By Zoila Palma: The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 920, with another 3,360 people injured, according to government officials.
Rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings for survivors as families anxiously await news of missing loved ones. Authorities warn the number of fatalities is expected to rise as many people remain unaccounted for.
The earthquakes struck within seconds of each other on Wednesday, with the second measuring a powerful magnitude 7.5, making it one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Venezuela in a century.
The northern state of La Guaira has suffered the worst destruction, with dozens of buildings, including hospitals and shopping centres, reduced to rubble. The region is also home to one of the country’s main ports and Simón Bolívar International Airport, BBC reports.
National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez said at least 172 people are still believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures, while 243 people have been rescued alive in La Guaira alone.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said dozens of successful rescues have brought hope to affected families, but noted that the country has experienced 214 aftershocks since the initial quakes.
The United Nations says nearly 2,000 international rescue workers have joined the emergency response, with humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher stressing that the first 72 hours after a disaster are critical for saving lives.
The post International News: Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to 920 as global rescue effort intensifies appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 920, with another 3,360 people injured, according to government officials. Rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings for survivors as families anxiously await news of missing loved ones. Authorities warn the number of fatalities is expected to rise as
The post International News: Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to 920 as global rescue effort intensifies appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.