As authorities await the latest death toll from the double deadly earthquake in Venezuela, rescue teams from around the world continue to arrive in the region.
Officially, the country is already mourning 1,430 people, while more than 50,000 — around 54,000 according to officials — remain trapped beneath the rubble. As the hours pass, hopes are fading that the death toll from the two powerful earthquakes will not rise dramatically.
The 72-hour mark is considered particularly crucial, as humanitarian organisations describe it as the critical window for rescuing people who may still be alive under the debris. However, this period may be extended if those trapped have access to food and water.
Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of the country’s president, said: “Every person rescued is a miracle.”
Authorities are continuing intensive searches for survivors in the coastal areas that were hit hardest, with several people already pulled alive from the rubble in La Guaira.
However, the United States Geological Survey has warned that more than 10,000 people may have lost their lives in the earthquakes, which would place them among the deadliest to strike Latin America in the past century.
Aid from everywhere
Europe, the United States and countries across Asia are already rushing to provide assistance.
The EU has allocated €5 million for first-aid supplies, with Kaja Kallas saying that firefighters, medical staff and rescuers from various countries will assist the Latin American nation.
At the same time, the Copernicus satellite system will support emergency services, helping to map the damage and coordinate aid more effectively in the areas where it is needed most.
According to Delcy Rodríguez, president of Venezuela, more than 2,700 people from 24 countries are assisting in the rescue efforts.
Among them are the United States, which has also sent Air Force aircraft and rescue workers to help.
“Against impossible odds, hope endures. 🇺🇸
American search and rescue teams rescued an infant from beneath the rubble following the earthquake in Venezuela. Every life saved is a victory.”
The European Union has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism. Through it, several member states have been mobilised, specifically Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Luxembourg, Czechia, the Netherlands and Belgium.
A humanitarian mission from the Elite Team of Special Missions of Thessaloniki also travelled to Venezuela yesterday to assist in rescue operations.
Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Panama, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic have also sent rescuers, doctors, equipment and humanitarian aid.
India has sent a mobile hospital and more than 35 tonnes of supplies.
Turkey and Switzerland have sent search-and-rescue teams.
The International Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and the Vatican have also contributed humanitarian aid and funding.
Venezuela: Searching for their loved ones on lists
Since the first day after the earthquake, authorities had been reporting 64,000 missing people. According to the latest figures, around 14,400 have been rescued, while more than 50,000 remain missing.
In the affected areas, citizens searching for their loved ones are looking through lists that have been posted with the names and photographs of missing people.
Relatives are waiting outside hospitals, reception centres and information points, while also using online platforms, social media and special missing-persons registries, hoping to find any sign of life.
Source: iefimerida.gr, ABC News
