Venezuela was struck by back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday. Initial reports confirmed 32 deaths and 700 injuries. But tragically, The Times of Israel now reports that the death toll has risen dramatically to 589, with more than 1,500 people injured. The numbers have continued to climb over the past two days as search-and-rescue operations continue. The United States has announced that humanitarian aid is ready to be deployed, while Israel has said it is discussing sending additional assistance.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez warned the toll was expected to rise as rescuers search collapsed buildings and emergency crews reach devastated areas hit by 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time (1 a.m. Thursday Israel time).
The US Geological Survey, using predictive modeling, said the death toll would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.
In response to the disaster, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it is making “immediate preparations” for the possible deployment of an aid delegation. The ministry said it was “conducting a situational assessment with the relevant authorities in Israel and is examining possible avenues for assistance.”
There is currently no knowledge of any hurt or missing Israelis in the country, The Times of Israel understands.
Israel’s ZAKA emergency response organization said earlier that it is preparing teams to possibly be sent to help local authorities rescue people from the rubble, adding that it hasn’t received information regarding casualties among the country’s small Jewish community. Fellow rescue organization IsraAid also said it was “urgently responding” to the unfolding disaster.
These are reported to be two of the strongest earthquakes to ever hit Venezuela with buildings evacuated as far as the Amazon, more than 1,000 miles away from the capital city of Caracas. The country’s main airport was damaged and closed and natural gas in Caracas was shut off. Schools have been canceled for several days, with some being used as shelters. Dozens of buildings also collapsed.
The first earthquake’s epicenter was the city of Morón on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, 104 miles west of Caracas. The larger second earthquake occurred just one minute later, 10 miles southwest of Morón.
Venezuela is home to a modest population of 6,000 Jews. Some of them lived in Caracas. As rescuers and families scour the damaged and collapsed buildings looking for their loved ones, The Fellowship and our supporters pray for them, their country, and that the whole world will follow the U.S. and Israel’s example in showing compassion and care when others need it most.
