The death toll from the devastating Venezuela earthquakes has risen to 3,535, while more than 16,700 people have been injured, according to updated official figures released on Monday.   The twin earthquakes, which struck on June 24, flattened entire neighbourhoods in La Guaira state, north of the capital, Caracas. Thousands of people remain missing as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Government officials said 16,740 people were injured in the disaster, while more than 17,000 residents have been left homeless. Although authorities have not released an official figure for those still trapped or missing, the United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people could still be unaccounted for. Many survivors are now living in temporary camps set up on streets, public parks and car parks after losing their homes. As hopes of finding more survivors fade, the emergency response has shifted towards recovering bodies, clearing debris and supporting displaced residents. International rescue teams have also begun leaving Venezuela after weeks of search operations. Authorities on Sunday started burying dozens of unidentified victims in a mass grave at La Esperanza cemetery in La Guaira. Rows of simple white crosses, each marked with the date of death, June 24, 2026, now stand as a reminder of the scale of the tragedy. Channels Television reported that families continue searching for missing loved ones, hoping to recover their bodies and provide them with dignified burials.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using technology-driven military operations to combat insecurity and protect Nigerians, pledging increased investment in advanced defence systems, personnel training and indigenous innovation.   Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration and the African Land Forces Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Tinubu said the Federal Government was accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces to improve operational planning and combat readiness. He said the government would rely on intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations to address evolving security threats across the country. Tinubu also stressed the importance of sustained investment in research and development, describing it as essential for strengthening military technology and expanding Nigeria’s indigenous defence capabilities. The President said the ongoing revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), alongside partnerships such as the African Land Forces Forum, would boost local military hardware production while creating skilled jobs. According to him, although previous administrations attempted to revive DICON, his government remains committed to fully modernising the corporation to improve the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges. Tinubu commended the Armed Forces for their dedication to national and regional security, describing them as a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent. He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, assuring their families that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara said hosting the event reflected the return of peace and stability in the state. He urged the Federal Government to continue improving the welfare of military personnel. Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting lives and property. He noted that changing security threats continue to shape the Army’s operational strategies and thanked President Tinubu for his support. The event featured military demonstrations, research and development exhibitions, and the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards. Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other senior government and military officials attended the ceremony.

At least eight people have been killed and 275 others injured after powerful thunderstorms and strong winds swept through central China, while severe flooding in the country’s south claimed two more lives and forced tens of thousands from their homes.   According to Channels Television, citing AFP, multiple areas of Hubei province were hit by severe convective weather on Monday. State broadcaster CCTV reported that the storms affected cities including Huangshi and Huanggang, where the fatalities occurred. Authorities also confirmed that tornadoes struck some areas, with one person still missing. State news agency Xinhua said all 275 injuries were recorded in Huanggang’s Huangzhou district as of Tuesday morning. Officials also evacuated 408 residents to safer locations as rescue and relief operations continued. In southern China’s Guangxi region, heavy rainfall and flooding linked to Typhoon Maysak killed at least two people and prompted the evacuation of more than 48,000 residents by Monday evening. Floodwaters overwhelmed parts of the regional capital, Nanning, prompting authorities to raise the flood control emergency response to its highest level after torrential rains breached dams. Footage aired by CCTV showed a reservoir wall collapsing, sending a torrent of muddy water rushing downstream. Homes, vehicles and riverside areas were submerged, while rescue teams in life jackets and inflatable boats searched for stranded residents. Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide due to rising global temperatures driven by fossil fuel emissions. China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases but is also the leading investor in renewable energy, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

The controversy surrounding the alleged N1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal intensified on Monday after the Nigeria Police Force reportedly arrested the father of the council’s promoter, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, as investigations into the alleged “ghost agency” continue.   According to Punch, Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, is currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The Federal Government has listed the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and 10 others as prosecution witnesses. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, confirmed that police officers arrested Adeyemi’s father at the family’s residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Eyewitnesses said officers arrived in multiple vehicles and also detained a family friend, leaving Adeyemi’s elderly mother in shock. The reported arrest sparked criticism from leading legal practitioners and human rights advocates, who argued that Nigerian law prohibits the arrest of relatives solely to compel a suspect to surrender. Nigerian Bar Association President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the arrest would only be lawful if Adeyemi’s father was independently being investigated as a suspect or person of interest. Other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, including Sam Erugo, Isiaka Olagunju, Wolemi Esan and Wahab Shittu, cited Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which expressly prohibits substitute arrests. They also pointed to constitutional protections guaranteeing personal liberty and stressing that criminal responsibility is personal and cannot be transferred to family members. The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights also condemned the arrest, describing it as unconstitutional and calling on the Inspector-General of Police to order the immediate release of Adeyemi’s father unless credible evidence links him directly to any alleged offence. The Nigeria Police Force has yet to officially explain the basis for the arrest. Force Headquarters spokesman Anietie Iniedu said he had not been briefed, while the Oyo State Police Command referred enquiries to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja. Meanwhile, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation denied claims that public funds were released to the PFIPC. Spokesman Bawa Mokwa said the council never operated a functional government account because it failed to complete the account opening process by providing authorised signatories. He also stated that although the council appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act, implementation of the budget only began on July 1, after the controversy had already emerged, and no money was paid to the body. The Senate also defended its role in the controversy. Lawmakers insisted the National Assembly neither created the PFIPC nor originated its budget allocation, arguing that budget proposals are prepared and vetted by the Executive before being submitted to lawmakers. The latest developments have increased pressure on the Presidency over the alleged agency, which it had previously disowned despite its inclusion in the 2026 federal budget. The Senate is expected to address the controversy when plenary resumes.