In Venezuela, the opposition has a presidential candidate who is not banned from the presidential contesting elections that'll be held on the 28th of July. The country's main opposition block has unanimously agreed to support a rather low-profile candidate and a former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez for the upcoming polls.

Venezuela Elections 2024: Thousands rally in support of President Maduro

Due to the warming temperatures, Venezuela has reached a grim milestone in the battle against climate change. The vanishing of its last glacier, makes it the first nation to witness the complete melting of all its ice formations.

End of Venezuelan eternal snows

Venezuela: Opposition picks former diplomat as Presidential Candidate

Scientists have reclassified the last remaining glacier of Venezuela as an ice field after it shrunk and is&nbsp;no longer&nbsp;a&nbsp;glacier. In the world's struggle against climate change, Venezuela has become the first nation to have lost all its glaciers in modern times.&nbsp;

The South American nation had six glaciers as recently as 1910. The glaciers covered a combined area of 1,000 square kilometres. However, amid the global heating, these glaciers have shrunk&nbsp;so much, that they do not match the criteria for being classified as glaciers.&nbsp;

All six glaciers were located in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida mountain range, out of which five disappeared by 2011. The Humboldt glacier was the only one left near the country's second-highest peak, Pico Humboldt. Now, it is also gone.&nbsp;

A report by news agency AFP mentioned that the government hopes to restore the glacier to its former glory using a geothermal blanket. But some think that it's too little, too late.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>&nbsp;

Julio Cesar Centeno, a university professor and advisor to the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), told AFP: "In Venezuela, there are no more glaciers. What we have is a piece of ice that is 0.4 per cent of its original size."&nbsp;

Several experts, including Centeno, are convinced that the loss of the Humboldt glacier, also known as La Corona, is irreversible. The glacier is some 4,900 metres above sea level.&nbsp;

It was projected that the Humboldt glacier would last at least another decade, but it melted much faster than expected. It is now in an area of less than two hectares.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist and weather historian, said, "Other countries lost their glaciers several decades ago after the end of the little ice age but Venezuela is arguably the first one to lose them in modern times."&nbsp;

Indonesia, Mexico and Slovenia will also lose their glacier cover, said Herrera.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-plans-to-offer-orangutan-diplomacy-to-major-importers-of-palm-oil-719490">Malaysia plans to introduce ‘orangutan diplomacy’ for nations that import palm oil</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What the government is doing to mitigate the problem?&nbsp;</h2>

Similar to what European countries use to protect ski slopes in warmer weather, the Venezuelan government announced a plan in December to slow the melting, They said they will cover the area with a thermal mesh made of polypropylene plastic. It would stop the sun's rays.&nbsp;

The cover was delivered to Humboldt Peak by helicopter in 35 separate pieces, each measuring 2.75 meters by 80 metres, in December, but the government has not said whether it has already been unrolled. Scientists are also sceptical of the idea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have reclassified the last remaining glacier of Venezuela as an ice field after it shrunk and is no longer a glacier. In the world's struggle against climate change, Venezuela has become the first nation to have lost all its glaciers in modern times.

