Death toll rises to 589; over 2900 people injured after twin earthquakes in Venezuela
Caracas, June 26
The death toll following the fatal earthquakes in Venezuela has crossed 500 while over 2900 people have been injured, acting President Delcy Rodriguez told state broadcaster VTV, according to CNN.
As per the report by CNN, Rodriguez said on Friday that the death toll has risen to 589, with 2,980 people injured.
The update comes as rescue operations are underway to bring out people trapped under the rubble during the critical "golden window" of up to 72 hours following the earthquake.
CNN reported that the death toll is expected to rise significantly as search teams find more victims.
"We haven't slept a wink in our efforts to save lives," Rodriguez told VTV, as she also praised the arrival of international assistance and emergency crews. "We have saved dozens of lives."
As per VTV, search and rescue teams are concentrating efforts on the state of La Guaira, which appears to be the most affected area following the deadly back-to-back earthquakes.
It was reported that the government said it has also established a stockpile centre of food, water and medicines for those in need at the foreign ministry in Caracas.
Humanitarian efforts are underway in Venezuela as hundreds of citizens have volunteered to deliver water, food, medicines, and supplies to the affected communities in Caraballeda and Vargas.
India has launched 'Operation Amistad' to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, with two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying a field hospital unit and more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Friday.
In a post on X, announcing the operation, Jaishankar said, "Operation Amistad underway! Two @IAF_MCC C17S took off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts."
The relief mission includes an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including medicines, medical equipment and two BHISHM Cubes, designed to provide rapid emergency medical support in disaster situations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wow, a field hospital unit and over 35 tonnes of supplies? That's a serious relief effort. I hope other countries step up too. Those 72 golden window hours are crucial for saving lives under rubble.
Jaishankar ji announced Operation Amistad so quickly! The name 'Amistad' meaning friendship is perfect. India's humanitarian assistance is top-class. But I'm worried about our IAF personnel landing in an earthquake zone — hope they are safe.
This is a global tragedy. 589 dead, almost 3000 injured, and the death toll will only rise. India's quick response with field hospitals and BHISHM cubes is commendable. But let's also remember — Venezuela's economy wasn't in great shape before this. International support is critical now.
Bhishm cubes are a great invention from DRDO, no doubt. But sending field hospital units and tons of medicines while our own healthcare system is underfunded feels a bit contradictory? We could do more for our own rural areas too. Just a thought. 🤔
Rescue workers haven't slept — that's dedication. The 'golden window' is real. I've seen stats that survival rates drop sharply after 72 hours. Let's hope more are found alive. India's air force flying relief is a positive story amidst all this tragedy.
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