Earthquakes in Venezuela: Death toll rises to 589, with 2,980 injured
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Earthquakes in Venezuela have resulted in 589 deaths and 2,980 injuries, with 214 aftershocks recorded.
- The United States has suspended sanctions for four months to facilitate relief efforts and pledged $150 million in aid.
- The UN has called for massive international support following the devastating seismic events.
The death toll from recent earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 589, with 2,980 people injured, according to interim president Delcy Rodriguez. The nation has also experienced 214 aftershocks as rescue and damage assessment operations continue.
In response to the devastating seismic activity, the United States has announced a four-month suspension of economic sanctions against Venezuela. This measure aims to ensure that relief efforts are not hindered. The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a license authorizing all transactions related to earthquake relief that would otherwise be prohibited by sanctions, effective until October 23.
All transactions related to earthquake relief operations in Venezuela, which would otherwise be prohibited by U.S. sanctions, are authorized until October 23.
The United States has committed $150 million in aid to Venezuela. This includes $50 million allocated to humanitarian organizations on the ground and $100 million for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Two search and rescue teams will also be deployed to the affected areas. The United Nations has declared that Venezuela requires a massive collective effort and has appealed for urgent international support following the disaster.
The country needs a massive collective effort after this devastating earthquake and has called for urgent international support.
Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.