31.   Cuba sent medical aid and doctors to Nicaragua after the country was hit by Hurricane Mitch in late October.

32.   Earlier this year, the country was hit by an outbreak of swine fever, which quickly spread to many farms cluttered in various regions.

33.   ESCAP officials say the economic downturn caused by the currency crisis that hit several countries in July will increase the number of impoverished people in Southeast Asia.

34.   Environmentalists blame unabated logging for massive floods that have hit the country in recent years.

35.   Freezing conditions have also hit countries including Spain, France and Switzerland.

36.   French newspaper stands were empty Thursday, and many domestic flyers were scrambling for other means of travel, as a new wave of strikes hit the country.

37.   He added that the controversial donation would be sent to a relief fund for vicitms of catastrophic floods that hit the country last summer.

38.   He said the company faced a downward sales trend since the country was hit by the currency crisis last July.

39.   He understands the turmoil that has hit the country, but hopes a favorable situation will return soon.

40.   He said lately, investors were worried about more corporate failures and continuing tensions in Indonesia following demonstrations and riots which hit the country and had resulted in deaths.