Kharkiv, Ukraine, January 13, 2026
A tragic incident unfolded in Kharkiv, Ukraine, as a postal terminal was hit by a missile and drone attack, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring six others. Emergency responders rushed to the scene following the assault, which has raised concerns over the continued volatility in Eastern Europe. The attack coincides with various global emergencies, highlighting a critical need for international attention and support in affected regions.
Kharkiv Targeted in Latest Attack as Global Emergencies Unfold
Kharkiv, Ukraine – The night of January 13, 2026, brought tragedy to Kharkiv, Ukraine, as a postal terminal in the district was struck by a combined assault of two missiles and four unmanned aerial vehicles. The attack resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left six others injured. Emergency services are currently on-site, responding to the aftermath of this devastating incident. This event occurs amidst a backdrop of diverse global emergencies, including widespread forest fires necessitating evacuations in New Zealand and a critical infrastructure failure affecting residents in a Canadian Indigenous community.
Intensified Hostilities in Eastern Europe
The recent strike on Kharkiv underscores ongoing volatility in the region. According to law enforcement, the overnight attack involved Iskander-M missiles and Geran-2 UAVs. Responders are actively engaged in operations at the site, which has also seen damage to two gas stations. The incident marks a severe impact on civilian infrastructure and highlights the continued challenges faced by communities in conflict zones.
New Zealand Battles Forest Fires Amid Extreme Heat
Meanwhile, on January 11, 2026, New Zealand’s North Island experienced significant emergency events as strong winds and sweltering temperatures fueled multiple forest fires. These blazes prompted rapid response efforts and evacuations across several areas.
Evacuations and Containment Efforts
In the Blairlogie area near Masterton, homes on Adams Peak Road were evacuated as a fire spread. Fortunately, the wind has since subsided, and the fire has been contained, allowing residents to begin returning to their homes. Similarly, two houses on rural Bell Rock Road in Hawkes Bay were evacuated on Sunday afternoon due to a nearby vegetation fire. Further south in Amberley, fire crews successfully contained a gorse fire measuring approximately 80 meters by 50 meters, managed by ground teams despite high winds preventing helicopter deployment.
Uncontained Blaze and Additional Hazards
However, a more persistent challenge remains on Waitara Road, where a 25-hectare fire involving mature pine and native vegetation continues to burn and is not yet contained. Firefighters have worked through the night, with three helicopters deployed at first light to aid in suppression efforts. In addition to the fires, a significant mudslide temporarily closed State Highway 73 on the West Coast between Otira and Arthur’s Pass Village on January 11, although the road has since reopened, motorists are advised to exercise caution due to lingering surface flooding and strong winds.
Canadian Indigenous Community Receives Federal Aid Following Infrastructure Collapse
In Canada, the Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba is receiving crucial federal assistance following a prolonged state of emergency. Declared on December 29, 2025, the emergency arose from a power outage caused by a distribution line failure, leading to extensive damage to homes and compromising essential water and wastewater treatment facilities. This crisis necessitated the evacuation of a significant number of residents from the community.
Coordinated Federal Response
On January 12, 2026, the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience approved a Request for Federal Assistance from the Province of Manitoba on behalf of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation. This comprehensive support package includes the deployment of federal technical teams to assist with damage assessments, aid with ongoing evacuations and essential services, and the provision of vital resources such as generators, heaters, food, and drinking water. Furthermore, efforts are underway to restore critical infrastructure, supported by the deployment of a specialized team from the Canadian Armed Forces to provide assessment and advisory services. The government continues to work closely with the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), and the Province of Manitoba to coordinate the response and recovery efforts.
Winter Weather Alerts Issued in New Jersey
Across the United States, Atlantic County, New Jersey, has issued Code Blue Alerts for January 11-13, 2026. These alerts are activated when temperatures are forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or when wind-chill temperatures fall to 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less for a period of two or more hours. The primary aim of these alerts is to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness or living in inadequately insulated conditions, from severe weather-related exposure and potential harm. Information on activated warming centers is available statewide through nj211.org.
Vietnam Conducts Emergency Medical Preparedness Drill
Looking to proactively address potential health crises, Hanoi, Vietnam, hosted an emergency medical response drill on Monday, January 12, 2026. Organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health at the National Convention Center, the drill’s purpose was to test and finalize healthcare preparedness plans in anticipation of the upcoming 14th National Party Congress. The exercise aimed to ensure comprehensive medical coverage for delegates throughout the major political event scheduled for the following week. Senior health officials and leading medical experts participated, simulating responses to four critical, life-threatening scenarios, including cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, stroke, and multi-trauma emergencies.
FAQ Section
What happened in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 13, 2026?
A postal terminal in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was struck by a combined assault of two missiles and four unmanned aerial vehicles on the night of January 13, 2026, resulting in four deaths and six injuries.
Were there forest fires in New Zealand recently?
Yes, on January 11, 2026, the North Island of New Zealand experienced multiple forest fires fueled by strong winds and high temperatures, leading to evacuations in areas such as Blairlogie near Masterton and Hawkes Bay.
What caused the emergency in Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Manitoba, Canada?
The emergency in Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Manitoba, Canada, was caused by a power outage resulting from the failure of a power distribution line, which led to severe damage to homes and compromised water and wastewater treatment facilities, necessitating evacuations.
What are Code Blue Alerts in Atlantic County, New Jersey?
Code Blue Alerts in Atlantic County, New Jersey, are issued when temperatures are forecast to reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or when wind-chill temperatures are 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less for two or more hours. They are intended to protect at-risk individuals from severe weather exposure.
What was the purpose of the emergency medical drill in Hanoi, Vietnam?
The emergency medical response drill in Hanoi, Vietnam, conducted on January 12, 2026, was to test and finalize healthcare preparedness plans for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage for delegates.
Key Features of Recent Global Emergencies
| Location | Incident Type | Date/Timeline | Key Impact/Response | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kharkiv, Ukraine | Missile and Drone Attack | Night of January 13, 2026 | 4 killed, 6 injured; postal terminal hit by Iskander-M missiles and Geran-2 UAVs. | City-level |
| North Island, New Zealand | Forest Fires & Mudslide | January 11, 2026 | Evacuations in Blairlogie & Hawkes Bay; 25-hectare fire uncontained; mudslide closed highway. | State-level |
| Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Manitoba, Canada | Infrastructure Failure & Evacuation | Emergency declared December 29, 2025; Federal aid approved January 12, 2026 | Power outage led to damaged homes, compromised water facilities; federal aid including Canadian Armed Forces deployed. | Nationwide (in terms of federal response to a local community) |
| Atlantic County, New Jersey, USA | Extreme Cold Weather Alerts | January 11-13, 2026 | Code Blue Alerts issued to protect at-risk individuals from temperatures 32°F or below, or wind-chill 0°F or less. | State-level |
| Hanoi, Vietnam | Emergency Medical Drill | January 12, 2026 | Healthcare preparedness drill for 14th National Party Congress, simulating life-threatening scenarios. | City-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
