The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck northern Venezuela on June 24, killing at least 2,295 people and injuring more than 11,200, according to government figures. Thousands of others remain missing as rescue teams continue searching through debris across the heavily affected state of La Guaira and surrounding areas.

Families Wait as Rescue Operations Continue

Among those waiting is Angélica Mundrain, whose son, niece, and nephew remain trapped beneath the rubble of her collapsed beachfront apartment building in La Guaira.

Speaking six days after the disaster, Mundrain said she has remained near the site while waiting for the heavy machinery needed to remove large sections of concrete and twisted steel.

“We’ve been abandoned,” she said, describing what she viewed as a lack of organization and empathy during the rescue effort.

Residents in several affected communities questioned who was directing emergency operations, arguing that the government’s response fell short during the crucial first days following the disaster.

Civilians and International Teams Lead Many Rescues

According to residents, much of the initial response focused on traffic control, with police officers, intelligence personnel, and members of the armed forces stationed at road intersections while civilians and foreign rescue teams searched collapsed buildings for survivors.

Local residents said ambulances became trapped in lengthy traffic congestion, hospitals struggled with limited staff and medical supplies, and emergency responders often operated with minimal equipment.

Many survivors credited fellow Venezuelans and international rescue teams equipped with trained search dogs, thermal imaging cameras, and sound-detection technology for carrying out many of the successful rescues and recoveries.

Several residents also alleged that government personnel spent extended periods observing rescue operations rather than actively participating. Those claims reflect the views of residents interviewed by The Associated Press.

Experts Cite Long-Term Institutional Weaknesses

David Smilde, a professor at Tulane University who has studied Venezuela for decades, said the disaster highlighted broader institutional challenges facing the country’s public sector.

He argued that years of low public-sector wages, corruption, and workforce departures have weakened the government’s ability to organize large-scale emergency responses.

Smilde said effective disaster management depends on clearly defined emergency protocols and sufficient personnel to implement them. Without those systems, he said, government agencies struggle to coordinate rescue operations during major crises.

Uneven Access to Rescue Resources

Residents also questioned whether access to rescue equipment varied depending on wealth or political connections.

Mundrain pointed to another collapsed residential building where relatives of residents were reportedly able to rent a telescopic crane to assist recovery efforts, while her own building continued waiting for similar equipment.

She suggested that communities connected to influential officials appeared to receive faster assistance than others.

Public frustration occasionally spilled over into confrontations. In one incident described by residents, people blocked a government excavator from leaving the site of a collapsed public housing complex and pulled its operator from the vehicle to prevent the machinery from being relocated before recovery work had been completed.

Government Defends Ongoing Relief Effort

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez acknowledged public frustration while defending the government’s response.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Rodríguez said authorities continued supporting affected families and directly overseeing rescue and recovery operations in La Guaira, adding that she shared the grief and frustration experienced by many Venezuelans.

Rescue workers continued searching damaged buildings Tuesday, occasionally finding survivors despite diminishing hopes as more time passed after the earthquakes.

Emergency experts generally consider the first 48 to 72 hours following a major disaster to be the most critical period for locating survivors, although survival can be extended when trapped individuals have access to food and water.

Survivors Describe Growing Frustration

Daniel Castillo, an electrician whose mother and son survived after he rescued them from their collapsed apartment building shortly after the earthquake, said he later recovered his brother’s body after waiting another day to reach him.

While collecting humanitarian supplies from a military-operated distribution point, Castillo criticized what he viewed as an inadequate official response.

He contrasted the appearance of clean military uniforms with civilians and foreign rescue workers who had spent days digging through collapsed buildings, saying ordinary Venezuelans carried much of the rescue effort.

Search operations continue across affected communities as authorities work to determine the full number of casualties and locate thousands of people who remain missing following one of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history.

Tags: Venezuela, La Guaira, Earthquake, Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, Delcy Rodríguez, Nicolás Maduro, Humanitarian Crisis, Emergency Response, U.S., Natural Disaster, Public Safety

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The Venezuelan government said 1,450 people had died in the earthquakes as of Sunday afternoon, while thousands more remained missing. The disaster has also drawn criticism from residents who say civilian volunteers initially played a larger role in rescue efforts than government responders.

