however, that Thaksin's supporters or the ruling Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party may have staged the alleged plot in a political ruse to gain sympathy votes for Thaksin; 24 August was the first day of campaigning for the 15 October general election. Other theories suggest that Thaksin's supporters staged the plot to discredit General Panlop Pinmanee, the deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command who was dismissed from his post on 24 August for his alleged role in the plot, due to his close ties to a key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the anti-government group that coordinated large-scale protests in Bangkok in March.

Another theory suggests that the alleged plot was an attempt to draw public attention away from a renewed investigation into the controversial sale of Shin Corp., which in part prompted a series of protests demanding Thaksin's resignation, as his family owned the company.

Approximately 150 people gathered in front of the Bangkok residence of the Privy Council President on 25 August to demand protection of Thaksin, while approximately 300 PAD members rallied in front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters to protest violence against its members by pro-government supporters. As a result of the alleged assassination plot, security has been increased at Thaksin's private residence in Bangkok and around Government House.

Significant traffic congestion was reported on 25 August along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Phitsanulok Road as traffic on Ratchadamnoen Road is restricted. There are rumors that Thaksin's government is planning to issue a state of emergency in response to the alleged assassination plot, and opposition and human rights groups warn that such a decree would only be instated to prevent anti-government protests. Several groups fear that the latest developments may prompt pre-election violence between pro- and anti-government groups.

Tour of Lebanon- Before the Bombings

Lebanon is perhaps the most beautiful and diverse nation in the Middle East. From its mountains, to its beaches, this gorgeous nation has something to offer for everyone.
Unfortunately, it also harbors terrorism in Hezzbollah.
The video below include pictures of Byblos, Lak Louk, Baalbek, The Cedars and Beirut. Music featured on the video are by famous Lebanese artists Nancy Ajram, Nawal Al Zoughbi, Najwa Karam and of course, the legend Fairouz.

Lost City of Petra

Check out the famous "lost" city of Petra, where ancient buildings are carved into the rose-red sandstone. Very cool video!

India's War In The Woods

The 78-kilometer road between Sukma and Konta is nearly deserted. Scores of villages, once bustling with tribal life, are now vacant. Across the rough orange and green terrain of the nearby forests, hundreds of other villages similarly have been abandoned. Tens of thousands of tribal people are simply gone.

This is not war-torn Afghanistan or Sudan. This is central India, where super sleek call centers and software factories have brought millions of poor into the modern middle class.

But the country's drive to become a first world power has left many of its most vulnerable behind and frozen economic development across swaths of this vast country. At its most extreme and most dangerous — in remote forested areas — a four-decade-long rebellion has erupted into violent intimidation, exploitation of the young and dozens of murders.

American Relations Strained in Venezuela

Venezuelan troops seized several bags belonging to the U.S. Embassy at Simon Bolivar International Airport (SVMI/CCS) in Caracas on 24 August 2006. Reports indicate that the embassy had notified Venezuelan officials about the bags, but that more than the number reported had arrived on the aircraft, prompting the confiscations.

The bags were taken from four U.S. Embassy vehicles parked outside of the airport after they had been unloaded from a U.S. military aircraft. U.S. officials have stated that their government will lodge a protest regarding Venezuela’s actions, which they claim “violated diplomatic and international laws." The contents of the bags have not been confirmed; Venezuelan officials claim that they contained supplies for the Venezuelan military, while U.S. officials have stated that they were carrying the personal possessions of embassy personnel. The incident is expected to increase already heightened tensions between the two countries.

U.S. Identifies Trouble Spots

The U.S. State Department provides different levels of international travel information to citizens. Find them at www.travel.state.gov.

Travel Warnings:
These are issued when Americans are urged to avoid travel to a particular country or region. Currently on the list are:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, East Timor, Eritrea, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Public Announcements:

These involve short-term, specific threats, such as Islamic unrest in Bangladesh, political protests in the Mexican city of Oaxaca and a bridge collapse in Venezuela.

Consular Information Sheets:

These fact sheets often highlight conditions that officials don't believe rise to the travel-warning level. An example would be the cautionary note about a ``growing'' problem of crime against tourists in Belize.