<p>After it was hammered by Hurricane Otis, the Mexican city of Acapulco is now being ravaged by looting. The record-breaking storm resulted in death of at least 27 people and left thousands of people struggling to get food and water.</p>

<p>When Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco on Wednesday (October 25), it pounded the city with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 km per hour). It flooded the city, tore roofs from homes, submerged vehicles and affected communication and even road and air connectivity. It was a Category 5 storm that caused devastation worth billions of dollars.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mexico: Hurricane Otis wrecks buildings, down trees; kills at least 27 people</strong></p>

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<p>"Right now, money's no use to us because there's nothing to buy, everything's been looted," 57-year-old Acapulco resident Rodolfo Villagomez said after Otis tore through the city.</p>

<p>"It was total chaos. You could hear it here hissing like a bull."</p>

<p>He was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>On Thursday evening, people carried off goods including food, water and toilet paper from stores. "We came to get food, because we don't have any," a woman told Reuters.</p>

<p>"There were acts of looting in some places because there was an emergency," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday, urging residents not to take advantage of the situation.</p>

<p>President Obrador has said that the government would help the people in the city. However, residents are saying that the aid is insufficient.</p>

<p>"All the stores are closed or destroyed," said Raul Busto Ramirez (76) as quoted by Reuters. He blamed the looting on shortage and out-of-action ATMs.</p>

<p>Not much information has been released by the government about the death toll and number of injured. It has only said that four people are missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Mexican authorities have said that Hurricane Otis was the most powerful storm ever to Pacific coast of Mexico. It gathered strength unexpectedly and defied predictions of the weather forecasters.</p>

<p>However, President Obrador has said "We were lucky".</p>

<p>"Nature, the creator protected us, even with the fury of the hurricane," he added. "There's a lot of material damage but luckily we're not registering too many deaths."</p>

<p>The government is yet to assess the damage caused by Otis. Reuters quoted Enki Research, which tracks tropical storms and estimates the damage. Enki Research estimates it to be "approaching $15 billion."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

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After it was hammered by Hurricane Otis, the Mexican city of Acapulco is now being ravaged by looting. The record-breaking storm resulted in death of at least 27 people and left thousands of people struggling to get food and water.

After it was hammered by Hurricane Otis, the Mexican city of Acapulco is now being ravaged by looting. The record-breaking storm resulted in death of at least 27 people and left thousands of people struggling to get food and water. When Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco on Wednesday (October 25), it pounded the city with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 km per hour). It flooded the city, tore roofs from homes, submerged vehicles and affected communication and even road and air connectivity. It was a Category 5 storm that caused devastation worth billions of dollars. Watch | Mexico: Hurricane Otis wrecks buildings, down trees; kills at least 27 people × "Right now, money's no use to us because there's nothing to buy, everything's been looted," 57-year-old Acapulco resident Rodolfo Villagomez said after Otis tore through the city. "It was total chaos. You could hear it here hissing like a bull." He was quoted by Reuters. On Thursday evening, people carried off goods including food, water and toilet paper from stores. "We came to get food, because we don't have any," a woman told Reuters. "There were acts of looting in some places because there was an emergency," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday, urging residents not to take advantage of the situation. President Obrador has said that the government would help the people in the city. However, residents are saying that the aid is insufficient. "All the stores are closed or destroyed," said Raul Busto Ramirez (76) as quoted by Reuters. He blamed the looting on shortage and out-of-action ATMs. Not much information has been released by the government about the death toll and number of injured. It has only said that four people are missing. The Mexican authorities have said that Hurricane Otis was the most powerful storm ever to Pacific coast of Mexico. It gathered strength unexpectedly and defied predictions of the weather forecasters. However, President Obrador has said "We were lucky". "Nature, the creator protected us, even with the fury of the hurricane," he added. "There's a lot of material damage but luckily we're not registering too many deaths." The government is yet to assess the damage caused by Otis. Reuters quoted Enki Research, which tracks tropical storms and estimates the damage. Enki Research estimates it to be "approaching $15 billion." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mexico: After hammering from Hurricane Otis, Acapulco ravaged by looting

