CARACAS, June 26 (ANI) — The death toll in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes has risen to 235, while more than 4,300 people have been injured, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Thursday evening (local time).
In an interview with state television, Alvarado said most injuries are minor but many serious cases require surgical intervention. He added that some victims were declared dead on arrival at hospitals, while others showed no vital signs upon admission, according to CNN.
“As of 7:00 PM today, we have already attended to more than 4,300 injured people, some minor, most minor, but there are also moderate and serious cases. Many of them have required surgical interventions, and unfortunately, we have received around 235 patients who arrived without vital signs or who died upon arrival at our health facilities,” he said.
Humanitarian relief efforts are underway across affected regions, including Caraballeda and Vargas, where hundreds of volunteers are distributing water, food, medicine, and essential supplies.
A statement from opposition leader María Corina Machado’s party, Vente Venezuela, said citizens have organized motorcycle convoys to deliver aid to affected communities, describing them as “a bridge of hope” for those in need.
“24 hours have passed since the earthquakes and, in Vargas state, the solidarity of the Venezuelan people is once again breaking through amid the tragedy. Hundreds of motorbike riders have organized to deliver water, food, medicines, and supplies to the affected communities. They are citizens who, without expecting anything in return, have decided to become a bridge of hope for those who need it most today,” the post said.
International assistance has also been mobilized. The United States has deployed military transport aircraft under the direction of the State Department to support relief operations.
US Southern Command said C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules aircraft are being used to deliver aid and support disaster response efforts in coordination with US government agencies.
“Delivering relief when every second counts: #SOUTHCOM has directed C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to support Venezuela earthquake relief efforts and help save lives,” the command said in a post on X.
The United Nations, France, and Switzerland have also launched coordinated emergency responses.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed condolences and said the UN system is mobilizing assistance in coordination with Venezuelan authorities.
France has deployed Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, including medical personnel, rescue dogs, and structural collapse experts, as part of a European Union Civil Protection Mechanism response.
Switzerland’s “Swiss Rescue Chain” has also arrived with 80 specialists, eight search dogs, and 18 tons of equipment to assist search-and-rescue operations in coordination with local authorities.
The earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across La Guaira, Caracas, and surrounding regions. (ANI)
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