2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Seismic activity prior to eruption
Three magnitude 5 earthquakes, the strongest in Iceland since 1996, were recorded on 24 August, with the first at 00:09, but there were no visible signs of activity. "Probably, earthquakes near the Bárðarbunga caldera are a consequence of adjustment to changes in pressure, because of the flow of magma from under the caldera into the dyke which stretches to Dyngjujökull, more than 25 km away." Following a scientists' meeting at 11:50, the Aviation Color Code was reduced to Orange.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Seismic activity prior to eruption
It was stated that 700 earthquakes of larger magnitudes than previously recorded had been observed since midnight; the dyke stretching to the north was estimated at 30 km in length; activity showed no signs of abating and an imminent eruption was considered possible; the intense low frequency signal detected on 23 August was not caused by a sub-glacial eruption.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Seismic activity prior to eruption
By 19:00 on 25 August there had been about 1200 earthquakes at depths of 5–12 km, mostly around the northern tip of the intrusion northeast of Bárðarbunga which had migrated further to 6–7 km north of Dyngjujökull. More than twenty tremors were of intensity M3–M4, and one was a M5.1 which occurred within the caldera at 16:19. There was no sign of volcanic harmonic tremor.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Seismic activity prior to eruption
On 26 August, intense seismic activity continued, with no signs of reduction and approximately 900 events recorded by 18:00. The largest earthquake since the 2014 activity began occurred at 01:26, a M5.7 on the north-west rim of the caldera at a depth of 6 km. The dyke continued to extend to the north, reaching 40 km from the caldera and 5 km past the edge of the glacier. Activity was concentrated at the tip, which now extended across an area of 10 km. GPS modelling showed that fifty million cubic metres of magma had been injected into the dyke in the previous 24 hours, reaching a total volume of 350 million cubic metres.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Seismic activity prior to eruption
By 18:42 on 27 August there had been two earthquakes in the caldera above M5 and about 1300 events in the range of M2-3 around the tip of the dyke which had propagated a further 1 km to the north and now extended some 13 km past the edge of the glacier. Approximately another 20 million cubic metres of magma had entered the dyke over the previous 24 hours. The intrusion of the dyke was now causing stress changes over a large area to the north of the dyke's extent.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Seismic activity prior to eruption
A M4.5 event was recorded just east of the Askja caldera, which had been showing signs of increased geothermal activity since April 2012. At 20:50, scientists on a surveillance flight reported a 4–6 km line of 10–15 m deep cauldrons to the south of the Bárðarbunga caldera, which were possibly a result of melting or a sub glacial eruption, although they didn't know when they had formed. No heightened tremor level was observed.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Eruption
On 29 August at 00:02, seismic tremor observations indicated lava had erupted approximately 5 km north of the margin of the Dyngjujökull glacier and confirmed by visual observations. The fissure eruption breached the surface between Bárðarbunga and Askja, close to the northernmost point of the earthquake swarm, in the Holuhraun lava field 42 km to the northeast of the caldera.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Eruption
The active fissure was about 600 metres long and produced a lava flow which peaked between 00:40 and 01:00 and is thought to have ceased by 04:00. Seismicity decreased during the eruption but then returned to previous levels. At 10:00 the Aviation Color Code was downgraded to Orange, signifying no hazard from an ash cloud.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, August, Eruption
At 04:00 on 31 August another fissure eruption began along the same fissure previously, estimated to be about 1.5 km long. By 07:00 the lava flow was 1 km wide and 3 km long, extending to the north-east and several metres thick; the lava output was approximately 1000 cubic metres per second. Gas emissions had increased but no ash cloud was detected. At about 13:00 a M5.1 earthquake occurred in the caldera. GPS measurements showed continuing changes to the north of the eruption, seismic activity had decreased but was otherwise similar to previous days.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
On 1 September, the fissure in Holuhraun erupted continuously along its 600–800 m central section. The lava stretched over 4 square kilometres with an estimated volume of 20-30 million cubic metres, with a 5-10 million cubic metres increase over the previous 19 hours, the average output was about 100 cubic metres per second. A white plume rose from the eruption reaching 15,000 feet and extending 60 km NNE; no ash but high levels of sulphur dioxide were recorded. In the next days, eruptions continued with the lava covering 12 square kilometres on 5 September. Reduced seismic activity continued along similar lines with activity near the tip of the dyke and larger earthquakes in the caldera.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
At 07:00 on 5 September two new smaller eruptions appeared in a graben to the south of the ongoing eruption about 2 km from Dyngjujökull glacier. The cauldron at Dyngjujökull appeared to have grown. Low frequency tremors continued to be detected and substantial emission of sulphur dioxide from the eruptions continued.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
On 6 September, radar measurements of the glacier surface within the caldera showed 15 metres of subsidence, a volume change of 0.25 square kilometres. This was the largest observed subsidence in Iceland since records began in the middle of the last century. A wide shallow depression was also observed at the Dyngjujökull glacier 10 km from the ice margin, another depression 6 km from the margin deepened to 35 metres. These were likely caused by small and short sub-glacial eruptions.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
The fissure eruptions continued, producing 100–200 m3/s of lava which covered about 16 km2 by 7 September. Lava had now reached the western part of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
Follow-up measurements on 8 September indicated that since 6 September the glacier had subsided another 2.5 to 3 metres. The University of Iceland said that "The events in Bárðarbunga can only be described as a slow caldera collapse".


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
On 9 and 10 September, earthquakes continued to be recorded at Bárðarbunga caldera with a M5.5 at 05:28 on the 10th in the northern part of the dyke intrusion, and also at Herðubreiðatögl. Lava was flowing into the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, but there was no explosive reaction, only steaming. Continued sulphur dioxide emissions at the eruption sites prompted concerns about air quality in urban areas in eastern Iceland. According to GPS measurements, most of the magma flowing into the dyke was being erupted without further crustal deformation. Forecast scenarios now included references to possible further subsidence in the caldera prompting eruptions beneath the Dyngjujökull glacier.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
In the following days, the eruption in Holuhraun continued at a similar rate, accompanied by ongoing earthquakes. The caldera continued to subside with regular M5 earthquakes each day. Regions experiencing reduced air quality changed depending on wind direction. In the previous two days GPS monitoring had detected unusual crustal movements which may have been indicative of a change in the movement of magma under the volcano. In the month since earthquakes began at Bárðarbunga, 25,000 earthquakes had been recorded, compared to 10,000-15,000 earthquakes recorded throughout Iceland in an average year.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, September
By 21 September, subsidence in the caldera, as measured at the newly mounted GPS station, was approximately 40 cm per day and appeared to coincide with earthquake activity. Lava flow and gas emissions at the eruption site in Holuhraun continued at the same strength. The lava field now extended to 37 square kilometres, with an estimated 0.4-0.5 cubic km of erupted lava.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, October
Seismic activity continued to be strong in October. The eruption continued apace, subsidence of the caldera continued at about 40 cm per day and the earthquakes continued with regular M5 tremors around the caldera rim and smaller tremors at the eruption site. Larger volumes of sulphur dioxide were emitted. A crater named Baugur and a new lava flow to the east formed at the eruption site in Holuhraun. Geothermal heat was on the increase and the depression in the caldera was 40 metres, subsidence continued at a similar rate to previous weeks.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, October
A cauldron in the south-east corner of Bárðarbunga deepened 25 metres in one month and was considered by scientists at the site to be linked to the depression in the caldera. Seismic activity continued in the dyke although at a reduced rate. GPS measurements around the area of activity showed minor changes. Air quality continued to be affected by the eruption.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, November
Volcanic activity remained intense although there were some signs of decrease. Earthquakes continued at the dyke although at a declining frequency, while earthquakes of magnitude 5 and greater continued at the caldera. The rate of subsidence of the caldera had declined from 80 cm a day at the start of the unrest to 25 cm per day, reaching 50 metres in total. The lava field covered 76 km and had an estimated volume of 1 cubic kilometre volume, making it the largest eruption in Iceland since Laki in 1783 and the third largest lava field on Earth over this period. The lava output reduced from 200 metres per second in September to 100 m/s in November. Significant sulphur dioxide gas pollution continued to occur. The forecast was for significant activity to continue over the next few months.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2014, December
An overview of the eruption and seismic activity so far was published on IMO's website on 3 December. Insubstantial changes in the eruption occurred in December 2014. The lava field had increased to 82.8 km2. The lava ran in a closed channel to the east 15 km from the Baugur crater. M5+ quakes continued in the caldera; on December 19, vertical displacement at the caldera was measured at 56 metres. The eruption continued to emit intense sulphurous gasses which affected air quality throughout Iceland, depending on the weather conditions. On 25 December, a new earthquake sequence was recorded at the Geysir geothermal field 140 kilometres west of Bárðarbunga; the activity lasted for two days before fading out.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2015, January
During January 2015 the eruption continued to decline slowly although it still remained active with significant seismic activity. At the caldera there were still significant regular quakes of M4.5+ and subsidence continued. Sulphuric gases originating from the eruption continued to create a health hazard throughout Iceland. A scientific report published on 30 January featuring graphs and diagrams showing detailed information about the caldera seismicity and eruption can be found on the IMO website. Extrapolations from the data predict the eruption may continue into the Summer.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2015, February
In February the eruption continued to decline but seismic activity was still significant, with earthquakes no greater than magnitude M3, some earthquakes were recorded at Tungnafellsjökul glacier, Askja and Herðubreið. The rate of subsidence of the caldera was slower at about 5 cm per day and levels of toxic gasses in inhabited areas stayed within safety limits for consistent periods. On 27 February the eruption ended after 6 months of continuous activity. Nevertheless, air pollution continued, and the area north of Bárðarbunga, including volcanoes Askja and Herðubreið, still remained closed to visitors.


