Puerto Rico faces major water crisis
The island has been experiencing a prolonged water crisis since early June. The neoliberal economic model imposed on Puerto Rico has made it very difficult to modernize the water supply system.
A decade of US sanctions is stifling Venezuela’s disaster response
On Wednesday, June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, as well as La Guaira and Carabobo. The first measured 7.2 and the second 7.5 on the Richter scale, at a depth of 13.2 kilometers. So far, authorities have confirmed the deaths of 188 people and more than 1,500 injured, although the US Geological Survey states that there is a 42% probability of between 10,000 and 100,000 deaths – a staggering figure.
For now, Maiquetía International Airport has suspended all operations because its infrastructure has been damaged. The Caracas metro and the rail network have also been shut down to facilitate rescue efforts.
Jorge Rodríguez, one of the leaders of Chavismo and President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, stated that 200 people have been found in the rubble of collapsed houses and buildings. In addition, 2,227 families have been displaced due to the nearly 250 structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
The images and videos are truly chilling due to the sheer magnitude of the earthquakes, which were also felt in areas far from the border, such as Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. As a result, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency throughout the country and stated that the exact number of fatalities is not yet known.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged the public to remain calm, seek shelter, and stay away from tall buildings while the government activates safety protocols: “We are acting in accordance with the regulations and the protocols established to mobilize aid, launch rescue operations, and assist, in this case, those who need it most.”
Anti-government protests in Chile face heavy repression
A series of economic and political measures by the far-right José Antonio Kast government have sparked demonstrations, while the president’s popularity, according to some polls, is declining.
Could the left continue in power in Colombia?
In this article, we briefly review what the polls are saying and the profiles of the leading candidates vying for the presidency.
Bolivian president consolidates power as protests continue to grow
After nearly a month of intense protests, the Paz administration decided to call for dialogue once again, even as it passed a law granting it greater powers to declare states of emergency.
US Army drills in Venezuela met with protests
At the same time, several Chavista activists condemned the military exercises and called for an end to such activities.
Cuba denounces US oil embargo as “act of war” at UN Security Council
On May 26, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez addressed the United Nations Security Council to denounce the energy blockade that the United States has unilaterally imposed on Cuba and demanded an end to the “acts of war” against his country.
At least 20 farmers massacred in Honduras
The perpetrators and masterminds behind the attack remain unknown. A few hours later, five police officers were executed by a criminal gang in another part of the country, alerting the government to a clear surge in violence in recent hours.