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Venezuela earthquakes claim 920 lives, injure over 3,300
🇨🇱 Chile /Disasters & Emergencies

Venezuela earthquakes claim 920 lives, injure over 3,300

From Cooperativa · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Two earthquakes in Venezuela have resulted in 920 deaths and 3,360 injuries, according to the president of the National Assembly.
  • Over 380 buildings were significantly damaged, primarily in the coastal state of La Guaira, with 172 people trapped in rubble.
  • Looting has occurred in some areas due to desperation over shortages, while rescue operations continue with 302 aftershocks recorded.

The president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, announced that two earthquakes on June 24 have claimed 920 lives and injured 3,360 people. "We must announce with pain, because they are our sisters and brothers, that 920 people have died from the extremely violent action of the earthquakes of June 24," Rodríguez stated during a broadcast on the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).

Rodríguez reported that 383 buildings suffered total or significant damage, with the coastal state of La Guaira being the most affected. The toll includes 13 hospitals and 25 shopping centers among the damaged structures. Additionally, 172 people are trapped in collapsed buildings, and 3,007 individuals have been displaced.

We must announce with pain, because they are our sisters and our brothers, that 920 people have died from the extremely violent action of the earthquakes of June 24

— Jorge RodríguezThe president of Venezuela's National Assembly announcing the death toll from the earthquakes.

Rescue efforts are underway, with the Venezuelan National Bolivarian Armed Forces deployed to La Guaira to ensure security and order. However, desperation over shortages of food and basic goods has led to looting in several businesses in Catia la Mar, a town in La Guaira. Hundreds of people were seen carrying food and drinks from stores amidst a tense and anxious atmosphere.

Authorities have recorded 302 aftershocks since the initial quakes. Rodríguez urged the public not to travel to La Guaira to assist, citing concerns about creating more congestion, and instead directed those wishing to help to deliver donations to collection centers in Caracas.

we have attended to 3,360 people injured or with some type of affectation

— Jorge RodríguezThe president of Venezuela's National Assembly reporting on the number of injured.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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