Back-to-back powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela

10 Sept 13:44 Key points summarised by AI

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings, and prompting mass evacuations.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, confirming damages in multiple states, the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport, and class cancellations, with initial reports from Falcon state indicating 32 hospitalizations and 15 people trapped.
The quakes caused significant disruption, including power outages, loss of cellphone signal, and blocked streets, leading to distress among residents and calls for calm and unity from authorities.
The tremors were felt across the region, including parts of Brazil and Colombia, while international offers of aid and solidarity quickly emerged from countries like the U.S., El Salvador, and Ecuador.
These powerful earthquakes are considered unusual for Venezuela, as its geological position typically experiences less frequent and intense seismic activity compared to other Latin American nations.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.