Timothee Nicoyangereye and his team in Bujumbura are producing locally made electric stoves designed as an alternative to wood and charcoal, the main cooking fuels used by most households in Burundi.

The appliances feature adjustable electronic controls that allow users to regulate cooking and programme the stove to switch off automatically.

For households already using the cooker, the potential savings are a major attraction.

"The biggest advantage I see is that that bag [of charcoal] lasts for a month, it doesn't get used up easily. This means that you can cook even beyond that, and even if you cook a lot, you might find it takes around thirty, thirty-five [thousand francs] in a month, and it is clean," one user said.

Nicoyangereye, an entrepreneur from Gitega, developed the smart electric cooker as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to traditional cooking fuels.

He believes wider adoption could also help reduce the number of trees cut down for charcoal production.

"I would say that we need many of these so that people can ease the burden of charcoal, and that way environmental consequences are addressed; trees won't be cut down again to make charcoal, because this improved stove itself costs very little money," Nicoyangereye said.

More than 90 percent of Burundi's population relies on firewood or charcoal for cooking, increasing pressure on forests while leaving households exposed to rising fuel costs.

Nicoyangereye's cooker is among several locally developed alternatives seeking to reduce the country's dependence on wood-based cooking fuels.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially opened the $2.84 billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project on the Rufiji River in Mkalinju on Saturday.

Hassan toured the facility and thanked the Energy Ministry, contractors and Tanzanians involved in delivering the project.

"We had no option but to continue with the project given its immense importance to the development of our country," Hassan said.

"Indeed, it is a great joy for all of us to witness the completion of this project, which for many years has been part of our national plans and efforts to ensure that we have sufficient and reliable energy to support various development activities and the well-being of our people ," she added.

The nine-turbine facility has an installed capacity of 2,115 MW, making it the largest hydropower plant in East Africa and one of the biggest on the continent.

Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi said Tanzania's total installed electricity generation capacity now stands at 4,646 MW.

According to Ndejembi, the Julius Nyerere plant accounted for 44.9 per cent of all electricity generated and supplied to Tanzania's national grid in the year to May 31, 2026.

The additional capacity puts Tanzania's available generation above its current peak demand, creating room for increased industrial electricity use and potential exports to neighbouring countries.

Construction of the project began in 2019 and was carried out by an Egyptian consortium comprising Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended the inauguration on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Plans to generate large-scale electricity from the Rufiji River date back decades. The development was previously known as the Stiegler's Gorge hydropower scheme before being named after Tanzania's founding president, Julius Nyerere.

The Tanzanian government plans to use the additional electricity capacity to support manufacturing, mining and agriculture, attract investment and develop the country into a regional electricity supplier.

The gathering was organised through social media, with participants forming groups before competing in an “aura battle”. They performed repetitive dances, acrobatics, poses, intimidating gestures and slow walks as spectators watched and cheered.

Federico, one of the participants, described the competition as a way of displaying charisma and skills against an opponent.

“As a way of showing your charisma in a battle, doing six seven and the tricks you know how to do. The word ‘to farm’ comes from video games, from farming items, and aura, I do not know, like, aura is to do with the spiritual and all that, and yeah,” he explained.

Participant Teo Sycz offered his own interpretation of the trend.

“For me, aura is creating with what you know,” he said.

His father, Hernan Sycz, said the gathering gave young people an opportunity to take an online trend away from their screens and socialise with others.

“I am with my son and he came to farm aura, the new trend, and he, well, he trains, does different activities, martial arts and, well, he came here,” he said.

The competition involved participants observing, imitating and reacting to each other while improvising their own performances.

However, the gathering was disrupted in its final minutes when a group of adults entered the square and threw bottles and stones at the minors taking part.

“We came here because they are kids and we did not like that people threw stones at them,” spectator Jack said.

Martin Moyano also called for young people to be protected while using public spaces.

“We need to take care of the kids and let them go out to the square and have fun and socialise, and make sure no one comes to hurt them,” he added.

No injuries were recorded following the incident. The crowd dispersed after the event, while no police interventions or arrests were reported.

In internet culture, “aura” describes someone’s presence, charisma or ability to appear striking or “cool”. “Farming” comes from video games, where players repeatedly perform actions to collect resources or points. In aura farming, the aim is to build symbolic social points through displays of charisma.

The phrase began circulating on TikTok in early 2024 and gained wider international attention in 2025 after videos of Indonesian boy Rayyan Arkan Dikha dancing on the bow of a boat during the traditional Pacu Jalur competition went viral.

The landslide occurred on the Central African side of the border, despite early reports placing the site in Cameroon due to the name Zamboye also being associated with neighbouring Garoua-Boulai.

Central African authorities have since ordered the mine closed over safety and regulatory concerns as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Mohamadou Bawe, chairman of a local gold miners' cooperative in Cameroon, said miners crossed the border to assist with rescue efforts after learning of the collapse.

"This is the border; you can see it here - there's the wire-mesh fence, the Central African Republic, and the river, which forms a natural boundary," Bawe said.

He said miners on the Cameroonian side limit excavation depths and clear surrounding areas to reduce the risk of collapses. "Look at our depths on the Cameroon side; that means it really is two different worlds," he said.

Garoua-Boulai Mayor Adamou Abdon also stressed that the deadly collapse occurred inside the Central African Republic, saying similar place names on both sides of the border had caused confusion.

He warned that countries joining US economic measures would be considered enemies, adding that Tehran would initially seek talks before taking action against their interests.

Rezaei also threatened US commercial interests if Washington imposed further sanctions. "The US has many oil companies and economic interests around Iran and in other places; well, we will hit those," he said.

Trump announced a new economic pressure campaign last week, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has promised the "toughest sanctions in history."

Rezaei also argued that US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities had undermined confidence in the global non-proliferation system. Iran remains a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

He separately said Iran and Oman had agreed on a transit route through the Strait of Hormuz, although negotiations were not complete, and warned Washington against hostile military moves around the waterway.

"If they make any movement along the southern route [Strait of Hormuz], we will hit them," he said. Rezaei, a former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council earlier this month.

"At around 1:00 or so, there were one or two slight, minor explosions, and it wasn't until around 2:40 or so that a second major blast occurred," one resident said.

