thank you , bob ! this past week has been the beginning of armageddon for many , a series of unprecedented meteorological events occurred around the world . in switzerland , a major avalanche was reported in the alps . fortunately , no one was injured . due to to the extreme cold this winter , a blizzard has struck the us midwest , causing classes in schools and universities to be temporarily canceled . moving to to latin american , ecuador has suffered a six month drought that has not only affected farming , but has also forced the closure of the hydroelectric power plant that provides electricity for the entire country . in chile , a major earthquake that registered seven point five on the richter scale struck the southern region . losses are reported to be in the billions . authorities have not yet released an official statement .