A series of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, killing at least 920 people and injuring thousands more in the country's worst natural disaster in decades. The 7.3 and 6.8 magnitude quakes devastated the coastal state of La Guaira and parts of Caracas, leaving up to 6.76 million people affected. UNICEF estimates 680,000 children are in need of humanitarian assistance as hospitals struggle to treat the injured amid Venezuela's fragile healthcare system. International rescue teams have arrived, and IOM is deploying emergency shelter and supplies.
Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for US airstrikes on Iranian positions, escalating the Gulf conflict. Tehran also threatened to suspend all nuclear negotiations. The attacks mark a dangerous widening of the war, which has already disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and sent global energy prices soaring.
Iran launched missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian positions, sharply escalating the conflict in the Persian Gulf. Tehran also threatened to walk away from nuclear negotiations, raising fears of a broader regional war. The attacks come after weeks of mounting tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela's northern coast on June 24, killing at least 920 people and leaving hundreds trapped under rubble. International rescue teams from 20 countries have arrived, but survivors' hopes are fading. The quakes, known as a 'doublet,' occurred 39 seconds apart on the Oca-Alcón/El Pilar fault, similar to California's San Andreas. President Delcy Rodriguez faces political pressure as anger grows over the slow response.
The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 25 has climbed past 920, with more than 4,500 injured and 49,000 reported missing. International rescue teams have joined the search as families in the hardest-hit cities of Caracas and Maracaibo dig through rubble by hand. The US Geological Survey reported magnitudes of 7.3 and 6.8, making this one of the deadliest seismic events in South America this century.
A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing at least 188 people and injuring over 1,500 in what seismologists call a rare 'earthquake doublet.' The first quake, magnitude 7.3, hit near La Guaira, followed minutes later by a 7.0 tremor nearer Caracas. Rescuers are still searching through collapsed buildings as the death toll is expected to rise. Venezuelan authorities have declared a state of emergency and international aid teams are arriving to assist.
A severe 'omega' heatwave gripping Europe has killed dozens as France recorded its hottest day since measurements began in 1947. At least 48 people drowned in France while attempting to cool off, and two young children died from heat exposure in a car. Power outages hit thousands of homes as the grid struggled under record demand. The heatwave, which has pushed temperatures above 40°C across multiple countries, is expected to spread northward toward the UK in coming days, with authorities issuing extreme heat warnings.
France placed half its territory under red heat alert Monday as a record-breaking heatwave pushed temperatures above 40°C across western Europe. Authorities banned alcohol at street music festivals, canceled outdoor sports events, and urged vulnerable populations to take shelter. Italy and Spain also issued red alerts as the heatwave is expected to intensify further, with forecasters warning of historic temperature highs. The crisis has prompted emergency government meetings in Paris and Rome.
An explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG terminal killed at least 13 people and injured 66 others on Sunday night as workers tried to restart operations after Iranian strikes damaged the facility earlier this year. The blast at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City was caused by a technical accident during start-up procedures, according to Qatar's Energy Ministry. The incident threatens further disruption to global energy markets as Qatar is one of the world's top LNG producers, with Ras Laffan capable of producing 77 million metric tons annually via 14 processing trains. Eighteen workers remain missing.
Iran announced plans to close the Strait of Hormuz over Israeli strikes in Lebanon, threatening global oil shipments. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland for peace talks as the US disputed Iranian claims about the blockade. Trump threatened to resume attacks if Iran does not restrain Hezbollah allies, while a no-fly zone for the talks disrupted flights at Zurich airport.