http://www.netglobers.it/node.php?pageid=3&pageclef=rssfrTue, 07 Feb 2012 03:23:53 +0100Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:23:53 +0100http://www.cafecentral.frThu, 02 Feb 2012 18:52:38 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/peru-metro-service-readies-for-departure-31829.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/peru-metro-service-readies-for-departure-31829.htmlLima Peru’s first metro line is officially slated to leave the station this month. After more than 25 years in the works the 14 mile Tren Eléctrico line will begin service between the regions of Villa El Salvador and Miguel Grau. Operating for free since early January on a dry run the line is now ready to handle passengers on a permanent paying basis. Some sections were open for limited periods since work began in 1986. However, the original agreement was delayed by funding issues and accusations of fraud between the governments of Peru and Italy, original partners. In 2006 the project vaulted back to life after a $300 USD million corporate investment. Even though the metro is up and running, the construction of an additional leg only began last year, still without a completion date. With one of the worst public transportation systems in Latin America, Lima’s metro couldn’t arrive soon enough for residents. Commuters will no longer solely depend on a fleet of privately-owned mini buses for transportation. Each year traffic congestion costs Lima’s economy over $1 USD billion in lost production and health problems. Travel to Peru for more than the metro Peruvian history dates back over 5,000 years, which will expose you to an exciting mix of geography and culture; the snow-capped Andes Mountains meet the sandy desert regions and are topped-off by delicious cuisine. Visitors to Peru require a valid passport and will receive 90-day visitor permits upon arrival. Travelers are warned to stay clear of the Peru/Colombian border due to drug-trade violence.Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:46:12 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/south-america-s-largest-and-most-famous-lake-under-threat-31803.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/south-america-s-largest-and-most-famous-lake-under-threat-31803.htmlBordering Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca has fed water into cities in both countries for centuries, sustaining life in the dry high-altitude region of South America. But urbanization is now threatening the lake’s existence as pollution and overpopulation spill into the clean waters. Rivers feeding the lake are increasingly filled with garbage and sewage, eventually flowing into Lake Titicaca, depended on by many for drinking water. Growing at a rate of 4 percent a year over the past 20 years, the neighboring town of El Alto, Bolivia is a major source of the problems. Infrastructure is not up to task to handle the pollution and human waste. As a result it ends up in the very water that the city and its people depend on; many who live well below the poverty line. Although much of the 3,200 square mile lake remains relatively clean, no solutions are in place to prevent further contamination. Also once home to a vibrant fishing industry, over fishing and pollution have led to lower fish populations which in turn have driven fishermen from the lake and into the cities seeking work. Travel to Bolivia, South America’s isolated destination Although it maybe the continents poorest nation, Bolivia is also has the highest altitude and his home to a climate that ranges from driest to coldest and even most humid. What this landlocked country lacks in beaches is easily compensates by beautiful and diverse landscapes complimented by a rich indigenous population. Tourist visas can be arranged through the consulate or upon arrival for $135 USD.Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:06:30 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/peru-hit-by-a-62-magnitude-earthquake--31769.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/peru-hit-by-a-62-magnitude-earthquake--31769.htmlToday, Monday, January 30th at 12:13 am (local time) a 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted the Peruvian region of Ica (southern Peru). The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, 47 km southwest of Ica and at 300 km south of Lima. The tremor caused power outages and communication disruptions in the cities of Ica and Pisco. The earthquake was also felt in the capital city, Lima, and in the central regions of the country. According to the latest reports, at least 17 people have been wounded in Ica. No major damages or casualties have been reported and no tsunami warning was issued. Aftershocks remain possible. On August 2007, Ica was hit by a strong 7.7 earthquake that left more than 500 dead. Peru lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 85 per cent of the world’s seismic activity is registered. If an earthquake occurs while you are outside, move to an open space and avoid the proximity of buildings, walls, trees, bridges, streetlights as well as poles and cables. If you are inside, take immediately cover under a door, a desk or a solid table. Stay away from windows and avoid the proximity of glasses, mirrors and lamps. Do not use elevators. After the tremor, turn off all electrical and gas appliances, turn off the main electricity meter and refrain from smoking. After the initial tremor, be aware that aftershocks may occur. Monitor local media in order to get updated information and obey all recommendations given by local authorities.Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:19:36 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/bolivia-hit-by-flooding--31742.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/bolivia-hit-by-flooding--31742.htmlOn Wednesday, January 25th, Bolivian authorities declared a state of emergency in Cochabamba department due to heavy downpours that triggered severe flooding which damaged homes, roads and highways throughout the area. Severe rainfalls are expected to affect the department until at least January 27th. Landslides, communication and power outages are likely. During the rainy season (December to March), flooding and landslides are common in Bolivia, especially in low-lying areas including the cities of Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Tarija and Beni. Moreover, heavy rains have been also reported in La Paz, the country’s economic capital. The rainfall might trigger road closures that could severely disrupt travel across the country for several weeks. Travellers planning to go to Bolivia are advised to listen to all recommendations given by local authorities. Avoid travel to the flooded areas and verify the roadways conditions. During the rainy season, several touristic sites remain closed or are inaccessible due to flooding. Get informed prior your departure.  Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:24:17 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/argentina-ash-cloud-forces-bariloche-s-airport-to-close-31654.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/argentina-ash-cloud-forces-bariloche-s-airport-to-close-31654.htmlOn Monday, January 16th, the ash cloud from the Chile’s Puyehue volcano forced the temporary closure of the San Carlos de Bariloche International Airport (located in southern Argentina). Consequently, all flights in and out of the airport have been cancelled until the weather improves. Flights disruptions are likely to continue today, January 17th. This temporary closure comes just three days after the re-opening of Bariloche’s airport after a six-month shut-down due to volcanic ash cloud activity from Puyehue volcano. The Chilean volcano erupted on June 2011 and caused the cancellation of thousands of flights in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to contact their airline for further information. