Caracas [Venezuela], June 26 (HBTV): The death toll from the devastating double earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 235, while more than 4,300 people have been injured, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Thursday evening (local time).
In an interview with state television, Alvarado said most of the injuries were minor, although many moderate and serious cases required surgical intervention. He added that some victims were declared dead upon arrival at hospitals, while others showed no vital signs before reaching medical facilities, CNN reported.
'As of 7:00 PM today, we have already attended to more than 4,300 injured people, some minor, most minor, but there are also moderate and serious cases. Many of them have required surgical interventions, and unfortunately, we have received around 235 patients who arrived without vital signs or who died upon arrival at our health facilities,' the minister said.
Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts have intensified across Venezuela as hundreds of volunteers mobilised to deliver water, food, medicines and other essential supplies to affected communities in Caraballeda and Vargas.
In a post on X, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's political party, Vente Venezuela, said volunteers were collecting water, non-perishable food, medical supplies, clothing and other necessities as part of a nationwide solidarity campaign.
'Twenty-four hours have passed since the earthquakes and, in Vargas state, the solidarity of the Venezuelan people is once again breaking through amid the tragedy. Hundreds of motorbike riders have organized to deliver water, food, medicines, and supplies to the affected communities. They are citizens who, without expecting anything in return, have decided to become a bridge of hope for those who need it most today,' the party said.
The United States has also deployed military assets to support relief operations. Acting on the direction of the US Department of State, the US Southern Command dispatched C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to deliver humanitarian aid, emergency equipment and response teams to the worst-hit areas.
The command said the aircraft would provide immediate high-capacity support following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that caused widespread destruction, casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.
The United Nations has also mobilised emergency assistance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences to the victims' families and said the UN system was working closely with the Venezuelan government and humanitarian partners to support relief efforts.
'I am deeply saddened by the loss of life & widespread destruction caused by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela. The UN system is mobilizing assistance & working closely with the Government & our partners to support the response & the people of Venezuela. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims & wish a speedy recovery to those injured,' Guterres wrote on X.
In a further show of international solidarity, France and Switzerland have dispatched specialised Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to Venezuela.
France deployed personnel from its 4th and 7th Civil Security Training and Intervention Regiments, including medical teams, search dogs and collapsed-structure rescue specialists. The mission is being coordinated through the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism.
Switzerland has also sent its Swiss Rescue Chain from Zurich to Caracas, comprising 80 specialists, eight search dogs and 18 tonnes of specialised rescue equipment to assist search and rescue operations.
The twin earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing catastrophic damage across several cities, including La Guaira and the capital, Caracas.
(ANI)