Death toll from earthquakes in Venezuela rises to 3,685: 36 of them Spanish

The death toll from the twin earthquake disaster that caused massive destruction in Venezuela has reached 3,685. According to the latest official statement made by the President of the Venezuela National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, the death toll has increased by 150 compared to the previous balance. Additionally, it was reported that 16,740 people were injured to varying degrees following the earthquakes. While search and rescue efforts in the region continue at full speed, authorities continue to share updated data regarding damage assessment and rescue operations. The struggle on the ground continues at full force with the participation of international support and aid teams in the country.

The magnitudes of the tremors that caused the disaster were announced as 7.5 and 7.2 on the Richter scale, respectively. Due to these powerful earthquakes, a total of 856 buildings suffered severe damage, and 190 of these buildings completely collapsed. Infrastructure suffered massive destruction in the affected areas, particularly in the Venezuelan capital, Karakas. According to data announced by authorities, 17,907 people were left homeless, and efforts have begun to meet their emergency shelter needs. It is stated that repairing this massive infrastructure damage faced by the country will require a long process.

The Venezuelan government has mobilized field personnel and logistics processes to meet the basic needs of the disaster victims. According to official data, humanitarian aid has been delivered to 86,794 families so far. Meanwhile, 6,462 people have been rescued alive from the rubble to date. It was also announced that a major mobilization was initiated regarding the distribution of food supplies, and more than 9,603 tons of food materials were distributed to disaster-affected citizens. While it is observed that the country is making every effort to reach its people using its own resources to the fullest, it is stated that the humanitarian situation on the ground remains extremely critical.

It was reported that the international community has not remained indifferent to the disaster and has sent significant support to the region. A total of 29,567 personnel, 4,388 of whom are international, have been deployed in the field for search, rescue, and relief operations. According to official reports, 1,076 aftershocks were recorded following the main tremors. This situation continues to pose a major risk for both the citizens continuing to live in the region and the search and rescue teams on duty. Authorities stated that all precautions have been taken against the possibility that aftershocks could further increase the extent of the destruction, and that operations are continuing with determination.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain announced that the number of Spanish citizens who lost their lives in the earthquakes in Venezuela has also increased. According to the latest updated statement made by the institution led by Minister José Manuel Albares, the number of Spaniards who lost their lives in the earthquake has risen to 36. Additionally, it was reported that 138 Spanish citizens are still missing, and this number decreased by one person compared to the previous statement. It was noted that rescue teams are working with all their might to find 11 Spanish citizens alive under the rubble. The Ministry urged Spanish citizens in Venezuela to use the emergency consular lines announced through the Caracas Embassy and official social media accounts.