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:17:42 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/brazil-severe-flooding-hit-rio-de-janeiro-state--31569.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/brazil-severe-flooding-hit-rio-de-janeiro-state--31569.htmlOn Thursday, January 5th, Rio de Janeiro’s authorities placed emergency teams on maximum alert as heavy downpours triggered severe flooding in some parts of the state. The rains caused the destruction of a dam in the town of Campos, forcing some 4,000 inhabitants to evacuate their homes. At the time being, six towns of Rio de Janeiro’s state have been declared in a state of emergency. At least two people have died and 35,000 others have been displaced due to the high risk of flooding and landslides. The heavy rains are forecast to continue in coming days. The neighbouring states of Minas Gerais and Espritu Santo are also experiencing severe flooding as rains continue to lash large parts of these regions. On January 4th, authorities have declared a state of emergency in 66 towns in Minas Gerais state as heavy downpours have triggered deadly flooding in the region. At least seven people have died due to the rains and landslides in the past days. Heavy downpours and flooding are common in south-eastern Brazil during the rainy season. During 2011, more than two million people have been affected by rains nationwide and 800 people have died. People travelling to the state Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais et Espiritu Santo are advised to listen to local and international media in order to get updated information about the situation. Avoid flooded areas. If you are told to evacuate do so and follow specific routes. Confirm all your travel arrangements.    Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:13:32 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/brazil-minas-gerais-hit-by-deadly-floods-31556.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/brazil-minas-gerais-hit-by-deadly-floods-31556.htmlOn January 4th, authorities have declared a state of emergency in 66 towns in Minas Gerais state as heavy downpours have triggered deadly flooding in the region. At least seven people have died due to the rains and landslides in the past days. Authorities announced that they are trying to evacuate people living in unstable areas. Moreover, transport disruptions (closed roads) have been reported in the south-eastern regions of the country. Floodwaters are currently threatening hillside communities in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Heavy downpours and flooding are common in south-eastern Brazil during the rainy season. During 2011, more than two million people have been affected by rains nationwide and 800 people have died. People travelling to the state of Minas Gerais are advised to listen to local and international media in order to get updated information about the situation. Avoid flooded areas. If you are told to evacuate do so and follow specific routes. Confirm all your travel arrangements.    Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:20:22 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/heavy-downpours-forecast-in-bolivia-30910.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/heavy-downpours-forecast-in-bolivia-30910.htmlAccording to forecasters, several regions of Bolivia, including the cities of La Paz, Oruro and Potosi will experience heavy downpours starting from Thursday, December 29th. On Saturday, December 31st, rains should be particularly violent and could trigger flash flooding and landslides, especially in the city of La Paz. In the past three days, the rains have already affected at least 200 people in La Paz, Cochabamba, Beni and Santa Cruz. Each year, Bolivia is severely affected by heavy downpours and flooding during the rainy season (December to April). In the beginning of 2011, the rains affected some 15,000 households and killed at least 70 people nationwide. Tourists are often stranded in touristic places as rains and landslides disrupt seriously the travel conditions. Visitors are advised to avoid travelling between today and January 1st, especially in the most affected cities (La Paz, Oruro, and Potosi) as rains could trigger dangerous flooding and landslides impacting road traffic. Listen to local and international media in order to get updated information. Stay away from rivers. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:16:17 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/venezuela-s-homicide-rate-is-the-highest-in-south-america--30904.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/venezuela-s-homicide-rate-is-the-highest-in-south-america--30904.htmlAccording to the data released by the Venezuela Violence Monitor (OVV), at least 19,336 people have been murdered in Venezuela since the beginning of the year, making 2011 the most violent year in the national history. Criminal activities including drug trafficking, along with impunity (great majority of killings remain unpunished) and high levels of gun ownership fuel violence. Violent crimes are reported nationwide, including in major cities as well as on the popular tourist island of Margarita: no region can be considered as safe. Violence has exploded in Venezuela over the past ten years: along with the murder rate, levels of robbery and kidnap have also increased. In 2011 there were 10,000 more homicides than in 2001. Venezuela is the most dangerous country of Latin America, followed by Colombia and Mexico. “Express” kidnappings, violent street crimes and armed muggings are also regularly reported. Travellers must be aware that several western embassies advised their citizens against all but essential travel to the Colombian border and to some parts of Venezuela. Contact your embassy before your departure. People travelling to Venezuela must maintain a high level of security awareness. Avoid travelling alone. If you are robbed, never try to resist. Keep a low profile during your stay. Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:18:34 +0100http://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/brazil-issues-a-state-of-emergency-in-31-municipalities-of-minas-gerais--30587.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.fr/south-america/brazil-issues-a-state-of-emergency-in-31-municipalities-of-minas-gerais--30587.htmlOn Tuesday, December 27th, Brazilian authorities issued a state of emergency in 31 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais due to heavy downpours that have triggered severe flooding and landslides across the region. According to authorities the worst affected cities are Setubinha, São João do Oriente, Conceição do Pará, Vespasiano and Raposo. At the time being, at least two people have died, 31 others have been injured and some 800 people have been left homeless. Moreover, the rains have destroyed at least 40 bridges state-wide, disrupting the access to the affected areas. The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been hit by strong rains since October 2011. Since then, at least two million people have been affected by the flooding and the landslides. According to forecasts, the rain should continue lashing the region in coming days. Every year during the rainy season (from December to March), Brazil experiences heavy downpours impacting large parts of the country. Travellers are advised to avoid the flooded areas until the situation improves. Monitor local and international media in order to get updated information about the situation in Minas Gerais. Confirm all your travel arrangements.