The fire reportedly broke out shortly after 01:00 in Annan District, with a major explosion occurring around 02:45 as firefighters battled the blaze.

Authorities said the site contained industrial waste, including discarded oil barrels and materials containing aluminium and magnesium. The cause remains under investigation.

"The preliminary findings... confirmed that there were discarded oil barrels inside, as well as scrap aluminium and magnesium," Tainan Fire Department director Yang Zonglin said. Fifteen people were injured, including three firefighters, although none sustained life-threatening injuries.

At least 68 homes were affected, including 11 directly damaged by fire, while more than 20 civilian and emergency vehicles were also damaged. Authorities deployed 144 firefighters and 53 vehicles to the scene.

Beens said he began training Tsunami after developing a close bond with the dog following the death of his previous operational canine. "He is my companion, he is part of my life. Tsunami changed my world ," Beens said.

Tsunami has also taken part in international rescue missions. In 2023, he was deployed to Syria and Turkey following devastating earthquakes , where Beens said he helped locate nine people alive beneath the rubble.

The dog was later deployed following this year's earthquakes in Venezuela, where rapid response helped search teams locate 26 people . "Forty minutes after the earthquake we were already entering the rubble," Beens said.

The trainer credited Tsunami's abilities partly to the intelligence and problem-solving skills of Border Collies.

Beens now plans to retire Tsunami from rescue operations as two Border Collie puppies prepare to join the K-SAR ECID team.

"Yesterday, around 9 - 10 a.m., children , women and elderly men boarded a canoe to go to their farms. Unfortunately, the canoe capsized," eyewitness Salisu Umar Goronyo said, adding that at least 80 people were on board.

Survivor Abdullahi Karani said passengers and local residents worked to rescue victims after the boat overturned.

"We made efforts to rescue some of the victims before other people arrived to support us in the rescue operation, during which many bodies were recovered," he said. Goronyo said his family lost 10 relatives, adding that many of the victims were young women expected to marry this year.

The vessel capsized near Gorau in Goronyo Local Government Area while passengers were travelling to rice farms.

Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency later confirmed 52 deaths as rescue and recovery operations continued.

Carlos Navarrete, Tarapaca's regional transport official, said authorities were working to clear the Marinero Desconocido road, a key route for freight traffic heading to the port of Iquique.

Zofri General Manager Enrique Montealegre said the financial impact was still being assessed and insurance procedures had begun. "Today, we are focused on restoring operations," Montealegre said.

Alamgir Butt, president of an automotive business association in the Zofri Industrial District, estimated losses to the sector at one billion Chilean pesos, around $1.08 million.

He also criticised what he described as a lack of communication from Zofri following the emergency.

Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response ordered evacuations in Zofri, the Industrial District and Marinero Desconocido areas due to the risk of further mudslides.

Textile worker Oriana Fernandez said she had been unable to service her debt for more than a year. "Wages are not enough, pensions neither. Unfortunately we have to turn, obviously, to the Government so that it can give us a solution, an answer," she said.

Another worker, Vaneza, said she had fallen into debt trying to pay for electricity and food as her wages failed to keep pace with the cost of living.

Fernando Moyano, president of an organisation representing indebted people, said the problem affected generations from pensioners borrowing to buy medication to young people taking loans to purchase bicycles or motorbikes for work.

Protesters called on President Javier Milei's government to introduce refinancing measures amid rising arrears. According to the Centre for Argentine Political Economy , 20.9 million people have debts within the financial system, with 5.8 million in arrears.

The court convicted Bashar al-Assad of crimes including premeditated murder , torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity. Six other former officials were also sentenced to death in absentia.

But one member of the Assad family was actually in the Damascus courtroom.

Atef Najib, Assad's cousin and former head of political security in Daraa, stood inside a cage wearing a prison uniform as he received his own death sentence.

Najib's case takes Syria back to where its uprising began. In 2011, 15 young people were detained and tortured after anti-government graffiti appeared in Daraa. Their treatment helped trigger protests that spread across the country, followed by a government crackdown and a civil war lasting almost 14 years.

For Syria's new authorities, the verdicts are part of a wider effort to hold former Assad-era officials accountable and establish a system of transitional justice .

But the process is already facing scrutiny.

Human rights and legal observers have raised concerns about the speed and fairness of the proceedings. Monitors of Najib's trial reported inadequate legal representation and weaknesses in witness testimony, while questions remain about applying crimes against humanity under Syria's existing legal framework.

Rights advocates who welcomed the move towards accountability have also stressed that future proceedings need to respect fair-trial standards, defence rights and judicial independence.

The challenge is particularly important in a country still dealing with violence after Assad's fall, including killings involving Alawite and Druze communities.

Questions also remain about whether Bashar and Maher Assad will ever face Syrian justice in person. Both remain in Russia, making their sentences largely symbolic unless they are eventually returned to Syria.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse near the Kadey River, while local leaders said miners had repeatedly been warned about the dangers of working during the rainy season. They said economic hardship had pushed some workers to continue mining despite the risks. Artisanal gold mining supports thousands of people in mineral-rich parts of Central African Republic, where miners often work in hand-dug pits and tunnels with limited safety equipment. The Zamboi disaster follows another fatal landslide at an artisanal mine in Kinyeme in June, which reportedly killed at least eight people.

Mud, rocks and debris have covered parts of the road, preventing traffic from moving in either direction. One haulier criticised the response from authorities after spending four days stranded.

"There is no support from anyone, everything is a disaster. We pay tolls; we want a tow truck from the Ministry of Transport or the Atico council to tow us," he said.

Haulier Carlos Ordonez said he had begun selling boxes of fruit at reduced prices before they spoiled. "36 soles per box, so we can at least recover the investment, because we have lost a bit as it has spoiled over time," he said.

Ordonez also complained about uncertainty over when the highway would reopen. "They told us it would be just two days, and now it has been five days, and we are still here," he said.

The blockage affects more than 70 kilometres of the Panamericana Sur, one of southern Peru's main transport corridors.

More than 50 homes were reported damaged, with at least 18 declared uninhabitable, according to Jerson Altamirano, technical secretary of the Municipality of Pullo.

Homes were left with collapsed walls, damaged facades and visible cracks following Thursday's earthquake.

