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* 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes southern Japan
* U.N. warns of surge in Israeli settler attacks
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00:08Venezuelan acting president Elsie Rodriguez led a working meeting to assess the progress of the
00:13Venezuela Rises Plan and to formalize the distributions of new homes to Venezuelan families.
00:22So a powerful sign point why magnitude earthquakes struck Japan's southern Kumamoto prefecture
00:28prompting evacuation orders for 300,000 people and temporary tsunami warnings.
00:37The United Nations warned of a sharp increase in Israeli settler attacks in Palestinian
00:42territories documenting over 1,300 incidents due in 2026.
00:55Hello, welcome to From the South, I am Lorena Fong from the Telesur Studios in Caracas,
00:59Venezuela.
01:00We begin with the news, stay with us.
01:19Part of the national government's efforts to bolster social welfare, Venezuelan acting president
01:24Elsie Rodriguez led a working meeting to assess the progress of the Venezuela Rises Plan and
01:29to formalize the distribution of new homes to Venezuelan families.
01:32The plan aims to rehabilitate communities and ensure the right to dignified housing after
01:37the June 24th earthquakes.
01:38The government also seeks to optimize the use of public resources for social infrastructure
01:43projects.
01:44The Venezuela Rises Plan remains a central pillar of the executive administration efforts to
01:50promote the well-being of the population and the sustainable development of urban centers.
02:00House inspections move forward in Caracas with communal spokesperson playing a key role.
02:05My correspondent, Belen de los Santos, has more on the story.
02:10We arrived at the Santa Teresa Parish in Caracas, just a few meters from the Quinta Crespo Market.
02:16Since the earthquakes of June 24th, certified engineers have been working tirelessly alongside
02:21leaders from each communal council to inspect all buildings in a true territorial deployment.
02:29As a commune, we're conducting a census of residential buildings in our parish and sector, thank God.
02:37We've inspected 90 percent of them so far.
02:42The engineers on the brigade analyze every crack and its origin.
02:46This is not just about the damage caused by the earthquakes.
02:49They conduct a comprehensive assessment of all damage and discuss with residents the importance
02:55of ongoing maintenance.
02:57Leaks are one of the recurrent problems that can weaken the structure over time.
03:04Sometimes it's due to a lack of funding, sometimes it's negligence, and sometimes it's
03:08because if something works, we just leave it as is.
03:11But we must truly address the leaks.
03:12In this case, we are looking at housing, and leaks are the main issue.
03:17The process is sensitive and delicate.
03:20That is why the conversation between the professionals and the neighbors is essential to ensure peace
03:25of mind.
03:27When they enter the buildings, they provide clear recommendations to the residents.
03:33Because everyone is concerned, everyone is wondering what label they will be given and
03:38why it is being assigned.
03:42Green, yellow or red, each evaluation is accompanied by the necessary recommendations and follow-up.
03:48This way, the residents of Quinta Crespo regain a sense of security after the earthquake,
03:54thanks to the daily and ongoing work of the People's Power.
03:59They already want to know when they can begin making the necessary repairs and whether they
04:03will undergo a second inspection, especially those with a yellow label.
04:11Many people fled in fear.
04:13But thank God, most of our residents are now back in their homes thanks to these inspections,
04:18which have given them the peace of mind of knowing that their homes are not at high risk.
04:24On camera, Jose Luis Briceño, Belen de los Santos, for Tell Us Your English from Caracas, Venezuela.
04:30And efforts to remove debris and recover human bodies are advancing in Venezuela following
04:35the twin earthquakes that struck the South American nation.
04:38Our colleague, Michelle Ramirez, is reporting from La Guayra State with the details.
04:44This is how La Guayra State looks more than a month after the twin earthquakes.
04:48Efforts to remove debris have not stopped, especially in the hardest hit areas, such as Carabaleda and Tanaguarenas.
04:58Once we detect something, we use all the necessary techniques to reach and remove those people
05:03as intact as possible, which is the desired outcome.
