The death toll from two devastating earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday has increased to 920 while 3,360 people have been injured. Acting President Delsey Rodriguez announced that the country’s earthquake death toll had risen to at least 920, with 3,360 injured. The death toll may increase further. Many families say that their loved ones are still buried under the debris.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said La Guaira state was hardest hit by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Wednesday evening. He said that the army has been deployed there and rescue teams are searching for survivors as well as distributing food and water.
The International Organization for Migration said up to 6.7 million people could be affected by the earthquake in Venezuela, of which about 2 million would be affected in the capital Caracas alone. People are afraid to return to their homes, said Loyce Paes, regional director of the International Red Cross.
India started Operation Amistad
India has launched Operation Amistad to provide humanitarian assistance to earthquake-affected Venezuela. Under this, two C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force left for the Latin American country on Friday carrying relief material and a rescue team of 41 members. The Ministry of External Affairs said, in this difficult time, India stands shoulder to shoulder with the Venezuelan government and its people.
The ministry said that India has launched a humanitarian aid and disaster relief mission named Operation Amistad in solidarity with the people of the disaster-affected Latin American country. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said in a post on social media platform X, Operation Amistad has started.
Today, two C-17 aircraft of the Air Force left for Venezuela carrying essential aid materials to help in relief efforts after the earthquake. This assistance includes a temporary hospital unit of the Indian Army and more than 35 tonnes of relief material, medicines and medical equipment, including two Bhishma Cubes (temporary hospitals). India is committed to helping the Venezuelan government and its people in this difficult time.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in its statement on Friday that as part of this operation, two C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force left for Venezuela on the morning of June 26. These planes are carrying humanitarian relief material and a rescue team of 41 members, which will help in the ongoing relief and rescue operations there. According to the statement, the 41-member team includes experienced rescue workers and medical professionals and will work closely with Venezuelan authorities for search and rescue operations, emergency medical assistance and humanitarian relief operations in the affected areas.
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