Venezuela earthquakes: UN estimates nearly 7 million impacted
7 reported1 unconfirmed
A United Nations agency has estimated that up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the twin earthquakes that struck northwestern Venezuela, according to a report from DW News. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the projection, based on available population and damage data, highlights the potentially vast humanitarian impact of the disaster. The national death toll has been reported at 1,430 by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, with more than 51,000 people missing. Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit less than a minute apart. International rescue teams have arrived, with more than 1,600 foreign rescuers from countries including Mexico, Spain, Colombia and the United States now on the ground. The Venezuelan government has restricted access to the hardest-hit La Guaira state, and interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has asked people not to travel to the area north of Caracas.
What’s reported
The UN estimates up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the twin earthquakes.
The death toll stands at 1,430, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
More than 51,000 people are reported missing.
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck less than a minute apart.
More than 1,600 foreign rescuers from countries including Mexico, Spain, Colombia and the US are assisting.
The Venezuelan government has restricted access to La Guaira state as of 8 p.m. local time.
A newborn baby was rescued from rubble in La Guaira 32 hours after the quakes.
Open questions
The article does not specify the exact number of people injured or homeless, as figures vary between different officials' statements.
Key figures
Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela's national assembly
Delcy Rodriguez, interim leader of Venezuela
Oliver Blanco, Venezuela's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tom Fletcher, United Nations aid chief
Diosdado Cabello, Interior Minister of Venezuela
Dr. Annette Idler, associate professor at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government
Sources: dw.com