Even as emergency experts acknowledge that the first 48 to 72 hours after a major disaster offer the highest likelihood of finding survivors, rescue workers continued to recover people alive from collapsed buildings, providing hope for families still awaiting news of missing relatives.

International Rescue Operations Expand

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Sunday evening that search operations would continue despite the passing of the critical rescue window.

Government officials said more than 2,600 rescue personnel from multiple countries had arrived in Venezuela, bringing specialized search equipment, heavy machinery, and trained rescue dogs to assist operations in the country’s hardest-hit areas.

“It’s been incredibly hard work, but we’re going strong,” civilian volunteer Jason Mercano said as he described working alongside rescue teams after maintaining communication with relatives trapped beneath the rubble.

“We’ve never given up hope,” he added.

Scale of Destruction Becomes Clearer

Authorities said more than 770 buildings were either partially or completely destroyed, roughly double the number reported damaged or collapsed two days earlier.

The United Nations estimated that up to 6.8 million people could be affected by the earthquakes, which measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 when they struck last Wednesday.

Aftershocks continued on Sunday, including earthquakes measuring magnitudes 4.2 and 4.5, raising concerns about additional structural damage and complicating rescue efforts.

Government officials also reported that more than 14,000 military and police personnel had been deployed across La Guaira state, where access remained restricted through a permit system.

Families Continue Search for Missing Loved Ones

Communication difficulties caused by damaged infrastructure have prompted many Venezuelans to rely on independent online databases to report missing relatives.

One such platform had received reports involving more than 50,000 missing people, although it remained unclear how many individuals had since been located.

Scenes across La Guaira reflected both hope and grief as rescue operations continued.

Rescue teams from Venezuela, the United States, and France successfully pulled a man and his son alive from beneath collapsed concrete, drawing applause from nearby crowds before both survivors were transferred to an ambulance for emergency medical treatment.

Elsewhere in the city, Helen Guedez said her family continued trying to rescue her father, Jesús, who remained trapped beneath their collapsed apartment building.

Guedez said rescue personnel from the United States confirmed that her father was still alive but determined the structure was too unstable to enter safely. She said civilian volunteers and local miners had continued attempting to reach him.

“We’re not going to give up,” Guedez said. “The rest of the team is willing to continue. They know there’s another way to get him out and they said they’re going to keep working until the very end.”

Hospitals Face Heavy Demand

Health facilities also continued treating large numbers of injured residents.

At Domingo Luciani Hospital in Caracas, anesthesiologist Leomery Pérez said donations from the public had helped the hospital manage an influx of patients despite longstanding shortages within Venezuela’s public health system.

Authorities said more than 3,100 injured people had received treatment, including many suffering crush injuries.

Disaster Presents Political and Humanitarian Challenge

The earthquake response has become a major test for acting President Rodríguez, who assumed office in January following the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, according to the supplied source material.

Researcher Ronal Rodríguez of the Venezuelan Observatory at the University of Rosario said the disaster has compounded existing political and humanitarian challenges facing the country.

Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration, warned that the disaster could accelerate displacement from Venezuela, where millions of people have already left the country over the past decade.

Rodríguez announced the creation of a special government commission to assess damage to homes and infrastructure while determining whether displaced residents could safely return.

She said authorities would continue searching for survivors as rescue operations moved into a fifth day.

“Today we recovered people who are still alive,” Rodríguez said. “We always maintain hope.”

Tags: Venezuela, La Guaira, Earthquake, Natural Disaster, Search and Rescue, Delcy Rodríguez, United Nations, International Organization for Migration, Humanitarian Crisis, Emergency Response, Caracas, Aftershocks

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The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction in Caracas and neighboring regions. Hundreds of buildings suffered severe structural damage, while the death toll has climbed into the hundreds and is expected to increase as emergency crews search through collapsed structures.

