Government searches for three Argentinians missing during Venezuela earthquakes

Argentina's government is actively searching for three of its citizens who remain unaccounted for following the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed that seven requests for assistance have been received concerning Argentinians present in Venezuela during the tremors. These earthquakes have caused widespread devastation, resulting in thousands of fatalities and extensive structural damage.

Of the seven individuals initially reported missing, four have been located alive. The government has also confirmed the deaths of six Argentinian citizens and reported that one person is currently receiving medical treatment in a local health facility. The ongoing search efforts are focused on locating the remaining three missing persons.

To aid its citizens, Argentina has deployed a humanitarian consular mission to Venezuela. The mission, comprising two officials, arrived to assess the needs of the Argentinian community, document citizens, and provide support to families searching for missing relatives, assisting the injured, and aiding those who lost loved ones. The team has begun contacting citizens who reported missing family members or requested assistance, as well as elderly individuals receiving aid through Caritas Venezuela.

Given that Argentina does not currently have a formal consular representation in Venezuela following diplomatic disputes, an emergency contact number (+58 414-2387145) has been made available for Argentinian citizens requiring assistance. The government is also providing support to three Argentinian family groups with children and two other individuals who are in vulnerable situations due to the earthquake's consequences, including a minor who is alone.

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The officials have already initiated contact with citizens who reported the loss of family members or requested the search for missing persons, as well as with the elderly who were receiving assistance through Caritas Venezuela. We also expect to be able to conduct a consular visit to detained citizens.