The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit on Wednesday evening, causing extensive damage and leaving approximately 3,200 people injured and 3,100 homeless.
Key Details
Rescue operations are ongoing, with officials reporting that at least 68,900 individuals are unaccounted for. Many civilians in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas, have resorted to using shovels and their bare hands to search through the rubble of collapsed buildings. The United Nations has estimated that the quakes caused $6.7 billion in damage, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
The acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, stated that over 14,000 military and police personnel are deployed to patrol affected areas, which have restricted access. Rescue teams from various countries, including Mexico, the US, Brazil, El Salvador, and France, have arrived to assist in the search and rescue efforts. The US State Department announced that military coordination would facilitate flights to bring in rescue workers and supplies.
Background
The situation remains critical as rescuers race against time to locate survivors. Jeremy Lewin, a US state department official, emphasized the urgency, stating,
It is a race against the clock to find people injured in the quakes.
Related coverage: Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 1,400 Amid Rescue.
Sources: aljazeera.com, aljazeera.com.
The earthquakes are likely to impact Venezuela's economy significantly, with substantial damage to infrastructure and housing potentially leading to increased humanitarian needs. Investors will watch for further updates on recovery efforts and international aid commitments as the situation develops.