Altamirano said health facilities and schools were also damaged, while technical teams continued assessments across Pullo.

Despite the destruction, he said no deaths had been recorded.

"We are not mourning any loss of human life. Thank God we are fine," he said.

No fatalities have been reported across Peru.

For residents whose homes were damaged, attention has turned to securing assistance.

Ayde Mendoza, a single mother affected by the earthquake, appealed directly to Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori for support.

"To Ms Keiko Fujimori [Peruvian president], please support us. Anything to help me," she said.

Another resident, Melissa Valerio, recalled being inside her shop when the earthquake struck.

"Very strong, very strong. It scared us quite a lot. At that time I was working here in my shop; we felt it and we went out, but it lasted a bit," she recounted.

Valerio said damage to her home had made it unsafe to live in.

"My kitchen and the entire inner wall have collapsed. It is no longer fit to live in and, well, it makes us very sad to see our homes like this," she said through tears.

The Geophysical Institute of Peru recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.2, with its epicentre 35 kilometres north of Coracora in Parinacochas Province, Ayacucho. It struck at a depth of 108 kilometres. The US Geological Survey later reported a magnitude of 6.7 for the same event.

According to the National Institute of Civil Defence, three people were injured and treated at the Hospital de Apoyo de Coracora.

Damage was also reported at 10 health service provider institutions in Ayacucho and two in Cusco, while six facilities belonging to the Ayacucho Health Network were affected.

The Ministry of Education's Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre reported damage at nine educational institutions in Ayacucho and two in Apurimac.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines also activated its contingency plan after electricity supplies were disrupted. The outage affected 6,023 customers in Nazca Province in Ica and another 2,990 in Puquio, Ayacucho.

His appeal followed overnight strikes on Ukraine, with Zelensky pointing to ballistic missiles as the country's biggest air defence challenge.

"Unfortunately, ballistic missiles are the most difficult challenge right now. While about 90 percent of the cruise missiles in this attack were intercepted, the situation with ballistic missiles is significantly worse," Zelensky said.

"We need missiles for Patriots, and only our partners can provide them," he stressed. "We ain't talking about gifts. Ukraine is ready to buy the weapons. What matters is that decisions be made - appropriate political decisions by our partners, first and foremost in the US."

Zelensky did not say where the money for the purchases would come from. The European Union and its member states have collectively provided more than €220 billion over the past four years.

His government has also faced several high-profile corruption scandals. Zelensky fired a top aide this week over alleged money laundering, while his sacked defence chief Mykhailo Fedorov criticised corruption in the system and demanded fresh elections .

The request for more Patriot missiles came as Ukrainian authorities acknowledged that no ballistic missiles were intercepted during the latest overnight strikes.

Moscow said the strikes targeted military-industrial and logistics sites. Kyiv has also previously acknowledged failing to shoot down missiles during several attacks.

"There is a war in Europe. The world is more unpredictable than at any time in many decades," he said. Magyar argued that strengthening the military was necessary to preserve peace.

"Hungary needs a strong military, not because we want war, quite the opposite, because we would like to live in peace ," he said.

The prime minister also stressed Hungary's commitments to NATO and the European Union , saying the country's armed forces must be capable of supporting allies as well as defending Hungarians.

"The Hungarian Defence Forces must be a military that both the Hungarian people and our allies can rely on," Magyar said, calling for a force that is well-equipped, well-trained and technologically advanced.

Magyar became prime minister in May after his Tisza party ended Viktor Orban's 16-year rule. He has pledged to strengthen Hungary's defence capabilities while maintaining the country's NATO commitments.

"I do have a good relationship with Kim Jong-un, as you know, you've seen. He didn't like Biden. He didn't like Obama. He didn't like anybody, but he likes me. And I like, you know, I just got along with him very good. We had great meetings. We speak. And I think our nation and I think other nations, frankly, whether it's Japan or South Korea, they're a lot safer if I'm president than if somebody else is president," he said.

Trump also discussed South Korea after scaling back military exercises with the country.

"I was not happy when South Korea said, no, they're not interested in helping us with the Hormuz Strait," Trump continued. "And yet they get 60 percent of the oil from the Hormuz Strait. I said, would you like to help us? He said, 'No, thank you'. I said, 'That's nice. Please, thank you'. He made us a lot of money. I didn't like that. So I felt that to do a massive, we were doing a massive war exercise. I thought that was very insulting to somebody that, frankly, has been, during my term at least, very well behaved."

Trump said on Sunday that he would reduce military exercises with South Korea shortly before the latest drills were due to begin.

His decision followed a dispute over South Korea and other US allies not helping with Iran as much as Trump expected.

Medical workers treated injured migrants and handed out medical supplies in the Samu Naves area on Wednesday, while several people gathered around an ambulance seeking help.

One young migrant claimed people have come from nearby areas to beat migrants and steal their food and belongings.

"They've treated us with such contempt. We sleep on the street, and there are people who take our food. Look, they're beating us, assaulting us, and trying to take our belongings by force," the migrant said.

"We're helpless because we're strangers here, so we're forced to stay silent, and this is more than we can bear," he stressed.

Another migrant described the situation as "horrific", claiming women and children in the area face severe dangers, including drugs, armed attacks and sexual exploitation.

"Women are being stripped naked and forced into prostitution in public," he alleged. "We're living in terror here. We're just sitting around when some people attack us with guns and strange weapons and scare the children here."

A third migrant said people were struggling with exposure and hunger, claiming the food being provided was not enough.

"We're suffering here from the cold at night and the scorching heat in the morning. Winter is coming, but we have no blankets or anything else. The cold here will kill us," he said.

"The second problem is hunger, my brother, because the authorities here give us food only once a day, which isn't enough for us, and we go hungry all day long," the migrant added.

Reports of violence against migrants have emerged elsewhere in Ceuta. El Pais documented neighbourhood patrols in early August, including groups carrying weapons and coordinating efforts to drive migrants from residential areas.

Spanish authorities have not publicly addressed the specific allegations of violence against migrants in Ceuta. The government has reinforced security in the enclave and announced additional accommodation and humanitarian support for migrants.

