Venezuela militarizes earthquake-hit region amid rising death toll

Venezuela's government has militarized the northern state of La Guaira, which suffered severe damage from a powerful double earthquake. The military has taken control to maintain order and support rescue efforts, according to Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly.

The official death toll has risen to 920, with over 3,300 people injured, Rodríguez announced while presenting the preliminary damage assessment. La Guaira, home to Venezuela's primary international airport and busiest seaport, was declared a disaster area after being hit by earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude on Wednesday. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that more than 70,000 families in the state are affected by the catastrophe.

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The armed forces have taken control to maintain public order and facilitate the work of rescue teams.

This region has a history of devastating natural disasters. In December 1999, La Guaira experienced one of the worst natural catastrophes in modern Latin American history when heavy rains triggered massive mudslides and debris flows. Estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggest those events killed up to 30,000 people.

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More than 70,000 families have been affected by the consequences of the catastrophe.