Spanish deaths in Venezuela earthquake reach 26; 150 missing

The death toll among Spanish nationals in Venezuela following the devastating double earthquake has climbed to 26, according to Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares. The minister also reported that 150 Spaniards are currently missing, and 11 remain trapped under rubble.

Albares provided these updated figures at Madrid-Barajas Airport while seeing off an emergency medical team from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). This START team (Emergency Aid and Response Technical Team) will join Spanish rescuers already on the ground in Venezuela to assist those affected by the seismic events.

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Previously, the figure fluctuated for me.

"Previously, the figure fluctuated for me," the minister acknowledged, later revising the number of Spaniards still under debris downward by one. He also confirmed that a repatriation flight carrying 130 passengers, including 92 Spaniards and citizens from Venezuela and other European countries, was scheduled to arrive in Spain that day.

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The Spanish society is very aware of this and thanks you.

Queen Letizia of Spain greeted the volunteers, wishing them success in their challenging mission and commending the "effective" response of Spanish cooperation and humanitarian aid. She highlighted the professionalism, rigor, and care Spanish aid workers provide to those in distress.

Foreign Minister Albares further emphasized the volunteers' extensive experience and their role in conveying "the solidarity of the Spanish people to the brotherly people of Venezuela" during these "dramatic circumstances." Spain is also contributing an additional 300,000 euros to transport shelter materials to the affected region.

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The Spanish people's solidarity to the brotherly people of Venezuela in such dramatic circumstances.