Venezuela quake death toll rises to 3,685
Caracas, July 8
The death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 3,685, and 16,740 others were injured, according to an official update released by Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
A total of 17,907 people have been left homeless, according to the update released on Rodriguez's Telegram channel.
Since the twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck on June 24, Venezuela has recorded 1,076 aftershocks, according to the update.
An official report earlier said 17,345 people were also displaced, reports Xinhua news agency.
Authorities have also set up 80 temporary camps to assist displaced and affected people.
According to Saturday's update, 29,567 rescuers remain deployed to search for survivors, including 3,281 from abroad.
Meanwhile, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez declared seven days of national mourning last week in tribute to the victims of the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on June 24.
"In honour of the memory of the victims, I have decided to decree National Mourning for seven (7) days, starting at 6:00 p.m. today," Rodriguez wrote in a statement posted on social media.
She said that "in these moments of profound sadness, we embrace those who suffer from this tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to accompany and protect them."
"Venezuela's soul is torn by the human losses caused by the devastating earthquakes," Rodriguez added.
Authorities said that tens of thousands still missing.
Meanwhile, Indian medical teams continue to provide humanitarian support to the people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela under 'Operation Amistad'. Survivors and their families have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the treatment and care being extended in the Indian Army's Field Hospital.
Caracas, July 8 (IANS) The death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 3,685, and 16,740 others were injured, according to an official update released by Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is devastating. The numbers are staggering - 3,685 dead and 17,907 homeless?! And 1,076 aftershocks? 😥 I pray for those still trapped. Glad India is there helping, but the scale of this disaster is overwhelming.
Kudos to 'Operation Amistad'! 🇮🇳 This is what real global brotherhood looks like - Indians risking their lives to help strangers. But honestly, the Venezuelan government should have been better prepared for quakes in a seismically active region. Still, now is time for support, not criticism.
As an international student from Canada, this makes me realize how fragile life is. India's response shows why the world needs more cooperation, not just during crises but always. 29,567 rescuers - that's massive! Hope they find more survivors.
Modi ji's foreign policy is really something. From helping Nepal in 2015 to now Venezuela - India stands by everyone in need. 🇮🇳 But on a sad note, 3,685 lives lost... that's like a small town wiped out. Hope reconstruction happens fast.
As someone from the US, I appreciate India's humanitarian work here. 80 temporary camps and 3,281 foreign rescuers - that's a huge coordinated effort. But I wonder if the Venezuelan government's infrastructure can handle the long-term rebuild. 🙏 for all affected.
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