International

15 people killed in storm in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Photo: EFE

December 18 |

Argentine authorities confirmed Sunday that the death toll from the storm that has hit the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) since the early hours of the morning has risen to 15.

These are a woman in the town of Moreno, who perished crushed by a tree branch, and another person in Coronel Rosales, who drowned after falling on the public road into a well full of water.

“From the municipality we deeply regret the death of a neighbor of Moreno Sur. She has not yet been identified. The scientific police is working at the scene,” said the Buenos Aires municipality of Moreno in a statement.

The storm broke out in the early hours of the morning and initially left 13 people dead, among them a minor, due to the collapse of part of the roof of the Bahiense del Norte club, in Bahía Blanca.

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There have also been reports of roofs and billboards being blown off, trees and electricity poles falling, which have affected the power supply and land communication routes.

Another 13 people were hospitalized early Sunday morning “with polytraumatisms, skull traumatisms and thorax fractures” after the explosion of the tent of a bar and restaurant named “La Isla de Battuta”, located in the Palermo Racetrack.

Towards midday, police and Buenos Aires Government sources announced to local media that at least five of these people had been discharged.

It was also reported that three other people were slightly injured at a party held at the Geba club.

On this day, the Buenos Aires authorities met with the presence of the president, Javier Milei, to assess the damages that have occurred so far.

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In this regard, the Minister of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires, Nicolás Kreplak, recommended citizens to keep themselves informed, avoid unnecessary traffic, stay in safe places and have at hand the emergency telephone numbers provided by the municipalities.

On the other hand, the territory’s Civil Defense director, Fabían García, assured that they have been working together since early morning with the Minister (of Security) Javier Alonso, and there are 300 police firefighters, Civil Defense, Rescue and other police squads to attend to emergencies.

Due to the storm, several local flights that were to depart or land at the Metropolitan Aeroparque or Ezeiza air terminal were suspended or delayed between 03H00 and 08H00 (local time) this Sunday.

Meanwhile, international flights scheduled to arrive between 07H00 and 08H30 (local time) at the same Aeroparque, were diverted.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) announced that the storm will extend throughout Sunday, with wind gusts between 42 and 50 kilometers per hour.

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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.