7-day national mourning declared in Venezuela following earthquakes

A 7-day national mourning period has been declared across Venezuela following two major earthquakes that struck on June 24. According to the latest data shared by authorities, the number of people who lost their lives in the earthquakes has risen to 2,295.

Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez stated in a post on her social media account that the country is in "deep pain" due to the devastating earthquakes. Rodriguez announced that the decision for national mourning was made in memory of those who lost their lives.

Today, we share the pain of families who have lost their loved ones; we offer our prayers for the injured, the missing, and all communities affected by the disaster. As a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives, I have decided to declare a 7-day National Mourning, effective from 6:00 PM today.

Following the earthquake disaster, large-scale search and rescue and relief efforts are being carried out in the country. According to information in the local press, authorities have delivered humanitarian aid to more than 80,800 families.

There are 26,121 Venezuelan personnel working in the field. It was reported that these teams are being supported by 3,660 search and rescue personnel from other countries, 148 specially trained search and rescue dogs, and 49 technical vehicles. Additionally, it was reported that 15,467 volunteers are participating in relief activities.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) had announced that two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 occurred in Venezuela on June 24, 39 seconds apart.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in its assessment on June 26, calculated the cost of the direct physical damage caused by the earthquakes at 6.7 billion dollars. While it is stated that the number of people reported missing by their relatives after the earthquakes has exceeded 68,000, there are concerns that the number of dead and injured may increase.

News Source: 12punto