Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 920; Slow Rescue Efforts Spark Outrage
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The death toll from a powerful double earthquake in Venezuela has risen to 920, making it the deadliest quake to hit the country in over a century. Anger and frustration are mounting among the public over the slow pace of rescue operations for those trapped under the rubble.
The increase in the official death toll was confirmed by Jorge Rodríguez, President of the country's National Assembly. He said citing interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the number of fatalities had reached 920. Earlier, Delcy Rodríguez had reported that nearly 3,000 people were injured.
According to government sources, the earthquake caused numerous buildings to collapse in the capital Caracas and other areas, with at least 250 structures destroyed or severely damaged. Among these are eight hospitals, the Red Cross building, and the French embassy building. Rescue operations are ongoing to search for those still trapped beneath the debris.
Two earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck in quick succession on Wednesday evening local time, causing widespread loss of life and extensive infrastructure damage. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) fears that the death toll could surpass 10,000. A list of missing persons so far includes nearly 49,600 names, according to reports. The United Nations estimates that approximately 7 million people in Venezuela could be affected by this disaster.
Anger is growing in the affected areas over complaints of sluggish rescue efforts. In various cities, including La Guaira and Catia La Mar, locals have been seen working with their bare hands to rescue those trapped under debris. In some places, rescue operations are being carried out by torchlight amid power outages.
Rescue worker Diego González, who worked for hours trying to reach his relatives trapped in the rubble of a building in Catia La Mar, said the city has been almost completely destroyed. He said people are working with their bare hands but that heavy machinery is urgently needed for the rescue efforts.
Ratni Bómbar, a paramedic from La Guaira, said she had been searching for her mother for five hours in the rubble of a 15-story building. She said that no official rescue teams had arrived there initially, so locals began rescue operations on their own. She described the horrific scenes among the debris, saying she had seen separated bodies of children and adults, which was difficult to describe.
After the earthquake, many people have lost their homes and are living in the open air. Shortages of food, water, and medicine have been reported in many areas. Local volunteers and community members are stepping forward to help those affected.
Meanwhile, the international community has pledged assistance to Venezuela. Multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, France, and Turkey, are sending rescue teams and relief supplies. The U.S. has announced $150 million in aid.
UN Relief Chief Tom Fletcher said that international rescue teams are being coordinated. He stated that a massive international response will be required to cope with the disaster, especially since a vast number of people in the country were already dependent on humanitarian aid even before the earthquake struck.
(Source: The Guardian)
