The Strongest Earthquakes in a Century
Two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, recorded as the most powerful tremors the country has experienced in the last century. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced 10,500 injured and 15,000 affected, with 6,461 people rescued since the start of relief operations.
The death toll has risen to 1,943, while tens of thousands remain missing. Search and rescue efforts continue in the region.
Miraculous Rescue from the Rubble
Just as hopes were fading, a Jordanian civil defense team managed to pull a 3-year-old child from the rubble in the capital Caracas. According to the Jordanian civil defense, the child's vital signs are stable. Footage of the rescue has widely circulated on social media.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
In the hardest-hit northern state of La Guaira, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported widespread food shortages, collapse of basic services, and communication blackouts. Tensions are rising among the population as aid remains insufficient.
Disease Warning and Aid Appeals
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the risk of epidemic diseases after the disaster and described the current systems for identifying casualties and registering victims as "inadequate." The organization estimates the cost of these procedures alone at $15 million. It also stressed the need to provide shelter for 30,000 people for six months.
The World Food Programme (WFP) issued an emergency appeal for $50 million to feed 500,000 people for three months.
Casualties and Destruction
According to United Nations data, approximately 50,000 people are still missing, and 1.2 million tons of rubble have accumulated in La Guaira state. The devastation caused by the earthquakes has severely affected the country's infrastructure.