Scientists have reclassified the last remaining glacier of Venezuela as an ice field after it shrunk and is no longer a glacier. In the world's struggle against climate change, Venezuela has become the first nation to have lost all its glaciers in modern times. The South American nation had six glaciers as recently as 1910. The glaciers covered a combined area of 1,000 square kilometres. However, amid the global heating, these glaciers have shrunk so much, that they do not match the criteria for being classified as glaciers. All six glaciers were located in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida mountain range, out of which five disappeared by 2011. The Humboldt glacier was the only one left near the country's second-highest peak, Pico Humboldt. Now, it is also gone. A report by news agency AFP mentioned that the government hopes to restore the glacier to its former glory using a geothermal blanket. But some think that it's too little, too late. Also read: Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Julio Cesar Centeno, a university professor and advisor to the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), told AFP: "In Venezuela, there are no more glaciers. What we have is a piece of ice that is 0.4 per cent of its original size." Several experts, including Centeno, are convinced that the loss of the Humboldt glacier, also known as La Corona, is irreversible. The glacier is some 4,900 metres above sea level. It was projected that the Humboldt glacier would last at least another decade, but it melted much faster than expected. It is now in an area of less than two hectares. As quoted by The Guardian, Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist and weather historian, said, "Other countries lost their glaciers several decades ago after the end of the little ice age but Venezuela is arguably the first one to lose them in modern times." Indonesia, Mexico and Slovenia will also lose their glacier cover, said Herrera. Also read: Malaysia plans to introduce ‘orangutan diplomacy’ for nations that import palm oil What the government is doing to mitigate the problem? Similar to what European countries use to protect ski slopes in warmer weather, the Venezuelan government announced a plan in December to slow the melting, They said they will cover the area with a thermal mesh made of polypropylene plastic. It would stop the sun's rays. The cover was delivered to Humboldt Peak by helicopter in 35 separate pieces, each measuring 2.75 meters by 80 metres, in December, but the government has not said whether it has already been unrolled. Scientists are also sceptical of the idea. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela now bereft of glaciers as the last remaining one turns into just an ice field

The US Treasury department has re-imposed sanctions on Venezuela's state-run oil company, PDVSA. In response, the oil giant is increasingly relying on digital currency, specifically tether, for sales.

Venezuela turns to digital currency as US Sanctions bite

Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, is set to increase the use of digital currencies in its crude and fuel exports as the United States reinstates oil sanctions on the country, Reuters reported citing sources familiar with the matter.<o:p></o:p>

Following the US Treasury Department's decision not to renew a general license due to a lack of electoral reforms, PDVSA's customers and providers have until May 31 to conclude transactions, setting the stage for a major shift in payment methods. <o:p></o:p>

The reappearance of oil sanctions complicates Venezuela's efforts to strengthen oil output and exports, prompting PDVSA to accelerate its transition to digital currencies, particularly USDT, to mitigate the risk of frozen proceeds in foreign bank accounts. <o:p></o:p>

Venezuelan Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea confirmed the adoption of various currencies, including digital ones, in accordance with contractual agreements.<o:p></o:p>

PDVSA's gradual transition to digital currencies gained momentum last year, with a particular focus on USDT, a stablecoin tied to the value of the US dollar. <o:p></o:p>

The recent escalation of sanctions hastens this transition, as PDVSA seeks to safeguard its revenue streams from possible disruptions caused by restrictive measures imposed by the US. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, the move towards digital currencies aims to address concerns stemming from a corruption scandal that rocked PDVSA last year, involving unaccounted receivables amounting to $21 billion, partly associated with transactions involving other cryptocurrencies.<o:p></o:p>

Under Minister Tellechea's leadership, Venezuela's oil exports saw a resurgence, reaching about 900,000 barrels per day in March, the highest level in four years. <o:p></o:p>

In order to move in line with the market dynamics and regulatory requirements, PDVSA implemented a contractual model demanding prepayment in USDT for half of each cargo's value, transitioning away from traditional spot oil deals. <o:p></o:p>

Moreover, new customers seeking to engage in oil transactions with PDVSA are mandated to hold cryptocurrency in a digital wallet, a requirement enforced even in existing contracts that do not explicitly specify the use of USDT. <o:p></o:p>

While such measures aim to align with evolving payment preferences, traders have voiced challenges in complying with PDVSA's USDT transaction demands, often requiring the involvement of intermediaries to facilitate transactions.<o:p></o:p>

The reliance on intermediaries for oil transactions, particularly along with US sanctions, offers PDVSA a means to sidestep restrictive measures, albeit at the cost of reduced proceeds from oil sales. <o:p></o:p>

Minister Tellechea remains optimistic about Venezuela's resilience in the face of renewed sanctions, expressing confidence in PDVSA's trading capabilities and its preparedness to navigate challenging market conditions. <o:p></o:p>

However, oil analysts expect that Venezuela's oil output, exports, and revenue may encounter limitations, notwithstanding potential individual authorisations issued by the US. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, is set to increase the use of digital currencies in its crude and fuel exports as the United States reinstates oil sanctions on the country, Reuters reported citing sources familiar with the matter.

Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, is set to increase the use of digital currencies in its crude and fuel exports as the United States reinstates oil sanctions on the country, Reuters reported citing sources familiar with the matter. Following the US Treasury Department's decision not to renew a general license due to a lack of electoral reforms, PDVSA's customers and providers have until May 31 to conclude transactions, setting the stage for a major shift in payment methods. The reappearance of oil sanctions complicates Venezuela's efforts to strengthen oil output and exports, prompting PDVSA to accelerate its transition to digital currencies, particularly USDT, to mitigate the risk of frozen proceeds in foreign bank accounts. Venezuelan Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea confirmed the adoption of various currencies, including digital ones, in accordance with contractual agreements. PDVSA's gradual transition to digital currencies gained momentum last year, with a particular focus on USDT, a stablecoin tied to the value of the US dollar. The recent escalation of sanctions hastens this transition, as PDVSA seeks to safeguard its revenue streams from possible disruptions caused by restrictive measures imposed by the US. Notably, the move towards digital currencies aims to address concerns stemming from a corruption scandal that rocked PDVSA last year, involving unaccounted receivables amounting to $21 billion, partly associated with transactions involving other cryptocurrencies. Under Minister Tellechea's leadership, Venezuela's oil exports saw a resurgence, reaching about 900,000 barrels per day in March, the highest level in four years. In order to move in line with the market dynamics and regulatory requirements, PDVSA implemented a contractual model demanding prepayment in USDT for half of each cargo's value, transitioning away from traditional spot oil deals. Moreover, new customers seeking to engage in oil transactions with PDVSA are mandated to hold cryptocurrency in a digital wallet, a requirement enforced even in existing contracts that do not explicitly specify the use of USDT. While such measures aim to align with evolving payment preferences, traders have voiced challenges in complying with PDVSA's USDT transaction demands, often requiring the involvement of intermediaries to facilitate transactions. The reliance on intermediaries for oil transactions, particularly along with US sanctions, offers PDVSA a means to sidestep restrictive measures, albeit at the cost of reduced proceeds from oil sales. Minister Tellechea remains optimistic about Venezuela's resilience in the face of renewed sanctions, expressing confidence in PDVSA's trading capabilities and its preparedness to navigate challenging market conditions. However, oil analysts expect that Venezuela's oil output, exports, and revenue may encounter limitations, notwithstanding potential individual authorisations issued by the US. (With inputs from Reuters)

Venezuela accelerates shift to cryptocurrency amid return of oil sanctions

Venezuela is going to polls this July the incumbent government of Nicholas Maduro has come under the scanner for silencing his opposition. In the latest to take notice is the United States the Joe Biden Administration has imposed sanctions on its oil industry.

Venezuela's court orders party restructuring | Primero Justicia's restructuring ordered for 2nd time

Venezuela: US to sanction Venezuela's oil industry as Washington wary about free and fair polls

US sanctions on Venezuela make headlines, as Washington threatens embargo over questions of free and fair elections in the country. But Nicolas Maduro is not one to back down, as the president eyes a third term in office.

Venezuela elections under scanner

A major Venezuelan opposition group has registered a candidate for July's presidential election to ensure a spot on the ballot, even though the primary winner and her alternate were unable to sign up, electoral authorities and sources said on Tuesday.

Tense political climate in Venezuela? Nicolas Maduro aiming for third term in polls

Here we bring to you WION's climate tracker that showcases climate stories from across the globe: Venezuela is battling a record number of wildfires as a climate change driven drought plagues the Amazon rainforest region. Watch in for more details!

India to face extreme heat during polls | Record wildfires hit Venezuela

Venezuela is battling a record number of wildfires as a climate change driven drought plagues the Amazon rainforest region. Watch in for more details!

