Kathmandu. The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela a week ago has reached 2,595. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the death toll had increased by 300 compared to the previous day, adding that search and rescue operations are still ongoing. Rodriguez made it clear that the government’s search and rescue campaign has not yet concluded. According to her, more than 12,000 people have been injured in the earthquake so far. She did not specify how many people remain missing. However, according to a widely circulated unofficial list, around 38,500 people are still unaccounted for. Immediately after the earthquake, this number had reached nearly 60,000.
Last Wednesday, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck, followed seconds later by a main earthquake of 7.5 magnitude. Considered the most powerful since 1900, the earthquake caused widespread damage in the capital, Caracas, and the worst-affected coastal state, La Guaira. The capital’s main international gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport, was also severely damaged. According to Rodriguez, most government officials in La Guaira also lost their lives in the earthquake.
According to government data, around 800 buildings collapsed, out of which 189 buildings were completely destroyed. A preliminary satellite analysis released by researchers from the US space agency and Oregon State University estimated that around 58,870 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed. The United Nations Development Programme estimated direct damage to infrastructure at around 6.7 billion US dollars, which is equivalent to about 6 percent of Venezuela’s gross domestic product. Meanwhile, Verisk, a risk assessment firm, estimated that the total economic loss would exceed 10 billion US dollars.
According to the government, although there were minor delays in oil exports due to the earthquake, export activities remain mostly regular. It was also stated that a technical inspection is underway to assess the damage at the government fuel storage facility in Catia La Mar, one of the worst-affected areas.
According to media reports, the United States has launched one of its largest disaster relief operations in recent years, deploying four search and rescue teams including more than 900 rescuers to Venezuela. Additionally, around 800 more rescuers have been placed on standby in Puerto Rico and Curaçao. The US administration has also committed to providing 150 million US dollars worth of humanitarian assistance. Under the coordination of the United Nations, various countries including Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and Switzerland are also providing assistance in relief and rescue operations.
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