Nearly 1,700 Curaçao residents cut off from water and power over unpaid bills

All Curaçao patients currently in Colombia for medical treatment through the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) are safe and in good condition following a recent earthquake in the country. The evening newspaper Amigoe reported the update based on information provided by the SVB. Curaçao, like other Caribbean islands, regularly sends patients abroad for specialized medical care that is unavailable locally, with Colombia being a common destination. The earthquake prompted concern among family members and health authorities on the island regarding the welfare of those receiving treatment far from home. The SVB moved to reassure the public by confirming all patients under its care in Colombia had been accounted for and were unharmed. No evacuations or disruptions to medical treatment were reported.

A powerful earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning, causing widespread destruction across the country. Dutch nationals caught in the disaster zone spoke to NU.nl about their experiences, with accounts ranging from those near the epicenter to people hundreds of kilometers away. One survivor expressed relief simply at being alive, stating 'I'm glad I'm still here.' The quake's impact was felt across a broad geographic area, underscoring the severity of the seismic event. While the excerpt does not specify the exact magnitude or official casualty figures, the accounts suggest significant destruction and fear among those present. The reports highlight the vulnerability of foreign nationals abroad during natural disasters and the human toll of such events.

Eye specialists are issuing widespread warnings urging people not to look at a solar eclipse without certified eclipse glasses, as doing so can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the eyes. Looking directly at the sun with the naked eye during an eclipse can burn a hole in the retina, with experts comparing the effect to that of a laser. The danger is particularly acute during a solar eclipse because the moon partially blocks the sun, making it tempting to look directly at it — but the remaining solar rays are still powerful enough to cause serious harm. Retinal burns from solar viewing, known as solar retinopathy, can lead to lasting blind spots or distorted vision. Residents of Curaçao are being advised to only view the phenomenon through properly certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods. The warning comes ahead of an upcoming solar eclipse visible in the region.