- Rescue teams are racing to Venezuela's northern coast after earthquakes killed at least 235 people and left thousands more feared dead.
- The official death toll was raised to 235 on Thursday evening, with an earlier count indicating 157 people missing.
- 4,300 people were reported injured as rescue missions continue in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
- The coastal area near the international airport, around La Guaira, appears to have sustained the worst damage, with many buildings collapsed.
- UNICEF has warned that thousands of children are at risk following the quakes and called for their needs to be prioritised.
- The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela on June 24, causing severe damage.
- More than 100 buildings have collapsed in the northern coastal state, according to Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
- 70,000 families in La Guaira have been affected by the earthquakes, as reported by Cabello.
- The international airport in La Guaira was closed after sustaining severe damage, hampering humanitarian response efforts.
Rescue teams are mobilizing in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that struck on June 24, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The official death toll has risen to 235, with thousands more feared dead as the search for survivors intensifies.126
The coastal region, particularly around La Guaira, has been severely impacted, with reports indicating that over 100 buildings have collapsed. The international airport in La Guaira sustained significant damage, complicating humanitarian efforts. UNICEF has warned that thousands of children are at risk, urging prioritization of their needs.59
Venezuelan health officials report that at least 4,300 people have been injured, and the situation remains dire as rescue operations continue. The US State Department has pledged $150 million to support emergency operations, while other nations, including Brazil and Mexico, have also promised aid.3
Tom Fletcher, head of the UN’s humanitarian agency, stated, 'We are fully mobilised right now … We will surge in people, we will surge in solidarity and, most important, we will surge in search and rescue support.' The US Treasury has temporarily waived some sanctions to facilitate earthquake relief efforts, highlighting the international response to this crisis.
“Rescue efforts are intensifying in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that have left at least 235 dead. Thousands more are feared missing as the situation continues to unfold.”
The GuardianThe Guardian
