In Venezuela, the death toll from two powerful earthquakes has risen to 235 people, with over 4,300 others injured. Rescue services continue to clear debris and search for survivors, Bloomberg reports, citing UNN.
Details
Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 occurred on the evening of June 25, less than a minute apart. The state of La Guaira near Caracas was the hardest hit, with over 250 buildings damaged, as well as the country's main international airport. Due to aftershocks, many areas continue to experience disruptions in electricity, water, and gas supply.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado reported that hospitals in the most affected areas are operating at full capacity, so authorities are setting up field hospitals. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared La Guaira a disaster zone and announced the creation of a recovery fund of $200 million for repairing infrastructure, hospitals, and housing.
International aid is already arriving in Venezuela. Planes with humanitarian cargo and rescue teams have been sent by the US, Spain, Mexico, Qatar, and the UN. Colombia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, China, Brazil, and Caribbean countries have also expressed readiness to join the disaster response.
Search efforts continue
In Caracas, rescue workers worked all night at the sites of collapsed high-rise buildings. According to the capital's mayor, Carmen Meléndez, at least 25 people died in the city alone, while several survivors were rescued from the rubble. Many residents, fearing further destruction, spent the night outdoors due to repeated aftershocks.