Key facts
- Twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday.
- The earthquakes have caused 920 deaths and 3,360 injuries.
- More than 50,000 people are reported missing.
- Over 520 emergency responders from eight EU member states have been mobilized.
- International aid includes specialized personnel, search dogs, and equipment.
Search and rescue efforts are underway in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country earlier this week. The twin tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have caused extensive destruction, with at least 920 people confirmed dead and 3,360 injured. Over 50,000 people remain missing amidst widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The European Union has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism, mobilizing over 520 responders from eight member states including Czechia, Spain, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The first Italian Air Force plane carrying rescue teams, doctors, and search experts has landed in Venezuela.
Spain's Military Emergencies Unit is on the ground conducting reconnaissance and searching for survivors, while 85 French search and rescue personnel have arrived in Caracas. The UK's Royal Air Force is preparing aid packages, and Turkey has sent two military aircraft with personnel and humanitarian aid.
The EU has also activated its Copernicus satellite service for emergency mapping. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced an initial allocation of five million euros in financial aid for relief efforts.