2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga, Activity in 2015, March
On March 16, 2015 the area north of Bárðarbunga was opened to visitors, excluding the lava field and the area within 20 metres around it.


2014–2015 eruption of Fogo
The 2014–2015 eruption of Fogo began on 23 November 2014, continuing until 8 February 2015. It was the first eruption of Pico do Fogo in 19 years, and the longest since its 1857 eruption. It had a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 3, making it the largest eruption of the volcano since records began.


2014–2015 eruption of Fogo
It caused an estimated five billion escudos (€45.3 million) in damages.


2014–2015 eruption of Fogo, Volcanic activity
The volcano started erupting shortly after 10 a.m. on Sunday, 23 November 2014. There had been a few days of heightened seismic activity, with stronger tremors occurring the night before the eruption started. The eruption began at Pico Pequeno and at another location near the crater made by the 1995 eruption. The population of Chã das Caldeiras, totaling around 1,000 inhabitants, spent the night outside their homes due to the strong earthquakes, and started being evacuated when the eruption began. As in 1995, some people initially refused to abandon their homes, but eventually heeded the authorities' instructions.


2014–2015 eruption of Fogo, Volcanic activity
On 27 November, a lava flow moved northward toward the village center. During the first days of eruption, a 3.5 km stretch of the southern basalt paved road that connected São Filipe was covered with lava. On 1 December, the lava flow rate was 15 meters an hour and it had engulfed 400 ha of land, destroyed 18 houses and was nearing the village center. A day later, lava entered into Portela where 50 houses were destroyed along with a school and a hotel. By 7 December, much of Portela was ruined and 70% of Bangaeira had been damaged. On 9 December, lava reached more areas inside the Bordeira and Bangaeira and by 12 December it affected almost all of Bangaeira.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia
Beginning on 14 December 2014, a series of floods from the northeast monsoon hit Indonesia, West Malaysia, Southern Thailand, and later Sri Lanka in South Asia. More than 100,000 people have been evacuated in Indonesia, 200,000 in Malaysia, and several thousand in Thailand. Floods are also affecting 1,100,000 in Sri Lanka.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Causes
Malaysian Meteorological Department National Weather Centre senior meteorological officer Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip attributed the flooding in northern Malaysia to the full moon and the presence of northeast monsoon winds blowing consistently across the South China Sea from November 2014 until March 2015. He noted that rivers overflowed when incessant rainfall caused water from the upstream to not reach the confluence. The Malaysian government has promised to undertake a thorough investigation to identify the real cause of this floods especially in the east coast when the floods have receded.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Causes
The year's heavy rains were caused by a southeast monsoon blowing across the South China Sea, making the sea warmer than usual. Scientists have predicted that as climate change worsens, storm patterns will become less predictable and more severe. Massive development without care to the environment and drainage problems have been cited as contributing factors.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions
Various countries have been affected by floods with Malaysia topped the list of evacuees.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Indonesia
Heavy rains in North Sumatra caused flooding in most areas from 14 December, but as of 17 December the water was receding. On 19 December, another flood damaged 525 hectares (1,300 acres) of farmland in eight districts in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau. Hundreds of houses in the Bengkalis Regency of Riau were submerged waist-deep (1 metre (3.3 ft)), but the approximately 500 residents are still at home as there is no place to take refuge. The villagers cannot do anything because of a limited budget.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Indonesia
In the Tamiang district of Aceh, flooding forced about 28,000 people to take shelter on higher ground. A total of 94,500 people have taken refuge in Aceh as of 27 December. As of 27 December, about 100,000 people had been evacuated nationwide, with the number of patients seeking treatment at command posts still increasing.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Indonesia
Between 26 and 28 December, most floods in such areas in Aceh have receded.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Malaysia
Heavy rains since 15 December forced 3,390 people in Kelantan and 4,209 people in Terengganu to flee their homes. Several Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) intercity train services along the East Coast route were disrupted on 18 December following the floods. On 20 December, the area of Kajang, Selangor, was also hit by serious floods. By 23 December, most rivers in Kelantan, Pahang, Perak and Terengganu had reached dangerous levels. Due to rising water levels, most businesses were affected, and about 60,000 people were displaced in the next day. The state of Kelantan had the most evacuees (20,468 to 24,765), followed by Terengganu (21,606), Pahang (10,825), Perak (1,030), Sabah (336) and Perlis (143).


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Malaysia
The situation continues to worsen in Kelantan and Terengganu, due to heavy rain. Most roads in Kelantan have been closed. The worst-hit district in Terengganu is Kemaman, followed by Dungun, Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu, Besut and Marang. In Pahang, the worst-hit areas are Kuantan, Maran, Jerantut, Lipis and Pekan. Dozens of foreign tourists were stranded at a resort in a Malaysian national park in Pahang. Most were travellers from Canada, Britain, Australia and Romania. All were rescued via boat and helicopter. In Kedah, at least 51 people were evacuated. A teenager in Perlis was the first victim to die in this flood.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Malaysia
In southern Malaysia, between 300 and 350 people have been displaced in both Johor and Negeri Sembilan. The number of evacuees nationwide reached more than 200,000 by 28 December, with 10 people killed. The flooding is considered the country's worst in decades. However, the exact numbers of evacuees, missing persons and deaths are unknown, as the Malaysian flood centre was unable to provide any accurate figures. Some victim were found in miserable condition after surviving on one meal of rice a day after being stranded in the floods, who was interviewed by Aaron Ngui. On 31 December, a Royal Malaysia Police Ecureuill AS 355F2 helicopter crashed during a patrol in Kelantan, injuring four crews on board.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Malaysia
As of 2 January 2015, floodwaters continued to recede and the number of evacuees in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Perak continued to reduce.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Thailand
On 21 December, a Bell 206 helicopter which departed for relief missions crashed in Yala's Muang District due to bad weather, injuring four crewmen. Because of the incident, Thai southern army has imposed a ban on all types of aircraft from 22 to 26 December and were ordered to use only ground vehicles to patrol flooded areas. A large number of districts in Narathiwat Province have been declared disaster zones with 115,853 residents from 30,624 households been affected. Eight of sixteen districts in Songkhla Province, including Hat Yai, Sadao, Rattaphum, Khuan Niang, Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi and Sabai Yoi also have been declared disaster zones. In Yala Province, more than 50,000 residents have been affected. As of 30 December, 15 people have been killed in the flooding.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, Southeast Asia, Thailand
On 26 December, rains in Narathiwat and Pattani provinces have stopped, while flooding in Phatthalung has eased. Continuous aid was distributed to affected residents in Songkhla Province including to Malaysian residents in the border of Narathiwat as Thai Prime Minister had heard that around 40,000 Malaysians living along the border were suffering.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, South Asia, Sri Lanka
An estimated 1.1 million people were affected by torrential rainfall, widespread floods, landslides, mudslides and high winds since 19 December 2014. Over 6,400 houses are reportedly fully destroyed and an estimated 18,537 houses are partially damaged. There were 39 deaths, with 20 people injured and 2 people still missing, UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Affected regions, South Asia, Sri Lanka
With the flood situation being gradually normalised, people living in safety centres or with host families have begun to return home.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Effects, Healthcare
As of 29 December, the flooding has affected 102 health facilities in West Malaysia, 38 of which are still operating. Helicopters were used to evacuate patients from hospital as the flood worsened. Most hospital staffs have been working tirelessly for over 5 days.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Effects, Healthcare
In Thailand, sandbag barriers were stacked around Nong Chik Hospital in Pattani, with four pumps working around the clock to keep out the flood water. Sandbags were also stacked at Tambon Pakaharang health promotion hospital. Some equipment was relocated to higher ground as a precaution. However, both hospitals continued their regular daily operations.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Effects, Education
Three main universities in the states of Kelantan and Terengganu in Malaysia were affected by floods. Most students in Kelantan university decided to flee from their university in view of worsening flood crisis.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Effects, Economy
Palm oil and rubber prices have surged as flooding has disrupted supplies from Thailand and Malaysia. Rubber output in Thailand and Malaysia will drop at least 30 per cent and prices been predicted to rise further. As floodwaters in Malaysia are not receding, palm oil production decline sharply.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Effects, Social
In Malaysia, shortage of food supplies, electricity, clean water, banking services and erratic communication problems continue to affect flood victims after the flood started to recede. Lack of banking services has caused some petrol stations to run out of small change. Some victims survived on donated relief items while other desperate flood victims started to fight or steal for food and valuables from abandoned homes.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Effects, Social
Flood victims at Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, Malaysia, started to cross Golok River into Su-ngai Kolok town as the floods here in Thailand begun to subside. Residents of Rantau Panjang shop for essential items at Su-ngai Kolok Municipality Market. At least six petrol stations in Su-ngai Kolok district were closed temporarily due to overwhelming demand for petrol. Authorities also started to release excessive water from Bang Lang Dam which would later affect riverside communities on the banks of Pattani River in Bannang Sata and Krong Pinang District.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Response
Indonesia — Some Indonesian agencies prepared shelters in the affected districts, including at police and military headquarters and houses of worship. About 400 volunteers were mobilised to distribute aid and the Indonesian Military (TNI) boosted its personnel numbers.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Response
Malaysia — The Malaysian government mobilised all available assets to help in flood rescue operations, the number of rescue team members was increased, and $14 million was allocated to manage relief centres. An additional $142 million in funding was announced. Various non-governmental organisations have contributed their assistance.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Response
Thailand — Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed related officials to quickly provide aid to victims in the southern floods. Following the instruction, soldiers in Thailand have started distributing fresh water to flood victims and stopping cars from entering flooded roads. Deputy Minister of Interior Suthee Markboon has assigned the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in each province to urgently deliver assistance to people affected by flooding, survey the damages and expedite a recovery plan. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has cooperated with the military and other units related to flood relief in each province to install water pumps and assess damages caused by floods.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Response
Sri Lanka — More than 7,000 army personnel been deployed to flood-affected areas for rescue and relief operations.


