International
Super tuesday: Pivotal moment in U.S. presidential race nears
Super Tuesday, the pivotal day in the U.S. presidential primaries, is fast approaching, with significant implications for the campaigns of Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Why is Super Tuesday Important?
Super Tuesday, scheduled for March 5th, marks a critical juncture in the presidential primaries, as it allocates the largest number of delegates in a single day—over 35%. The outcome of these primaries can often solidify the frontrunners and effectively determine the nominees for both parties.
Which States Participate in Super Tuesday?
Fourteen out of the fifty states in the U.S. will hold Republican and Democratic primaries on Super Tuesday, including California and Texas, the two largest states in the country. Other participating states include Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia.
How Many Delegates Are at Stake?
Republicans will select 865 out of the 2,429 delegates, constituting 35.6% of the total, while Democrats will choose 1,439 out of the 3,934 delegates, representing 36.5% of the total. These delegates will play a crucial role in determining the nominees for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Can Biden Secure the Nomination on Super Tuesday?
Unlikely. Even if Joe Biden wins all the delegates up for grabs, he would still fall short of the 1,968 delegates needed to secure the Democratic nomination. However, given his current lead and lack of significant opposition, Biden is expected to reach the required delegate threshold by March 19th, after several more states have voted.
And Trump?
Similarly, Donald Trump is unlikely to secure the Republican nomination on Super Tuesday. While he leads comfortably in the Republican primaries, the presence of Nikki Haley in the race has delayed his path to victory. Trump currently has 244 delegates, and the Republicans still need to choose another 29 delegates in the North Dakota caucuses before Super Tuesday.
Will Haley Survive Super Tuesday?
Nikki Haley, Trump’s sole remaining rival in the Republican primaries, faces mounting pressure to withdraw from the race after several defeats. With only 43 delegates and growing skepticism about her candidacy, Haley sees Super Tuesday as a crucial test to demonstrate her viability as a candidate. However, a strong showing by Trump on Super Tuesday could make it difficult for Haley to justify staying in the race.
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
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