A powerful earthquake struck the Pacific coast of Central America on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and triggering tsunami warnings in several countries. The quake, with a magnitude of 7.6, had its epicenter off the coast of Guatemala and was felt as far away as Mexico and El Salvador. Authorities in Guatemala reported at least one fatality and numerous injuries, while buildings and infrastructure were damaged in various locations. Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas of Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, and Costa Rica, prompting evacuations and precautionary measures.
In a significant development, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The meeting was called following a series of escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, including a recent airstrike on Gaza that resulted in civilian casualties. The Security Council is expected to issue a statement calling for de-escalation and a return to dialogue between the two parties.
On the economic front, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report on Thursday warning of a potential global recession in 2024. The report cited a confluence of factors, including rising inflation, tightening monetary policies, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, as contributing to the bleak outlook. The IMF urged governments to take swift action to address the economic challenges and mitigate the risks of a recession.
A major wildfire continues to rage in the Amazon rainforest, threatening biodiversity and indigenous communities. The fire, which has been burning for several weeks, is believed to have been ignited by human activity and has spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds. Firefighters and volunteers are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, but the situation remains precarious.