Trump escalates feud with Colombia, vows tariffs and aid cuts
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday night he would raise tariffs on Colombia and stop all payments to the South American nation, escalating a f...
In Mayotte rescuers are fighting against time, as hundreds are feared dead after tropical storm struck the archipelago. Territory’s residents and aid organizations are facing significant challenges. France works to support its poorest region through this crisis.
On December 14, Cyclone Chido struck the French overseas territory of Mayotte, the poorest region of France, devastating large parts of the archipelago.
The storm, which was the strongest to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century, caused widespread destruction with winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph). The cyclone left homes scattered over hillsides, and areas were left without power, drinking water, or phone services.
Emergency workers are currently scrambling to find survivors and clear blocked roads. Despite their efforts, large areas remain inaccessible, complicating relief efforts.
Drone footage captured on December 15 revealed the extent of the damage, showing partially destroyed roofs and debris scattered across hillsides. The video was verified through matching landmarks, such as buildings, roads, solar panels, and a playground, with satellite imagery of the region.
The cyclone hit Mayotte overnight, and the full extent of the damage and death toll is still unclear.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau arrived on December 16 to assess the situation, acknowledging that it would take days to determine the true scale of the disaster. He stated that the death toll is difficult to estimate at this stage, but several hundred, possibly even thousands, are feared dead.
Local authorities reported widespread destruction, with makeshift houses destroyed and boats overturned. Key infrastructure, including government buildings and a hospital, also sustained significant damage. People sought shelter wherever possible, with some hiding under tables to protect themselves from the storm.
The Red Cross dispatched an initial shipment of 30 tonnes of emergency supplies, including tools, shovels, blankets, solar lamps, and hygiene kits. However, the logistics of delivering aid are complex due to the damaged infrastructure.
Mayotte, located nearly 8,000 km (5,000 miles) from Paris, is one of France's poorest territories. More than three-quarters of its population live below the poverty line, and the territory has long struggled with social unrest and gang violence.
Earlier this year, tensions flared due to a water shortage. The cyclone has further strained the already fragile living conditions, making recovery efforts all the more urgent.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
Snapchat will start charging users who store more than 5GB of photos and videos in its Memories feature, prompting backlash from long-time users.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday night he would raise tariffs on Colombia and stop all payments to the South American nation, escalating a feud that stems from the U.S. military's strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs in the region.
Colombia said on Monday it has recalled its ambassador from Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would raise tariffs on the South American nation and stop all payments to it, intensifying a feud stemming from U.S. military strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy will be put behind bars on Tuesday, starting a five-year sentence for conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya, in a stunning downfall for a leader once known for his swagger and taste for the global spotlight.
Conservative Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, won the lower house vote, clearing the way for her inauguration as the country's first female premier later in the day.
Brazil’s government approved on Monday exploratory drilling by state-run oil company Petrobras near the mouth of the Amazon River.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment