CARACAS – The death toll from the devastating double earthquake that struck Venezuela has risen to more than 4,700, according to the president of the Venezuelan Parliament. More than 16,000 people have also been injured, while thousands remain missing.
Authorities fear that the number of fatalities could continue to rise, as no survivors have been recovered from collapsed buildings for more than a week. Rescue teams continue searching through affected areas, but hopes of finding more people alive are declining.
The earthquakes caused widespread destruction across several regions, leaving thousands of residents without homes, basic supplies and access to essential services.
Dutch naval support operation
The Dutch naval vessel Zr.Ms. Groningen has delivered tens of thousands of kilograms of emergency supplies to affected areas. The shipment includes drinking water, food supplies and medical equipment to support victims of the disaster.
Using the ship’s helicopter and fast rescue boats, the crew, together with humanitarian organization MedicCorps, has been able to reach some of the most difficult-to-access areas affected by the earthquakes.
The relief operation is being carried out in close cooperation with the United Nations and Venezuelan local authorities to ensure that assistance reaches communities most in need.
The Netherlands has deployed Zr.Ms. Groningen as part of an international humanitarian response aimed at supporting rescue and recovery efforts following the unprecedented disaster.