2014–2015 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Controversies
Some victims in Malaysia have accused the government of being slow to provide assistance. As Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was away, his deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin, was in charge for the flood crisis. However, the Prime Minister later ended his vacation amidst criticism from the public when he was seen playing golf with Barack Obama in Hawaii, United States. Najib stressed that the golf game was necessary in establishing diplomatic ties with the United States and the event has been planned much earlier even before the flood started. Rescue missions have been difficult, due to uncertain weather conditions and some residents' refusal to evacuate.


2014–2016 AVC Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
The 2014–2016 AVC Beach Volleyball Continental Cup were a beach volleyball double-gender event. The winners of the event qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics


2014–2016 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
The 2015 2014–2016 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup were a beach volleyball double-gender event. The winners of the event will qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
The 2015 2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup were a beach volleyball double-gender event. Teams were split into groups of four, where an elimination bracket determined the 3 teams to advance to the next stage from the sub-zones. The winners of the event qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics.


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Men, Round 1, Pool B
Pool B was contested in Portoroz, Slovenia. Round1 Scotland  2–0  Northern Ireland


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Men, Round 1, Pool F
Pool F was contested in Vilnius, Lithuania. Round1 Moldova  1–2  Bosnia and Herzegovina


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Men, Round 2, Pool A
Pool A was contested in Odense, Denmark. Round 1 Luxembourg  2–0  Iceland


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Men, Round 2, Pool C
Pool C was contested in Mellieha, Malta. Round 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina  2–0  Moldova


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Men, Final round
The final round was played in Stavanger, Norway 22 to 26 June 2016.


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Women, Ranking
The top 8 in CEV Country Ranking as of 31 December 2013 qualified to round 3.


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Women, Round 1, Pool F
Pool F was contested in Vilnius, Lithuania. Round1 Bosnia and Herzegovina  0–2  Estonia


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Women, Round 2, Pool A
Pool A was contested in Odense, Denmark. Round 1 Luxembourg  0–2  Iceland


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Women, Round 2, Pool C
Pool C was contested in Mellieha, Malta. Round 1 Turkey  2–0  Malta


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Women, Final round
The final round was played in Stavanger, Norway 22 to 26 June 2016.


2014–2016 CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Women, Final round
As  Germany and  Switzerland already had qualified to the Olympics with the maximum number of two teams per country through the FIVB Beach Volleyball Olympic Ranking, they were replaced by  Norway and  Ukraine.


2014–2016 CSV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
The 2015 2014–2016 CSV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup were a beach volleyball double-gender event. The winners of the event will qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics


2014–2016 CSV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, Final round, Women
The final round was played 22 - 26 June 2016.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest
2014–2016 Croatian war veterans tent protest was 555 days long war veterans protest, often dubbed in Croatia as The Tenters (Croatian: šatoraši). The protests were initially aimed against Ministry of Croatian Veterans deputy Bojan Glavašević and Minister Predrag Matić himself, however the protesters subsequently changed their demands and started demanding the resignation of left-wing Prime Minister Zoran Milanović and then President Ivo Josipović. The protests escalated in May 2015 when a group of protesters breached the riot police cordons in Zagreb Upper Town and baricaded themselves inside St. Mark Church, where they again clashed with the police.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest
At the same time another group of protesters near the central tent blocked the traffic and brought out gas bottles on Savska street which they apparently threatened to blow if the police refused to back off from the church. After both Josipović and Milanović lost the elections in 2014 and 2015, the protests gradually calmed down and in April 2016, with the new minister taking over the Veterans Office, the tent was dismantled, formally ending the protest.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, Background
The protests started after minister's deputy Bojan Glavašević at Documenta NGO's discussion table in Vukovar posed a question during his speech: "How come there are so many cases of PTSD among Croatian war veterans that had won the war, and have many rights, while among ex Serb army members that had lost the war and have no rights, there are no such cases?".


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, Background
These words caused an outrage among war veterans population, whose representatives accused minister and his deputy of reducing the veterans rights, while at the same time they are attempting to grant them to former so-called Krajina army members.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, Background
Somewhere at the same time, Đuro Glogoški, the president of  Association of 100% Disabled War Veterans of Homeland War, was trying to reach a solution for problems of one HVO veteran, but was given the unsatisfactory reaction from the minister in charge, for which he and his group had set up a tent and started a protest in front of the building of Ministry of Croatian Veterans, in Savska street in Zagreb,  where they had declared that they will remain, until their problems are resolved. They also asked for the resignation of minister Matić and his close associates Glavašević and Vesna Nađ.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
On second day of the protest, a window was broken on the building of the Ministry by throwing a potato in the glass. On the third day of the protest a female veteran invalid got sick during the rally and she died shortly after. This caused a further outrage among the protesters. Two days later, on October 24, 2014., prime minister Milanović gave a statement in which he stood by his ministers and accused the protesters of protesting with support of the rival party Croatian Democratic Union.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
On following days, minister Matić had to be escorted by the police while he was going to work in the ministry. On the same day, the protesters had called out to president Josipović, claiming that "he doesn't care about them". He subsequently came to visit them on the same day, accompanied by minister Matić and then chief-of-staff of Croatian Army Drago Lovrić. Josipović urged  them to "return back to their homes, so that they don't endanger their health", but to no avail.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
On the same day, one of the protesters, threw a piece of cardboard on Bojan Glavešević's head while Glavašević was going to work. On 28 October 2014, a one veteran drove himself by a taxi in front of the Savska tent, after which he poured himself by a gasoline and set himself on fire.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
In December 2014 a man was kicked out of the tent, after one of the protest leaders Ante Deur accused minister Matić of sending the provocateurs into their tent. On December 10, some three thousand war veterans marched through the streets of Zagreb, with signs of crosses on their clothes, by which " they wanted to appeal to the public for more effective measures of preventing the veterans suicide".


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
In January 2015. Ivo Josipović lost the presidential elections to a right-wing candidate Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović which was met with the celebrations in the form of blocking the traffic on the Savska street and fireworks. Shortly afterwards, Kolinda came to the tent to visit the protesters.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
During following months several rallies and counter rallies were held:


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
By February, the tenters statements became increasingly radicalized with their leaders saying to the media, for example: "In 1991. we had a bloody Easter and this year we might have a bloody Christmas" On February 20, 2015 an unemployed young man came to protest against youth unemployment in front of Savska tent by holding a piece of white underwear in his hands and protest signs "I have a PTSD from not doing anything", "Either job or Kalashnikov" and "Karamarko go home!". The single protester was soon verbally attacked by the tenters after which six policemen came to arrest him for "disturbing of public peace and quiet"


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
On February 21, 2015, a counter protest "Stop the Tenters terror" was organised, but the police blocked the protesters way between Savska and Vukovarska street. On the opposing side, some 600 tenters came out to meet the counter protesters accompanied by members of Bad Blue Boys. One counter-protester was arrested after trying to breach the police cordon to reach the Tenters, and one tent supporter was apparently arrested, after he had thrown a rock at the counter-protesters


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
On March 1, left-wing movement Occupy Croatia announced organising a new counter-protest because veterans in Savska 66: "endorsed the members of ultra-right Authentic Croatian Party of Rights in their tent", who were previously banned by Croatian police from parading on ban Jelačić Square and Ante Starčević's grave. Tent protest leader Glogoški responded to that by stating that; "Anyone is welcome to their tent" and that they only "greeted the A-HSP members, who came to give them support".


