A series of explosions at a fireworks depot in Mexico has killed at least 24 people and injured about 40 others.

Earthquake warning sirens are currently sounding in Mexico City while the head of the city government has advised that emergency protocols have been activated following a 6.4 temblor in the city of Ixtepec in the southern state of Oaxaca.

Standing alongside the president of Mexico, Donald Trump defended the right of the United States to build a massive border wall along its southern flank, but he declined to repeat his frequent promise to force Mexico to pay for it. (Aug. 31) AP