Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has expressed his “solidarity” with Venezuelans following the recent earthquakes which resulted to “numerous deaths and injuries”.
In a latest report, two (2) boys aged eleven (11) have been rescued separately from the rubble of collapsed structures within hours of each other, following huge earthquakes that struck Venezuela.
Pope Leo XIV posted on X: “I wish to express my solidarity with our Venezuelan brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquakes, which have caused numerous deaths and injuries, as well as extensive damage to property.”
Video footage showed the first buy rescued, being pulled out from the debris with his eyes shielded to protect them from the sun; and after some hours, Delcy RodrÃquez, Interim President of Venezuela, announced, another boy, 11, had been rescued.
More than 1,400 deaths have been confirmed by officials since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes struck the South American country on Wednesday; and people in tens of thousands are still missing.
The Bishop of Rome prayed to God for “eternal rest” for those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incidents. He also renewed his “spiritual solidarity” with the families of the deceased, as well as, those who have been inflcited with suffering by this “tragedy”.
Rescue workers are still working for more than eighty (80) hours since the first earthquake struck the country. The rescuers believe some people could still be breathing, particularly if they still have food and water under the rubble.
Pope Leo XIV posted: “Praying to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, I renew my spiritual solidarity with their families, the injured, and all who have been shaken by this tragedy.”
The two (2) earthquakes which hit Venezuela within few seconds forced hundreds of buildings to collapse, leaving many people trapped inside.
Families in their desperation have been digging through the debris with bare hands, hoping to find their loved ones.
The Sovereign of the Vatican City State thanked and encouraged the rescuers for their “generous work”, as well as, rendering assistance.
A report by Reuters revealed that a rescuer was overheard on a walkie-talkie saying, one of the rescued boys was found close to his sister and mother, who had both died.
Pope Leo XIV further posted: “I also wish to express my gratitude and encouragement to those generously working on search and rescue efforts and providing assistance.”
The Coastal region of La Guaira, where Caraballeda is located, has been hit the heaviest, according to officials.
Efforts by rescue workers have been obstructed by aftershocks, which are terrifying to residents.
People in thousands are now living in their cars or camping at places like Airport and Golf Course, distant from structures that could collapse. the Golf Course in Caraballeda is now being used as a place for the emergency response.
Photo: Structures destroyed following twin earthquakes in Venezuela | Rueyers
