Two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela have caused huge devastation. So far 235 people have died in the earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude that occurred on Wednesday evening. More than 1,500 people are injured, while more than 200 people are still trapped under the debris. There is also a possibility of more than 39 thousand people going missing. This is one of the biggest earthquakes in Venezuela in the last 126 years. Its tremors were felt till the Amazon region of Brazil.
Since Thursday morning, people themselves were seen removing debris to search for their missing relatives. Rescue teams are also continuously engaged in relief work. Many injured people were pulled out of the debris covered in dust and blood. These also include children and pets. State TV also showed the rescue of a woman who was trapped under a heavy slab of cement. However, government rescue teams were less visible in many areas outside the capital Caracas.
Where was the most damage caused?
The most damage has been done in La Guerra coastal area. Many buildings collapsed here. The country’s main international airport is also in this area, which was closed after damage. Due to this, it is becoming difficult to deliver relief material. Acting President Delsey Rodriguez has declared La Guaira a disaster area. He ordered to send rescue teams from all over the country and appealed to private companies to provide heavy machines. He said that the government is trying to save as many people as possible. The first relief teams from the Dominican Republic are about to arrive, and teams from several other countries are also on their way.
Basic services closed in many areas
After the earthquake, electricity, mobile network, metro service and gas supply were stopped in many areas. Holidays have been declared in schools and many schools are being converted into relief camps and help centres. People are putting up posters with photos of their missing relatives and Venezuelans living abroad are also trying to contact their families.
US lifted some restrictions
Meanwhile, America has temporarily lifted some economic sanctions imposed on Venezuela till October 23 to help in relief efforts. Many countries including America, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Qatar have announced to send rescue teams, medical teams, relief materials, sniffer dogs, drones, water purification machines and other necessary help. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that America will provide rapid relief, although due to the closure of the main airport, there are some difficulties in the relief work.
Also read: Tension increases again in Hormuz Strait, UN agency stops evacuation of ships
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