Spanish authorities are reportedly investigating allegations of sexual violence against migrant women and girls in Ceuta. At least four migrant girls were reported to have received hospital treatment following alleged sexual assaults.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has warned that hundreds of migrant children remain in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, with some sleeping on the streets for weeks and urgently needing food and medical care.

Spain's Ministry of Inclusion said on Monday that four temporary sites were being prepared in Ceuta, adding 1,500 places. The ministry added that the Red Cross has been distributing around 4,000 food kits a day since August 3.

The measures follow the influx from Morocco on July 30 and 31, when tens of thousands of people entered Ceuta by land and sea. Thousands are still believed to remain in the enclave, although estimates from Spanish and local authorities have varied.

"It is undeniable that the capacity deployed by my government in public health and the territorial presence of healthcare was not used due to sectarianism and ignorance," he stated in an address from Bogota.

Petro also accused the government of allowing an Israeli 'military intelligence' operation on Colombian territory during the emergency and questioned the experience of rescuers sent by Israel.

"Do not bring those who knock down buildings with live children inside the buildings. They do not know about this; they come for something else," he said.

Petro also questioned why the Benkos Bioho Hospital Ship, intended to provide healthcare in coastal and riverine communities, remained in the port of Buenaventura for seven days during the emergency.

"The ship could have dropped off health teams along the coast and even gone up the rivers of the Pacific," Petro noted, adding that during his administration it had carried out 7,882 operations along the coastline.

According to Petro, his government had left 9,000 million pesos, about 2.9 million dollars, for an immediate response following an earthquake. He said the destination of those resources remains unknown.

He also criticised the government's response during the first 100 hours of the emergency, which he described as 'fundamental'.

"The inability of the incoming government's handover engineered by Abelardo turned those hours into a disaster, a disaster greater than the one that already existed," he added.

Petro also questioned the government's rejection of some international aid and asserted that the decision to 'politicise it' had consequences for the number of victims.

The official earthquake toll stands at 319 dead, 4,469 injured and 260 missing, while 364 people have been rescued. Material damage includes 151,995 homes damaged, 30,803 destroyed and 302 collapsed buildings.

Residents later rallied in the streets, calling for justice over repeated violence in the region. Plateau State Commissioner of Police Faniyan Ayodeji said officers had been deployed and efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible.

"Everything will be done to track and arrest these wicked and callous criminals," Ayodeji said. "We have already started work and we are already getting results."

Youth leader Joseph Sunday Manset accused Fulani individuals of carrying out the attack and called on the government to designate those responsible as terrorists.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings and ordered increased surveillance and patrols in Bin-Per and other vulnerable communities in Mangu. He also urged residents to avoid retaliation and cooperate with security agencies.

Plateau State has experienced years of deadly violence, with disputes involving farming and herding communities repeatedly escalating into attacks. In June, police said at least 20 people were killed in an attack on the Kawel community in Bokkos Local Government Area.

Daniel Lopez, President of Spain's Professional Police Union (SPP), called for stronger diplomatic cooperation with Morocco to speed up the return of migrants without a legal right to remain.

He said Ceuta was "a long way from returning to normal" and accused the central government of failing to provide sufficient personnel and resources.

Carlos Prieto, Secretary General of Spain's Unified Police Union (SUP), also called for "extraordinary measures" to identify and process new arrivals.

Police unions further criticised conditions for some officers deployed to Ceuta, alleging they had been forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor and share limited bathroom facilities.

Aaron Rivero, General Secretary of the JUPOL police union, said officers had also faced violent incidents involving knives and machetes. "There were fights among them - with machetes and knives - and when the police showed up, they all banded together to attack us," Rivero said.

The unions said the Government Delegation in Ceuta had not responded to requests for meetings. Tuesday's talks were attended by PP representatives and Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas.

Morales claimed Cerimedo had knowledge of alleged irregularities within Paz's government and suggested his detention could be connected to that information.

"He knows all the outrages they committed, including the president in his cabinet," Morales said. "They will release him at any moment."

Morales also accused Paz of following the positions of Cerimedo and his ministers and called on the Attorney General to conduct an "immediate, transparent" investigation while ensuring safeguards for Beller.

He further called for investigations into alleged irregularities and corruption that he claimed involved government officials.

Meanwhile, Bolivia's Supreme Court instructed that the case should not be placed under seal and called for proceedings to move quickly so Beller could access information about the investigation.

Healthcare workers later cared for the newborns in an emergency medical tent outside the damaged hospital. One of the babies was premature, while the other was placed inside an incubator.

One baby was delivered naturally, while the other was born two months premature by emergency Caesarean section.

Doctors performed the Caesarean on 39-year-old Maria Florida Nogo Kelen as aftershocks shook the area. With the hospital damaged, equipment out of action and electricity cut, the medical team worked with limited lighting.

"There was a moment when the situation became critical and the room had already collapsed," Maria Florida said. "Everyone was thinking about saving themselves, but the midwives and doctors stayed with us because we still needed their help."

Obstetrician Dr Yona Sara Pardede said the baby's breech position made the delivery more difficult as tremors continued during the operation.

"In the middle of the surgery, the earthquake struck, and there were still many tremors," Pardede said. "We had to deliver the baby quickly because we were afraid the baby's legs or arms could be injured. We were also afraid of causing a neck injury when delivering the baby's head."

Pardede said she prayed as the team worked to complete the delivery.

"God, please help me. God, please help me," she recalled praying. "Eventually, I believed that God's help is perfect and extraordinary. God gave us calmness at that moment. And when we delivered the baby, there was no earthquake. I believe god was protecting us."

Dr Pramita Sari said both babies were delivered under emergency conditions after the hospital building became unsafe and equipment was damaged.

"During the earthquake, we had two deliveries. One was a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery, while the other was delivered by caesarean section," she said. "All the equipment was damaged, the building was no longer suitable for use, and the electricity went out, so the deliveries had to be carried out in an emergency tent."

Both babies were delivered successfully. The premature infant weighed around 1.3 kilograms and was named Gempita, a reference to "gempa", the Indonesian word for earthquake.

"When the earthquake struck, we had to leave the building in a very critical and emergency situation. Thank god, the midwives, nurses, and doctors did not simply leave me. They helped me tremendously," said Desi Nesance, the other infant's mother.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores in East Nusa Tenggara early on Saturday. Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said the shallow quake was caused by movement along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust.