Wildfires hit Venezuela during climate driven drought

Venezuela opposition registers presidential candidate to keep spot on ballot

Venezuela's main opposition coalition says its candidate has been blocked from July's presidential election. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela's opposition candidate blocked from presidential polls

Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado named professor Corina Yoris as her replacement in the 2024 presidential race. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela opposition leader names alternative

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has been selected to seek a third, successive term in July 28 elections, a senior ruling party official said Monday.

A vote by the PSUV party concluded that Maduro would be its presidential candidate, Diosdado Cabello, considered the number 2 in the ruling "Chavismo" movement, wrote on X.

Maduro, 61, has not made any announcement himself, but has been widely expected to seek reelection in a vote from which his main challenger has been precluded from running.

The president's re-election to a six-year term in 2018 -- widely considered fraudulent -- was not recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries, and was met with a string of sanctions.

Last week, Venezuela's electoral authority CNE announced elections will be held on July 28 in the South American country which is in dire economic straits.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-venezuela-illegal-gold-mine-collapse-kills-dozens-in-bolivar-state-692504">Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in southern Venezuela's Bolivar state</a>

That came after Maduro's government and the opposition agreed in Barbados last year to hold a free and fair vote in 2024 with international observers present.

The deal saw the United States ease sanctions against the oil-rich South American country, allowing US-based Chevron to resume limited crude extraction and leading to a prisoner swap.

The agreement required that opposition candidates be allowed to appeal court rulings disqualifying them from holding office.

Since then, however, the Supreme Court loyal to Maduro upheld a 15-year ban on opposition primary winner Maria Corina Machado and others, prompting Washington to consider reimposing sanctions.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has been selected to seek a third, successive term in July 28 elections, a senior ruling party official said Monday. A vote by the PSUV party concluded that Maduro would be its presidential candidate, Diosdado Cabello, considered the number 2 in the ruling "Chavismo" movement, wrote on X.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has been selected to seek a third, successive term in July 28 elections, a senior ruling party official said Monday. A vote by the PSUV party concluded that Maduro would be its presidential candidate, Diosdado Cabello, considered the number 2 in the ruling "Chavismo" movement, wrote on X. Maduro, 61, has not made any announcement himself, but has been widely expected to seek reelection in a vote from which his main challenger has been precluded from running. The president's re-election to a six-year term in 2018 -- widely considered fraudulent -- was not recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries, and was met with a string of sanctions. Last week, Venezuela's electoral authority CNE announced elections will be held on July 28 in the South American country which is in dire economic straits. Also Read: Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in southern Venezuela's Bolivar state That came after Maduro's government and the opposition agreed in Barbados last year to hold a free and fair vote in 2024 with international observers present. The deal saw the United States ease sanctions against the oil-rich South American country, allowing US-based Chevron to resume limited crude extraction and leading to a prisoner swap. The agreement required that opposition candidates be allowed to appeal court rulings disqualifying them from holding office. Since then, however, the Supreme Court loyal to Maduro upheld a 15-year ban on opposition primary winner Maria Corina Machado and others, prompting Washington to consider reimposing sanctions.

Venezuela's Maduro named as ruling party election candidate

Drought conditions and heatwaves have caused an unprecedented number of fires this year. Thereby, the estimated carbon emissions in three south american countries - Brazil, Venezuela and Bolivia - in February this year have been the highest for the month in 21 years.

Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia see surging wildfire emissions: EU monitor

Taking inspiration from his&nbsp;predecessor Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is considering an executive action to address the border crisis. In other news, several people were killed in southern Venezuela after an illegal 'open-pit' gold mine collapsed in the Angostura municipality.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taking-leaf-out-of-trumps-book-biden-considers-executive-action-to-restrict-asylum-at-border-692520">Taking leaf out of Trump's book? Biden considers executive action to restrict asylum at border</a>

US President Joe Biden is mulling executive action that would prevent illegal migrants from seeking asylum in the country after they have crossed the southern border, according to US media reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/21/413347-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-21t100259345.jpg?imwidth=500" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-venezuela-illegal-gold-mine-collapse-kills-dozens-in-bolivar-state-692504">Southern Venezuela: Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in Bolivar state</a>

Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/22/413546-venezuela.png?imwidth=500" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-who-struck-and-killed-indian-student-jaahnavi-kandula-wont-be-charged-692499">Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges</a>

The Seattle police officer who killed&nbsp;Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student last year, won't be criminally charged, the prosecutors informed&nbsp;on Wednesday (Feb 21).