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
On March 14 Occupy Croatia organised a counter-protest to which only dozens of people came. They then marched towards Savska street, but the riot police blocked their way between Frankopanska and Dalmatinska street. As they were passing through the city, the people who disagreed with them, shouted insults to the counter-protesters. At the same time, between 300-400 Tent veterans started marching towards prime minister Mianović's appartement because the tent leaders accused Milanović of being behind the counter-protest. They protested in front of Milanović's appartement for a while before returning to Savska.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
In same month, by then already former president Josipović wrote a newspaper text in which he claimed that the Tenters way of: "calling for the fall of government on the street has passed the line which a democratic society can and must tolerate" and added on that the problem is not their protest against the government, but they way in which they are doing it, which is "spitting in the face" to a legal and democratic state. He also added that they are "using the electricity and other infrastructure of a state which they are trying to crash"


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest
By April 2014. the tent held a permanent protest sign: "In 1991. against Yugoslavia, in 2014. against Yugoslavs", implying that they are protesting against the alleged Yugoslavs in Croatian society. On April 11, Occupy Croatia organised a new counter-tent protest, and proclaimed that they are protesting against: "self-proclaimed, superpolitical institution tent-town in Savska street 66, which has a genuine task of imposing ulltranationalist, and theological values which are against the universal values of equality, justice and liberty". After only 50 people came to their rally the counter-protest was canceled. The organisers then made a statement to the public: "If this is a world in which you want to live in – enjoy!"


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest, May Escalation
In the beginning of May the tenters announced organising the major rally on Ban Jelačić Square, which gathered some 10 000 people. On this rally The Tenters leader Glogoški gave an ultimatum to the government to resolve their demands before May 30, otherwise "they will go directly to St. Mark's Square (where the government budilng is located) and someone will be forced to step down". On May 29, prime minister Milanović declared his offer to negotiate with the tenters in Lisinski Concert Hall, which they rejected. After that the tenters broke through the police barricades and reached St. Mark's Square.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest, May Escalation
They then barricaded themselves inside St. Mark's Church, which was surrounded by the riot police. The interior minister issued the warning that they are only allowed to stay there until 10pm, otherwise, "the police will be forced to act" The tenters leader Glogoški called on the riot police at one point "to cancel their obedience and join them", which some Croatian media interpreted and a call on coup d'état. Nevertheless, Glogoški's appeal was unsuccessful.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest, May Escalation
While some HDZ members brought food to the tenters in the church, the party leader Tomislav Karamarko when being asked by the media about the riots on St. Mark's square, said that "they shouldn't treat the veterans as some kind of huligans". This was problematic because the tenters didn't report their protest to the police, which they were supposed to do by the law. As the night fell, a man climbed on the building and threatened to jump off if the police doesn't back off from the tenters. The man, however, soon came down.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest, May Escalation
At the same time another group of protesting veterans near the central tent blocked the traffic and brought out the gas bottles on Savska street which they apparently threatened to blow if the police doesn't back off from the church. When 22:00 hours passed, a priest appeared between the tenters inside the church and the riot police outside. At 23:00 hours, Glogoški felt ill so he was transported to the nearby ambulance car while the tenters again clashed with the police on the church entrances. In the end, the police allowed tenters to spend the night in the church. Somewhere after the midnight a group of young men approached the police, started shouting insults to them and yelled: "Za dom spremni"


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, The Protest, May Escalation
The next day, Zoran Milanović held a press conference in which he said that "he is ready for the dialogue next week, but this [kind of behaviour] must stop". Somewhere at 17:30 hours, Glogoški gave a statement saying that: "They accept Milanović's offer to meet them on next Monday", after which tenters withdrew back to their tent in Savska street.


2014–2016 Croatian war veterans protest, End of the protest
After Milanović failed to form the new government in the aftermath of 2015 Croatian parliamentary elections, HDZ and MOST formed a new coalition and Tihomir Orešković became the new prime minister and Tomo Medved became the new veterans minister. The tent was finally removed after the protesters proclaimed that: "they didn't protested to bring some other party to power", but because the heads of institutions: "did not do their job, while they were receiving the salary for it". The protesters then announced that their tent will be relocated to the "Homeland War Museum" in Vukovar. however this idea was opposed by major of Vukovar and Vukovar wartime commander Branko Borković.