<p>At least 50 people were arrested after a frenzy-filled night in Philadelphia which saw scores of shops being looted and vandalised.</p>

<p>The mob-style ransacking of stores began on Tuesday night after a protest against a judge’s decision to overturn murder and other charges against a Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a driver.</p>

<p>At least a dozen stores including Foot Locker, Lululemon and Apple were vandalised, with people seen decamping with merchandise.</p>

<p>Several clips of the incident went viral on social media purportedly showing masked people in hoodies running out of Lululemon with merchandise and police officers grabbing several of them and tackling them to the sidewalk.</p>

<h2><strong>Robbery linked to protests?</strong></h2>

<p>Jane Roh, spokesperson for the Philadelphia district attorney's office, on Wednesday said that at least 30 people have been booked for burglary, theft and other counts, while 52 have been arrested.</p>

<p>“Those doing the ransacking were not affiliated with the protest,” Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said at a news conference, calling the group "a bunch of criminal opportunists."</p>

<p>"What we had tonight was a bunch of criminal opportunists taking advantage of a situation and make an attempt to destroy our city," the commissioner said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: All philly liquor stores have been closed today after at least 18 were broken after last night’s mass looting in Philadelphia <a href="https://t.co/0Btz2jASv2">pic.twitter.com/0Btz2jASv2</a></p>
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/1707096570921889884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Everybody keep yo phone out!"<br />
<br />
Seeking another George Floyd moment, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BLM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BLM</a> protesters tell one another to start recording after Philadelphia Police arrived to make arrests at the downtown mass looting. Video uploaded by <a href="https://twitter.com/OSiiNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OSiiNT</a>:<a href="https://t.co/oEyKU3Mhwk">pic.twitter.com/oEyKU3Mhwk</a></p>
— Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1706859831104283053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;"It's not going to be tolerated, we've made arrests and we will continue to make arrests," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Liquor shops ransacked&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Later, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board chose to close all 48 of its Philadelphia retail locations and one in suburban Cheltenham on Wednesday after at least 18 state-run liquor stores were broken into.</p>

<p>No employees were hurt Tuesday night, but "some were understandably shaken," said liquor board spokesperson Shawn Kelly.</p>

<p>The stores were "closed in the interest of employee safety and while we assess the damage and loss that occurred. We will reopen stores when it is safe to do so and when the damage is repaired," Kelly said.</p>

<p>The theft wasn’t limited to branded stores and liquor shops, as many people in north-eastern Philadelphia also reported their cars being stolen.</p>

<p>Police said seven cars were stolen from a lot in the northeast, of which one had been recovered as of Wednesday afternoon.</p>

<p>The unruly scenes in Philadelphia reminded many of the brazen smash-and-grab thefts elsewhere, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, where organised groups of thieves, some carrying crowbars and hammers, have systematically targeted high-end stores.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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At least 50 people were arrested after a frenzy-filled night in Philadelphia which saw scores of shops being looted and vandalised. The mob-style ransacking of stores began on Tuesday night after a protest against a judge’s decision to overturn murder and other charges against a Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a driver.

