Caracas: The Venezuelan government has awarded medals of honor to international rescue teams who assisted in search and rescue operations following the earthquake in the country, as it begins the second phase of its emergency response plan, shifting its focus to reconstruction and recovery. The cumulative death toll is nearing 3,000.
According to Thai News Agency, Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodrguez, awarded the Second Class Hero of Venezuela Medal to rescue teams from the United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Qatar, and Barbados in recognition of their efforts in rescue and relief efforts following last week's devastating earthquakes. The ceremony, held on Saturday, also included the awarding of medals to rescue dogs involved in the search and rescue operations, and the presentation of official letters of appreciation to the ambassadors of the assisting countries.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan authorities announced the start of the second phase of their emergency response plan, shifting the focus to reconstruction and rehabilitation following two powerful earthquakes on June 24th. The main task in this phase is to deploy teams of architects and engineers to inspect the remaining structures to determine their safety and alleviate public anxiety. Authorities have implemented a color-coded assessment system; buildings marked red signify serious danger and will largely require demolition. The Venezuelan government is also collaborating with international experts, scientists, and the real estate and construction sectors to use structural and soil data from the disaster to develop new urban plans and improve earthquake-resistant building regulations for the future.
The first phase of the recovery budget, totaling US$200 million (approximately 6,635 million baht), has been allocated through support from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), along with Venezuelan funds previously frozen abroad.
The death toll from the powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, since June 24 has risen to at least 2,954, with 16,592 injured. 6,462 people have been rescued from the rubble. The affected areas span central and western states. Property damage includes 190 collapsed buildings and 856 damaged structures, leaving more than 16,209 people homeless. Authorities have urgently established 80 temporary shelters to accommodate those affected.
Currently, a total of 29,567 rescue personnel, including 3,281 international experts, are still deployed to search for survivors amid 942 aftershocks.