Kathmandu. At least 188 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela on Wednesday night. Another 1500 people were injured.
According to the United Nations (UN) Secretariat, the earthquake struck the northern regions in less than a minute. It is unclear how bad the situation is in La Guerra, the worst-hit state.
According to the US Geological Survey, the first quake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was near the city of San Felipe, home to some 220,000 people. The second quake, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale, was the strongest in the country in more than 125 years.
According to rescuers, the death toll and injured are likely to rise further as the rescue operation is in the initial stages.
Responding to the emergency, the United Nations Assistance Office announced the rapid deployment of urban search and rescue teams from the international community through the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group.
“I am in constant contact with our team in Caracas, led by humanitarian coordinator Gianluca Rampolla, to ensure a quick and effective evacuation,” said Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief chief. In Venezuela, our team is working with the authorities to identify priorities. “
The US government has also pledged to provide $150 million in immediate relief to the earthquake victims. It also announced immediate military assistance to rescue those trapped in the rubble of the earthquake.
Venezuela, which is already in the midst of an economic crisis due to US sanctions, has been hit hard by the powerful earthquake.
In January, US forces kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on suspicion of terrorism. Venezuelans have been left without parents since Maduro’s abduction. He is currently in a U.S. prison.