Tsunami waves were recorded at several coastal locations after the quake.

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said 68 people had been confirmed dead by Monday, with 213 injured across the affected region.

The Zamboanga City campus was cordoned off as crime scene investigators and emergency crews arrived at the school.

Preliminary police reports said a Grade 9 student entered the school carrying a pistol and a rifle before opening fire, killing a Grade 10 student and later taking his own life. Authorities said the attack was livestreamed using a body-worn camera.

Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Beng Climaco called for stronger safeguards to protect students and staff.

"We are willing to be able to legislate what is needed to be done," she said. "This incident is something that is really very saddening to all of us."

"We also pray that no such incident will ever happen again."

Senator Robin Padilla also called for changes to policies governing young people, pointing to concerns over social media use.

"Our bill regarding youth, the age limit should probably be adjusted a bit because we can see that young people are doing this. They are somewhat hooked on social media . So we have that bill that we want to be supported by our countrymen so that it passes," he said.

Classes were suspended and students evacuated as police investigated how the weapons were brought onto the campus and what led to the attack.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also ordered a full investigation and measures to strengthen school safety.

Emergency workers stopped to pick up patients, including one on a stretcher. The exact location of the pickup could not be independently verified.

The three victims were flown by a Dauphin AS 365 N3+ helicopter from the Satar Kampas command post to Komodo International Airport in East Manggarai Regency.

"We received information that several victims suffered fractures, and we needed to evacuate them as soon as possible from East Manggarai," Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) chief Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii said.

"This morning we are also pushing forward several medical personnel – doctors, nurses, pharmacists – and medical supplies. These must reach East Manggarai immediately, as the land journey from Labuan Bajo takes over seven hours. Hopefully, with this helicopter, we can reach the site in 25 minutes."

According to local media , the helicopter reached the Satar Kampas command post at 10:28 local time and landed at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo at 11:00 with the three patients. They were then taken to hospital with medical personnel.

The three victims, including a five-year-old girl, were residents of Haju Wangi and Satar Padut villages in East Manggarai. They suffered fractures and dislocations, according to Basarnas.

The earthquake struck Flores, in East Nusa Tenggara, on August 15. Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) measured it at magnitude 7.7 and said the shallow quake was caused by activity along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust.

Tsunami waves were recorded at several coastal locations, reaching around 1.6 metres at Pota in East Manggarai.

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said 68 people had been confirmed dead by Monday, including 24 in East Manggarai, while 213 people were injured across the affected region.

Lula made the comments on Monday during a visit to a Petrobras drillship off the coast of Oiapoque, in the state of Amapa.

"If President Trump wants to wage a war against Iran and close the Strait of Hormuz, we are here, at the service of the whole world. We are on the Equatorial Margin, 175 kilometres off the coast. We are here, in the middle of the ocean, discovering oil of incredible purity," he said.

Lula highlighted the oil potential of the Equatorial Margin, a large maritime area off Brazil's northern coast, and called for more research.

During the visit, Lula also discussed Brazil's efforts to expand oil co-operation with other countries.

He said he had spoken with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum about opportunities for the two countries to work together in the sector.

According to Lula, the aim is "to go to the Gulf of Mexico and try to find oil in deep waters".

"[Brazilian firm] Petrobras has the potential to be the most important oil company in the world," Lula said in his remarks.

The Brazilian government sees exploration of the Equatorial Margin as a way to increase national production and reduce the country's dependence on oil imports in the coming years.

Speaking in Barranquilla, De la Espriella said an initial technical assessment had estimated the scale of damage from the earthquake, which mainly affected Valle del Cauca and Risaralda.

"A private firm modelled direct physical losses in Choco, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Quindio and Caldas, close to 30 trillion pesos, roughly 24.5 trillion in buildings and 5.5 trillion in infrastructure . Imagine the scale of the disaster," he detailed.

De la Espriella said Choco, where the epicentre was located, needs "special consideration and a Marshall Plan" to address historical debts and rebuild damaged homes and buildings.

He also highlighted a World Bank loan secured to support the emergency response.

"In record time, the Ministry of Finance activated the disbursement of the first tranche of a World Bank loan for US$200 million," he said.

According to the president, the funds are available "to meet the most pressing needs of the victims of this natural disaster", and he expressed his gratitude to the international organisation for the speed of its response.

De la Espriella also announced rent subsidies, relief on public services and a programme called "Miracle Housing" for affected families.

"We will carry out the census, profile each case and deliver concrete solutions for all Colombians affected. My government will shoulder this responsibility with austerity," he asserted.

The quake has destroyed at least 26,945 homes and damaged more than 127,557 properties nationwide, according to the report presented by De la Espriella. At least 289 people have died, 4,187 have been injured and 143 remain missing.

The result was announced at the electoral commission’s headquarters in the capital, where members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) celebrated with champagne. Outside, supporters poured onto the streets, honking car horns, chanting, dancing and setting off fireworks.

Hichilema won 2,965,326 votes, accounting for around 61.8 percent of the poll, according to commission chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis. His main challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, secured 38 percent.

"I think this is a sweet victory, and as you know that in this political contestation we've had quite a number of players," said UPND media director Mark Simuuwe.

Simuuwe praised the government’s economic record and employment initiatives during Hichilema’s first term, which followed Zambia’s sovereign debt default in 2020.

"We've managed to reduce inflation, of course, to single digits from over 22 percent. We've managed to also improve our GDP from negative 2.7 to 5.8. And for us, this is a milestone. We are very excited, and we just call for peace and we call for stability, because a country that has peace will attract foreign direct investment," he added, noting that the next priority will be steps to reduce the cost of living .

According to media reports, the August 13 election was largely peaceful, although counting was temporarily suspended in some areas following attacks on election officials and the theft of ballot papers.

Mundubile called for an investigation into alleged irregularities.

Zambia has held competitive elections since returning to multiparty democracy in 1991, with power changing hands between rival parties through elections. Hichilema defeated incumbent Edgar Lungu in 2021, marking another peaceful transfer of power.

