A total death toll of nearly 1,500 has been confirmed in Venezuela following twin earthquakes that struck the country. Millions more are at risk without basic sanitation and other necessities.
US-backed interim leader Delcy Rodriguez appealed to the international community for assistance, stating ‘We are not alone’ amidst public outrage over local officials’ response. The US announced that one runway was operational and military planes were landing, while a naval vessel arrived off Venezuela’s coast.
UN humanitarian agency OCHA mobilized search-and-rescue teams from at least 17 countries to aid in finding survivors. Despite desperate attempts by locals to rescue trapped individuals, experts highlight the crucial first 72 hours after disasters for locating survivors.
A local infant was successfully pulled alive from wreckage on Friday, 32 hours after the earthquakes. The Venezuelan government reported that over 1,600 foreign rescue teams had arrived, and military and police members in La Guaira were patrolling to ensure sanitary measures are taken.
Source: Original report
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