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UN mobilizes support for Venezuela after powerful earthquakes

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The UN is mobilizing support for Venezuela following twin earthquakes that struck the country.
  • At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and 971 injured, with significant destruction reported across several states.
  • The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is facilitating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams.

The United Nations is actively mobilizing support for Venezuela in the wake of powerful twin earthquakes that devastated northern areas of the country. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed solidarity with Venezuela, and UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the global organization's assistance efforts.

Guterres extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

— Stéphane DujarricUN spokesman relaying Secretary-General Guterres's message of solidarity and sympathy.

The earthquakes, which struck less than a minute apart late Wednesday, have resulted in at least 164 confirmed deaths and 971 injuries. The full extent of the damage in the hardest-hit state of La Guaira remains unclear. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the first quake at a magnitude of 7.2, with its epicenter near San Felipe, a city of approximately 220,000 people. The second, stronger tremor registered at 7.5 magnitude, marking it as the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over 125 years.

Initial reports indicate widespread destruction across multiple states, including the capital, Caracas. Many individuals are feared dead, injured, trapped, or missing. Critical infrastructure has sustained damage, disrupting essential services. In response, the UN Country Team in Venezuela is working closely with the government and partners to coordinate relief efforts.

The United Nations in Venezuela, including the Humanitarian Country Team, is mobilising assistance and working closely with the Government and our partners to support the response.

— Stéphane DujarricDescribing the UN's coordinated efforts with Venezuelan authorities.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is facilitating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams. The Secretary-General welcomed the offers of support from member states during this critical time. Venezuela's government has declared a state of emergency, and international aid, including search-and-rescue teams from various countries, is rapidly mobilizing. A central coordination hub has been established in Caracas to ensure aid reaches those most in need efficiently.

The UN and our humanitarian partners had been fully mobilised to support the people of Venezuela.

— Tom FletcherEmergency Relief Coordinator on the UN's immediate response to the disaster.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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