Aug 16, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

Emergency crews and military personnel in Colombia are maintaining extensive search and rescue operations following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake centered near San José del Palmar. The national government has declared a state of emergency as responders sift through the rubble of collapsed structures to locate survivors and arrange temporary shelter for displaced residents.

Casualty reports continue to vary as damage assessments advance across the affected regions. Moldova1 reported that the death toll has climbed to at least 164, while Digi24 and Ziarul de Gardă stated that at least 132 individuals have died and more than 500 were injured. Earlier dispatches from HotNews and Adevărul noted preliminary tallies of dozens dead from the tremor, which also shook parts of neighbouring Ecuador. Officials warn that the number of victims may rise further as recovery operations proceed.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

Bulgarian and Ukrainian authorities are collaborating to clarify the circumstances surrounding a drone crash near a strategic gas pipeline in northeastern Bulgaria, close to the Romanian border.

According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense, initial findings suggest the unmanned aerial vehicle was of a type widely operated by the Ukrainian armed forces. However, officials in Sofia noted that there is no indication Bulgarian territory or infrastructure was intentionally targeted.

Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Georgiy Tykhy confirmed that Kyiv is in close contact with Bulgarian partners. Tykhy stated that Ukraine did not deliberately aim at Bulgaria and committed to a thorough investigation into the incident. The crash caused no reported casualties or structural damage to the nearby energy installation.

Sources: Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération.

Dutch mental healthcare and public safety have come under scrutiny following several developments across the Netherlands. Rotterdam police confirmed that a 26-year-old suspect arrested over two random stabbings exhibited confused behaviour and has been placed into specialised psychiatric care.

Meanwhile, healthcare sector representatives warned that approximately 62,500 people with severe psychological disorders currently live outside institutional oversight, often losing support while transitioning between housing or care providers.

Separately in Rotterdam, police conducted underwater searches in the Ringvaartplas for the weapon used in the mistaken-identity killing of mental healthcare director Rob Zweekhorst. Authorities acted on a tip but have not yet confirmed whether any relevant evidence was recovered during the operation.

Sources: NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting), NRC, NU

Japanese authorities and businesses are stepping up efforts to relax traditional corporate dress codes as escalating summer temperatures create health risks for office workers. Companies are urging staff to trade formal suits and leather shoes for lighter, sun-protective attire as Tokyo regularly experiences temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

In the Netherlands, environmental policies targeting the apparel sector are facing criticism over their practical efficacy. Legislation requiring fashion brands to manage textile waste and promote circularity has reportedly fallen short of its sustainability targets. Observers note that clothing manufacturers often fulfill statutory obligations by paying nominal fees amounting to a few cents per garment rather than overhauling production practices or investing in recycling infrastructure.

Sources: NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting), NRC

The US Democratic Party is navigating deep ideological and generational divisions as candidates prepare for key midterm elections. Primary contests across swing states such as Wisconsin highlight friction between the party's moderate establishment and an energised progressive wing seeking greater influence.

While progressive figures argue their momentum is vital for voter mobilisation, some party strategists express concern that internal factional battles, funding challenges, and policy disputes could undermine broader general election prospects despite low approval ratings for former President Donald Trump.

Concurrently, Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives are formulating strategy in the event they secure a majority. Rather than initiating immediate impeachment proceedings, party figures are reportedly preparing wide-ranging congressional investigations into Trump's financial dealings and associated corporate entities.

Sources: VG (Verdens Gang), Dagens Næringsliv (DN), TV 2 Nyheter, Finansavisen, Aftenposten