Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 589

By Raphael John-Lall

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced on Friday morning that the death toll from Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes has risen to 589, with 2,900 people injured.

Two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela a minute apart on Wednesday night. The second quake was the strongest to hit the country since 1900.

The disaster caused widespread destruction to buildings, schools and hospitals, while hundreds were killed and injured.

Speaking during a live broadcast on state-run VTV, Rodríguez said authorities had recorded 214 aftershocks across the country since the initial earthquakes.

During an institutional report at 8.19 am, she announced the immediate militarisation of the state of La Guaira as a security measure aimed at maintaining public order and protecting residents’ property.

Rodríguez also praised the efforts of citizens and rescue workers involved in the response.

She thanked the thousands of volunteers and emergency personnel who remain deployed in affected areas, removing debris and searching for survivors.

The United States Geological Survey reported on Thursday that Venezuela could suffer economic losses equivalent to seven per cent of its Gross Domestic Product as a result of the disaster.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, along with several countries around the world, has expressed solidarity with Venezuela and offered financial and other forms of assistance.