2014–2016 El Niño event
The 2014–2016 El Niño was a warming of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean that resulted in unusually warm waters developing between the coast of South America and the International Date Line. These unusually warm waters influenced the world's weather in a number of ways, which in turn significantly affected various parts of the world. These included drought conditions in Venezuela, Australia and a number of Pacific islands while significant flooding was also recorded. During the event, more tropical cyclones than normal occurred within the Pacific Ocean, while fewer than normal occurred in the Atlantic Ocean.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
The 1997–1998 El Niño event was regarded as one of the strongest El Niño events in recorded history, which resulted in widespread drought, flooding and other natural disasters occurring across the globe. Afterwards the climate of the Pacific Ocean was dominated by a cool phase of the Pacific decadal oscillation, with three significant La Niña events occurring between 1998–2001, 2007–09 and 2010–12. Despite the La Niña background to the Pacific Climate, four El Niño events occurred during 2002–03, 2004–05, 2006–07, and 2009–10, but each were weaker and had shorter effects than the 1997–98 event.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
After the 2010–12 La Niña event had ended, near-neutral conditions persisted over the Pacific Ocean with no La Niña or El Niño events occurring. An intense burst of typhoon activity subsequently took place between September and November 2013, which was thought to possibly be a precursor signal to an impending change of the Pacific climate towards El Niño rather than La Niña.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
During January 2014, after surveying various climate models, the World Meteorological Organization warned that there was an enhanced possibility of a weak El Niño event happening during 2014. Over the next few months the climate of the Pacific Ocean started to exhibit features that suggested the impending onset of an El Niño event. Over the ocean, these features included: a rapid fall of the sea level in western Micronesia, as well as a large area of enhanced sea surface temperatures that were present at low latitudes near the International Date Line.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
In the atmosphere these features included persistent westerly winds at equatorial latitudes, which were displaced eastwards towards the Marshall Islands. A large area of atmospheric convection was present at a low latitude near the International Dateline, in association with the development of an unusual amount of early season tropical cyclones near the Marshall Islands. As a result of some of these conditions, an El Niño Watch was issued by the United States Climate Prediction Center (NOAA's CPC) and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society within their March 2014 diagnostic discussion.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
Over the next few months, the atmosphere failed to respond in order to reinforce the developing El Niño, with the monsoon trough remaining weak and tropical cyclone activity slowing, while no episodes of strong westerly winds at a low latitude occurred. Some of the oceanic indicators of El Niño also failed to develop further, with a cooling of sea and sub surface temperatures over the tropical Pacific occurring.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
However, by the end of 2014, several of the El Niño indexes that were used to judge the state of the ENSO state, indicated that weak El Nino conditions had developed over the Pacific Ocean. As a result, a few of the international meteorological agencies, including the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Hong Kong Observatory reported that an El Niño event had developed during 2014, while others such as the Fiji Meteorological Service considered 2014 to be a near miss. At this time it was thought that the ENSO state would continue to hover at the borderline El Nino conditions, before easing back into neutral ENSO conditions.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
After Typhoon Higos developed during February 2015, a new forecast scenario opened: El Niño might strengthen and persist through 2015. This scenario was supported by the same climate features that had predicted the weak El Niño developing during 2014. During their March 2015 diagnostic discussion, NOAA's CPC and the IRI reported that El Niño conditions had been observed during February 2015, after the above average sea surface temperatures had become weakly coupled with the tropical atmosphere.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
By January 2015, westerly wind burst activity picked up again. The first Kelvin wave developed around March and another formed around May. In addition, another strong westerly wind burst event took place around July as a result of twin tropical cyclones straddling the equator. An even stronger event in October, and an unusually stronger event during late December 2015 into January 2016, also resulted from twin cyclones on opposite sides of the equator. In May 2015, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology respectively confirmed the arrival of weak El Niño conditions.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
El Niño conditions were forecast in July to intensify into strong conditions by fall and winter of 2015. In addition to the warmer than normal waters generated by the El Niño conditions, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation was also creating persistently higher than normal sea surface temperatures in the northeastern Pacific. In August, the NOAA CPC predicted that the 2015 El Niño "could be among the strongest in the historical record dating back to 1950." In mid November, NOAA reported that the temperature anomaly in the Niño 3.4 region for the 3-month average from August to October 2015 was the 2nd warmest on record with only 1997 warmer.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
During November and December 2015, values within NOAA's Oceanic Niño Index peaked at 2.4 °C (4.3 °F), which surpassed December 1997 value of 2.2 °C (4.0 °F). NOAA subsequently reported that the 3-month average from November 2015 to January 2016 of the ONI had peaked at 2.3 °C (4.1 °F), which meant that the 2014–16 event was tied with the 1997–98 event for the strongest values on record.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
However, overall the event was considered to be one of the three strongest El Nino events since 1950, since there was a number of different ways to measure the strength of an event. The event subsequently started to weaken with sea surface temperature anomalies across the equatorial pacific decreasing, while predictions about a possible La Niña event taking place during 2016 started to be made. During May 2016, the El Niño event dissipated as near to below average sea surface temperatures, expanded across the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Meteorological progression
Atmospheric anomalies over the tropical Pacific Ocean had also weakened and become consistent with ENSO neutral conditions. These anomalies included the traditional and equatorial Southern Oscillation indices becoming near zero, while atmospheric convection, upper and lower level winds all became near average. As a result of this the BoM, NOAA's CPC, IRI, and the JMA, all declared that the record-tying El Niño event had ended in late May/early June.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Effects on tropical cyclone activity
The 2014–16 El Niño event influenced tropical cyclone activity around the world, where it contributed to record breaking seasons in the Central Pacific and Eastern Pacific tropical cyclone basins. By contrast, it limited Atlantic hurricane activity, producing strong vertical wind shear, increased atmospheric stability, stronger sinking motion and drier air across the tropical Atlantic. The Central Pacific basin saw its most active tropical cyclone season on record with 16 tropical cyclones recorded during 2015. Within the Southern Hemisphere, the El Niño pushed tropical cyclone activity in the South Pacific Ocean eastwards, with activity flourishing near Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. As a result of this displacement and other factors such as a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, the 2015–16 Australian region cyclone season was the least active since reliable records started during 1950s, with only three named tropical cyclones developing in the region compared to an average of eleven.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Effects on tropical cyclone activity
The event also contributed to six systems forming outside of the season boundaries, within the North Atlantic, Eastern and Southern Pacific basins. These systems included Tropical Cyclone Raquel, which was considered by some to be a part of both the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons, but was later deemed to only be a part of the 2014–15 season. Tropical Depressions 01F and 02F developed in the South Pacific during July and October 2015, which affected Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Tropical Depression Nine-C subsequently formed in the Central Pacific on 31 December, whose remnants in turn contributed to the development of Hurricane Pali on 7 January. This also caused the latest end and earliest start to the 2015 and 2016 Pacific hurricane seasons, respectively.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Effects on tropical cyclone activity
Other significant tropical cyclones during the event included: Cyclone Pam, which became the second most intense tropical cyclone in the South Pacific in terms of wind speed and devastated Vanuatu; Cyclone Winston, was the most intense tropical cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere and devastated Fiji; Cyclone Fantala, which was the strongest storm in terms of 1-minute and 10-minute sustained winds in the South Indian Ocean; and Hurricane Patricia, which was the second-most-intense tropical cyclone on record globally in terms of barometric pressure, and the strongest in terms of 1-minute sustained winds.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact
The El Niño event affected millions of people around the world, including in Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These effects included below or above-average rainfall, flooding, increased food insecurity, higher malnutrition rates and devastated livelihoods. The El Niño event also contributed to the Earth's warming trend, with 2014 and 2015 being two of the warmest years on record. Over 60 million people faced hunger and malnutrition in 2016 due to drought effects influenced by ENSO, with Africa worst hit, Indochina faced a severe drop in food production, and Ethiopia counted 10 million people at risk.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Australia
Over Australia, the drying influence of the event was initially counteracted by warm temperatures in the Indian Ocean, which lead to above average rainfall falling over parts of Western Australia, New South Wales and eastern Victoria. However, by the start of austral Spring 2015, the Indian Ocean had started to help the El Niño, which resulted in Australia's third-driest spring on record and limited growth at the end of cropping season.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Australia
The lack of heavy rains in the north and west meant reduced downtime for mining, while fewer clouds and less tropical rain, contributed to the most severe coral bleaching event on record for the Great Barrier Reef. The combination of heat and low rainfall brought a very early start to the 2015–16 Australian bushfire season, with over 125 fires burning in Victoria and Tasmania during October. Dry conditions in Tasmania also resulted in hundreds of fires being started by dry lightning during January 2016, which damaged large areas of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, including parts which may not have seen fire for centuries.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Africa
The El Niño event enhanced the 2015 short rains season between October and December 2015, with more rainfall than normal falling in eastern Africa. The 2014–2016 El-Niño phenomenon, according to the World Meteorological Organization, is one of the three strongest since 1950. A number of countries in Africa including Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe declared national states of emergency, while the Southern African Development Community declared a regional drought disaster in March 2016.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, North America
During the winter of 2014–2015, the typical precipitation and impacts of an El Niño event, did not occur over North America, as the event was weak and on the borderline of being an event. Ahead of the 2015–16 winter, it was hoped that the El Niño would bring some relief from five years of drought conditions that had occurred in California. However, the event failed to end the long term dryness, despite some regions including Pacifica receiving heavy rain which led to mudslides. In the south eastern and south central United States above normal rainfall occurred, with Missouri receiving three times its normal rainfall during November and December 2015.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, South America
Between September and December 2015, Northern South America was generally dry, with parts of Venezuela suffering from drought conditions. Over the same period Uruguay, southern Brazil, and Paraguay experienced a lot of rain. In 2015, the Southeast Region of Brazil suffered the consequences of a severe drought (aggravated by El Niño), which led to above-average temperatures and a large decline in the level of several rivers and reservoirs; as a result, residents had to save water and cutoffs were made. However, at the same time, the South Region passed by a large period of severe thunderstorms (another consequence of El Niño), which led to strong floods; several rivers reached the highest level in decades and thousands of people were left homeless.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Pacific Islands
During the event the Walker circulation and associated rainfall was shifted eastwards, which meant that a large part of the Pacific received below average rainfall. As a result, drought conditions were observed on several Pacific island nations, with an estimated 4.7 million people affected including people in Fiji, Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Pacific Islands
During the event, tuna schools migrated away from their traditional waters near Papua New Guinea, to waters surrounding the island nation of Kiribati. As a result of this over 700,000 tonnes (690,000 long tons; 770,000 short tons) of Tuna was caught in waters surrounding Kiribati during 2014, while the island nation was able to sell access rights to international fishing firms at over $15,000 a day. Projections were subsequently made by the Asian Development Bank that Kiribati, would earn over AUD 150 million (US$109 million) during 2015 from fishing licences.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Pacific Islands
Researchers from the NOAA also recorded coral cover losses of up to 90% at study sites on the island of Kiritimati (Christmas Island) after the 2015/16 El Niño event.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Pacific Islands
As El Niño conditions started to develop during early 2014, sea levels in western Micronesia including in waters surrounding the island nations of Palau and Guam dropped by 6–9 feet (1.8–2.7 m). In Palau, the El Niño resulted in the worst drought conditions in nearly eighty years. The island nations of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands made emergency or disaster declarations, due to extreme drought conditions from the El Niño.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Southeastern Asia, Philippines
Within the Philippines, the El Niño event caused a delay in the onset of the 2015 rainy season, while causing weaker than normal monsoon activity, below average rainfall, fewer tropical cyclones and above average air temperatures. As a result of this 85% of the provinces were hit by drought conditions, while PAGASA advised people to conserve water, in case the high water level of the Angat Dam fell below 212 metres (696 ft). During April 2016, the Philippine Department of Agriculture, estimated total damages to crops between February 2015 and March 2016, at just under PhP 10 billion (US$217 million).


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Southeastern Asia, Philippines
In Maguindanao, many rice and corn fields were destroyed by the drought brought by El Niño, and soon, the provincial government declared a state of calamity in the province. Earlier, North Cotabato declared a state of calamity, and the provincial government's aid to the farmers suffering from the drought caused a protest and a clash with police in Kidapawan.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Southeastern Asia, Philippines
The provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, General Santos City, Isabela, Quirino, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Basilan, Bohol, and Cebu declared a state of calamity.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, Southeastern Asia, Vietnam
Cửu Long Droughts and saltwater infiltration were considered to be particularly serious, the worst within the last 100 years, causing severe damage to the western provinces.


