3685 people lost their lives in the earthquakes in Venezuela, Caracas airport is preparing to reopen

The toll of the two major earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 Haziran is beginning to become clear. According to the latest data announced by officials, 3685 people lost their lives and 16 bin 740 people were injured. The United Nations estimates that the death toll could reach up to 50 thousand; some projections indicate that this number could remain around 10 thousand. Simón Bolívar Uluslararası Havaalanı, serving the country's capital Caracas, is located in the La Guaira region, which is the epicenter of the earthquakes. The earthquakes, measured at magnitudes of 7,2 and 7,5, leveled dozens of residential buildings and caused massive destruction in the region.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced that an emergency alternative plan has been put into effect to reopen the Caracas airport to commercial flights. Officials stated that the airport's parallel runway will be made ready for commercial flights as soon as possible. Because the airport's infrastructure was severely damaged in the earthquake, it is currently only partially open to humanitarian aid flights. Rodríguez stated that discussions are being held with some countries to contribute to the airport's repair process but avoided giving details. It is not yet clear when commercial flights will fully resume.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, search and rescue operations continue intensively in the region, but hopes are fading. Although nearly two weeks have passed since the earthquakes, foreign rescue teams, finding no signs of life in the rubble, have begun to withdraw from the area. In the coastal city in the La Guaira state, excavators are working day and night to remove mountains of debris. Many survivors are trying to sustain their lives in temporary shelters set up in parks and are experiencing anxiety about the future. According to the government's latest report, more than 16 thousand people have been left homeless, and the need for shelter in the region has reached critical proportions.

In the crisis zone, the American military is also contributing to a major humanitarian aid operation. American military aircraft frequently fly over the region, both transporting relief supplies and supporting the airport's repair efforts. General Francis Donovan, Commander of US Southern Command, announced that approximately 2000 American soldiers have been deployed to the area and are tasked with air traffic control and cargo operations. US Chargé d'Affaires John Barrett stated that discussions have been initiated with American airline companies to restart commercial flights. Additionally, the USS Fort Lauderdale ship has docked at the La Guaira port to assist in the distribution of humanitarian aid supplies.

The economic impact of the earthquake has also reached a devastating level for Venezuela. According to estimates by the United Nations, the financial loss caused by the earthquake is calculated at approximately 6,7 billion dollars. This amount corresponds to about six percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product, putting the Venezuelan economy, which has already been struggling with a deep crisis for years, in an even more difficult situation. Due to the looting of supermarkets, many stores have closed, and access to basic necessities has become nearly impossible. Local people are trying to support each other by obtaining items such as soap, towels, baby diapers, and toys at donation collection points. The magnitude of the trauma caused by the earthquake is so great that many survivors continue to live in tents and hold no hope for a return to normalcy.