Two major natural disasters have left thousands dead and displaced across Asia and South America, as authorities in the Philippines and Venezuela continue rescue and recovery operations.
In the Philippines, at least 15 people have died after powerful landslides triggered by Typhoon Bavi swept through parts of the southern island of Mindanao. The landslides struck communities in Sarangani and Lanao del Sur following days of torrential rainfall, with several others reported missing. As the massive typhoon approaches Taiwan and later eastern China, authorities have issued evacuation orders and warned of further flooding and landslides across the region.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has deepened after the official death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes of June 24 climbed to 4,333. Authorities say more than 16,700 people have been injured, around 17,000 left homeless, and hundreds of buildings have either collapsed or suffered severe structural damage. Rescue teams remain at a handful of sites where there is still hope of finding survivors, while the government has begun plans to build thousands of replacement homes for displaced families.
The twin disasters have prompted renewed calls for international humanitarian assistance as emergency responders battle dangerous conditions and thousands of affected residents remain in temporary shelters.
