International
Nine out of 10 climate catastrophe survivors in Brazil suffer from psychological disorders
Nine out of 10 inhabitants of Rio Grande do Sul, a state in southern Brazil that has been suffering for 43 days from the worst climate catastrophe in history, are psychologically affected by the tragedy, suffering from anxiety and depression linked to losses and the fear of suffering new floods, according to a study released on Tuesday by the local press.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and exhaustion (burnout syndrome) are mental health diseases cited by those who responded to a survey carried out by professional psychologists from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul, which borders Argentina and Uruguay.
According to the varied responses of the survivors to the floods that began on April 29 and began to recede at the beginning of June, anxiety is generated for example when finding an open faucet and listening to the noise of water or with nightmares that the house is being flooded.
Among the data collected by the researchers, anxiety stands out with 91 percent, followed by exhaustion 60 percent and depression, with 50 percent.
The coordinator of the study, psychiatrist Simone Hauck, told the RBS news network, in Porto Alegre, that the environmental catastrophe that caused at least 175 deaths, 38 missing and from which almost 450,000 people are still being evacuated, affected even those who were not victims of the floods.
There are similar reactions between the victims and the volunteer rescuers, who responded that they dream of water entering the apartment and think that “few things will be worth obtaining in life if they can be lost at any time,” he explained.
The specialist said that these symptoms appear temporarily, with which they should decrease as the tragedy passes, with the resolution of housing problems or other problems related to the flood.
According to the television network, experts warned that the highest suicide rate in Brazil is that of Rio Grande do Sul, even before the tragedy.
The Ministry of Health of the federal government of Brazil formed a team of 300 mental health professionals to attend to those affected by storms and floods in Rio Grande do Sul since the end of last April.
The survey on the mental health of survivors aims to make a map of the neighborhoods and regions that should receive priority in public investment in the area of mental health, such as the construction of care centers and the hiring of psychologists and psychiatrists.
Central America
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing the state of Maryland, held a meeting in El Salvador with deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Ábrego García, a member of the criminal group classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization.
“Kilmar Ábrego García, miraculously resurrected from the ‘extermination camps’ and ‘torture chambers,’ now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” wrote President Nayib Bukeleon X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of Van Hollen, Ábrego García, and a lawyer sitting together at a Salvadoran hotel.
The deported gang member is seen wearing a plaid shirt and a flat-brimmed cap, seated at a table with glasses and coffee cups. The senator also shared images of the meeting on his own social media accounts.
Bukele reaffirmed that Ábrego will remain in El Salvador and will not be returned to the United States.
“Now that his health has been confirmed, he has earned the honor of remaining under the custody of El Salvador,” Bukele added.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the senator’s meeting with Ábrego on Truth Social, calling Van Hollen “a fool” for advocating for Ábrego’s return to the U.S.
International
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday and, with a faint voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
A month after being discharged from a lengthy hospital stay, the presence of the 88-year-old pontiff had remained uncertain, with the Vatican not confirming his attendance ahead of time.
Eventually, the pope made a brief appearance in a wheelchair shortly after 12:00 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (“to the city and to the world”).
Although no longer wearing an oxygen cannula, the Argentine Jesuit relied on a close aide to read his Easter message, which touched on major global conflicts.
Francis condemned the “dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, while also expressing concern over the “growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the globe.”
He further emphasized the importance of religious freedom and freedom of thought, stating that without mutual respect, “peace is not possible.”
International
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday (April 19, 2025) in major cities like New York and Washington, as well as in small communities across the United States, in a second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump. The crowds denounced what they view as growing threats to the country’s democratic ideals.
In New York City, demonstrators of all ages rallied in front of the Public Library near Trump Tower, holding signs accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.
Many protesters also criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids targeting undocumented migrants.
“Democracy is in grave danger,” said Kathy Valyi, 73, the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She told AFP that the stories her parents shared about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany “are happening here now.”
In Washington, demonstrators voiced concern over what they see as Trump’s disregard for long-standing constitutional norms, such as the right to due process.
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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