Earthquake in Venezuela: Military takes control in disaster region as aftershocks hit coast

The Venezuelan government has deployed military forces to take control of the northern state of La Guaira, which suffered extensive damage from a powerful double earthquake. The deployment aims to restore public order and facilitate the work of ongoing rescue operations.

Two days after the seismic events, the official death toll has climbed to 920, with more than 3,300 individuals reported injured. The United Nations estimates that around 50,000 people are missing, and many are still believed to be trapped beneath rubble. "The search in the debris is a colossal task," stated UN humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher, emphasizing the race against time as survival chances diminish significantly after 72 hours.

La Guaira, home to Venezuela's main international airport and busiest seaport, was declared a disaster zone after experiencing earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5. The Interior Ministry reported that over 70,000 families in the state have been directly impacted by the catastrophe. This region has a history of natural disasters, notably in December 1999 when heavy rains triggered deadly mudslides that, according to the USGS, may have killed up to 30,000 people.

A new earthquake, measuring 4.9 magnitude, shook Venezuela's northern coast on Friday afternoon, according to the EMSC. Meanwhile, the government has assured that oil production, currently at 1.2 million barrels per day, and the nation's fuel and natural gas supplies are not affected by the earthquakes. Thousands of residents left homeless by the disaster are now sleeping in parks, squares, and along highways, seeking refuge amidst the ongoing crisis in a country already grappling with severe economic hardship and widespread poverty.