Death Toll In Venezuela Earthquakes Rise To 589; At Least 50,000 Listed Missing

The Venezuelan government confirmed that at least 589 people have died in the earthquakes that devastated the country. More than 50,000 are listed as missing. Almost 3,000 are currently injured.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez pledged large assistance efforts despite the country’s perennial economic crisis. Reuters noted that authorities could be seen on some streets but were largely absent in other impacted areas.

Several countries have said they will send assistance to the country, whether through rescue teams, financial aid or both. Mexico has sent 250 rescuers, El Salvador almost 200 and Spain nearly 100, the outlet added. Colombia will also be sending dozens, and crews from Switzerland and Germany are on their way too, bringing search dogs, sound equipment and specialized gear.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. will deploy rescue teams and aid. “Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath,” Rubio said in a social media publication. The U.S. will mobilize $150 million in aid, with the Treasury Department lifted some sanctions by authorizing transactions linked to humanitarian aid.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblors had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. Its predictive model has given a 42% chance of at least 10,000 fatalities based on historical averages. The first one had its center less than 18 miles northwest from the town of Montalban and struck at a depth of 8.2 miles. Almost instantly the other, stronger earthquake struck less than four miles north from the initial one.

“This earthquake was the second event in a doublet, this magnitude 7.5 mainshock was preceded just 39 seconds before by a 7.2 foreshock,” the USGS said.

The state of La Guaira, located in the country’s northern coast, has been hit the hardest. More than 100 buildings collapsed there, and dozens of heavy machinery equipment have been deployed to the region.

“Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save. The state of La Guaira is facing a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone,” Rodriguez said. She has also asked for health care professionals in the country to report to hospitals and assist people who have been injured. Some schools will be used as shelters and donation centers.

The UN’s migration body said almost 7 million people could be affected by the earthquake and its aftermath.