05:14In this case, the building is divided into two parts, Tower B and Tower C, as well as an adjoining
05:21building.
05:24We have three teams working, one on the back with machinery, one on the side with machinery.
05:33We have support from public works, the military and the police.
05:42A total of 190 officials are working hard here, along with 200 to 250 community members.
05:53The recovery of human bodies is being carried out to the collaborative efforts of volunteers
05:58and community members, La Comunidad.
06:05What motivates me is seeing someone go home happy and content every time I pull a body out.
06:13They're grieving, but they're not traumatized by the question, what happened to my relative?
06:18Will we find them?
06:20That's what motivates me most to help people.
06:23We do this work in unity.
06:25Right now, the police and the military are helping a lot down here.
06:33Amid the pain and rubble, the nobility of Venezuelans flourishes.
06:36Even after losing loved ones, they continue to serve the people in the midst of tragedy.
06:46That's when the chaos began, the screams and people trying to get out.
06:50On one side, I helped pull people out.
06:53On the other side, I climbed up the building, looking for my children.
06:57I called out to them.
07:01As the days went by, my desperation grew until I pulled the lifeless body of my eldest son out.
07:07I kept looking for the other two until I found them too.
07:10They were also lifeless.
07:12I enjoy working for the community.
07:14Despite my grief, which I will never overcome, I enjoy helping others.
07:18I know that most of the community is suffering, some a little, some a lot.
07:26I ask God and my children, wherever they may be, to give me the strength I need to keep moving
07:31forward.
07:39More than 30,000 personnel have been deployed to the affected areas to carry out these tasks in coordination with
07:45over 31,000 volunteers who have joined the humanitarian emergency response effort.
07:49With Gustavo Flores on camera, Michelle Ramirez from La Guayra, Venezuela, for TLSUR.
07:55On July 28, Venezuela marks the 72nd birth anniversary of Bolivarian Revolution Commander Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias, who was born
08:04on the date in 1954 in Sabaneta in the state of Varinas.
08:08On the occasion, Acting President, Delce Rodriguez shared a message on her socials highlighting the later leader's role.
08:15Rodriguez wrote,
08:16We commemorate the birth of Commander Hugo Chavez to dedicate his life to Venezuela and left an indelible mark on
08:22our country's history.
08:23Adding his legacy lives in the memory of the Venezuelan people and inspires us to continue working toward a nation
08:30of peace, social justice and prosperity.
08:41And now we have a short break coming up, but first remember you can join us on TikTok at TLSUR
08:45English where you will find news in different formats, news updates and much more.
08:50We'll be right back, stay with us.
09:11Welcome back to From the South.
09:13In Colombia, far-right President Abelardo de la Esprella has sparked immediate diplomatic pushback,
09:18announcing his incoming administration will sever diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua.
09:23Critics warn that the radical hardline move threatens to isolate Colombia within regional forums
09:29and undermines long-standing diplomatic channels essential for Latin American stability analysts,
09:35highlights severe risks to Colombian citizens abroad who face significant disruptions to basic considered services and protection,
09:42following the closure of these embassies.
09:45Opposition leaders and foreign policy experts have condemned the ideological shift,
09:49arguing that abandoning engagement in favor of partisan posturing severely limits Colombia's diplomatic leverage,
09:56trade avenues and mediation capacity across the region.
10:07Through our statement, Cuba's government has fiercely repudiated the aggressive stance of Colombia's far-right President-elect Abelardo de la
10:14Esprella,
10:15following his threat to severe diplomatic relations and shuttered the Colombian embassy in Havana.
10:20In this regard, the Cuban Ministry warned that if this decision were to be implemented,
10:25it would highlight the clear subordination of Colombia's next government to the policy of division and confrontation between our nations,
10:32which the United States has always promoted.
10:35Adding that, nothing could be further from the ideal of Latin American and Caribbean unity championed by the founding fathers
10:41of both countries,
10:43and to which the peoples of the region have devoted so much effort and sacrifice.
