Venezuela Earthquakes: Rescue and Recovery

Kate Adie introduces stories on Venezuela's earthquake recovery efforts, the rapid start of Hungary's new PM, a post-Soviet reunion at a border-town bazaar, and does the American Dream still hold up as America celebrates 250 years of independence.

In Venezuela, family and friends have joined rescue workers in trying to find survivors after two earthquakes hit the country’s north last week. It was the country’s deadliest natural disaster in a century. Will Grant returned to his old neighbourhood in the capital Caracas, where he met locals still searching for news of their loved ones.

Hungary's new Prime Minister Peter Magyar has been in office for less than 60 days, but has quickly set about rolling back laws and dismantling institutions built up by former strongman PM Viktor Orban, Such is this political whirlwind, it's become must-see TV. Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest.

The break- up of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the independence and redrawing of the borders of its fifteen republics, including central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Ibrat Safo, who grew up in Uzbekistan, tells the story of how his family became separated for decades - and how a new border-town bazaar became the scene of a poignant reunion.

And it’s the 4th of July – which this year marks 250 years of American independence. This year’s anniversary has prompted much introspection about what the USA stands for as a nation, and recent surveys have found a shrinking number of Americans still believe in their country as the land of opportunity. Asma Khalid reflects on her own family’s pursuit of the American Dream.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith