Venezuela earthquake kills 1,943 people; more than 10,000 injured; search continues

[São Paulo Current Affairs] The death toll from the series of earthquakes exceeding magnitude (M) 7 that occurred on June 24 in northwestern Venezuela in South America reached 1,943 on the 30th. This was announced by National Assembly Speaker Rodriguez. Over 10,000 people were injured. While searches continue through the night, it has been about a week since the outbreak, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find survivors.

According to government announcements, 6,461 people have been rescued by authorities so far. Four people were rescued from the collapsed house on the 29th, and a 3-year-old boy was rescued from the collapsed house early on the 30th. In addition to authorities, 3,660 people, including rescue workers from overseas, are working in the disaster area.

The whereabouts of approximately 42,000 people in Japan are still unknown. According to local reports, posters of missing persons have been pasted on telephone poles and other street corners in the heavily-hit areas of Caracas and the northern state of La Guaira. Many people are waiting in front of collapsed buildings for their families to be found.

More than 15,000 people have been evacuated, losing their homes and many others are forced to live outdoors. According to the United Nations, there is a food shortage in some areas and confusion over the distribution of supplies. There are also concerns about deteriorating sanitary conditions, increasing the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases such as measles and pertussis.