10:48In addition, Havana assured,
10:51Cuba knows that this hostile and unfounded action does not reflect the sentiments of the brotherly Colombian people,
10:58whom we have tirelessly supported from decades in their quest for peace through a negotiated political solution to their internal
11:05conflict.
11:07Cuba will honor its commitment to the medical students studying in our country as part of the peace agreement signed
11:13in Havana in 2016.
11:15The brotherhood between our two peoples and nations will prevail over any attempt to undermine it.
11:29The United States Department of Justice announced that it will review pending extradition requests filled by Mexico,
11:36including that of the former governor of Tamaulipas, Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca.
11:41The Mexican politician is wanted for alleged organized crime of offenses and transactions involving illegally obtained funds.
11:50The possibility was raised by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche amid efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in security matters.
11:58For her part, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that the former state governor is considered a fugitive front justice
12:05and noted that he must answer to Mexican authorities for an investigation pending against him.
12:28On Monday afternoon in the newly region of Chile, Adorno was reported amid the heavy rains and gusty winds affecting
12:35the area.
12:35The phenomenon observed in Chillanviejo became the most unusual episode of a frontal system that continues to cause
12:41flooding rival rides and power outages.
12:45The storm caused trees to fall. The event of the damage was still being assessed as of press times and
12:52roofs to be blown off in some areas.
12:55In the municipality of El Carmen, one person was injured after being struck by strong winds while riding a bicycle
13:01and was treated by emergency crews.
13:03In this context, local authorities noted that the intensity of the whirlwind remains moderate, although it is moving considerably.
13:22French authorities are continuing their efforts to contain the forest fire raging in the southwest of the country.
13:28Authorities reported that the fires have destroyed at least 42 hectares, leading to the evacuation of approximately 220,000 residents
13:37and tourists.
13:38The government also announced the deployment of the military aircraft A400M to fight the fire and prevent its spread.
13:45The country is preparing for this fourth heat wave of the year as high temperatures and extreme soil dryness throughout
13:51the southwest are placing enormous pressure on the teams fighting a massive forest fire in the Bordeaux region.
14:08A powerful earthquake struck south in Japan on Tuesday.
14:12This cosmic event mainly affected Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, where authorities activated emergency protocols and continue assessing
14:20the damage.
14:21Our ASIA correspondent, Bruno Fauci, brings us the latest details.
14:28Greetings, comrades. I am in China now to report on the earthquake that struck southern Japan.
14:34The earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.1, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, and triggered a tsunami alert that
14:47was later canceled.
14:49As a protectionary measure, around 300,000 people were instructed to evacuate in areas considered at risk.
14:58Authorities report at least 90 people injured while rescue operation and damage assessment continued.
15:08The final number of fatalities is still being confirmed by authorities.
15:14The earthquake caused serious damage to infrastructure in the region.
15:20A shopping mall center in Kumamoto suffered a partial structural collapse following an explosion.
15:28An emergency teams were deployed to rescue people trapped inside the mall.
15:34As assessed the situation, structure collapsed and damaged buildings, roads, and other infrastructure were also reported.
15:44Around 48,000 homes were left without electricity after the strong earthquake.
15:52The earthquake also affected railway transportation, a train, derail, and several lines temporarily suspended operation to carry out safety inspection.
16:05Japan is located in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the areas with highest seismic activity in
16:16the world, and has strict prevention and response systems for earthquakes.
16:22With these news, from here, in China, we'll go back with you in the studios.
16:29Let's take a short break, but before we invite you to visit our Facebook page Hotels through English,
16:34there you'll be able to watch our top stories, special life coverage, and much more.
16:38Follow our page and activate the notification button to stay up to date on the world's most recent events.
16:44Financial break, now go away.
17:12Welcome back to From the South, we continue now in the Middle East,
17:14The United Nations have warned of an increase in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
17:20The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs documented more than 1,300 attacks by settlers in Palestinian
17:27territories during 2026,
17:30including mothers, forced displacement, and arson attacks on homes and agricultural property.
