GLOBAL WATCH

ITALY

The retreat of a glacier in the Alps is shifting the border between Italy and Switzerland. The frontier that separates the two countries runs along the drainage divide of the Theodul Glacier, but as the glacier shrinks, this line is begining to encroach on an Italian mountain refuge. The Theodul Glacier lost almost a quarter of its mass between 1973 and 2010.

GHANA

Health authorities have confirmed two fatal cases of Marburg virus disease in the Ashanti region of Ghana, the first recorded cases in the country. It has only been reported once before in West Africa. Marburg is a highly virulent virus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola, and has no vaccine or antiviral treatment.

NICARAGUA

The Nicaraguan government has shut down seven radio stations linked to a Catholic bishop who has been critical of the regime. Relations between the church and the government, led by president Daniel Ortega, have broken down since public protests about social security reforms began in 2018.

SLOVENIA

Slovenia’s new, liberal government has set the army to work removing a razor-wire fence along its border with Croatia. The fence was erected in 2015 to reduce the movement of migrants and asylum seekers, but current officials say that fences don’t work and risk injuries to migrants.

CHILE

A large sinkhole has appeared near a copper mine to the north of the Chilean capital, Santiago. The mysterious hole is about 25 metres in diameter and 200 metres deep. Authorities are investigating its appearance, but the local mayor has blamed extractive activity in the area.