The Daily Journal.— On Saturday, Venezuelan authorities raised the death toll to 1,430 and the number of injured to 3,238 following the two earthquakes registered on June 24. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continue amidst hundreds of aftershocks and a growing mobilization of international aid.
The President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, noted that the country is approaching the first 72 hours since the twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which he described as “the most fateful event this Republic has suffered in the last 123 years.”
“We have had 432 seismic events: the two fateful earthquakes on June 24 (…) and 430 aftershocks. That speaks to the level of energy that has been released and the devastating, lethal power that these earthquakes and their aftershocks have had,” he stated during an official briefing.
La Guaira at the Center of the Emergency
Rodríguez pointed out that although seven states were affected by the seismic movements, La Guaira remains the area with the greatest material and human damage, which is why it remains under strict authority control.
“La Guaira is the geographical area that suffered tremendous devastation; that is why it is completely militarized,” he indicated.
The official urged the population to avoid traveling to that state so as not to hinder rescue efforts.
“If you want to help us, help us by staying home,” he expressed.
He added that those with training in rescue, medical care, or first aid must pre-register at the volunteer center set up at the Poliedro de Caracas to join the operations in an organized manner.
More Than 3,000 Families Affected
The official report also records 3,142 affected families, more than 5,000 hospital consultations, 7,500 triage procedures, over 12,000 medical assistances in the affected areas, and 73,736 families assisted through various aid programs.
Authorities reported the distribution of 7.2 million kilograms of food, in addition to 16,145 food bags and 220,434 hot meals, primarily in the state of La Guaira.
Rodríguez urged citizens to channel donations through the official collection centers set up at the former La Carlota airbase and at the Almacenadora Caracas, located in the west of the capital.
“We must organize the aid. We need to manage not only the logistics but also determine what type of assistance is most needed at this moment,” he maintained.
International Assistance Reinforced
The official reported that new international contingents joined the assistance efforts in recent hours, including 16 doctors from Curaçao, rescuers and health personnel from Argentina and Qatar, specialized teams with K9 units from Puerto Rico, and security forces sent by Barbados.
With these additions, the international response now totals 21 delegations, comprised of 2,242 rescuers, 96 K9 units, 40 cargo vehicles, and 32 transport units.
These resources are working alongside more than 30,000 Venezuelan personnel, including military troops, police officers, rescuers, doctors, paramedics, and psychologists deployed in the affected areas.
Call to Combat Misinformation
Rodríguez also exhorted the population not to spread rumors regarding alleged new risks associated with the emergency, including claims about a potential tsunami or structural damage to the Caracas-La Guaira viaduct.
“The viaduct is in perfect condition. It undergoes a technical evaluation every twelve hours, and specialists have determined that it is operating at one hundred percent capacity,” he assured.
Furthermore, he asked the public to consult only official channels to stay informed on the evolution of the emergency and the measures adopted by the authorities.