2014–2016 El Niño event, Impact, United Kingdom
The winter of 2015–2016 brought serious floods, record rainfall and very mild temperatures across the UK. The Central England Temperature is a series of temperature data going back to 1659, the winter of 2015–2016 ranked as 2nd warmest, behind 1868–1869. The England and Wales Precipitation records go back to 1766, and 2015–16 was the 9th wettest winter on record. It is thought that this was caused by the strong El Niño.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division
The 2014–16 European Nations Cup First Division is the premier rugby union competition below the Six Nations Championship in Europe. It is divided into two tiers; Division 1A and Division 1B.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division
The divisions play on a two-year cycle with the teams playing each other both home and away. From 2009 onward, the title is awarded according to a one-year ranking.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division
The competition has been slightly altered for the 2014–16 edition. The top tier Division 1A has seen the relegation of Belgium to Division 1B. They have been replaced with Germany, who finished at the top of Division 1B in the 2012–14 season. The bottom tier division 1B has seen the relegation of the Czech Republic to the European Nations Cup Second Division. They have been replaced by Netherlands who won promotion from Division 2A.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division
The champions of Division 1B will be promoted to Division 1A for the 2017–18 season, while the last placed team in each division will be relegated.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division, Division 1B, 2014–15, Table
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 1 September 2014)


2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division, Division 1B, 2015–16, Table
Pre -tournament World Rugby rankings in parentheses (as at 1 September 2015)


2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division, Division 1B, Combined table (2014–2016)
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 1 September 2014)


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
The 2014–16 European Nations Cup Second Division is the third tier rugby union in Europe behind the Six Nations Championship and the 2014–16 European Nations Cup First Division.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
The second division comprises four pools (2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D). Teams within each division play each other in a home and away round robin schedule over a two-year period.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
At the end of every season a champion is declared, but for relegation and promotion only the two years ranking are considered.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
Starting in the 2016–2017 season, standings over one-year cycles will be used for promotion and relegation, instead of two-year cycles


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
With the adoption of the new format for 2016–17 Rugby Europe International Championships, the relegation/promotion format was changed, at the end of tournament.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
While the first of pool A will be always promoted to First Division 1 Pool B, now renamed 2016–17 Rugby Europe Trophy, for other ranked teams all change in this way


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
(Originally The first in the 2014–2016 ranking of each pool will be promoted while last place teams will be relegated.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division
Winners of pool 2A, will be promoted to division 1 pool B for the 2016–17 edition while the last place team in pool 2A will be relegated to pool 2B. Likewise, winners of 2B will be promoted to 2A, last place in 2B will be relegated to 2C, winner of 2C will be promoted to 2B, last place of 2C will be relegated to 2D, winner of 2D will be promoted to 2C and last place of 2D will be relegated to 3; The winner of 3 replacing the relegated 2D team.)


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2A, 2014–2015
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 20 October 2014)


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2A, 2014–2016
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 20 October 2014)


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2B, 2014–2015
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 13 October 2014). Cyprus are not a full member of the IRB, and therefore have no rating (NR). Games


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2B, 2014–2015
Note: The loss by Cyprus ended their world record winning streak of 24 consecutive wins, extending back to November 2008.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2B, 2015–16
Peter Ambor 33'c Marc Abello 50'Con: Marc Abello 22', 33'Pen: Marc Abello 38'Cards: Marc Arasanz  17' to 27' Joan Fite  40' to 50'


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2B, 2015–16
Demetris Christopher  49' to 59' Alexandros Philiotis  53' to 63'


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2B, 2014–2016
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 13 October 2014). Cyprus are not a full member of the IRB, and therefore have no rating (NR).


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2C, 2014–2015
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 6 October 2014).


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2C, 2014–2016
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 6 October 2014).


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2D
The 2014–15 season game between Norway and Turkey, as well as the game between Finland and Bulgaria, were deferred to the 2015–16 season. The second match between Norway and Finland, as well as Turkey and Bulgaria, was played during the 2014–15 season, instead of during the 2015–16 season. This ensured all teams played four games in each season.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2D, 2014–2015
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 29 September 2014). Turkey are not a full member of the IRB, and therefore have no rating (NR). Games


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Second Division, Division 2D, 2014–2016
Pre -tournament IRB rankings in parentheses (as at 29 September 2014). Turkey are not a full member of the IRB, and therefore have no rating (NR).


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Third Division
The 2014–16 European Nations Cup Third Division is the fourth tier of rugby union in Europe behind the Six Nations Championship and the 2014–16 European Nations Cup First Division and the 2014–16 European Nations Cup Second Division.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Third Division
Slovakia return from the 2012–14 European Nations Cup Third Division, and are joined by the relegated Greece, as well as Belarus, Estonia and Montenegro. 2012–14 champions, Turkey are promoted to ENC 2D, while Azerbaijan have decided not to compete in this tournament.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Third Division
Belarus played their first international rugby union match; a qualifier against Estonia, who will also be playing in their first ENC tournament. The winner of this match (Estonia) played in a semi final-final format tournament against Montenegro and Slovakia 2014–2015 title. Greece withdrew from the tournament, and was replaced by a Montenegrin President's XV. The format for the 2015–2016 tournament has yet to be decided.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Third Division
The best team over the 2014–15 and 2015–16 championships will be promoted to Division 2D of the European Nations Cup for the 2016–2018 cup.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Third Division
Slovakia won the Third Division in 2015 by beating Montenegro in the final 31–3. Estonia  won the title in 2016 by beating Slovakia in the final 36–29.


2014–2016 European Nations Cup Third Division, 2014–15, Finals
The original format included top seeds Greece, second seeds Slovakia, third seeds and hosts Montenegro and qualifiers Estonia. Greece were drawn against Estonia, and Slovakia against Montenegro. However, after the withdrawal of Greece, all teams moved up one seed, with the Montenegrin President's XV taking Greece's place as fourth seed.


2014–2016 ICC Women's Championship
The 2014–2016 ICC Women's Championship was the first edition of the ICC Women's Championship, a women's One Day International cricket (WODI) competition contested by eight teams. The top four teams at the conclusion of the tournament (Australia, England, New Zealand and West Indies) gained automatically qualification for the 2017 World Cup. The bottom four teams (India, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) faced six qualifying teams in the 2017 World Cup Qualifier for the remaining four places at the World Cup. When four or more WODIs were played in a series, only three pre-selected matches were included in the championship. The second edition of the competition started in October 2017.


2014–2016 ICC Women's Championship, Results
The breakdown of results was as follows. During each round, each team played against their opponent three times.


2014–2016 ICC Women's Championship, Results
Note: The round six fixtures between Pakistan and India should have taken place by the end of October 2016. As of 9 November 2016, no decision was reached regarding the fixtures going ahead or not. On 23 November 2016 the ICC Technical Committee ruled that India's Women's team had forfeited all of the matches, with the points being awarded to Pakistan. Pakistan were awarded two points for each game, with India considered to have scored 0 runs in the 50 overs of each game, with their net run rate adjusted to reflect this.


2014–2016 ICC Women's Championship, Points table
* Round 6 matches were awarded to Pakistan (see Note on Results).


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election
A series of rounds in the Lebanese presidential election were held from 23 April 2014 until 31 October 2016. No candidate reached a two-thirds majority vote in the first round, and subsequent rounds failed to gain a quorum. Finally, in the forty-sixth round held on 31 October 2016, Michel Aoun, a Member of Parliament and formerly a disputed Prime Minister and Acting President in a rival government near the end of the Lebanese Civil War, was elected with 83 votes in Parliament. He took office the same day as the 13th President of Lebanon since independence in 1943.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Background
Prior to the formation of the Salam government, the main consideration was carrying out the presidential election, which would precede the parliamentary election and a new electoral law. This follows an impasse between the March 14 Alliance and the March 8 Alliance. The Future Movement's former prime minister and parliamentary leader Fouad Siniora had started the process of discussion for the election prior to the government's formation. In regards to the political instability, Speaker Nabih Berri said: "In order to assure [March 14 groups] that our intentions are good, we do not mind holding the presidential election from now. Subsequently, there will no problem over the formation of a [new] government".


