Caracas: The death toll from the catastrophic earthquakes in Venezuela has surged to nearly 2,300. Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez revealed that two devastating earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck in quick succession last week, resulting in the deaths of 2,295 individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement was made on state television by the Speaker of Venezuela's National Assembly, marking the seventh day since the disaster. In addition to the rising death toll, 12,841 people have been affected. Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodrguez, has declared a seven-day national mourning period commencing Wednesday evening local time. The people of Caracas observed a moment of silence at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in memory of the victims.
Venezuelan authorities and international rescue teams are tirelessly continuing their efforts to locate survivors amidst the debris. Criticism has been directed at the government from local residents due to perceived delays and inefficiencies in the rescue operations. The International Rescue Commission, a non-governmental organization, has also expressed concerns that the government's response is failing to adequately meet the urgent humanitarian needs.
To cope with the crisis, Venezuelan authorities have transformed an area near the Lacuira port into a temporary autopsy site, which is being used to store and manage the remains of those who perished in the earthquake, as local hospital morgues are overwhelmed. Reports from local media indicate that numerous coffins are lined up at the port, where forensic doctors, clad in blue gowns and caps, are diligently working in this makeshift facility.
In terms of structural damage, a research team from Oregon State University, utilizing satellite imagery, found that approximately 59,000 buildings were either damaged or obliterated. Preliminary evaluations from the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), employing satellite data, offer a similar estimate, with around 58,870 buildings across the region believed to be damaged or destroyed.