The disaster has created a new humanitarian challenge in a country already struggling with years of economic hardship. Before the earthquakes, humanitarian agencies estimated that nearly 8 million Venezuelans required assistance, while more than half of the population was living in extreme poverty.

Families forced to create makeshift shelters

For many residents, vehicles have become temporary homes as they wait for government officials to determine whether damaged buildings remain safe.

Francisco Quintero, a musician from Caracas, said his family now spends each night near their aging car after evacuating their apartment building. His children sleep inside the vehicle while the trunk houses the family’s pet parakeet and several turtles.

Quintero said adults in the family search each evening for somewhere nearby to rest while they wait for authorities to decide what assistance may become available.

Across the capital and surrounding communities, similar scenes have emerged as displaced residents gather beneath trees, on roadside shoulders, and in public parks with only a few personal belongings.

Hard-hit communities struggle with uncertainty

In the coastal state of Guaira, one of the areas most heavily affected by the earthquakes, families have occupied a baseball field after losing their homes.

Alexandra Martínez, who arrived with her two children, said her apartment suffered catastrophic structural damage.

“The apartment is completely wrecked,” she said. “The walls, the kitchen, everything, are destroyed. It split right down the middle.”

Many displaced residents have spread blankets across open ground or sought shade beneath trees while waiting for emergency assistance.

Residents await safety inspections

In Caracas, thousands of people remain reluctant to return to homes that are still standing but show visible signs of structural damage.

Desiré Gil said she and her family have been sleeping in a grassy public plaza because they fear their apartment building could collapse.

“We have nowhere to live,” she said. “This is the only option we have for the moment.”

Gil explained that although their building remains standing, sections of the structure have begun crumbling, making it too dangerous to occupy.

Many residents are waiting for Venezuela’s civil protection agency to inspect damaged buildings before deciding whether they can safely return home.

However, authorities have not announced when widespread inspections will begin, as emergency services remain focused on rescue operations in the country’s hardest-hit regions.

According to officials, at least 920 people have died and more than 3,300 have been injured, while thousands more remain unaccounted for.

Hospitals and shelters face growing pressure

The earthquakes have also strained Venezuela’s healthcare system.

Gil said her pregnant daughter experienced contractions and sought treatment at a local hospital but was turned away because part of the maternity ward had collapsed and medical facilities were already overwhelmed by earthquake victims.

The Ministry of Education announced that some school buildings would be converted into temporary shelters, although officials have not confirmed how many facilities will be available for displaced families.

For now, many survivors say they have little choice but to remain outdoors until longer-term housing arrangements are established.

Older buildings face heightened seismic risk

Engineering experts said much of the destruction reflects the age of Venezuela’s building stock.

Civil engineer and university professor José Rangel said more than half of Caracas was constructed before the country’s updated seismic building code was introduced in 1982.

He told state television that buildings erected before those standards were implemented remain particularly vulnerable during major earthquakes.

Rangel said engineers had already been developing plans to strengthen schools, hospitals, bridges, and other essential infrastructure before the disaster struck.

He emphasized that evaluating damaged buildings will likely require weeks and urged engineers and architects across the country to participate in inspection efforts.

“The causes of the collapse must be determined,” Rangel said. “It’s how we learn lessons after an earthquake.”

Long recovery expected for displaced communities

Among those awaiting inspections is Magaly Noguera, whose high-rise apartment building sustained damage during the earthquakes.

She recalled sheltering with family members beneath a kitchen doorway before making what felt like an endless descent down the building’s stairwell to safety.

“I don’t want to be in my house,” she said.

Noguera and her family now sleep outdoors near a government building alongside many other displaced residents.

Elsewhere across Caracas, families continue carrying mattresses, blankets, and whatever possessions they managed to save as they search for safe places to spend the night while Venezuela begins what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process.

Tags: Venezuela, Caracas, Earthquake, Humanitarian Crisis, Natural Disaster, Guaira, Search and Rescue, Housing, Emergency Response, Seismic Safety, Infrastructure, Displaced Families

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Authorities said the nine-story structure, located near the Clark Freeport Zone north of Manila, collapsed before dawn after severe weather hit the area. Most of the missing were construction workers believed to have been inside the unfinished building when it gave way.