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Background
In accordance with the consociational power sharing agreement, the Taif Accord, the president of the country must be from the Maronite community, currently independent Michel Suleiman; while the prime minister is Sunni, currently independent Tammam Salam, and the parliamentary speaker is Shia, currently 8 March and Amal movement's Nabih Berri. In addition, the deputy speaker of parliament and the deputy prime minister in Lebanon must be Greek Orthodox.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Candidates
Possible candidates may be, Michel Aoun, Suleiman Frangieh, Jr., Samir Geagea, Jean Obeid, Riad Salameh, Jean Kahwaji, Boutros Harb, Robert Ghanem, Henri Helou, and Ziad Baroud. Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai could be influential in the decision. Nadine Moussa was also said to be a possible candidate, making her the first woman for the role.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Process
A parliamentary committee formed by Berri was due to give him their results of their discussions. This includes points such as the intention of MPs from both 8 and 14 March to attend the parliamentary session to elect a new president and that there was no desire from any party for a constitutional amendment but that an election should be held on time. It also highlighted Rai's role in hailing Berri’s efforts to make a conducive atmosphere for the election.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Campaign
Jumblatt also called for the return of Saad Hariri, who was in self-imposed exile, in order to "head an all-embracing cabinet to avert further tension and crises." Geagea added that he would remain in the race "until the end." He also noted that it was in the interests of the country to have a strong state and strong leader.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
On 25 May 2014, Suleiman's term ended without a successor, leading to a political vacuum. In the interim, Prime Minister Tamaam Salam's government assumed presidential duties.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
With a first round victory requiring two-thirds of MPs, or 86 votes, on 23 April Samir Geagea received 48 votes, Henri Helou 16 votes and Amine Gemayel 1 vote, with 52 votes blank and seven void. The void votes were for candidates who were no longer alive. As all the MPs left after the vote, there was no quorum to hold the second round, which needed only an absolute majority of votes.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
In reaction, the Carnegie Middle East Center's Mario Abou Zeid said:,"Things could develop fairly quickly [today] to either bring certain names to the fore or distance certain names from running, and that needs to be closely watched. Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah is a key player in deciding who gets elected as president. It's not in their best interest at all to have a kind of president that might go against... their intervention in the Syrian conflict."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
Habib Malik, associate professor of history at Lebanese American University, added: "Things could develop fairly quickly [today] to either bring certain names to the fore or distance certain names from running, and that needs to be closely watched. Most likely, in traditional Lebanese fashion, a non-descript figure will emerge and will be touted as a reconciliatory, unifying figure." He suggested former MP and foreign minister Jean Obeid, who was said to be close to both Saudi Arabia and Syria.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
Jumblatt suggested that there may not be a quorum for the expected second round vote. It was scheduled for 30 April, with a third round for 15 May and a fourth round for 22 May. A lack of quorum, however, stopped the elections.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
Following Hezbollah and FPM's boycott of the four previous sessions to choose a president, the FPM said that it would not attend the fifth session at the end of May unless an agreement over a consensus candidate is made. The round was then aborted. The sixth attempt, on 9 June, also failed for a lack of a quorum after FPM and Hezbollah maintained their boycott. The session was attended by a new low of 64 MPs, notably PSP leader Walid Jumblatt missed this session, which was his first during the process.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
The Daily Star suggested that, instead, the main interest on the day was a salary increase for MPs. The eighth round similarly failed to achieve a quorum, and a ninth round was scheduled for 23 July. Similarly, the ninth round failed to attain a quorum while Lebanese Forces MP Strida Geagea said she held rival Christian MPs responsible for the failure to elect a president Berri's spokesman, Mohammad Ballout, read out a statement saying that the election was canceled "over lack of quorum." Berri set 2 September as the date for the next vote.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
Thirty minutes after the session began there were only 57 MPs present while Berri and Salaam were absent. Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad reiterated that "the political stance on the presidential election has not changed. What is required is an agreement among the political parties on a conciliatory candidate for the presidency." Once again, the 11th round failed or a lack of quorum with only 50 of 86 necessary MPs present. Berri postponed the election to 9 October over a lack of quorum.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
The 13th round failed as well for lack of quorum, after only about 58 of the minimum 86 MPs were present. Berri set the 14th round for 29 October. The 15th round also failed for lack of quorum with Berri setting 10 December for the next round. The 27th round failed on 12 August 2015, with the next round set for 2 September. The 34th round failed on 16 December 2015, with the next round set for 7 January. The 35th round failed on 7 January 2016, with the next round set for 8 February.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
The 36th round failed on 8 February 2016, with the next round set for 2 March. The 37th round failed on 2 March 2016, with the next round set for 23 March. The 38th round failed on 23 March 2016, with the next round set for 18 April. The 39th round failed on 18 April 2016, with the next round set for 10 May. The 44th round failed on 7 September 2016, with the next round set for 28 September.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
After obtaining enough voting pledges for Michel Aoun, Speaker Berri announced that an elective sitting would be held on 31 October 2016. Widespread acclamation ensued in the country, as the sitting would mark the end of the presidential vacuum.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
All 127 MPs attended the sitting. The session started on 12 AM. The first round failed by a very narrow margin of 2 votes, as a two-thirds majority, 86 votes, would have been required for a win. There were 84 votes cast for Michel Aoun, one vote for MP Gilberte Zwein, and one vote for pop star Myriam Klink.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
Subsequent rounds required an absolute majority, 64 votes, for a win. The second round was rejected immediately because there were 128 votes in the urn, but only 127 MPs.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
The third round was held at around 1 PM and failed similarly to the second round after MP Sami Gemayel contested Berri's decision to count the votes without requiring the total number to be valid.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
The voting in the fourth round was done by placing the urn under surveillance by Antoine Zahra and Marwan Hmedeh to prevent double voting. This resulted in the successful election of MP Michel Aoun after receiving 83 votes. MP Sethrida Tawk and Zorba the Greek received one vote each.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election
Other satirical votes included the statements "Cedar Revolution at your service" and "Legitimate or illegitimate session?"


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Result
* *The second and third rounds were cancelled because there were more votes than present MPs.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Free Patriotic Movement's MP Michel Aoun said that he would insist on holding the parliamentary election on schedule if Future Movement's Saad Hariri did not support his candidacy for the presidency or if a new president will not be elected before September. Geagea challenged Aoun to run against him or move to a "plan B" that would enable a consensual candidate that is not considered partisan as being from either of the two political alliances, which, in addition to the two, are Phalange's Amine Gemayel and Marada Movement's Suleiman Frangieh.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
After the sixth round of voting failed, Lebanese Democratic Party leader Talal Arslan suggested that the president should be directly elected by the people. In doing so, he said: "The presidential crisis is a major insult to the Lebanese nation. [ sic] The only way to save the nation and restore respect to the presidency is by holding the election directly by the people."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra added that Geagea remained the party's candidate and asked: "Do those who are obstructing the session and violating the constitution know that their right to [be] absent from the sessions drops in light of [a] presidential void?" At the same time, Geagea added: "The Lebanese people should address the lawmakers that they elected who are obstructing quorum and question the motives behind their action."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Outgoing President Michel Suleiman added: "It is not right to accuse the foreign community of obstructing the presidential election while we are setting preconditions and counter-conditions for the features of the new president. Let us keep the foreign community away from the presidential election and take part in the parliamentary session to vote for a new president."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani said on 27 June that the "[Presidential void] opens the door for a looseness in security, and invites those who [are willing to] do Lebanon harm. [ It] is an abnormal situation that we should attempt to terminate it immediately."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
In the first week of July and in response to Aoun's call for direct popular presidential elections, as well as an electoral draft law to allow each sect to choose its own representatives, Geagea told al-Joumhouria: "Aoun hasn’t proposed a serious initiative. He made a media stir to pressure the Lebanese parties into electing him a president. There is a need for amendments to carry out the presidential polls properly but these changes can be proposed only after the elections." Aoun's proposal would entail Christians voting in a first round and the top two candidates then running in a national election. Geagea's further response included: "The goal of putting forward a constitutional amendment is to divert attention from the presidential election."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Amidst the ninth round, Zahra called on MPs to elect a new president when Speaker Nabih Berri called for a session to express solidarity with Gaza during Operation Protective Edge and Christians in Mosul during 2014 Northern Iraq offensive. Zahra said "If two thirds of MPs were present to attend tomorrow’s session, then they should be able elect a new president. Refraining from doing so would be a violation of the constitution and an attempt to make people get used to not having a president."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Future Movement leader Saad Hariri's return from self-imposed exile in Saudi Arabia in August was hailed by some MPs as the impetus needed to break the stalemate. 14 March MP Jean Ogasapian said Hariri "is expected to make tangible progress in the presidential election." However, Geagea praised Hariri's return as "positive," but that his presence in Lebanon "will not change anything in terms of the presidential election because it’s not March 14 that is disrupting the election; it’s the other [political] team." Hariri reiterated: "We can’t accept the continuity of the presidential void.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
No parliamentary elections will take place before we hold presidential elections." He further noted that in the event of a continued stalemate, he would support the extension of the parliamentary mandate in order to avoid a void in state institutions. Just before he had met Jumblatt, who said Hariri's "presence in Lebanon is an essential factor in solving the country’s grave problems.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
The Arab world is threatened and there is general chaos but in the presence of Saad Hariri and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there is an umbrella protecting Lebanon...it isn’t enough to acknowledge the protective umbrella, we, as concerned parties, should also reinforce and support stabilizing the state." He maintained his support for Helou because he was "a model for moderation. The moment we let go of Helou [as a candidate], we lose the line of centrism and moderation." He further condemned the paralysis of all state institutions and warned of a replication of the Iraqi crisis in the country.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Prior to the 10th round, Amine Gemayel said the country needs a president who would inspire confidence across all factions and would be able to defend the country’s interest internationally. He further noted that politicians and spiritual leaders needed to help end the stalemate. Berri also said he was in talks with Jumblatt to break the deadlock and added that "with every day that passes [without a solution], the presidential crisis becomes more complicated." After the 11th round, Bechara Boutros al-Rahi said: "Depriving us from a president is a stab in the core of our dignity and [a betrayal to] the values of Lebanon. We suffer from a lot of corruption in the administration, including bribery, embezzlement and waste of public resources."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
After the 12th round, Berri said: "I am afraid that resolving this obstacle currently requires external intervention unfortunately." Lebanese Forces MP George Adwan said parliamentary action was required to hold the upcoming parliamentary election. "Do the people know that if we do not modify two articles in the electoral law, the appeals against the election would automatically become legitimate and we will not have elections?" He also rejected accusations that he was advocating an extension of parliament's term. The PSP spokesman Rami Rayyes announced:


