Over 200 killed in Mexico earthquake +++ Puerto Rico braces itself for Hurricane Maria

21. Oktober 2017, 02:00

Over 200 killed in Mexico earthquake

Rescue workers in central Mexico are searching for survivors of a strong earthquake which has killed at least 200 people. The 7.1 tremor toppled dozens of buildings in the capital Mexico City. More than 20 children died and 30 are missing after their school collapsed. There's also been major damage in neighbouring states. President Enrique Pena Nieto: "our priority at the moment is to continue with the rescue of those who are still trapped and to give medical attention to the injured. I want to express my condolences to those who have lost family members and loved ones. Mexico shares your pain."

Puerto Rico braces itself for Hurricane Maria

Officials in Puerto Rico have told the island's 3.5 million inhabitants to seek shelter as Hurricane Maria approaches. The category 5 storm, which has had winds of 280 kilometres per hour, has already inflicted substantial damage on Dominica and has now reached the Virgin Islands.

Trump threatens North Korea in UN speech

In his first speech to the UN's General Assembly, the US President Donald Trump has said the international order is being threatened by a small group of rogue nations and has urged all countries to join together to defeat them. Trump made this threat in response to North Korea's recent weapons testing: "the United States has great strength and patience. But if it is forced to defend itself or its allies we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime." The US President also singled out Iran, accusing it of exporting "violence, bloodshed and chaos" and denouncing the international deal brokered with Tehran over its nuclear programme. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said it was "ignorant hate speech". The French President Emmanuel Macron defended the Iran deal, saying to abandon it would be "a grave error". Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said Trump's address was "the wrong speech, at the wrong time, to the wrong audience".

Spain steps up raids to stop Catalan vote

Spanish police have detained a senior Catalan official and raided regional government ministries involved in organising a banned independence referendum. Catalan leaders have defied a court order to suspend the vote which has been condemned by the Spanish government as illegal. The Catalan government says it will hold the referendum on October 1st.

The weather

A few rain showers in the East and on the northern side of the Alps, snow showers in the higher elevations. But the rain should start to ease off to make way for a bit of sun. Partly windy and highs ranging between 7 and 17 degrees.

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