At least 1,450 reported dead as rescue operators tear through rubble in Venezuela
Caracas, June 29
At least 1,450 people have died since last week's devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, according to a top lawmaker, CNN reported.
US Southern Command said their frantic efforts continue on ground as first responders assisted US Marine climbing through rubble.
In a post on X, the US Southern Command said, "Racing against the clock to save lives in Venezuela: First responders assist a U.S. Marine climbing through rubble during a search for survivors in earthquake-damaged structures. Operating day and night, these crews continue to support international search and rescue operations across the hardest-hit communities. At the direction of SOUTHCOM, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting US Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela."
Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Sunday the creation of a presidential commission to assess the condition of housing and infrastructure damaged by the powerful earthquakes that struck the South American country, and extended school closures for another week, as per CNN.
She noted how earlier in the day, an 11-year-old boy was rescued alive in Caraballeda.
"In these hours, every life is hope for Venezuela," she said.
The strongest quake to hit Venezuela in more than a century could not have come at a worse time for the country. Venezuela's once-booming economy had already been crippled by years of US-led sanctions, hyperinflation, government corruption and mismanagement of the oil sector, despite sitting on the world's largest oil reserves. Its GDP has shrunk by roughly 80% since 2013, as per CNN.
Then came the US capture of former President Nicolas Maduro in January.
In his place, Rodriguez has been cautiously liberalizing the economy and courting foreign oil companies, while currying favor with Washington pragmatically and seeking relief from crushing sanctions.
But even though the US has eased sanctions, and oil production has gradually increased, inflation remains high and ordinary citizens continue to struggle with low pay.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's strange to see the US military helping in a country that was under US sanctions for so long. But in a disaster like this, politics should be set aside. The focus must be on saving people. The story of that 11-year-old boy rescued alive gives me some hope. Humanity first, always. 🇮🇳❤️🇻🇪
The timing couldn't be worse for Venezuela. A massive earthquake on top of an economic crisis and political turmoil. The US easing sanctions is good, but inflation is still crushing the poor. I hope the international community doesn't just send Marines but also long-term aid to rebuild infrastructure. India should also offer assistance!
I'm glad the US is helping, but it's hard to ignore the irony. After years of sanctions that crippled the economy, now they're rescuing people from rubble. Still, every life matters, and the rescue teams are doing incredible work. The political mess can be sorted later; right now, it's about saving survivors.
"Every life is hope for Venezuela" - that line from the acting President is powerful. The fact that an 11-year-old was pulled out after so long shows the resilience of the human spirit. But let's not forget, this country's economy was destroyed by external pressures and internal corruption. A tragedy within a tragedy.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.