The death toll from June’s devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to over 3,600, with up to 50,000 people still missing under the rubble. The earthquakes, which struck on Wednesday (June 24), were the most powerful the country has experienced in over a century. The quakes caused widespread destruction, particularly in La Guaira and the capital, Caracas.
Many of the missing include more than 100 Venezuelans who had been deported from the United States and were being processed in a coastal hotel when the earthquakes hit. According to NPR, these deportees were caught in the collapse of the hotel, leading to a frantic search for survivors.
International aid is pouring in, with the United States pledging $150 million in assistance and deploying elite rescue teams to help with recovery efforts. CNN reports that the US has sent significant military resources, including ships and aircraft, to support the relief operations.
The earthquakes struck at a time when Venezuela was already grappling with political and economic crises. The country faces challenges in providing timely information to its citizens due to a restricted media landscape, making it difficult for residents and those abroad to get updates on the situation.
The Venezuelan government is working to expedite search and rescue efforts, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources. Many residents have been forced to set up makeshift camps outside their homes, fearing aftershocks and further building collapses. The international community, including neighboring countries like Colombia and Cuba, is stepping in to provide humanitarian aid and support the rescue missions.
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