IJR News — today's news from every sideBelgian High Fens Wildfire Largest on Record — Aug 15, 2026The EU mobilized helicopters, water-bombing aircraft, and ground forces from Czech Republic, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany to fight Belgium’s Hautes-Fagnes wildfire, now the largest on record at about 1,600 hectares, triggering evacuations and tourist advisories. Authorities say climate-change–driven heatwaves are creating conditions for faster, longer-burning fires as the emergency response continues across the region.
DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Largest on Record — Aug 10, 2026The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo began in February and was only officially declared on May 15, resulting in about 1,900–1,960 deaths and thousands of cases, making it the second-worst on record. Ongoing insecurity, misdiagnoses, late care, and limited access hinder containment, with no approved vaccine for this strain, prompting WHO and partners to intensify efforts and consider vaccines like Ervebo while acknowledging a strain-specific vaccine remains the best option.
