More than 2,200 rescuers from 27 countries are participating in search-and-rescue operations following the earthquake in Venezuela, according to a statement by UNICEF.
“Teams from 27 countries, with more than 2,200 rescuers and 140 search dogs, are working to locate people trapped under the rubble, with UN support in coordination,” the statement read.
Additional specialist teams and humanitarian supplies have been deployed to affected areas to assist around 650,000 people, including 234,000 children. The aid includes medical assistance, food supplies, clean water, and hygiene products, UNICEF added.
The agency also noted that its first aircraft carrying 20 tonnes of medicines and water, sanitation, and hygiene equipment arrived in the country on June 26. A second humanitarian shipment is expected to be dispatched in the coming days.
Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on June 24. The first measured magnitude 7.2 and the second 7.5, according to the US Geological Survey. The earthquakes triggered 512 aftershocks.
The latest data from Venezuelan authorities show that the death toll has climbed to 1,450, while more than 3,200 injured people remain hospitalised. The disaster destroyed numerous residential buildings, damaged infrastructure and hospitals, and forced the closure of the country’s main airport.
By Jeyhun Aghazada
