ibn sultan
Caracas, June 25: The death toll from the twin powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 164, while nearly 1,000 people have been injured. Authorities and rescue agencies fear the number of casualties could increase as search operations continue across the affected regions.
According to reports, more than 11,000 people have been reported missing, with many believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. The figure is based on reports submitted through an online platform set up to help families locate missing relatives.
The earthquakes caused widespread destruction in the capital Caracas and several other areas, bringing down residential and commercial buildings, damaging roads, and disrupting communication networks. Thousands of residents have spent the night in open spaces and public squares amid fears of further tremors.
International rescue efforts are gathering pace, with United Nations-certified specialist teams heading to Venezuela to assist local authorities. Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and several other countries have pledged rescue personnel, search dogs, equipment, and humanitarian assistance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the immediate priority is to save people trapped beneath the debris and promised a “big, fast and effective” American response to the disaster. Iran, Russia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and other nations have also expressed solidarity and offered assistance.
Officials say Venezuela faces significant challenges in responding to a disaster of this scale, as major earthquakes are relatively rare in the country. Rescue workers continue to search for survivors as concerns grow that the death toll may rise further in the coming hours.
