Death toll rises to 1,450: Turk in Venezuela shares footage of the wreckage! 'I hear human voices from everywhere'

Search and rescue efforts following the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela in succession on June 24 continue uninterrupted for the fifth day. While the number of those who lost their lives in the disaster has risen to 1,450 and the number of injured to 3,150, the hopeful wait for thousands of people continues.

More than 2,600 foreign search and rescue personnel and canine search teams from different parts of the world are continuing their efforts to reach those trapped under the rubble in La Guaira state, where the most severe destruction occurred. As of the weekend, at least 33 people, including children, were pulled alive from the wreckage.

TURKISH CITIZEN DESCRIBES THE SCENE

Turkish citizen İbrahim Eser, who was in the region when the earthquake struck, described the situation in the area where search and rescue efforts are ongoing. Stating that there are many people under the rubble, Eser said, "I hear human voices from everywhere."

Eser also reported that families waiting for news of their loved ones in front of the collapsed buildings continue their hopeful wait.

THOUSANDS LEFT HOMELESS

Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly and brother of Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, announced that 12,721 people have been displaced and 774 buildings have collapsed due to the earthquake.

While hundreds of buildings were destroyed in the coastal state of La Guaira, about 40 kilometers north of the capital Caracas, streets were covered with piles of rubble. Authorities stated that tens of thousands of people are still missing.

NEW COMMISSION TO BE ESTABLISHED

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced in a statement with ministers that debris removal efforts are ongoing. Rodriguez stated that a presidential commission will be established to determine whether damaged structures are suitable for occupancy.

Rodriguez also announced that education will be suspended in the regions affected by the earthquake and that electricity service in La Guaira has been restored by 75 percent.

News Source: İHA