Emergency responders including firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and rescue volunteers worked through intense heat and dangerous conditions to reach those trapped beneath concrete slabs, steel bars, and collapsed scaffolding. Officials said rescue crews used thermal scanners, rescue dogs, and oxygen tubes in efforts to detect signs of life.

Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Dangerous Conditions

Three people were pulled from the rubble on Monday, but only one initially survived before later dying from injuries, according to local officials. One of the confirmed fatalities was a Malaysian tourist staying at a nearby budget lodging that was struck by falling debris from the collapse.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin said authorities were still treating the operation as a rescue mission rather than a recovery effort, expressing hope that more survivors could be found alive beneath the debris. Families gathered near the site as the search continued into a second day.

Relatives of missing workers voiced growing frustration over the slow pace of operations, though officials said rescuers were proceeding carefully because shifting rubble could trigger additional collapses.

Questions Raised Over Construction Safety

Philippine authorities launched an investigation into possible safety violations and the structural integrity of the project. According to police and labor officials, the building had originally been approved as a nine-story condo-hotel development, but construction crews were reportedly adding a swimming pool on an unapproved tenth floor.

Reports also indicated that the Department of Labor and Employment had previously issued a temporary work stoppage order at the site in 2025 over safety concerns before construction later resumed following compliance measures.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether the severe thunderstorm that struck Angeles City shortly before the collapse directly contributed to the disaster. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crashing sound before large portions of the structure pancaked onto nearby buildings and streets.

Clark Area Faces Renewed Safety Scrutiny

The incident occurred in the Clark Freeport Zone, a major commercial and tourism hub in Central Luzon built around the former US Clark Air Base. The area has seen rapid urban and infrastructure development in recent years, including hotel, casino, and mixed-use construction projects aimed at expanding tourism and business activity outside Metro Manila.

Analysts said the collapse could intensify scrutiny of construction oversight and worker safety standards in fast-growing urban developments across the Philippines. Government agencies are expected to review permit compliance, engineering standards, and emergency preparedness connected to large-scale building projects.

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Officials reported that the skiers had little time to react when the avalanche struck on Tuesday morning during a three-day trek in the Sierra Nevada. Six participants were rescued about six hours after the slide, while the remaining victims, including three guides, were found nearby. Ages of the deceased and missing range from 30 to 55.

Nevada County authorities confirmed that extreme winter conditions, including three to six feet of snow, subfreezing temperatures, and high winds, complicated rescue efforts. Investigators are reviewing the decision to proceed with the trip despite an avalanche watch issued Sunday and upgraded to a warning hours before the incident.

Avalanche Strikes Backcountry Skiers Quickly

Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene of the Nevada County sheriff’s office said someone in the group shouted “Avalanche!” just before the snow swept over them. The skiers were on their final day of a backcountry expedition organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides, returning from huts near Frog Lake.

All participants had emergency beacons, and at least one guide was able to send texts during the incident. Rescuers, guided by these signals and a snowcat vehicle, reached the survivors after carefully skiing in to avoid triggering further slides. One of the rescued remains hospitalized.

Challenging Winter Conditions Hamper Recovery

Authorities described the snowpack in the area as unstable and unpredictable. The Sierra Avalanche Center warned of ongoing avalanche risks on Wednesday, emphasizing the steep and rugged terrain around Donner Summit, one of the snowiest locations in the Western Hemisphere.

Survivors sheltered themselves in the snow while waiting for help, locating three of the deceased during the delay. Rescuers have not yet been able to remove the victims from the mountain due to hazardous conditions.

Historical Context and Safety Concerns

The Donner Summit region, historically closed for nearly a century, reopened in 2020 under the Truckee Donner Land Trust, which manages huts used by the group. The area averages nearly 35 feet of snowfall annually, and the current storm had raised concerns about avalanche risk days in advance.

