QtrendsVenezuela hit by two powerful back-to-back earthquakes collapsing buildings in Caracas. France records hottest day ever as an extreme heat wave grips western Europe. A new Ebola outbreak linked to a gold-mining town in the DRC spreads to France. Public disputes between the US and Iran over nuclear inspections cloud final-stage negotiations for a war-ending deal.
Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes in rapid succession, causing widespread destruction in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas. Buildings collapsed, and residents fled into the streets as tremors toppled structures and sent panic across the city. International media has reported significant damage, with rescue operations and damage assessments currently underway.
Residents in Caracas and other affected areas describe scenes of chaos and terror as the earthquakes struck. Eyewitness accounts detail swaying buildings, shattered windows, and a city plunged into fear. Coverage also includes visual documentation of collapsed structures and the ongoing rescue efforts in the hardest-hit neighborhoods.
The latest Ebola outbreak has been traced to a gold-mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus likely first emerged. France has confirmed its first Ebola case in a doctor who had been working in the DRC, raising global health concerns. NPR and The Guardian report on the origins of the outbreak and the international response to contain its spread.
Western Europe is enduring an extreme early-summer heat wave, with France recording its hottest day ever. The United Kingdom and Spain also shattered temperature records as the so-called 'Omega' heat wave intensifies across the region. Authorities have issued health warnings as the scorching conditions strain infrastructure and raise concerns over wildfires and public health.
A public dispute has emerged between the United States and Iran over nuclear inspections, complicating efforts to finalize a deal to end the ongoing conflict. Iran insists that inspections can only take place after a final agreement, while the US and the U.N. nuclear chief push for immediate access. Negotiations remain deadlocked as both sides air their positions in public, raising doubts about the path to a settlement.