Loss of Life in Venezuela Earthquakes Increased to 235, Search and Rescue Efforts Continue

After the earthquakes in Venezuela, search and rescue efforts continue under the coordination of authorities and volunteer teams.

Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the earthquakes in the country increased to 235 and more than 4,300 people were injured.

Alvarado evaluated the latest situation after the 2 major earthquakes that hit the country. Stating that the number of people who lost their lives in the earthquake increased to 235, Alvarado stated that more than 4,300 people were injured.

Emphasizing that La Guaira province was the place most affected by the earthquake, Alvarado said, "We currently have sufficient stock of medicine and medical supplies, but in order to manage the density, we are shifting our logistics network completely to La Guaira and Caracas. Our request from our citizens is not to occupy hospitals except in emergencies."

Stating that the installation of field hospitals has started due to the density of patients, Alvarado said:

"I call on all our healthcare personnel, doctors, nurses and medical students; we need the support of each of you right now. Everyone should go to the nearest health center in order to quickly intervene in our injured people. We have started the installation of field hospitals. Our goal is to relieve the burden on hospital buildings and treat patients whose condition is not critical, and reserve operating rooms and intensive care units for earthquake victims who are in serious condition."

According to the news of state channel VTV, Interim President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez, Minister of Internal Affairs Diosdado Cabello and President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez visited La Guaira. Making a statement in the Macuto region, Rodriguez stated that they hope to "save as many people as possible" from the collapsed buildings.

Reminding that La Guaira has been declared a disaster area, Rodriguez said, "We have requested international assistance, the first search and rescue teams from the Dominican Republic are about to land, and teams from other countries will arrive in the coming hours." he said.

2 earthquakes occurred in Venezuela

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that there were two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 in Venezuela, 39 seconds apart.

USGS announced that an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 occurred 23 kilometers southeast of the city of Yumare in Venezuela, Yaracuy state, and a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred 24 kilometers northeast of the city of San Felipe in the same state.

It was shared that the depth of the earthquake was 10 kilometers in Yumare and 21.9 kilometers in San Felipede.