This event is the second fatal avalanche near Castle Peak this year, following a January incident involving a snowmobiler. Each winter, avalanches claim 25 to 30 lives in the United States, according to the National Avalanche Center.

Sheriff Shannan Moon emphasized the emotional toll on families and rescuers. “They’re still reeling. I could not imagine what they’re going through,” she said, explaining the need to withhold victims’ names until relatives are notified.

The incident highlights ongoing risks for backcountry skiers, even for those with experience and safety equipment, as unpredictable winter conditions continue to affect mountainous regions across the West Coast.

Source: AP News – 8 backcountry skiers found dead and 1 still missing after California avalanche

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Rescue efforts continue across Kerr County after torrential rains triggered devastating flash floods, leaving at least 24 dead and more than 20 girls still unaccounted for from a nearby summer camp.

Catastrophic Flooding Hits Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country was rocked by deadly flash floods on the Fourth of July, with rainfall levels described by officials as a once-in-a-century event. The sudden downpour caused rivers to rise at alarming speeds, sweeping through towns and rural campsites in Kerr County.

More than 230 people have been rescued or evacuated, many by helicopter, as floodwaters surged through neighborhoods and popular summer destinations.

Among the most urgent efforts is the search for over 20 girls still missing from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas. The river reportedly rose more than 20 feet in under two hours.

Residents and Campers Caught Off Guard

Many residents and campers were caught by surprise as waters rose rapidly during the early morning hours.

“We had to drive over live power lines to get out because the only other way was underwater,” Kerrville resident Candice Taylor told CNN affiliate KENS. She rejected the notion that people had adequate warning:

“Anybody who says, ‘This was forecasted. Why didn’t you watch the news?’ — that’s callous.”

Local fisherman Zerick Baldwin echoed her sentiment, grateful he had canceled a camping trip the night before:

“If I would’ve slept in my truck or something, I would have been gone… The waters came so quickly.”

The Latest: Death Toll Rises, Search Expands

State officials provided an update Friday night as search and rescue teams continued working through the night:

• Death toll: At least 24 confirmed dead in Kerr County. Officials have yet to release identities or a full count of the missing.

• Camp Mystic campers: Over 20 girls from the riverside camp remain unaccounted for. Other nearby camps reported no missing persons.

• Rescues: 237 individuals rescued so far, according to Major General Thomas M. Suelzer of the Texas Military Department. Over two-thirds were airlifted by helicopter.

• Search efforts: At least 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and more than 500 personnel are involved. Some individuals were rescued from trees.

• Overnight operations: Search crews, aided by helicopters equipped with infrared technology, are operating through the night and into Saturday morning.

Families Desperate for News

The lack of information has left many families in anguish. Some parents have taken to social media, posting photos of their children in hopes of receiving any updates.

Two mothers interviewed by CNN said they are still waiting to hear if their daughters survived.

Weather Warnings Fell Short

Although a flood watch was issued Thursday afternoon for Kerr County, officials say the National Weather Service did not anticipate the extreme volume of rainfall that would follow.

At 4:03 a.m. Friday, a flash flood emergency warning was issued, followed by a “particularly dangerous situation” alert for Kerrville at 5:34 a.m.

Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said:

“The forecast did not predict the amount of rain we saw.”

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly added:

“We’ve had floods before… but we had no reason to believe this would be anything like what happened here.”

Federal Response Underway

President Donald Trump said Friday evening that the federal government is coordinating with Texas officials on the emergency response.

“We’ll take care of them,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One. “The flooding is terrible and shocking.”

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster declaration, ensuring additional resources are available for response and recovery.

What’s Next?

Governor Abbott confirmed that search operations will continue nonstop, emphasizing the use of advanced night-time aerial technology to locate potential survivors.

“They will continue in the darkness of night… They will be nonstop, seeking to find everybody who is unaccounted for,” he said.

As the sun rises over central Texas, rescue teams remain in crisis mode — working tirelessly to locate the missing and support affected families.