The scale of the late-July crossings remains disputed, with estimates ranging from around 40,000 according to Moroccan authorities to 72,000 in a later Spanish estimate. There is no established evidence that Morocco deliberately organised the crossings, while reports have pointed to online rumours and misinformation encouraging people to head towards the border. Moroccan authorities have since strengthened security around Ceuta, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez chaired another government coordination meeting on Monday to review security measures, migrant identification and assistance.

Across Colombia, the earthquake has left 23,392 homes destroyed and 127,608 damaged, while 287 people have died and 4,147 have been injured, according to Sunday's update from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. Survivors in Cali say rebuilding will be difficult and could take years, but they remain determined to start again.

The protest comes after years of scrutiny of Kenya’s police over deaths in custody, enforced disappearances and alleged excessive force during demonstrations. Public anger intensified following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody in June 2025, after an autopsy contradicted the initial police account, which Kanja later withdrew and apologised for. Kanja has said extrajudicial killings are illegal and that officers found responsible for misconduct would face action.

Panicked guests rushed out of the Sylvia Hotel moments after the aftershock and gathered outside as staff assessed the situation.

"Yes, it seems to be an aftershock. The earthquake was quite strong as well," hotel staff member Richard said after guests evacuated the building.

At Hillers Regional General Hospital, patients are being treated under emergency tents. Relatives remain by their side as nurses care for the injured.

Earthquake survivor Karlina is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during Saturday's earthquake. She said she had escaped outside before realising her child was still inside the building.

"Once I came back outside, the earthquake was incredibly strong, the ground was shaking violently, and eventually, I fell," she said.

Hospital director Dr Paulus Lameng said continued aftershocks are preventing patients from returning to the main building.

"Our main challenge is the condition of the building structure, which still needs to be assessed by the Public Works Agency," he explained.

"We are treating patients in the hospital yard using tents. We have sufficient medicines and equipment, but we urgently need additional support, particularly an orthopaedic doctor and a neurosurgeon," he added.

Manggarai was among the areas hit by the earthquake. Landslides struck communities across Flores, while buildings collapsed and roads were badly damaged. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, along with schools , health facilities and other public buildings.

Indonesia's disaster response remains in operation after Saturday's magnitude 7.7 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks killed at least 54 people , injured 135 others and displaced nearly 7,700 residents across East Nusa Tenggara.

More than 1,300 homes, schools and public facilities have been damaged. Emergency teams continue to deliver food, clean water , medical supplies and temporary shelters to affected communities.

Authorities have recorded nearly 1,000 aftershocks since the main earthquake, including Monday morning's magnitude 5.7 tremor. The continued shaking is complicating rescue and recovery operations.

A 14-day state of emergency remains in force as structural inspections continue and thousands of displaced residents remain in temporary shelters.

The event was held near Posto 5, one of the main political strongholds of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, who served from 2019 to 2022.

Flavio Bolsonaro focused his campaign message on public security, fighting drug trafficking and taking a tough stance against organised crime.

He also criticised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over his foreign policy, arguing that the government was focusing on diplomatic tensions instead of Brazil's domestic problems.

"(Lula) fights against countries that are 10,000 kilometres away from us. But the current government does not fight traffickers, does not fight murderers, does not fight robbers. I am going to fight for you!" the legislator said.

At the event, supporter Leticia Soares backed Bolsonaro's candidacy and said she expected an economic recovery. She also highlighted the possibility of closer political ties with Argentine President Javier Milei.

"The economy is going to go from zero to 100 per cent. And with Milei, being together, we can only grow. The economy is growing all over the world ; grow together," the activist said.

Another supporter, Mauricio Vargas, said he believed a Flavio Bolsonaro government aligned with US President Donald Trump could tackle Brazil's main criminal groups.

"The right-wing government of Flavio Bolsonaro, aligned with President Trump of the United States , will be very good for the nation to put an end to the PCC (First Command of the Capital) and the Comando Vermelho," Vargas said.

Bolsonaro also defended the legacy of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest and barred from political office for his attempted involvement in a coup in 2022.

He promised to confront the political system, reduce public spending and cut government posts.

Flavio Bolsonaro's campaign launch coincided with the official start of Lula's campaign, as the president held his first event in São Paulo.

He left his family, university studies and home in Morocco behind with one goal: reaching mainland Europe and helping his younger brother pursue a career in football.

Nizar shares breakfast with friends inside their makeshift shelter on Playa del Trampolin before heading onto the sand to play football with other migrants.

He also walks through Ceuta to buy food, calls his worried mother and shares photos and videos of his younger brother playing football back home in Morocco.

"When I first came here, I had absolutely nothing," Nizar said. "I had to sleep on the ground with no blankets, but people in Ceuta helped us. Together we built this hut. Sometimes it gets good, sometimes it gets bad, but all we have here is patience."

For Nizar, football also provides a connection to the life he left behind.

"We lost our families, we lost our homes, but we still have this ball. It helps us forget the reality we are living in," he said.

Nizar, who studied at Mohammed Premier University in Oujda, said he swam to Ceuta 18 days ago without telling his parents.

He left university and his family hoping to reach mainland Europe, where he believes he can help his younger brother secure a place at a football academy.

"I came here with one goal in mind. I need to get my brother an opportunity [...] I left my mother, my father, I left university, I left everything back home. My dream is to see him playing on the big screen one day," he continued.

"I am surviving here just to get to Europe and maybe find him a place in an academy. As an older brother, I did all I could and I hope my work doesn't go to waste," he added.

Nizar shares the beach hut with his friend, 20-year-old Achraf Khannous from Sale, who also swam to Ceuta after studying to become a specialised technician.

The pair are now among hundreds of migrants living along the beach as they wait to find out what happens next.

Playa del Trampolin has become one of the most visible sites of Ceuta's migration crisis after mass crossings from Morocco at the end of July overwhelmed the Spanish enclave.

Hundreds of makeshift shelters now line the shoreline, with migrants sleeping rough while awaiting decisions over their future.

The beach remains under heavy security after fresh attempts to reach Ceuta led to another crackdown on both sides of the border over the weekend.

Spain reinforced National Police , Civil Guard and maritime patrols, while Morocco increased operations along its northern coast to prevent further crossings.

Moroccan authorities initially said 148 people were intercepted around Fnideq on Saturday, with later reports putting the number detained at close to 300.

