Venezuela strengthens UN partnership in wake of deadly earthquake

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, held a meeting with UN representatives to discuss assistance for victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on June 24, Venezolana de Televisión reports.

Rodríguez expressed gratitude to representatives of the international organisation, led by UN Resident Coordinator in Venezuela Gianluca Rampolla, for the support provided in response to the emergency caused by the earthquake.

She praised the cooperation and coordinated efforts with the UN mission in implementing a humanitarian aid plan for the affected population.

In turn, Rampolla stressed that the United Nations is working closely with Venezuelan government authorities to ensure the delivery of high-quality technical assistance.

The earthquake struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24. Two series of tremors with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 were recorded approximately 40 seconds apart. As of July 22, the disaster had left 5,398 people dead, 16,740 injured, and 17,907 homeless. 

A total of 190 buildings were completely destroyed, while 856 others sustained major damage. Some 23,335 people have been accommodated in 107 temporary shelters. During search and rescue operations, 6,462 people were saved. The earthquake was followed by 1,463 aftershocks.

By Jeyhun Aghazada