A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has left rescue workers racing against time to find survivors as the death toll rises. Eyewitness accounts reveal the immense challenges faced in humanitarian aid, exacerbated by ongoing civil conflict. In Greenland, local fishermen grapple with autonomy amidst geopolitical tensions while deportations stir controversy and personal stories of family separation emerge. Diplomatic tensions flair following controversial comments by a South African ambassador, highlighting the complexities of race and politics today.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar has caused over 144 deaths and significant destruction, complicating urgent rescue efforts amid ongoing civil conflict.
The U.S. Vice President's criticism of Denmark during a Greenland visit underscores ongoing political tensions and security concerns related to the territory's autonomy.
Deep dives
Impact of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar and parts of Thailand, leading to urgent rescue efforts as workers search for survivors among the rubble. In Myanmar, the epicenter was located near Mandalay, which witnessed significant destruction, including the collapse of a historic pagoda, with reports indicating over 144 fatalities and many more injured. The precarious situation is compounded by the ongoing civil conflict in the region, making aid efforts challenging as areas remain under military control. The military junta requested international assistance, a notable shift given its previous isolationist stance, highlighting the severity of the disaster.
US Relations with Greenland and Denmark
The U.S. Vice President criticized Denmark during a visit to Greenland, accusing it of neglecting the territory's security and exacerbating vulnerabilities. The backdrop of this accusation includes past tensions surrounding previous U.S. policies aimed at annexing Greenland, which have left the local population feeling uncertain and threatened. The Danish Prime Minister responded, acknowledging security needs while defending Denmark's commitment as a NATO ally. This political tension coincides with local celebrations in Greenland for a new coalition government advocating for greater autonomy from Danish control.
Deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador
The U.S. government recently deported approximately 240 Venezuelans to a notorious prison in El Salvador, citing claims of their connections to gang activities—a move that has raised significant legal and human rights concerns. Families of those deported contend that their relatives are being unjustly punished without proper legal recourse, reflecting broader issues within the crackdown on gang violence led by President Nayib Bukele. Despite claims of improved security in certain areas of El Salvador, families fear that wrongful detentions have occurred during these operations. Legal representatives are actively pursuing appeals for the detainees, challenging the legitimacy and process of their deportation.
Rescue workers in Myanmar and Thailand are scrambling to find survivors, after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the centre of Myanmar. Also: Vance scolds Denmark during Greenland trip as Trump says US must have island.
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