venezuela-death-toll-hits-3000-thousands-trapped-under-rubble

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that rattled Venezuela has officially climbed to 3,000, with more than 16,600 injured, while thousands remain trapped under the rubble, said National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

 

In his message on Telegram, Rodriguez said more than 6,400 people had been rescued after the disaster hit the central states of Aragua, Miranda and La Guaira, as well as the western states of Carabobo, Yaracuy and Falcon.

 

According to official stats, over 16,200 people are without safe shelter, while approximately 856 buildings and apartments have been damaged, with 190 completely ruined.Besides, Venezuelan authorities have also set up around 80 makeshift shelters for the people affected by the earthquakes.

 

According to Saturday's update, 29,567 rescuers remain deployed to search for survivors, including 3,281 from abroad, while officials said on Sunday that the toll has crossed 3,000 with rescuers pulling out more bodies from the debris.

Since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on June 24, Venezuela has recorded 942 aftershocks, the statement said.

 

“Venezuela’s soul is torn by the human losses caused by the devastating earthquakes,” Rodriguez added. Earlier on Thursday, Rodriguez declared seven days of national mourning in tribute to the victims of the powerful earthquakes.

“In honour of the memory of the victims, I have decided to decree National Mourning for seven (7) days, starting at 6:00 p.m. today,” Rodriguez wrote in a statement posted on social media.

 

The official death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has surpassed 2,000, with over 2,500 fatalities and 12,400 injuries reported. Striking the coastal state of La Guaira on June 24, the back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes have left tens of thousands missing, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and caused widespread destruction.

 

International rescuers have started to wrap up a frantic search for survivors with a critical 72-hour rescue window in earthquakes long passed.A few people were found alive this week, despite the slim chances of survival.