Enviro News Asia, Venezuela — At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and 971 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela late Wednesday, less than one minute apart, with the full scale of destruction in the worst-hit state of La Guaira still unclear.
According to the US Geological Survey, the first earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter Scale, with its epicentre near the city of San Felipe, home to some 220,000 people. The second tremor registered 7.5 in magnitude and was reportedly the strongest to hit the country in more than 125 years.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the rapid deployment of Urban Search and Rescue Teams through the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group in response to the emergency.
“I’m in constant contact with our team in Caracas, led by Humanitarian Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla, to ensure a swift and effective response,” said UN Emergency Relief Chief Tom Fletcher, adding that his team is working with Venezuelan authorities to identify priorities.
A string of UN agencies mobilized quickly in response. World Food Programme Acting Executive Director Carl Skau said the agency is prepared to provide assistance and reach affected communities quickly. International Organization for Migration Director General Amy Pope called for swift international support, saying IOM is mobilizing with partners to assess needs. UNHCR High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih expressed solidarity with those affected and said the agency stands ready to support response efforts. UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva also confirmed readiness to support rapid response efforts. (*)