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/17/380284-succession-2023-09-17t012245279.jpg?imwidth=500" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-world-of-sports/biden-announces-fresh-student-loan-relief-for-150000-americans-692498">Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans</a>

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) announced he was extending his student loan forgiveness programme by cancelling loans of an additional 150,000 Americans worth $1.2 billion.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/12/411606-untitled-design-8.png?imwidth=500" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icj-should-not-order-israeli-withdrawal-from-occupied-palestinian-territories-us-says-692505">Watch | ICJ should not order Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories, US says</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icj-should-not-order-israeli-withdrawal-from-occupied-palestinian-territories-us-says-692505/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Taking inspiration from his predecessor Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is considering an executive action to address the border crisis. In other news, several people were killed in southern Venezuela after an illegal 'open-pit' gold mine collapsed in the Angostura municipality.

Taking inspiration from his predecessor Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is considering an executive action to address the border crisis. In other news, several people were killed in southern Venezuela after an illegal 'open-pit' gold mine collapsed in the Angostura municipality. Click on headlines to read more: Taking leaf out of Trump's book? Biden considers executive action to restrict asylum at border US President Joe Biden is mulling executive action that would prevent illegal migrants from seeking asylum in the country after they have crossed the southern border, according to US media reports. Southern Venezuela: Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in Bolivar state Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua. Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges The Seattle police officer who killed Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student last year, won't be criminally charged, the prosecutors informed on Wednesday (Feb 21). Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) announced he was extending his student loan forgiveness programme by cancelling loans of an additional 150,000 Americans worth $1.2 billion. Watch | ICJ should not order Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories, US says ×

Morning news brief: Biden's proposed border plan; Venezuela illegal gold mine collapse, and more

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured in a landslide at an illegal gold mine in Venezuela. The landslide occurred in a rural area in Bolivar state. The open-pit gold mine collapsed in the jungles of southern Venezuela. The incident occurred at the Bulla Loca mine. Relief teams and rescue workers have been dispatched to the area.

Venezuela: At least 16 killed as landslide leads to mine collapse

Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua. As many as 200 people were reportedly working at the open-pit mine at the time the mine collapsed, media reports said.&nbsp;

Yorgi Arciniega, mayor of the Angostura municipality, reportedly revealed that among the retrieved bodies, fifteen arrived in La Paragua via boat, with another eight en route. The situation appeared grim as Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Carlos Perez Ampueda, while withholding precise figures, described the toll as "massive."

Heart-wrenching scenes emerged as distraught relatives awaited news on their loved ones'&nbsp;fate. A total of 15 people who were injured, according to initial reports, were being transported to a hospital in the regional capital Ciudad Bolivar.&nbsp;

<h2>Community devastated by loss</h2>

Residents lamented the perilous working conditions in the mines and highlighted the desperation driving individuals to such hazardous endeavours. Robinson Basanta, a resident, expressed the inevitability of the tragedy due to the workers' economic situation and how it propels miners into risking their lives.

"This mine has yielded a lot of gold... People go there out of necessity, to make ends meet," he reportedly pointed out. Families pleaded for assistance and urged the authorities to deploy helicopters to expedite the evacuation of the injured.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-orders-striking-doctors-back-to-work-as-emergency-units-turn-away-patients-692497">South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients</a>

Activists have been raising concerns over the environmental degradation and exploitation prevalent in the region. They have also been urging attention to the plight of children subjected to gruelling labour without adequate safeguards.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-mother-files-lawsuit-over-refusal-to-release-her-sons-body-692493">Alexei Navalny's mother files lawsuit over refusal to release her son's body</a>

Efforts to assess the situation and conduct search and rescue operations were underway, media reports said, and assistance had been mobilised from various organisations, including teams dispatched from Caracas.

