Venezuela earthquakes death toll climbs to 589, nearly 3,000 injured
The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 589, according to interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Officials also confirmed that 2,980 people have been injured, making it one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
Rodriguez announced that the military has been ordered to take control of La Guaira, one of the areas most severely affected by the earthquakes. The move is aimed at improving security and speeding up relief operations.
Hospitals across the affected regions are struggling to cope with the large number of injured people. Medical workers told the BBC that hospitals were already facing shortages of essential medicines and supplies before the disaster struck.
The United Nations said more than 1,000 international search and rescue workers have been deployed to support local authorities. Rescue teams, including specially trained sniffer dogs, are working around the clock to search for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, assured people in Venezuela that international assistance is on the way. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said, “I want people to know in Venezuela that help is coming.”
The disaster has hit Venezuela at a time of political uncertainty. It comes less than six months after former leader Nicolás Maduro, who had ruled the country since 2013, was seized by US forces during an early morning operation.
Rescue workers continue to clear debris while emergency teams provide medical treatment and shelter to thousands of affected families. Authorities fear the number of casualties could increase as search operations continue.
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Venezuela now faces both a humanitarian and logistical challenge after the earthquakes. Quick international support and medical aid will be critical as rescue efforts continue and thousands of survivors wait for assistance.