The operation followed online calls for another mass attempt to enter Ceuta and Melilla. Authorities also detained dozens of people suspected of promoting irregular crossings on social media .

Spain sent additional National Police and Civil Guard personnel to Ceuta, increased maritime patrols and installed new barriers off the coast.

The measures follow the mass influx from Morocco on July 30 and 31, when tens of thousands of people entered Ceuta by land and sea.

Thousands are still believed to remain in the enclave, although estimates from Spanish and local authorities have varied.

Scores of people also died during the crossings, with Spanish and Moroccan authorities and humanitarian groups reporting different death tolls.

The procession was among several events in Yogyakarta marking the anniversary, with musical parades and exhibitions drawing public participation.

"This event marks the commemoration of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, featuring public participation to honour the services of our past heroes," participant Selasih said.

Yogyakarta played a significant role in Indonesia's independence struggle, serving as the country's capital from 1946 as the young republic resisted Dutch attempts to restore colonial rule.

Indonesia celebrates Independence Day on August 17, marking the proclamation of independence by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta in 1945.

Mohammed Jaafar, a migrant from Nigeria, said he was trying to support his family. "I have two children. I have a wife, I have a mother and father," he said. "They are waiting for me because I am the one who takes responsibility."

Moroccan authorities increased security around Fnideq and other areas near Ceuta after calls circulated on social media encouraging coordinated crossings on August 15.

Moroccan media reported that more than 350 people had been intercepted in and around Fnideq by 16:00 local time on Saturday, most from sub-Saharan African countries.

Authorities also said 61 people had been arrested in recent days on suspicion of promoting irregular migration on social media. Spain reinforced security in Ceuta, increasing deployments and surveillance by land, sea and air.

The measures followed a mass crossing from Morocco into Ceuta at the end of July, when tens of thousands entered the Spanish territory by land and sea, and dozens died.

Alex, one of the migrants, described difficult conditions and appealed to Spanish authorities for accommodation at Ceuta's Temporary Stay Centre for Immigrants (CETI).

"At night, it is very cold... I wish they would improve our situation. To admit us to the centre, to CETI," he said. "Our situation is inhumane," he added.

Another migrant, Adnan Menfas, said he had spent six hours swimming to Ceuta and was seeking asylum in Spain.

Others described risking their lives to reach the Spanish enclave. Mohamed, from Tetouan, said migrants had witnessed people dying during their journeys and were struggling without adequate food and clean water .

Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities said they intercepted more than 148 people around Fnideq as they attempted to cross irregularly into Ceuta.

Morocco and Spain have stepped up security amid calls on social media for another mass crossing into Ceuta and Melilla.

"This is the room where we are staying these days, while the Mayor's Office gives us assistance for lodging," he said. Pino Cordoba said the Medrano Neighbourhood Community Action Board had registered him as a victim and photographed the damage, but authorities had yet to visit.

"We are waiting for the Mayor's Office to come and see me," he said. He recalled escaping moments before his home collapsed after feeling the earthquake while having hot chocolate and bread.

"When I felt the tremor, I went out," he said. "As I was going up the stairs, I saw the building over there collapse... Thank God I had already got out."

Pino Cordoba said he has since relied on relatives and friends for food and other support while awaiting assistance.

The earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in Choco. Authorities say 14 people have died and 139 have been injured in the department, with 468 homes destroyed, Viory reports. Nationwide, 287 people have been killed, 3,975 injured and 378 remain missing, according to the latest government figures.

Supporter Ajmal Badri described the anniversary as a celebration of the defeat of foreign forces after years of conflict. "Five years ago, the great powers of the world that came to occupy Afghanistan used all kinds of bombs, cruise missiles, and forces here, but Praise be to God, through the sacrifices of the Mujahideen and great personalities, they were defeated," Badri said.

Another supporter, Qari Sajid, described August 15 as "Independence Day" and celebrated the Taliban's victory over the United States . "On this day, we defeated a superpower, meaning we defeated America," Sajid said, claiming Afghans were now living in a peaceful environment.

Badri also dismissed the prospect of US forces returning to Afghanistan, saying; "The Americans can neither come here again nor will they have the courage to return."

US President Donald Trump previously expressed interest in regaining control of Bagram Airbase, arguing that the facility was strategically important because of its proximity to China.

The final US troops left Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, ending a nearly 20-year military presence that began following the September 11 attacks.

He said the government and parliament would work with Ukraine's international partners to secure the necessary funds .

In June, Ukraine's parliament approved an additional 1.56 trillion hryvnias for security and defence, bringing planned spending in the sector to 4.367 trillion hryvnias for 2026. The Finance Ministry said EU support would help finance the increase.

The EU has agreed a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine covering 2026 and 2027, with an indicative €60 billion earmarked for defence and €30 billion for economic support. So far, €11.6 billion has been disbursed.

The IMF also approved a new four-year programme for Ukraine in February, releasing about $1.5 billion immediately and a further $690 million in July.

President Keiko Fujimori led the drill from Lima's Plaza de Armas, presenting a hypothetical assessment of nearly 11,000 deaths, more than 165,000 injuries and around 2.2 million displaced people .

"If this had been real, this would be the report I would have to give," Fujimori said, stressing that the figures were part of the simulation and calling for continued disaster preparedness.

INDECI official Catherine Palacios said the exercise also marked 19 years since the 2007 Pisco earthquake. Fire Brigade official Marcos Pajuelo said the drill was aimed at testing emergency preparedness amid concerns over the prolonged period without a major earthquake along Peru's central coast.

According to the Geophysical Institute of Peru, the area has not experienced a large-magnitude earthquake since 1746, while seismic energy continues to accumulate due to the convergence of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates.

The earthquake struck shortly before 5 a.m. local time at a depth of about 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

Three strong aftershocks followed within half an hour, measuring magnitudes 5.9, 5.6 and 6.1.

Around the port town of Maumere, rescuers recovered 20 bodies and found six people injured, while two remained trapped under rubble, Fathur Rahman, head of the city’s rescue agency, told Reuters.

Authorities had yet to reach Nagekeo regency, the area closest to the epicentre, as disrupted communications and outages complicated efforts to determine the full extent of the destruction.

