CARACAS: The death toll from a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 235, while more than 4,300 people have been injured, with thousands still reported missing, according to official and emergency sources.
Venezuela experienced two major earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, which occurred in less than 40 seconds in the late hours of Wednesday and early Thursday. The quakes caused massive damage, especially to buildings in the coastal town of La Guaira, where many tall buildings crumbled in seconds.
According to officials, rescue efforts are being conducted as emergency workers work against time to save those trapped under the rubble. Dozens of buildings in Caracas and its surrounding area were badly affected as power lines, trees and infrastructure structures were felled by the quakes.
It was predicted that the death toll is likely to climb dramatically as some experts estimate the number of fatalities could reach over 10,000, with more than 11,000 people yet missing.
A national state of emergency has been declared by the government. Transportations have been suspended including railways. Schools around the country have also been closed. Venezuela’s main international airport has been closed down due to structural problems and disturbances in operations.
The area where the earthquakes originated was about 284 kilometers away from Caracas, but the quakes have been felt all through the neighbouring Colombia, Caribbean, the State of California in the United States, and even in Japan, based on seismic reports.
International aid operations have quickly sprung up into action. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that global search-and-rescue operations are being coordinated to aid the local rescue forces.
The United States has promised a humanitarian aid of $150 million including funding for the UN World Food Programme and for emergency agencies. The Vatican has promised 100,000 euros worth of immediate aid for the victims.
On the other hand, José Andrés of the organization “World Central Kitchen” has begun distributing food in Caracas and an additional $1 million donation to aid the relief operations.
