Venezuela earthquakes: International rescue teams search for thousands missing
9 reported1 unconfirmed
According to a single-source report from DW, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela late on Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 hitting less than a minute apart. The head of Venezuela's national assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, reported at least 920 dead and 3,360 injured, while more than 51,000 people are reported missing. The United Nations estimated that up to 6.76 million people could be affected, including up to two million in Caracas alone. International rescue teams have arrived, with Venezuela's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oliver Blanco, stating that 17 flights carrying over 1,600 rescuers have landed, and 25 additional flights are expected. The UN has deployed 35 search and rescue teams with over 100 dogs to assist Venezuelan teams. The Venezuelan government has restricted access to the hardest-hit state of La Guaira, and interim leader Delcy Rodriguez asked people not to travel there. A newborn baby was rescued from rubble in La Guaira 32 hours after the quakes, and the child's mother was rescued an hour later.
What’s reported
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck less than a minute apart late on Wednesday.
At least 920 people are dead, with 3,360 injured, according to Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela's national assembly.
More than 51,000 people are reported missing.
The UN estimated up to 6.76 million people could be affected, including up to two million in Caracas.
Over 1,600 foreign rescuers from countries including Mexico, Spain, Colombia, and the US have arrived.
The Venezuelan government restricted access to La Guaira state as of 8 p.m. local time.
A newborn baby, 18 days old, was rescued from rubble in La Guaira 32 hours after the quakes; the mother was rescued an hour later.
China offered disaster relief and reconstruction support; a German A400M transport plane carrying aid departed for Venezuela.
US Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to oversee US relief efforts after Venezuela formally requested support.
Open questions
The article does not specify the exact number of people still trapped under rubble or the full extent of damage beyond the coastal city of La Guaira and Caracas.
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
Diosdado Cabello, Interior Minister of Venezuela
Tom Fletcher, UN aid chief
Dr. Annette Idler, associate professor at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government
US Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard
Andreina Quintero, person who filmed the baby rescue
Sources: dw.com
