The number of people killed as a result of the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela has reached 235. At least 4,300 people have been injured to varying degrees. This was reported by the Associated Press news agency.
Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado stated in a briefing to state television that 235 deceased citizens have been recorded in hospitals so far.
Officials indicate that the number of victims and injured could increase further, as thousands of people remain on the list of missing persons.
It was reported that the earthquake tremors were felt even in the Amazon region of Brazil. To support efforts to eliminate the consequences of the natural disaster, the U.S. Treasury Department announced on June 25 that some sanctions against Venezuela would be temporarily eased until October 23.
The greatest devastation occurred in the coastal area of La Guaira in northern Venezuela. This area houses the country's main international air gateway — the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, where all flights have been suspended due to the collapse of part of the terminal roof.
Dayana Delgado, a resident of the capital Caracas, expressed her anguish in an interview with local media: "I just want to know where my child is. Is he under the rubble or in a shelter?"
According to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, in some areas of the capital, electricity and mobile communication were cut off, metro service was suspended, and natural gas supply was temporarily shut down. Additionally, classes in schools have been canceled for several days. Some educational institutions are being converted into temporary shelters and humanitarian aid distribution centers.
Rodríguez also announced that a special fund of $200 million has been established to restore destroyed hospitals and residential buildings.
Mexico, Qatar, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, and Canada have announced that they will send rescue workers, medical supplies, water purification equipment, canine units, drones, and other humanitarian aid to Venezuela. Some aid shipments have already been dispatched to the country.
We recall that on the evening of June 24, two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring 39 seconds apart, struck Venezuela. A state of emergency was declared nationwide following the natural disaster.