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
The Democratic Gathering bloc headed by Jumblatt holds on to its presidential candidate Henry Helou. We would save more time when the concerned parties are convinced that compromise is the only option. But unfortunately this doesn’t happen, making prospects dim for [early] presidential elections.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
On the eve of the 13th round, Berri said he supported Hariri's stance that a parliamentary election needs to be preceded by the presidential election. After the 13th failure, Geagea accused Hezbollah and FPM of aborting successive attempts alleging: "More than three months have passed without a president, impacting our sovereignty, economy and political situation and placing the whole country in limbo." Berri also suggested that the Syrian civil war spillover in Lebanon could destabilise the country under a vacuum. "If the Lebanese remain united, then they (terrorists) will not be able to achieve much."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Berri reiterated that the presidential outcome must be finalised before a parliamentary election. Rai warned from Canberra where he was meeting with Eastern church leaders, that Lebanon should not get used to the absence of a Christian president. Lebanese Kataeb MP Elie Marouni added that the country was being destroyed in the vacuum; it comes a few months after he said Hariri's plan for a parliamentary electoral law could be in place shortly after a new president was chosen and that in regards to the candidates the country's needed Gemayel's "wisdom."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
The 15th round again fail to achieve a result for lack of a quorum after only 54 of 128 MPs were present. Berri set a new date for 19 November. As a result, parliament was due to vote the following week on extending its mandate by two years and seven months with a bill proposed by MP Nicolas Fattoush. Parties from both alliances have spoken out against the motion, including FPM, Kataeb and Lebanese Forces.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Though Berri was initially opposed to motion, he changed his mind after the Future Movement said it would boycott a parliamentary election scheduled for 16 November in the absence of a president. This follows an extension of the parliamentary mandate by 17 months last year. Rai also reacted to the failure in saying it was time to use the "stick" and that "both political factions are waiting to see who is victorious: Sunnis or Shiites, Iran or Saudi Arabia, the regime in Syria or the opposition."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Geagea, for his part, added that the failure was tantamount to "overthrowing the Lebanese political system" and would have dire consequences for the country, in particular the Christians. He also called for putting pressure on Hezbollah and Aoun to reach a deal saying that the latter's ambitions had left the country with a vacuum. He further criticised the proposed extension as the "greatest current fraud operation." Gemayel also met Aoun at his residence in Rabieh to discuss the deadlock, describing it as "excellent. If we don’t meet in these circumstances, when will we meet?


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
We tried to convince Aoun to go down with us to a parliamentary session to elect a president, but he was not convinced. Maybe next time." Marada's Sleiman Frangieh said: "The president will remain a Maronite, so why is the vacancy being taken negatively. There is a Christian agreement over rejecting a weak president. Christians today prefer a void over a weak president and this is a positive thing." He also praised Hariri for his moderate stand in regard to the north Lebanon clashes in relation to the Syrian civil war.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, Domestic developments
Amidst suggestions to have a tri-partite power-sharing formula (as in Bosnia - tri-partite: Maronite, Shia, Sunni), Rai, who was visiting Australia, also added "MPs did not elect a president, because they are waiting for a signal from certain states. A dangerous thing is happening now, which I did not believe before could happen, which is that they [certain MPs] want a conference to reconsider Lebanon as an entity and they want a tripartite power-sharing formula. I say that we will not accept a tripartite power-sharing formula or any conference [to reconsider the Lebanese political system]."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, International reaction
Prior to the sixth round, the United Nations Security Council issued a statement that read: "The Council urges the Parliament to uphold Lebanon’s longstanding democratic tradition and to work to ensure that presidential elections take place as soon as possible and without external interference." It follows Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's comments four days earlier expressing regret over a failure to elect a new president and calling for a new one "without delay."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, International reaction
Similarly, the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISGL) called for strong work amongst national leaders to quickly elect a new president, while also saying the Tammam Salam government needed to remain functional. U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly said: "We underline again that there is no international impediment to [holding the presidential election]. On the contrary, while the process must remain a purely Lebanese one, Lebanon’s friends within the international community stand ready to offer Lebanon every possible encouragement and support at this time."


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, International reaction
On a visit surprise to Beirut in early June, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called for the speedy election of a president. A delegation from the Holy See also visited the country in the end of June to meet with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi. They were scheduled to discuss the election amid rumours that the latter was planning a trip to other countries to try and resolve the impasse over the election.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, International reaction
After the failure of the 11th round, Plumbly said he "stress[es] the importance of preserving Lebanon’s values of democracy, moderation and pluralism, and the institutions of the state which enshrine them" and he has solidarity with the institutions of the state that he claimed were "held hostage by violent extremist groups." The year-old ISGL was also focusing on the election.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, International reaction
On the sidelines of the opening of the sixty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly, the ISGL issued a statement that read there is still an international umbrella protecting Lebanon. In regards to the election, an unnamed diplomatic source said the solution lay with Lebanese officials. International players would limit their work to getting influential countries to pressure their allies to facilitate electing a president but that the deadlock was less complicated than the Syrian or regional conflicts. Saudi Arabia said a US$3 billion grant for arms, signed along with France, was pending approval after the election of a new president to get assurances Hezbollah would not benefit.


2014–2016 Lebanese presidential election, Election, International reaction
French Ambassador Patrice Paoli said that a new president was needed who had strong ties with the variety of political parties and that his country maintained an open dialogue with all groups, including the Western-banned Hezbollah. "Officials should get together to discuss the presidential paralysis and choose a person for the post, and the strong president is the one who has strong relationships with all parties." Former colonial power France, with the backing of the U.S., was said to be in talks with Iran over resolving the deadlock.


2014–2016 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
The 2015 2014–2016 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Cup were a beach volleyball double-gender event. The winners of the event will qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics


2014–2016 Oromo protests
The 2014–2016 Oromo protests were a series of peaceful protests and nonviolent resistance first sparked on 25 April 2014. The initial actions were taken in opposition to the Addis Ababa Master Plan,  and resumed on 12 November 2015 by university students and farmers in the town of Ginchi, located 80 km southwest of Addis Ababa city, encircled by the Oromia region. The plan was to expand the capital into the Oromia special zone, leading to fears that native Oromo farmers would lose their land and be displaced.


2014–2016 Oromo protests
The plan was later dropped but protests continued, highlighting issues such as marginalization and human rights. Mulatu Gemechu, Deputy Chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, expressed to Reuters: "so far, we have compiled a list of 33 protesters killed by armed security forces that included police and soldiers but I am very sure the list will grow" Protesters demanded social and political reforms, including an end to human rights abuses like government killings of civilians, mass arrests, government land seizures, and political marginalization of opposition groups. The government responded by restricting access to the internet and attacking as well as arresting protesters.


2014–2016 Oromo protests
In the three days leading up to 8 August 2016, Reuters reported that at least 90 protesters had been shot and killed by Ethiopian security forces, marking the most violent crackdown against protesters in sub-Saharan Africa since at least 75 people were killed during protests in Oromia Region in November and December 2015.


2014–2016 Oromo protests
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 500 people are estimated to have been killed as of October 2016.


2014–2016 Oromo protests, Background and causes, Power struggle
In 1991, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) captured the capital Addis Ababa and ended the Ethiopian Civil War. The EPRDF was led by the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front and was dominated by those belonging to the Tigray ethnic group, which is a minority group comprising only about six percent of the country's population. However, members of this ethnic group have traditionally dominated senior positions in the country's military and political system, while those belonging to the Amhara and Oromo ethnic groups, who comprise a majority of the population, have felt rather marginalized over the past few decades.


2014–2016 Oromo protests, Background and causes, Power struggle
Ethnic divisions are not as sharp in Ethiopia as might be indicated by statistics; intermarriage is extremely commonplace, and the actual disparity and disaffection between groups are not great. Furthermore, following the death of Meles Zenawi in 2012, the influence of the Tigray ethnic group became lower than in previous decades. Subsequent to his death neither of the two main political positions–President (head of state) and Prime Minister (head of government)–were occupied by a Tigrayan. Then-President Mulatu Teshome belonged to the Oromo ethnic group and then-Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to the Wolayta ethnic group. Nevertheless, the perceived domination of the Tigray people had been in the back of the minds of some people and was a factor in the disturbances.


2014–2016 Oromo protests, Background and causes, Addis Ababa Master Plan
Protests were first sparked on 25 April 2014 against expansion of boundaries Addis Ababa city and government responded  by shooting at and beating peaceful protesters and embarked in full blown strike and streets protests on 12 November 2015 by university student in Ginchi town, located 80 km southwest of Addis Ababa city, encircled by Oromia region.


2014–2016 Oromo protests, Background and causes, Addis Ababa Master Plan
protests spread throughout 400 different locales across 17 zones of Oromia region according to Amnesty International 800 Oromo protesters killed since startedThe 2016 Oromo youth demonstrations started because Addis Ababa's new city master plan proposed including farmlands from the surrounding Oromia region to cope with the city's rapid expansion. Amhara ethnic youth also followed the Oromos because of old bitterness towards the governing EPRDF (a party founded by the TPLF) who have abolished the century-old Amhara dominance in Ethiopian governance. After deadly Oromo protests started since 25 April 2014, controversial master plan was cancelled on 12 January 2016 after 140 protesters were killed.