Despite the region’s steep topography and vulnerability to earthquakes, companies are seeking to exploit Ecuador’s Chimborazo province for large-scale copper and gold mining, reports Ana Zorita.
landslide disaster
Rescue personnel had discovered 499 dead bodies as of August 20, since a  hit near the Sierra Leone capital Freetown on August 14, the city's chief coroner said. Humanitarian groups say that more than 600 people remain missing.
The worst flood-related tragedy Africa has seen in years occurred when the side of Mount Sugar Loaf collapsed after heavy rain. It buried parts of the mountainous suburbs of Regent town, overwhelming relief efforts in one of the world’s poorest countries.