Economic impact Rodriguez praised rescuers on Sunday, saying “we have rescued people who are still alive, and therefore these efforts will not be suspended.” “We always hold onto hope.” Cardozo, the Tucacas volunteer, remained hopeful: “We’re still here waiting. Let’s see if we can get someone else out.” Twenty-four nations have sent 521 tons of supplies, 86 units with dogs trained to locate people trapped beneath the rubble and more than 2,700 search-and-rescue personnel, according to Rodriguez. U.S. helicopters ferried in aid, and 230 more
U.S. military personnel were arriving to help expand airport capacity and reopen a key seaport to boost relief efforts, the U.S. Southern Command said. The U.S. — which captured Venezuela’s former president Nicolas Maduro in a military raid on Caracas in January — had already sent a 250-strong disaster response team. The UN migration agency said that based on population and damage data, up to 6.76 million people could be affected, and would require shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare and essential relief items. Venezuela’s worst earthquakes
in more than a century have come after the oil-rich country endured more than a decade of economic collapse. The crisis has hollowed out hospitals and public services, driving millions to leave the country. The United Nations estimated $6.7 billion in physical damage — equivalent to 6% of Venezuela’s GDP.
Venezuela, quake survivors, search and rescue, Tucacas, Rodriguez, Cardozo, international aid, U.S. Southern Command, UN migration agency, disaster response, physical damage, GDP
So they found survivors still alive right? That’s good at least.
6.7 billion is insane. I saw somewhere they said it was way more like 60 billion? Not sure. Either way I hope those dogs find people, that part always makes me cry.
Wait… the U.S. captured Maduro in a raid in January and now they’re sending helicopters for an earthquake? That feels like more than “aid,” like they’re positioning. Unless I’m mixing stories, but seems sus.
Honestly the part about hospitals being hollowed out doesn’t surprise me because Venezuela been falling apart for years. But 2,700 people for search and rescue still sounds small when you hear “up to 6.76 million” could be affected. Also “airport capacity” and reopening the seaport like that’s just a switch… survivors are literally slipping away, so hurry up. I don’t even get why they’re still waiting if they already have supplies.