Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency after the country suffered back-to-back powerful earthquakes on Wednesday.
In a televised speech, Rodríguez confirmed there had been fatalities, without specifying how many people may have died, and announced a high-level task force to oversee search and rescue operations.
“We have activated the country’s entire public and private health network — particularly in the most affected areas — to treat the injured during this highly sensitive time for the population. We also extend our immediate condolences to those who have tragically lost a family member,” she said.
Maiquetía International Airport in the capital Caracas has been closed due to “severe damage to its infrastructure,” Rodríguez added.
Classes nationwide have been suspended for the rest of the week, while rail services and activities deemed non-essential have also been temporarily canceled.
Several buildings are known to have collapsed in Caracas. The states of Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón were also affected, with some areas reporting power failures.
“It is a matter of serious consequence,” the acting president said.
Source: CNN
– Agencies
