Death toll from Venezuela’s twin quakes continues to rise

By James Blears

There were 1,400 aftershocks following the two main earthquakes, which shook a nation and an entire Continent on 24 June.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez says the official death toll is now 5,208, while more than 16,000 have been injured. This will rise, but the full extent of loss of life won’t ever be totally calculated.

The coastal State of Guaira is worst affected. Large areas will take years to build back. International aid agencies, who are providing emergency funding, are warning of disease, especially due to a chronic lack of fresh water.

It’s a gargantuan challenge for Interim President Delcy Rodríguez and her Administration. Washington has pledged 150 million dollars worth of help. But…is still holding the whip hand on an array of economic sanctions plus strictures,  over a nation grievously suffering.

Natural catastrophes can happen to any nation at any time. Yet the poorest and least equipped to help their citizens need humanitarian help.