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Venezuela Reels from Twin Earthquakes: Death Toll Rises Amid Widespread Destruction
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Venezuela Reels from Twin Earthquakes: Death Toll Rises Amid Widespread Destruction

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction and a rising death toll, with thousands still missing.
  • NASA estimates over 58,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, while official figures report 1,719 deaths and 5,034 injuries.
  • International rescue teams are on the ground, and the U.S. has pledged increased aid, doubling its assistance to $300 million.

Venezuela is reeling from the impact of powerful twin earthquakes that have left a devastating trail of destruction. The tremors have resulted in a rapidly increasing death toll, with preliminary figures reporting at least 1,719 fatalities and 5,034 injuries. Thousands remain unaccounted for, adding to the immense tragedy.

This is a preliminary and rapid assessment that reflects a sharp change on the surface.

— Corey Schaefer and Jaimon Van Den HoekResearchers from Oregon State University describing the preliminary NASA satellite assessment of earthquake damage.

Satellite data from NASA, analyzed in conjunction with information from the European Space Agency, indicates the scale of the devastation. Researchers estimate that approximately 58,870 buildings across the country may have sustained damage or been completely destroyed. These preliminary findings, based on radar imagery captured the day after the earthquakes, serve as an indicator of the widespread impact, though field verification is ongoing.

Venezuelan officials have provided varying figures on building damage. Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, estimated that 855 buildings were damaged, including 189 that suffered total collapse. The United Nations estimates the number of missing persons could reach 50,000, prompting preparations for the delivery of 10,000 body bags, anticipating a significantly higher final casualty count. Cremations are reportedly ongoing without pause in southern Caracas, with cemetery workers describing exhaustive shifts.

This is only an indicator and has not been verified on the ground.

— Corey Schaefer and Jaimon Van Den HoekResearchers from Oregon State University cautioning about the preliminary nature of satellite damage estimates.

An international mobilization is underway to support Venezuela's recovery efforts. According to the UN coordinator in Venezuela, Jeanluca Rabola Del Tindaro, over 27 countries have dispatched more than 40 rescue teams, comprising over 2,000 personnel and 160 specially trained dogs. These international teams have successfully rescued seven people alive, with dramatic footage of the operations being shared. The U.S. military has established supply infrastructure at Simón Bolívar Airport in Maiquetía to deliver critical aid. The State Department praised the rescuers' efforts, and the Trump administration announced it would double its aid to Venezuela to $300 million, channeled through NGOs and UN agencies.

brave work

— US State DepartmentPraise for the efforts of rescue teams in Venezuela.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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