The Daily Journal. — The death toll from the two earthquakes that struck on Wednesday afternoon has climbed to 188, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.
In an official statement released through his social media accounts, Rodríguez reported that “1,520 injured people have arrived at hospitals and are receiving medical care at this time.”
He also said that 157 people remain missing.
Given the scale of the emergency, the head of the Legislative Branch urged all state security and rescue agencies to focus every available resource on saving survivors in the affected areas.
“This is the time to save lives. This is the time to rescue people and help those trapped beneath the rubble. We will overcome this tragedy together,” Rodríguez said.
Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck central Venezuela at around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, a national holiday marking the anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo, the decisive victory that secured the South American nation’s independence.
Authorities have recorded at least 30 aftershocks of lesser intensity since then. Officials have declared La Guaira state, home to Simón Bolívar International Airport, a disaster zone due to extensive damage. In western Caracas, several buildings collapsed, and rescue crews continue searching for survivors.
