Death toll after earthquakes in Venezuela reaches 1,430
The death toll following Wednesday's earthquakes (24) in Venezuela reached 1,430 this Saturday (27), reported the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez.
Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,142 were left homeless by the disaster, he added on state television.
Since Wednesday's magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, 430 aftershocks have been recorded in the country, with the state of La Guaira being the most affected region.
Rodríguez added that at least 7,500 medical screenings were carried out and more than 12,000 services were provided in the area affected by the tremors.
The information comes after the interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, made comments about the search and rescue efforts underway following the strong tremors that hit the country.
In a broadcast on state television earlier this Saturday, local time, she said that ten more countries would join the efforts to search for survivors.
"Rescue teams came from all over the country to help search for the Venezuelans who are still alive," she announced.
"I also want to say that Venezuela is not alone. We have received a helping hand from the world. I would also like to inform you that teams from more countries will arrive in the coming hours and that, between now and tomorrow, practically ten other countries will join these rescue efforts", he added.
More than 1,600 rescuers from around the world arrived in Venezuela this Saturday to support search and rescue operations.
They arrived on 17 flights, said Oliver Blanco, Venezuela's deputy minister for Europe and North America.
"An additional 25 flights are expected to arrive in the next 24 hours. We appreciate the support and solidarity of the international community in these uncertain times for Venezuelans," Blanco added in a post on the social network X.
Teams from countries such as Mexico, the United States, El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia, Spain, Ecuador, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Panama joined the search.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) stated on Thursday (25) that he spoke with Delcy Rodríguez and reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to helping the neighboring country after the earthquakes that hit the region.
Lula announced in a post on social media, on Friday (24), that Brazil will send 36 firefighters from the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Paraná, in addition to four technicians from the National Civil Defense and another four from Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency).
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Source: CNN