Devastating double earthquake in Venezuela leaves 1,430 dead and over 50,000 missing
via SeneNews4 min read
A devastating double earthquake in Venezuela has resulted in at least 1,430 deaths and over 50,000 missing, triggering a major humanitarian crisis. The quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck the northern part of the country on Wednesday, leaving widespread destruction, particularly in the coastal city of La Guaira, near Caracas. The President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, confirmed the death toll and reported 3,238 injured. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with families of victims bringing their deceased loved ones to morgues due to the strained system. A newborn was rescued from the rubble 32 hours after the quakes. The United Nations estimates that nearly seven million people are affected, with the International Organization for Migration stating that up to 6.76 million people could have been impacted, including two million in Caracas alone. The United Nations Development Programme assesses the damage at nearly seven billion dollars, approximately 6% of the country's GDP. Tom Fletcher, UN humanitarian aid official, stated that the death toll is expected to rise significantly given the complex rescue operation. International search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries have begun to arrive, with the United States deploying a 250-person team and offering 150 million dollars in aid. Among the deceased are individuals of Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, Brazilian, Chilean, and Italian-Venezuelan nationalities. Interim President Delcy Rodr铆guez announced the
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