Source: CNN – Death toll from Texas floods rises to 24 as search underway for more than 20 girls unaccounted for

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A tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left at least 79 dead and more than 160 injured. The disaster struck just an hour into a merengue concert, sending shockwaves through the nation, as politicians, athletes, and locals were among the attendees. Rescue crews are still working tirelessly to search for survivors, while officials are left grappling with questions about what led to the collapse.

The incident occurred shortly after the concert of merengue star Rubby Pérez began. Known for its vibrant “Jet Set Mondays,” the club has been a beloved venue for over 40 years, attracting both international and local celebrities. On Tuesday, the roof of the iconic nightclub suddenly caved in, causing panic among the crowd.

A video circulating on social media shows parts of the ceiling falling just moments before the full collapse. As the roof crashed down, many tried to escape, but it was too late for some.

The first person to alert authorities about the disaster was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister to seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. In a harrowing phone call to President Luis Abinader, Cruz informed him that she was trapped under the rubble. Tragically, Cruz later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

Her death has added to the heartbreak for many, especially the Cruz family, and has magnified the sorrow felt across the Dominican Republic.

As of now, it’s still unclear why the roof collapsed. Dominican authorities have launched a full investigation, but the exact cause remains unknown. Rescue workers have been laboring through piles of concrete and debris, hoping to locate more survivors. There is also uncertainty surrounding the frequency of building inspections in the country, and when the last inspection of Jet Set occurred.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Works confirmed that they are fully cooperating with the investigation, but could not provide immediate details. Meanwhile, Jet Set’s owners have expressed their support for the investigation but have not been available for further comment.

The tragedy has shaken the sports community, with several notable figures among the victims. Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who had been rescued from the wreckage and transported to the hospital, was confirmed dead later. Also among the casualties was Dominican baseball player Tony Blanco, known for his career in the Dominican and Japanese leagues.

The death of these figures has deeply affected the Dominican Republic’s baseball community, which is mourning the loss of both players and fans alike.

Meanwhile, Rubby Pérez’s manager reported that the singer, who was performing when the roof collapsed, was initially thought to have been rescued, but officials later stated that they were still looking for him. The saxophonist in Pérez’s group tragically did not survive.

Jet Set is more than just a nightclub; it’s a cultural landmark in the Dominican Republic. Established in 1973, it quickly became a staple for both locals and international visitors, particularly known for its “Jet Set Mondays” which hosted a mix of merengue, salsa, and other vibrant Caribbean music. The club had undergone renovations in 2010 and 2015 and was even struck by lightning in 2023.

For years, it was the go-to venue for both national and international stars, with general admission tickets for Monday’s concert priced at $32 and VIP tickets at $40.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, rescue operations continued, but authorities have yet to announce when they might shift from rescue to recovery efforts. While an in-depth investigation is underway, the government has not made any preliminary statements about the cause of the collapse. Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos emphasized that, for now, the priority is to continue the search for survivors.

Authorities are urging patience as they work through the difficult and dangerous task of rescuing those still trapped beneath the rubble.

The collapse at Jet Set has left an entire nation in mourning. As the hours pass, loved ones and families anxiously await news of survivors, while the country unites in grief for the loss of so many innocent lives, including beloved public figures. The Dominican Republic, a country where baseball and music are cultural cornerstones, is reeling from the shock of this tragedy.

Source: AP News – What to know on the roof collapse at the Jet Set club in the Dominican Republic

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A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, intensifying the suffering in a country already reeling from years of civil war. The 7.7 magnitude quake hit the heart of a conflict-torn nation, further isolating Myanmar, which had already been struggling with disrupted communications and transportation. As rescue operations struggle to gain ground, voices from the rubble are starting to emerge, revealing a story of desperation, loss, and a glimmer of hope amidst devastation.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in a 2021 coup. Pro-democracy fighters and ethnic rebel groups have fought back against the regime, leaving the country divided and vulnerable. Now, just as things seemed at their worst, the natural disaster has piled on fresh misery.