At least 50 people were arrested after a frenzy-filled night in Philadelphia which saw scores of shops being looted and vandalised. The mob-style ransacking of stores began on Tuesday night after a protest against a judge’s decision to overturn murder and other charges against a Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a driver. At least a dozen stores including Foot Locker, Lululemon and Apple were vandalised, with people seen decamping with merchandise. Several clips of the incident went viral on social media purportedly showing masked people in hoodies running out of Lululemon with merchandise and police officers grabbing several of them and tackling them to the sidewalk. Robbery linked to protests? Jane Roh, spokesperson for the Philadelphia district attorney's office, on Wednesday said that at least 30 people have been booked for burglary, theft and other counts, while 52 have been arrested. “Those doing the ransacking were not affiliated with the protest,” Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said at a news conference, calling the group "a bunch of criminal opportunists." "What we had tonight was a bunch of criminal opportunists taking advantage of a situation and make an attempt to destroy our city," the commissioner said. 🚨#BREAKING: All philly liquor stores have been closed today after at least 18 were broken after last night’s mass looting in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/0Btz2jASv2 — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) September 27, 2023 × "Everybody keep yo phone out!" Seeking another George Floyd moment, #BLM protesters tell one another to start recording after Philadelphia Police arrived to make arrests at the downtown mass looting. Video uploaded by @OSiiNT:pic.twitter.com/oEyKU3Mhwk — Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) September 27, 2023 × "It's not going to be tolerated, we've made arrests and we will continue to make arrests," he added. Liquor shops ransacked Later, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board chose to close all 48 of its Philadelphia retail locations and one in suburban Cheltenham on Wednesday after at least 18 state-run liquor stores were broken into. No employees were hurt Tuesday night, but "some were understandably shaken," said liquor board spokesperson Shawn Kelly. The stores were "closed in the interest of employee safety and while we assess the damage and loss that occurred. We will reopen stores when it is safe to do so and when the damage is repaired," Kelly said. The theft wasn’t limited to branded stores and liquor shops, as many people in north-eastern Philadelphia also reported their cars being stolen. Police said seven cars were stolen from a lot in the northeast, of which one had been recovered as of Wednesday afternoon. The unruly scenes in Philadelphia reminded many of the brazen smash-and-grab thefts elsewhere, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, where organised groups of thieves, some carrying crowbars and hammers, have systematically targeted high-end stores. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chaos, unrest grip Philadelphia after frenzied mob loots stores, liquor shops; 50 arrested

South Africans came together in solidarity to clean up shopping centres and stores looted during a week of shocking violence that rocked the country and left more than 200 dead. As South Africans mark Nelson Mandela Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on people to join the cleanup efforts to rebuild the country.

South Africans clean up after unrest to mark Nelson Mandela Day

Unrest raged in South Africa for the sixth day running, stoking fears of food and fuel shortages as disruption to farming, manufacturing and oil refining began to bite.

Rioting, looting continues in South Africa

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c6eaa55-2aba-4133-b350-796966144280}{216}" paraid="373208180" >It seems to be a tough time for&nbsp;South Africa’s&nbsp;men in blue, police. The already depleting force is having a hard time in keeping law&nbsp;and order after violent protests and&nbsp;widespread looting. So,&nbsp;if you want to be a cop in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa,&nbsp;you really have to be committed&nbsp;as&nbsp;it is not a fancy job.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3bc227ad-03a3-4dba-ac3a-7fa17c7290e9}{137}" paraid="138793626" >Let’s explore the present issues faced by police.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{38a4adee-8076-4404-ae74-ed5854aeb7e0}{255}" paraid="290016738" >Witnessing the troublesome situation&nbsp;lately,&nbsp;WION spoke to a police officer in charge of an area called Meadowlands, Soweto that witnessed 11 deaths due to stampede.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b4c7bed3-98ff-4776-a1f7-859763ed7027}{113}" paraid="1636773000" >Brigadier Balaraman Govindasamy says looting in&nbsp;Ndofaya&nbsp;mall started early&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday. He says,&nbsp;although&nbsp;the police tried to repel the crowd,&nbsp;but unfortunately the&nbsp;rioters&nbsp;had an upper hand.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the police had to&nbsp;fall&nbsp;back.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c6eaa55-2aba-4133-b350-796966144280}{189}" paraid="1602513528" >Govindasamy&nbsp;says around 8&nbsp;pm&nbsp;on the&nbsp;same day,&nbsp;it was reported&nbsp;that some people had&nbsp;got&nbsp;injured in the mall and later,&nbsp;upon the arrival of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 10 people were&nbsp;found&nbsp;dead on the scene&nbsp;while&nbsp;one&nbsp;person&nbsp;succumbed&nbsp;to his injuries&nbsp;later.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6148966c-6e8d-4dbb-8b79-12edcc348c4e}{131}" paraid="1817433884" >In the&nbsp;last few days, the South African Police Services have been&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;heavily&nbsp;for not being able to handle the situation.&nbsp;In several instances, they have been a mute spectator to the lootings.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6148966c-6e8d-4dbb-8b79-12edcc348c4e}{131}" paraid="1817433884" >Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters on Tuesday for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6148966c-6e8d-4dbb-8b79-12edcc348c4e}{131}" paraid="1817433884" >The raging unrest first erupted on last Friday after former president Jacob Zuma started serving a 15-month term for contempt, having snubbed a probe into the corruption that stained his nine years in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e8f29883-dc23-4f0a-90d3-fc0bfda5ac88}{199}" paraid="944025600" >The Brigadier said, “I think policing in South Africa&nbsp;has become a&nbsp;lot tougher.&nbsp;The present situation shows the same.&nbsp; If police&nbsp;act&nbsp;then,&nbsp;it’s brutality,&nbsp;and&nbsp;if&nbsp;it chooses to&nbsp;not act, it is&nbsp;condemned for inaction.&nbsp;Our constitution makes it a bit difficult&nbsp;too.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78cfb245-5d96-4515-b7b8-0b532a6f8291}{158}" paraid="738692707" >Asked if there is a shortage of police personnel in the country,&nbsp;the officer&nbsp;said, “It is one of the main concerns. Our numbers have depleted&nbsp;and so have&nbsp;our resources due to resignations, retirements, deaths as a result of covid. This has affected our workforce.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