At Maumere port, video showed chunks of concrete falling from a terminal building as passengers waited to board an inter-island ferry. Some people were thrown into the sea when a gangway collapsed.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said some victims were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble.

BMKG issued a tsunami warning for affected coastlines, prompting residents to move inland and seek higher ground. The warning was lifted about three hours later after no significant rise in sea level was detected.

BNPB said around 2,000 people had evacuated or relocated on their own. Many residents remained outdoors as repeated aftershocks left them afraid to return home.

One earthquake after another

Saturday’s earthquake follows a series of powerful tremors recorded around the world over the past two months.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on 10 August, while a magnitude 6.8 tremor hit Japan ’s Kyushu region on 28 July, according to data from the British Geological Survey.

Mexico’s Chiapas region was struck by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 17 July, while Venezuela recorded two major tremors, measuring magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2, on 24 June.

Indonesia itself recorded a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Sulawesi on 16 June.

The archipelago sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a belt of intense seismic and volcanic activity, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries.

"To clarify, the Secretariat of National Defence rescue brigade was not approved by the Colombian Government ," Sheinbaum said.

"It is not a conflict ; there is no problem," she added, explaining that Colombia had requested food and medicines but required certification for rescue teams.

Mexico is continuing to send humanitarian aid aboard Hercules aircraft, including food and medical supplies requested by Colombian authorities. Sheinbaum said the military rescue brigade remained ready to deploy if authorised, noting that its members had participated in rescue operations in 98 countries.

According to the Mexican government, the brigade comprises 255 personnel from the Army, Air Force and National Guard, along with 20 K-9 teams.

Colombia has limited the entry of international rescue teams, although Mexico's Topos Azteca and two US-provided teams have been authorised. The earthquake has killed at least 265 people, injured 3,494 and left 496 missing, according to the latest figures. More than 25,000 families have been affected.

"We can review what happens in other Latin American countries and what happens in our country. And this is a form of interference in Mexican politics . That is my opinion, because I see no other reason," she said.

Sheinbaum said there was no ongoing investigation against Lopez Beltran, but added that authorities would act if evidence of a crime emerged.

"We are not going to cover up anyone if they committed a crime," she said.

"But we are not going to open an investigation just because the US takes away someone's visa. So, what is the motive? The motive would be that we had a request, or an investigation stating that someone, some politician from any political party, was involved in some crime. Then the investigation continues and proceeds," she added.

Lopez Beltran disclosed the visa revocation in a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump . He claimed the decision was ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau.

He described the move as "political and propagandistic in nature" and with a "Hitlerian style", arguing that US officials had no evidence of "any immoral or criminal act."

Lopez Beltran also called the decision a "perverse outrage" and accused Landau and Rubio of acting like "gang leaders" who were "spying on, harassing, interfering with and harming" countries, governments and politicians they considered "communists, threats or narco-terrorists."

In May 2026, Lopez Beltran resigned as Organisation Secretary of Mexico's ruling Morena party and from his role on the National Elections Commission. He also announced plans to seek a federal deputy seat.

The agreement builds on wider cooperation between the two countries, which reactivated their permanent joint commission in February and signed seven agreements covering transport, border cooperation, disaster management and counter-narcotics efforts. However, there has been no public announcement of a permanent Ghanaian troop deployment to Burkina Faso, or details on the number of soldiers, routes or rules of engagement. The agreement therefore focuses on security cooperation around vital trade corridors, with the aim of protecting an economic lifeline connecting Ghana to its landlocked neighbour.

The initiative follows similar social media campaigns in South Africa , where thousands of people changed their profile pictures to purple to raise awareness of gender-based violence and femicide.

The team has emerged as Sweida continues to recover from deadly violence in July 2025 involving Druze and Bedouin armed groups, as well as Syrian government forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 1,895 people were killed during the wider escalation. Despite the difficult circumstances, the players and their coach are looking beyond local competition, hoping to represent Syria on the international stage.

Mexico has also sent humanitarian aid to Colombia following the earthquake, with the government saying 58.5 tonnes of food, water and medicines would be delivered between 12 and 14 August. Juan Carlos Valencia, president of the Risaralda Departmental Assembly, thanked Mexico for its support. Meanwhile, queues continue at registration points as authorities assess damaged properties and document the losses of affected families.

The procedures were moved to Palmira after the Forensic Medicine office in Cali was evacuated because of the risk of structural collapse.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said 250 bodies have arrived at Forensic Medicine. Of those, 227 have been identified and 189 handed over to their families.

"It is overwhelmed; the forensic service in the city of Cali is overwhelmed because of the earthquake. So all the bodies have been sent here to Palmira, and that has meant it takes a long time to hand over our loved ones," said the son of a person who died in the earthquake.

The man said he had been waiting since early in the day to receive his relative’s remains.

"It is worrying, because we want to give a Christian burial, and with the pain being so strong here, you do not want your relative to be there in these conditions ."

He said he had been told the previous night that the body would be ready by Thursday morning, but he was still unable to receive it.

"Last night they told me—I was there until late last night—they told me that today at 09:00. I have just arrived to claim the body, but they say it is not on this first list of the morning, so I have to wait to see when they can hand it over to me."

Meanwhile, citizens have travelled to areas affected by the earthquake to deliver humanitarian aid.

"It comes from the heart, and all of us at this time have to unite as a country to help all these people who really have nowhere to sleep and no food," said one Cali resident taking part in the effort.

The Office of the Attorney General set up service points in Palmira and Tulua to speed up procedures after the Cali forensic office was evacuated.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre in San Jose del Palmar, caused damage across Choco, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Caldas. As of Thursday, the UNGRD reported 273 people dead, 3,824 injured and 377 missing.

The president said the emergency would allow the government to establish a "Miracle Fund" to channel domestic and international resources towards rebuilding hospitals, schools , homes, roads and airports damaged by the earthquake.

"I have decided to make use of the economic emergency, a mechanism provided for by our Constitution so that we can face this crisis as appropriate," he said.

De la Espriella said the disaster had struck at a particularly difficult time for Colombia's public finances, citing the country's high level of debt .

The government is also preparing temporary assistance for those affected, including rent subsidies, tax and financial relief, support with utility bills and aid for small businesses and traders.