Caracas [Venezuela], July 2 (HBTV): Rescue and relief operations continued across Venezuela after last week's devastating twin earthquakes left more than 1,900 people dead, according to official sources.
According to CNN, National Assembly President Jorge Ramirez, the brother of the acting president, announced on Tuesday that the death toll had risen to at least 1,943, an increase of around 200 from the previous day.
However, the actual number of casualties is believed to be significantly higher. The US Geological Survey has estimated there is a high likelihood that the final death toll could reach tens of thousands.
CNN also reported that the United Nations' Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela, Gianluca Rampolla, said on Monday that the Venezuelan government and the UN were procuring 10,000 body bags in anticipation of additional fatalities.
In La Guaira, residents continued searching through the rubble of collapsed buildings. CNN reported that a government excavator remained idle at one of the sites because there was no fuel available to operate it.
Meanwhile, Indian medical teams continued providing relief and medical assistance in the earthquake-hit country under Operation Amistad.
On the occasion of Doctors' Day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended his wishes to medical professionals and thanked the Indian medical teams serving in Venezuela for their dedication during the relief operations.
The Ministry of External Affairs also shared visuals showing the Indian Army Field Hospital continuing to provide medical care to affected residents. In another video released by the ministry, Venezuelan citizens expressed gratitude to India for its humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended the Indian medical teams, describing their work under Operation Amistad as a shining example of the commitment and service shown by healthcare professionals during times of crisis.
According to CNN, researchers at NASA estimated that approximately 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed by the twin earthquakes that struck central and northern Venezuela.
(ANI)