Venezuela places quake-hit La Guaira state under military control
Caracas, June 27
Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said that La Guaira state, which was hard hit by Wednesday's twin earthquakes, had been placed under military control to facilitate rescue efforts and ensure security.
"We want to tell everyone that La Guaira state is now fully militarised and fully under the control of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces," Rodriguez said during a televised briefing on Friday (local time).
Rodriguez said acting president Delcy Rodriguez had ordered the measure to ensure public safety, maintain internal order and facilitate rescue operations by Venezuelan emergency responders and international rescue teams.
He said the majority of rescue personnel were operating in Caraballeda, Macuto, Los Corales and Catia La Mar -- areas that had been severely affected by the earthquakes, reports Xinhua news agency.
Rodriguez called on the public not to travel to La Guaira to avoid congesting evacuation routes and routes used for transporting rescue teams and equipment.
He also called on Venezuelans to donate supplies, including water, food, mattresses, clothing, blankets, light and heavy equipment, including earthmoving machinery, through collection centres set up in Caracas.
He thanked thousands of volunteers, officials and rescue organisations for their tireless efforts to save lives and assist those affected.
Technical and humanitarian assistance from more than a dozen countries has begun arriving in Venezuela to help victims and support early recovery efforts after Wednesday's devastating earthquakes.
Rescue teams and specialised equipment have arrived in Venezuela since Thursday from countries including India, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Qatar, as well as from the UN system.
Wednesday's earthquakes killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,360, according to the latest official report, severely damaging infrastructure along the country's central coast.
— IANS
Reader Comments
920 lives lost is a tragedy no country should face alone. Glad to see global solidarity—India, Colombia, Germany all stepping up. Military control might seem extreme but in disaster zones, it often prevents looting and ensures aid reaches the needy. Prayers for Venezuela. 🙏
Military control for rescue is logical, but it’s also a slippery slope for authoritarian overreach. Hope Venezuela balances security with transparency. Good to see India sending aid—we have experience with disaster management after Uttarakhand and Kerala floods.
Earthquakes don't discriminate, eh? One day everything normal, next day devastation. Venezuelan authorities are doing the right thing by militarizing—keeps roads clear for ambulances and supplies. Kudos to the Indian team helping out. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
The scale is heartbreaking—920 dead, 3,360 injured. Military control seems necessary, but I hope it doesn’t lead to human rights violations. Venezuela needs all the help it can get. India’s presence in international disaster response is growing, and that’s commendable.
In India, we also use army during natural disasters—like during the Kedarnath floods or Cyclone Fani. So this move is understandable. But the government must also ensure no misuse of power. My heart goes out to the Venezuelan people. Stay strong! 🌍
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