QtrendsVenezuela was struck by back-to-back powerful earthquakes killing at least 164 people, with rescuers searching rubble and the government declaring a state of emergency. Europe faces a record-breaking heat wave that pushed France to its hottest day ever, shifted eastward, and set new June temperature records in the UK. Tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz as oil tankers take new routes despite Iranian threats, and Gulf states show no support for Iran's proposed toll.
Venezuela was hit by back-to-back powerful earthquakes, the strongest the country has experienced since 1900, causing widespread damage and toppling many buildings. Rescuers are searching through rubble as the death toll has climbed to at least 164, with nearly 1,000 injured. The government has declared a state of emergency in response to the disaster.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to at least 164, with nearly 1,000 people injured as buildings collapsed across affected regions. Major news outlets including the New York Times and AP News are reporting on the catastrophic impact. The back-to-back seismic events are among the deadliest in the region in decades.
Europe is enduring a historic heat wave that has shattered temperature records across the continent, with France recording its hottest day ever. The heat wave has shifted eastward after breaking records in Western Europe, and the UK has set a new June temperature record. France has raised its health alert to the highest level as authorities warn the extreme heat will persist.
Oil tankers are using a new route through the Strait of Hormuz despite threats from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has warned against the alternative passage. US Secretary of State Rubio stated that Gulf states show zero support for Iran's proposed toll on shipping through the strategic waterway, escalating tensions in the region.
As the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela continue to be analyzed, seismologists are providing expert insight into how unusual back-to-back earthquakes of this magnitude actually are. CNN has compiled visual maps and charts showing the impact zones, while CBC spoke with a seismologist to explain the science behind the rare seismic sequence.