Rescue workers in Venezuela are now in “critical hours” to find survivors following double earthquake that hit the South American country last week, according to Jorge RodrÃguez, Head of National Assembly.
At least, 1,450 people have been confirmed dead, however, the death toll is expected to increase as rescue works continue.
Teams are now hoping on “miracle rescues” as the usual 96-hour period to find most survivors closed on Sunday, according to a British firefighter in Venezuela.
The search for survivors is still ongoing, with those rescued sharing their stories. There is still need for more large equipment to lift debris, and some Venezuelans are saying, the government has not done enough.
Caraballeda, heavily hit affluent coastal town, in the state of La Guaira, suffered huge devastation. Images from prior to the earthquakes show high-rise structures close to Caraballeda Golf and Yacht Club, a venue that revealed the area’s prosperity and wealth.
After the earthquakes, nothing is remaining of the structures, as well as, others in the encircling areas.
The Caraballeda Golf and Yacht Club has now been converted to a temporary hospital and relief centre, providing shelter and support to those affected; it also serves as a collection spot for receiving clothes and humanitarian aid.
Following the earthquakes, Delcy Rodriguez, Interim President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, announced, her government has “created and established” the Presidential Commission, and saddled it with the mission to evaluate “housing habitability and general infrastructure”.
Via X, Rodriguez made known, The General Staff has been activated to support those who have “unfortunately” lost their homes.
Delcy Rodriguez announced: “Following the earthquakes of June 24, we have created and established the Presidential Commission for the evaluation of housing habitability and general infrastructure, including roadways.
“The General Staff was also set up for the creation of transitional camps, to address and to receive those who have unfortunately lost their homes.”
She disclosed plans to commence the construction of new homes, adding, water distribution is being restored with the reconnection of the “good part” of La Guaira State that leads to the National Electric System.
Rodrigues further announced: “At the same time, work begins on planning projects that will allow new homes to be built in a very short time.
“We have managed to reconnect a good part of the state of La Guaira to the National Electric System recovering most of the road access and progressively restoring the water distribution.”
She assured, the search and rescue works “will not rest until we can locate all those who can be rescued”.
Photo: Building destroyed following earthquakes in Venezuela | Getty Images
