Key facts
- Pope Leo expressed solidarity with Venezuelans affected by recent earthquakes.
- The European Union mobilized 5 million euros in emergency assistance.
- Thirty-three people have been rescued following the earthquakes.
- Tens of thousands remain unaccounted for.
- The death toll has surpassed 1,400.
- The EU's Copernicus satellite system is aiding in damage assessment.
Pope Leo expressed solidarity with Venezuelans affected by recent devastating earthquakes, conveying his closeness to those impacted by the disaster. He also expressed gratitude to rescuers and aid workers.
Separately, the European Union mobilized 5 million euros ($5.9 million) in emergency assistance for the affected communities. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated she had spoken with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, to convey Europe's solidarity. The European Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated, leading to the deployment of search-and-rescue teams, firefighters, and medical personnel. The EU's Copernicus satellite system is assisting in mapping the damage to direct aid effectively.
Thirty-three people have been rescued so far following Venezuela's twin earthquakes, including several children, while tens of thousands remained unaccounted for. The death toll from the quakes rose above 1,400 as of Saturday, with foreign rescue teams arriving in the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated more than 10,000 deaths were possible from the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes. The window for rescuing survivors is closing, with Saturday evening marking 72 hours since the quakes.