17:35At least 77 Palestinians, including 18 children, have been killed by Israeli forces while they imposed the movement's restrictions
17:42under the population's access to basic services and emergency medical care.
17:47At the same time, various social and humanitarian organizations have warned that the Zionists are committing these violations
17:53to advance their takeover of the West Bank and block the creation of a Palestinian state.
18:03In a statement, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned through the occupied Palestinian territory,
18:10humanitarian needs are worsening as insecurity, access restrictions, repeated displacement, and the deterioration of essential services
18:18affect Palestinians in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
18:22In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, operations by Israeli forces, demolitions, settler violence, and settlement inspection
18:29continue to cause displacement, casualties, and property damage.
18:41Iran discussed stability in the Middle East with the governments of Oman and Saudi Arabia
18:45with the aim of promoting joint efforts in the region despite U.S. escalation.
18:50Iran's Foreign Minister Abbasar Akshi held separate telephone conversations with his counterpart from both countries.
18:56During the call, the Iranian diplomat attributed instability in the Strait of Hormuz to Washington's aggressions against Iran.
19:03In addition, they discussed U.S. violations of its own agreements which prompted the Tehran Navy to intercept ships
19:09to enforce the terms of the agreement.
19:20A poll conducted in the United States revealed that only one-third of citizens support the war against Iran.
19:27The data shows a decline in support since the conflict began with only one in three Americans supporting the national
19:33government's military actions.
19:34The poll also reported that 69% of those surveyed believe that President Donald Trump has not clearly explained the
19:42objectives of the military offensive on Iranian territory.
19:46In response, the White House dismissed these polls and also added that it will not cease its plans to prevent
19:52the Persian nation's nuclear development.
20:02At least 30 people were killed when armed men attacked the village in Nigeria's northwestern Kaduna state early on Monday.
20:10Secretary to the village head Dogonrana said the gunman stormed the community shooting randomly and burned in houses.
20:18Eight children were among the dead while four other people sustained injuries.
20:23Violence by armed groups and criminal has become a major insecurity challenge across parts of northwestern and north-central Nigeria,
20:30where communities are frequently targeted in deadly raids.
20:35They also noted that so far no armed group has claimed responsibility for the attack,
20:39while violence perpetrated by criminal groups is becoming a security problem in various areas of the north of the country.
20:47Experts warned that the exchange of intelligence information and the lack of funding for local police are hindering efforts to
20:54combat the militants.
21:04The World Head Organization ruled out the possibility that the Ebola outbreak detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo will
21:11become a pandemic,
21:12noting that the virus is not transmitted throughout the air and requires direct contact with body fluids from infected people.
21:18During his visit to Brazil, the organization's director-general Tedros Adhanomojibrisis noted that while the global risk is low,
21:26the situation is causing concern at the regional level, following confirmation that the disease has to spread to neighboring Uganda.
21:33The severity of the situation is concentrated in Congolese territory and its immediate vicinity,
21:39where international organizations and local authorities are setting up containment efforts.
21:44The outbreak figures are 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with nearly 773 patients in hospital isolation,
21:57which reflects the ongoing challenge posed by population flows in the Central African border region.
22:13In this context, United Nations agencies step up their support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the face
22:19of the Ebola outbreak.
22:20The United Nations stated that, together with its partner, it continues to support the authorities of the African country in
22:27the areas of surveillance,
22:28contact tracing, laboring, testing and care for patients affected by the outbreak, which has claimed the lives of at least
22:35437 people.
22:36The World Food Programme provided more than 140,000 meals to over 23,000 patients and the most vulnerable people
22:44in the provinces of Ituri, North Kibu and South Kibu.
22:47The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, conducted more than 27,000 home visits to follow up on the suspected cases.
23:03And like this, we have come to the end of this series.
23:06Remember, you can find this and many other stories on our website at telestudyenglish.net.
23:10And join us on social media. We are on Facebook, X, Instagram, Telegram and TikTok.
23:16For Telestudy English, I'm Lorena Fong. Thank you for watching.
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