The earthquake struck in the middle of this ongoing conflict, further complicating efforts to provide relief. The military government has reported over 1,600 deaths, but experts warn that the true toll could be much higher. Given the ongoing communications breakdown and the scale of destruction, it may take weeks for the full impact to be known.

As reports began trickling in from the epicenter of the quake, the city of Mandalay – Myanmar’s former royal capital and home to over 1.5 million people – emerged as the hardest-hit area. Known for its Buddhist monasteries and historical sites, Mandalay saw its infrastructure collapse under the intense force of the earthquake, which released energy equivalent to “334 atomic bombs,” according to one geologist.

Residents recalled the chaos as buildings crumbled and roads were ruptured. “It hit very strong and very fast,” said a woman from Mandalay, describing the terrifying moment her grandmother was trapped under debris. “The door couldn’t open as a fence had collapsed onto it. I shouted for help, and my husband managed to open it just in time.”

As the earth shook, residents frantically tried to rescue loved ones, often with nothing but their hands. A former lawyer in Mandalay told CNN that three members of his wife’s family had been killed. “We haven’t been able to recover their bodies,” he said, overwhelmed by grief and helplessness.

Mandalay’s mosques, busy with Friday prayers, were also hit. “When the buildings collapsed, many Muslims were trapped inside,” one man recalled. “There are more than a hundred injured.”

Across the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing region, a more rural area of Myanmar, the destruction continued. Many homes there are made from wood and thatch, which are more likely to survive earthquakes. Yet, in some areas, buildings were still destroyed, leaving survivors in urgent need of medical care.

Nang Aye Yin, a resident of Sagaing, spoke of the collapse of a nunnery where his relative was studying. “Luckily, no one died, but two were badly wounded,” he said. “One niece lost three toes, and another nun suffered severe head injuries.”

Hospitals in both Sagaing and Mandalay were overwhelmed with casualties and turned many away. “They’re already at full capacity,” Nang said. “We were forced to wait for care.”

Meanwhile, survivors and rescue teams have voiced frustration over the lack of heavy machinery and military support for recovery efforts. “There’s too much rubble, and no rescue teams have come for us,” one Mandalay survivor told Reuters.

In an unprecedented move, Myanmar’s military junta has appealed for foreign aid. Historically, the junta has resisted international assistance, opting instead to minimize the impact of disasters. This time, however, the scale of the destruction has forced their hand.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Mandalay on Saturday to assess the damage. Shortly after, neighboring countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Russia, announced plans to send rescue teams and supplies.

In an unusual turn, Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG), a group formed by deposed lawmakers, declared a two-week pause in military operations. This “temporary ceasefire” aims to allow humanitarian relief efforts to take precedence. The NUG called on all ethnic groups and citizens to cooperate in rescue operations, providing much-needed relief to the victims.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar is the most powerful in a century. Experts explained that the rupture, which lasted a full minute, released immense energy, causing dramatic sideways movements on the ground. “Think of a piece of paper tearing,” said James Jackson from the University of Cambridge, describing the force that sent shockwaves across the country.

Despite its magnitude, the quake was not entirely unexpected. It occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line that has historically been the site of large earthquakes.

As the dust settles, Myanmar faces an uncertain future. The government, already stretched thin by internal conflict, is struggling to provide adequate relief to the tens of thousands affected by the quake. Meanwhile, the resistance forces and civilian groups are stepping in to fill the gaps, offering what help they can in the absence of military support.

For the people of Mandalay and beyond, the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges. But amidst the destruction, the resilience of the Myanmar people shines through, as they continue to search for survivors and rebuild their shattered communities.

Source: CNN – Voices are starting to emerge from quake devastated Myanmar. Here’s what we are hearing

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Tragic Incident Near Philadelphia Mall

A small medical transport jet, carrying a child, her mother, and four crew members, crashed in a fiery “high-impact” accident near a busy Philadelphia mall just moments after takeoff on Friday evening.

The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:06 p.m., climbing to approximately 1,500 feet before rapidly descending. Less than a minute after takeoff, the jet crashed, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator Bill Hicks.