It seems to be a tough time for South Africa’s men in blue, police. The already depleting force is having a hard time in keeping law and order after violent protests and widespread looting.

It seems to be a tough time for South Africa’s men in blue, police. The already depleting force is having a hard time in keeping law and order after violent protests and widespread looting. So, if you want to be a cop in South Africa, you really have to be committed as it is not a fancy job. Let’s explore the present issues faced by police. Witnessing the troublesome situation lately, WION spoke to a police officer in charge of an area called Meadowlands, Soweto that witnessed 11 deaths due to stampede. Brigadier Balaraman Govindasamy says looting in Ndofaya mall started early on Saturday. He says, although the police tried to repel the crowd, but unfortunately the rioters had an upper hand. So, the police had to fall back. Govindasamy says around 8 pm on the same day, it was reported that some people had got injured in the mall and later, upon the arrival of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 10 people were found dead on the scene while one person succumbed to his injuries later. In the last few days, the South African Police Services have been criticised heavily for not being able to handle the situation. In several instances, they have been a mute spectator to the lootings. Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters on Tuesday for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives. The raging unrest first erupted on last Friday after former president Jacob Zuma started serving a 15-month term for contempt, having snubbed a probe into the corruption that stained his nine years in power. The Brigadier said, “I think policing in South Africa has become a lot tougher. The present situation shows the same. If police act then, it’s brutality, and if it chooses to not act, it is condemned for inaction. Our constitution makes it a bit difficult too.” Asked if there is a shortage of police personnel in the country, the officer said, “It is one of the main concerns. Our numbers have depleted and so have our resources due to resignations, retirements, deaths as a result of covid. This has affected our workforce.”

South Africa’s men in blue face a hard time as protesters go on rampage

About 60,000 people have fled South Sudan since violence escalated over the past three weeks, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
&quot;They brought to us very disturbing reports, armed groups operating on roads to Uganda are preventing people from fleeing,&quot; UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming told a briefing.<br />
<br />
&quot;Armed groups are looting villages, murdering civilians and forcibly recruiting young men and boys into their ranks.&quot;<br />
<br />
The bulk headed to neighbouring Uganda, doubling the flow over that border over the past 10 days, and the rest to Sudan and Kenya, the agency added.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

The UNHCR said armed groups in the country have been forcibly recruiting young boys in their ranks

About 60,000 people have fled South Sudan since violence escalated over the past three weeks, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said on Tuesday. "They brought to us very disturbing reports, armed groups operating on roads to Uganda are preventing people from fleeing," UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming told a briefing. "Armed groups are looting villages, murdering civilians and forcibly recruiting young men and boys into their ranks." The bulk headed to neighbouring Uganda, doubling the flow over that border over the past 10 days, and the rest to Sudan and Kenya, the agency added. (Reuters)

60,000 South Sudanese flee violence, report looting, killing

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