Chilean Firefighters Work in Difficult Conditions in Quake-Hit Venezuela

Chilean rescue teams are operating under challenging conditions in La Guaira, Venezuela, following two powerful earthquakes that struck the region. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have left a significant impact, with hundreds of buildings damaged and thousands of people displaced.

Subsecretary of the Interior Máximo Pavez, who visited Venezuela, described the situation as "grave." He noted that the Chilean USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team is working without consistent access to local phone networks or water, and in high temperatures. Their primary objective is to find survivors among the collapsed structures.

Chile has dispatched 46 brigadistas and sent 3.2 tons of non-perishable food as humanitarian aid. The latest official figures from the event reported 920 fatalities, 3,360 injuries, approximately 172 people trapped in buildings, and over 3,000 affected individuals. Venezuelan authorities confirmed 383 buildings sustained total or significant damage, primarily in the coastal state of La Guaira.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of one Chilean citizen due to the natural disaster. However, Subsecretary Pavez clarified that there are no other Chilean victims. The specialized Chilean rescue team has a working capacity of 10 days, with provisions for sending additional contingents if needed.