Earthquakes in Venezuela have claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 people — DW
Powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Venezuela, claiming the lives of at least 1,943 people and leaving more than 43,000 people missing.
The natural disaster caused widespread destruction, leaving approximately 16,000 citizens homeless, with the total number of damaged buildings reaching 59,000.
Rescue operations have entered an extremely difficult phase after the critical 72-hour period—considered the “golden window” for rescuing people trapped under the rubble—has passed.
The chances of finding survivors are now rapidly diminishing, so rescue teams are increasingly focusing on recovering the bodies of the deceased.
Despite the overall tragic trend, miracles do happen—rescuers recently pulled a three-year-old boy alive from the rubble in Caracas.
However, international teams in some regions have already been forced to suspend their searches, as no signs of life are being detected beneath the rubble.
The situation in the country is worsening due to humanitarian threats, including the risk of a massive outbreak of dangerous diseases and food shortages.
The World Food Program has already officially requested $50 million—about 43.83 million euros—to provide emergency aid to 500,000 victims over the next three months.
Venezuela’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to overcrowding and damage to infrastructure.
According to the World Health Organization, three medical centers have sustained critical damage, and six other facilities are forced to operate at only partial capacity.
DW reports on this.
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