Casualties and Injuries

• All six people aboard—including the child, her mother, and four crew members—died in the crash.
• The child had just received care at Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia and was being transported home.
• All victims on board were Mexican citizens, according to the Mexican government.
• One person in a vehicle on the ground also died.
• At least 19 others—including bystanders in parking lots, cars, and nearby homes—were injured.

No Distress Call Before Crash

Investigators revealed that there was no indication of a problem radioed from the flight deck to Air Traffic Control before the crash.

“In fact, in the recording that we have, there is an attempt by air traffic controllers to get a response from the flight crew, but they didn’t receive one,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Debris and Damage Spread Across City Blocks

• The “high-impact” crash left debris scattered across four to five city blocks.
• Investigators have yet to recover the jet’s black box, which may be damaged or destroyed.
• At least five homes caught fire in the aftermath, Philadelphia officials reported.

Residents and business owners who come across aircraft debris are urged to email the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov or call 911.

Investigation Underway

The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched investigations.
The NTSB chair stated that the investigation will take several days or even weeks to collect and analyze all debris.

Another Aviation Disaster Days Earlier

This tragedy comes just two days after an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a regional American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities.

Despite the back-to-back aviation disasters, Homendy assured the public that her agency is well-equipped to handle both investigations simultaneously.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Speaks Out

In a statement on social media platform X, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the recent crashes a “heart-wrenching week.”

“We’re not going to have answers right away,” he said. “It’s going to take time. But as I get those answers, I’m going to share them with all of you.”

Source

The post Medical Jet Crashes Minutes After Takeoff in Philadelphia, Killing Six appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A powerful “bomb cyclone” struck Washington state on Tuesday evening, leaving one person dead, hundreds of thousands without power, and widespread damage in its wake. The storm, one of the strongest in years, brought torrential rain, fierce winds, and hazardous conditions to the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Northern California.

Key Impacts of the Storm

1. Fatal Incident in Lynnwood
   • A woman tragically lost her life when a large tree fell on a homeless encampment in Lynnwood, according to South County Fire.
2. Widespread Power Outages
   • Nearly 710,000 homes and businesses in Washington were without power as of Wednesday morning.
   • King and Snohomish counties were among the hardest-hit areas.
3. Downed Trees and Damaged Infrastructure
   • Winds toppled trees onto homes, vehicles, and power lines, leaving roads strewn with debris.
   • In Seattle, emergency crews rescued a person trapped in a vehicle after a tree fell on it.
4. Disrupted Services and Safety Concerns
   • Residents were advised to stay home as emergency services dealt with blocked roads and dangerous conditions.
   • Ferry services between Port Townsend and Coupeville were suspended due to rough seas and high winds.

Storm Characteristics

• What is a Bomb Cyclone?
  The storm is classified as a “bomb cyclone,” a rapidly intensifying system caused by a dramatic drop in atmospheric pressure. It also brought a strong atmospheric river—a narrow band of concentrated moisture—fueling heavy rainfall and winds.
• Wind and Weather Conditions
  • Wind gusts reached up to 65 mph in parts of Washington, while off the coast of Vancouver Island, speeds peaked at 101 mph late Tuesday.
  • Heavy snowfall in mountain passes created near-blizzard conditions, making travel treacherous.

Government and Emergency Responses

• Local Advisories
  Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue warned residents to stay indoors, posting images of debris-covered roads and downed power lines on social media.
• Communication Challenges
  • The National Weather Service’s Seattle office experienced radio transmission failures during the storm.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard in Puget Sound reported disruptions to phone, radio, and internet services.

Storm Outlook

The storm reached its peak intensity on Wednesday and is expected to weaken as it moves over the Cascades and into Northern California and southwest Oregon by Friday. Officials continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to exercise caution and prioritize safety.

This storm underscores the power of nature and the importance of preparation during extreme weather events. Stay informed, and heed local advisories to ensure safety during severe conditions.

Source

The post Deadly ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Batters Washington, Leaving One Dead and 700,000 Without Power appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.