When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

You've reached your limit of one free article.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime .

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Exclusive International news coverage

Ad-free experience NEW

Weekly digital Magazine NEW

9 daily & weekly Newsletters

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Free trial

30-days free access, then $2.90
per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch
This Happened

This Happened — February 2: Serum Run To Nome

On this day in 1925, amid an encroaching epidemic of diphtheria, a team of 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs made the 674-mile trek across Alaska to deliver an antitoxin to the small town of Nome.

Get This Happened straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.

What was the Serum Run to Nome?

The Serum Run to Nome, also known as the "Great Race of Mercy," was a dog sled relay that transported life-saving diphtheria serum to the isolated Alaskan town of Nome in 1925.

Why was the serum needed in Nome?

A diphtheria outbreak had occurred in Nome, and the town had run out of the serum needed to treat the disease. It was organized by the governor of Alaska, Scott Bone, and carried out by the Alaska Territorial Guard and local mushers. The relay covered approximately 674 miles from Nenana to Nome.

Did the Serum Run succeed in delivering the serum to Nome?

The serum was successfully delivered to Nome on February 2, 1925, saving the lives of many residents. The event received widespread media coverage and brought attention to the challenges of living in remote areas. The story inspired many references in popular culture and literature, including the 1995 animated film Balto that loosely based on the events of the final leg of the serum run.


You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Migrant Lives

A Train Journey With Bengal Migrants Looking For A Living Far Away

Finding a seat on the Karmabhoomi Express is close to impossible. A closer look at why so many migrant workers travel on it, and out of Bengal, offers a grim picture.

image of a train

The Karmabhoomi Express runs from Kamakhya to Mumbai in a 3 day journey.

India Rail Info
Joydeep Sarkar

WEST BENGAL — Welcome aboard the 22512 Kamakhya-LTT Karmabhoomi Express — a metaphor, if any, of the acuteness of Bengal’s unemployment problem.

It is 10.28 pm at north Bengal’s Alipurduar Junction and the crowd has swollen to its peak. This is when the Karmabhoomi Express appears at the station. It is bound for Mumbai. Finding a seat on it is close to impossible. It is always chock full and there are always hundreds struggling to get a spot in the unreserved general compartment.

Keep reading...Show less

The latest