Death toll from earthquakes in Venezuela rises to 1,430

The death toll continues to rise following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction. In a statement regarding the disaster's toll, President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Jorge Rodriguez, reported that the number of fatalities has risen to 1,430, while the number of injured has reached 3,238.

Meanwhile, Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, announced that aid from 10 more countries is on the way to support the search and rescue operations being conducted in the aftermath of the earthquakes. "Rescue teams from all over the country have arrived in the region to reach Venezuelans believed to be alive," Rodriguez said.

Emphasizing that Venezuela is not alone, Rodriguez stated, "A helping hand has been extended from all over the world. More countries will send their teams in the coming hours. As of today and tomorrow, approximately 10 more countries will join the search and rescue efforts."

Emergency support line established for reporting missing persons

Furthermore, the Venezuelan government announced that a new emergency support line has been activated to report missing persons and submit requests for assistance following the two major earthquakes. The statement indicated that the goal is to coordinate the emergency response from a single center, while also noting that volunteers can register in the system to participate in search and rescue operations.

Reports in local media indicate that thousands of Venezuelans continue to wait for news of their relatives trapped under the rubble, and in some regions, citizens are participating in search efforts using their own means.

"More than 1,600 rescue workers have reached Venezuela"

Deputy Foreign Minister of Venezuela, Oliver Blanco, made a statement regarding the international community's aid to the country. Blanco noted that more than 1,600 rescue workers from various countries around the world have arrived in the country to support the search and rescue operations carried out after the two major earthquakes.

Stating that the teams arrived in the country via a total of 17 flights, Blanco said that 25 more planes are expected to reach Venezuela within the next 24 hours. "We are grateful for the support and solidarity of the international community during this period of uncertainty for Venezuelans," he said.

Various sources reported that teams from Mexico, the USA, El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia, Spain, Ecuador, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Panama are participating in the search and rescue operations.

"Looting incidents occurred in La Guaira"

It was reported that looting incidents took place in some damaged buildings in La Guaira, the state most affected by the earthquake. According to eyewitnesses in the region, some individuals were seen entering damaged buildings and leaving with boxes and bags, while people, including children, were seen waiting on the street. It was reported that the incidents occurred without violence.

News Source: 12punto