Venezuelan Earthquake Death Toll Rises

In a recent televised address, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez reported that the death toll from two significant earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 1,719.

Rodríguez also mentioned that the number of injuries has reached 5,034, while 15,866 individuals are now homeless due to the disasters.

The U.S. Geological Survey warns that there is a 44% probability the death toll could surpass 10,000.

Since the earthquakes struck northern Venezuela last Thursday, there have been 609 aftershocks recorded. The first earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.2, followed closely—a mere 39 seconds later—by a 7.5 aftershock.

International aid is rolling in, with countries like Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, and the United States, along with the United Nations, dispatching search and rescue teams and offering humanitarian support.

U.S. officials noted that the United States has committed $300 million towards earthquake preparedness. This amount exceeds the contributions made following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

A U.S. official stated, “This is, by any real estimate, the largest response to a natural disaster that the United States has undertaken in this century in terms of personnel on the ground, funding and speed.” Regarding the rising death toll, the official added, “We’ve seen a fairly rapid increase in the past few days. I think the toll will continue to increase as we expand our relief efforts. This effort is ongoing and increasing by the hour in terms of all the partnerships we’re announcing and everything and everyone we’re working with.”