International

48 dead and 6 missing after the passage of Otis in Mexico

Photo: EFE

October 30 |

Authorities in Mexico updated this Sunday the death toll due to Hurricane Otis, reached 48 people dead, including 43 in Acapulco and 5 in Coyuca de Benitez and at least 6 others unaccounted for.

The Constitutional Governor of the State of Guerrero, Evelyn Salgado, updated the recovery actions on the fourth day of the meteorological event, among which is the full recovery of the Escénica Avenue, as well as the rehabilitation of the Metlapil viaduct to Boulevard de Las Naciones in its 4 lanes, and the second lane to Llano Largo.

He also shared that water service has been provided to the peripheral towns with pipes from the State Government. On the other hand, the Welfare Secretariat has so far taken a census of at least 10,468 families in Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez, in order to report on the damage to infrastructure caused by the meteorological event.

“We are making progress in the efficient distribution of humanitarian aid, providing relevant support and advancing in the restoration of services,” said Evelyn Salgado.

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For his part, the president of the nation, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who stated that, for the good of all, we will get the people and the port of Acapulco back on their feet, we are working in a coordinated manner with the municipal government and the State, attending to nearby municipalities that were affected.

In this sense, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (Federal Electricity Commission) expects that by next Monday night Acapulco, Guerrero will have electricity services, which will make it possible for gas stations and Liquefied Petroleum Gas distributors to provide service.

As well as the implementation of Plan Marina, which according to reports has more than 65 tons of food to donate to the affected populations, as well as drinking water for those who require it.

The Army and the National Guard are involved in the recovery actions to guarantee recovery actions and security.

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International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.