<h2>Past incidents</h2>

This catastrophe echoed a similar incident in December last year, where 12 lives were claimed in a mine collapse in the Indigenous community of Ikabaru. This underscored the persistent dangers faced by miners in the region.&nbsp;The Bolivar region, abundant in valuable minerals, including gold, coltan, and diamonds witnesses a thriving but perilous industry of illegal mining, exacerbating risks for workers and communities alike.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-asbestos-tally-continues-to-rise-in-sydney-692481">Gravitas | Asbestos tally continues to rise in Sydney</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-asbestos-tally-continues-to-rise-in-sydney-692481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Venezuelan Armed Forces have initiated eviction&nbsp;of illegal miners from protected areas, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised extraction activities contributing to environmental degradation and human tragedy. AFP reported that these forces evicted some 14,000 illegal miners from the Yapacana National Park in Amazonas state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua.

Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua. As many as 200 people were reportedly working at the open-pit mine at the time the mine collapsed, media reports said. Yorgi Arciniega, mayor of the Angostura municipality, reportedly revealed that among the retrieved bodies, fifteen arrived in La Paragua via boat, with another eight en route. The situation appeared grim as Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Carlos Perez Ampueda, while withholding precise figures, described the toll as "massive." Heart-wrenching scenes emerged as distraught relatives awaited news on their loved ones' fate. A total of 15 people who were injured, according to initial reports, were being transported to a hospital in the regional capital Ciudad Bolivar. Community devastated by loss Residents lamented the perilous working conditions in the mines and highlighted the desperation driving individuals to such hazardous endeavours. Robinson Basanta, a resident, expressed the inevitability of the tragedy due to the workers' economic situation and how it propels miners into risking their lives. "This mine has yielded a lot of gold... People go there out of necessity, to make ends meet," he reportedly pointed out. Families pleaded for assistance and urged the authorities to deploy helicopters to expedite the evacuation of the injured. Also Read | South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients Activists have been raising concerns over the environmental degradation and exploitation prevalent in the region. They have also been urging attention to the plight of children subjected to gruelling labour without adequate safeguards. Also Read | Alexei Navalny's mother files lawsuit over refusal to release her son's body Efforts to assess the situation and conduct search and rescue operations were underway, media reports said, and assistance had been mobilised from various organisations, including teams dispatched from Caracas. Past incidents This catastrophe echoed a similar incident in December last year, where 12 lives were claimed in a mine collapse in the Indigenous community of Ikabaru. This underscored the persistent dangers faced by miners in the region. The Bolivar region, abundant in valuable minerals, including gold, coltan, and diamonds witnesses a thriving but perilous industry of illegal mining, exacerbating risks for workers and communities alike. Watch | Gravitas | Asbestos tally continues to rise in Sydney × The Venezuelan Armed Forces have initiated eviction of illegal miners from protected areas, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised extraction activities contributing to environmental degradation and human tragedy. AFP reported that these forces evicted some 14,000 illegal miners from the Yapacana National Park in Amazonas state. (With inputs from agencies)

Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in southern Venezuela's Bolivar state

Venezuela's government has asked staff from the United Nations' human rights body to leave the country within three days, saying it will conduct a revision of its cooperation with the organization, with the UN saying it would evaluate next steps.

Venezuela asks UN human rights staff to leave country amid review

Venezuela orders UN office on human rights to close and staff to leave

Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji has met with the top Venezuelan officials, including Foreign Minister Yván Gil, during his visit to the Latin American country.

Iran and Venezuela look to strengthen energy ties

The UK has deployed its Royal Navy Patrol vessel HMS Trent near Guyana. Venezuelan President Maduro has slammed this move as a provocation and asked 5,600 troops to launch a defensive exercise near the border. The neighbours are locked in a dispute over the oil-rich Esequibo region. Will this lead to an oil war in South America?

Gravitas | Will there be an oil war in South America?

venezuela

Venezuela, News on Venezuela, stories on Venezuela, articles on Venezuela, Venezuela stories at Wion, Venezuela news, Venezuela latest news