Venezuela is experiencing one of its worst humanitarian crises following the devastating earthquakes that struck on June 24. As the death toll from the two major tremors that hit the northern state of La Guaira surpasses 4,000, the international community has mobilized to provide assistance.
President of the Venezuelan Parliament Jorge Rodriguez announced on his Telegram account that at least 4,118 people have died and 16,740 have been injured. Rodriguez stated that the earthquakes leveled entire neighborhoods in the coastal state of La Guaira.
$1 million in support from FIFA
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) extended a helping hand to contribute to the recovery from the disaster. FIFA announced that it would allocate $1 million through its foundation to support emergency humanitarian efforts, assist rapid response teams, and aid community recovery.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a written statement, "The people of Venezuela have the full solidarity of the global football family during this extremely difficult time."
$300 million appeal from the UN
The United Nations (UN), for its part, issued an emergency appeal last Wednesday to raise approximately $300 million for relief operations for earthquake victims in Venezuela.
Official search efforts have ended
Although official rescue teams have halted their search for survivors, many people are continuing their own efforts to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones from the rubble. A magnitude 3 aftershock that struck central Caracas on Friday caused panic among the population and led to the evacuation of some buildings.
Call to release frozen assets
Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez reiterated her call for the release of assets frozen abroad to be used in the country's recovery. In a statement last Wednesday, Rodriguez said she had requested King Charles III to release approximately 30 tons of Venezuelan gold frozen under UK sanctions.
The strongest earthquake in a century
Just 39 seconds after the first magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck on June 24, the region was shaken by a second tremor of magnitude 7.5. This went down in history as the most powerful earthquake recorded in Venezuela in more than a century, reducing numerous high-rise apartment complexes to rubble.
Many buildings collapsed, particularly in the coastal city of La Guaira near the capital Caracas. According to experts, the chances of rescuing any survivors from the rubble are extremely low. Rescue teams are now focusing their efforts on debris removal and caring for those affected by the disaster.
