Twin earthquakes kill 32 and injure over 700 in Venezuela, prompting state of emergency
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Powerful twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, resulting in 32 deaths and over 700 injuries, according to interim president Delcy Rodriguez. The quakes, which occurred on Wednesday, caused buildings to collapse and led to the closure of the country's main airport. Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and reported 20 aftershocks. The capital experienced panic, with residents fleeing into the streets. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello asked people to evacuate homes and cut gas supplies as a precaution. The Maiquetia International Airport sustained severe damage. The tremors were felt in states including Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira, with the latter being the hardest-hit region. The quakes were also felt in Bogota, Colombia, where alarms sounded and residents evacuated buildings. The US National Tsunami Warning Center ruled out a tsunami threat. US President Donald Trump offered assistance, stating the US was ready to help.
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Must ReadUnited States lawmaker Riley Moore has expressed approval of the Nigerian Senate's passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill, which aims to establish state police. Moore, who represents West Virginia鈥檚 2nd Congressional District, stated on his X handle that this reform would enable states to better protect their citizens, particularly persecuted Christians. He noted that he has advocated for this reform publicly and privately since investigating attacks against Christians in Nigeria. The bill, which seeks to decentralize policing by allowing states to create their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force, was approved by the Senate after more than two-thirds of senators voted in favor. Moore also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the proposal, but highlighted that the amendment still requires approval from at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly to take effect. The proposed legislation would allow governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by their state Houses of Assembly, and includes safeguards to prevent the deployment of state police against individuals or groups for criticizing a state government, unless in accordance with the law.
Morocco secured a 4-2 victory over Haiti in a World Cup match in Atlanta, despite twice falling behind. Haiti scored their first World Cup goals in 52 years, with a Yassine Bounou own goal and a strike from Wilson Isidor giving them leads. Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari equalized for Morocco before halftime. Soufiane Rahimi then put Morocco ahead, and Gessime Yassine sealed the win. Morocco finished second in Group C to Brazil on goal difference and will proceed to the last 32. Haiti, though eliminated without a point, received strong support from fans. Sunderland striker Isidor expressed pride in his team's performance and confidence for future World Cups. Hakimi, who was named man-of-the-match, stated he is in a good personal and professional moment despite facing a trial on rape charges in France.
US President Donald Trump initiated 16 days of celebrations for America鈥檚 250th anniversary with a speech on Washington鈥檚 National Mall, which critics say blended national commemoration with a political showcase for his second-term agenda. Trump's address, described as largely indistinguishable from his political rallies, emphasized themes such as America being "back" and the "hottest country anywhere in the world." He highlighted what he called a booming economy, criticized his predecessor Joe Biden, and claimed significant inward investment. Trump also spoke about the US-Israeli war with Iran as a victory and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a great military raid. The event, which kicked off the Great American State Fair, features state pavilions, military flyovers, music, and patriotic displays. However, several musicians withdrew from the original program due to concerns about its partisan nature, leading Trump to announce himself as the headliner. The revised lineup included Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio. Trump also discussed renovations of Washington鈥檚 buildings and monuments, promising the forthcoming Independence Day festivities would be "the greatest show of all."