Venezuela Earthquake LIVE Updates: Desperation mounts as earthquake death toll rises to 1,430 | World News
A woman walks past a building damaged during an earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela. (Photo: AP)The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has risen to at least 920, with more than 51,000 people reported missing as rescue efforts entered a critical third day, Associated Press (AP) reported. Authorities have restricted access to the worst-hit state of La Guaira, while more than 3,300 people have been injured and 243 rescued, as per the report. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said international rescue teams and aid were arriving, with 861 personnel from several countries joining operations. Aid agencies say the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical for finding survivors trapped under rubble.
India launches Operation Amad: Amid several other countries, India has extended help to Venezuela through ‘Operation Amad’. As part of the mission, a 41-member medical contingent from the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Hospital, including nine medical officers, departed aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft.Story continues below this ad
What happened: The first quake was of a magnitude of 7.1, and its epicentre was west of the community of Moron, about 168 km west of Caracas, at a depth of 13 km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. An even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake took place just minutes later. This second one was situated at a depth of 10 km, and its epicentre was 16 km southwest of Moron. Swaying buildings in Caracas were evacuated. Entire walls of certain buildings collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Tsunami alerts were issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
World leaders offer support: World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Miner Narendra Modi, Pakan Prime Miner Shehbaz Sharif and others have offered their support to Venezuela and condolences to the families of those who died in the twin earthquakes.
Earthquake jolts Japan: Meanwhile, another earthquake of magnitude 7 hit Japan, jolting Hashikami Town, Aomori Prefecture. Its epicentre was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. Following this, Japanese Prime Miner Sanae Takaichi advised citizens to stay vigilant and instructed relevant agencies to give out timely and accurate information to the public regarding evacuation and damage. However, she ruled out any concerns about a tsunami.
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