The twin quakes come less than six months after Venezuela's then-leader Nicolás Maduro was seized by US forces.

The capital and its surrounding areas have seen some of the worst damage from the 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, which hit a minute apart.

Temperatures in Germany could hit 40C in some areas while French officials say deaths linked to the heat are being seen among young people.

But the budget faces an uphill battle as the president spars with some members of his own party over the issue.

Prosecutors say Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala could provide evidence against "high-ranking officials".

Signs that traffic through the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route is gradually resuming has helped to push the oil price down.