Earthquakes in Venezuela: damage to more than 700 buildings according to citizen reports

Trump’s new trade threat to Europe

Donald Trump warned this Friday that he will impose a 100% tariff on all goods imported from any European country that moves forward with a tax on digital services aimed at US technology companies.

The message, published on its Truth Social network, increases the pressure in the trade dispute with the European Union.

“Numerous European countries are discussing the imminent introduction of a digital services tax against American companies. Anyone who imposes such a tax will immediately see a 100% tariff applied to all goods exported to the United States,” Trump wrote.

The president added that this tax “will prevail over any trade agreement” reached with the country in question. The measure would come into force “with immediate effect” if any of those governments go ahead with the tax.

The threat targets nations such as France, Italy or Spain, which already evaluate or apply taxes to digital services from giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon or Apple. The issue had been left out of the recent bilateral trade agreement that reduced other tariffs. Now, it reemerges as a new focus of transatlantic tension.

Rescue efforts continue in Venezuela after the two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 recorded on Wednesday. Between the devastation and the increase in victims, hope arrives on all fours.

A rescuer with a history of improvement

“Tsunami”, a nine-year-old border collie, has become a symbol of hope for Venezuelans. His exceptional sense of smell made it possible to locate a living person in the rubble.

His past, however, was different. Tsunami was rescued by the Association for the Defense of Animals (Aproa) when he was just a puppy, after suffering abuse and abandonment. The association contacted Jorge Beens, founder of the Canine Disaster Intervention Team Training Center (K-Sar Ecid), to evaluate its potential.

Beens adopted Tsunami, who completed rigorous specialized training and became certified as a search dog. In addition to his work in rescues, he has become a spokesperson for animal rights in Venezuela.

International career

Tsunami has participated in rescue missions in Syria, Türkiye and now Venezuela. His active work in locating people under rubble has touched thousands of people on social networks.

While emergency teams continue their search efforts, the story of this rescue dog reminds us that even in tragedy, solidarity and joint effort can make a difference.

Two days after the earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that shook Venezuela, the death toll exceeds 920 people and the missing amount to more than 51,000. In La Guaira, the epicenter of the destruction, families dig through the rubble with basic tools, while denouncing the scarce presence of government rescue teams.

Desperation in La Guaira

Nazareth Jiménez watched neighbors try to cut concrete slabs with hammers. “My God, how do I get all the people out of there?” he murmured. He pleaded for heavy machinery: “We call on the government, on the countries of the world, to help us. There are still people alive.”

The Venezuelan government announced that it will block access to La Guaira due to disorder and traffic. Those who want to enter must request official permits, without many details. Meanwhile, dozens of rescue teams from different countries begin to arrive.

“Every person saved is a miracle,” declared Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly.

The acting president Delcy Rodríguez stated that they are working on a total response during “these critical hours for the rescue of living people.” He welcomed international aid and confirmed the militarization of La Guaira. However, residents believe that the assistance received is only a fraction of what is needed.

The first 48 to 72 hours are crucial to finding survivors. Hope fades as families continue the search on their own.