Venezuela Reopens Main Airport as Death Toll Reaches 1,719

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La Guaira, Venezuela: Venezuela has begun burying victims of the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country last week, as the official death toll climbed to 1,719 and large-scale rescue and relief operations continued across the worst-hit areas.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said 22,619 people have been injured, while 15,866 have lost their homes. Thousands of families have been moved to emergency shelters set up in La Guaira and the Caracas metropolitan area.

Relief efforts received a boost after the United States military repaired and reopened the Port of La Guaira, allowing humanitarian supplies to reach the disaster zone. The USS Fort Lauderdale docked at the port to deliver aid, while American military personnel also helped restore operations at Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas.

Temporary morgues have been set up in La Guaira to handle the large number of victims, with forensic teams working to identify bodies as families wait for news of missing relatives.

The government has tightened security in the disaster zone by deploying the military and introducing a permit system for entry. Meanwhile, a magnitude 4.6 aftershock on Monday added to fears among residents already affected by the disaster.

According to officials, more than 3,300 foreign rescue workers from 45 international delegations are supporting search operations, assisted by 140 rescue dogs and dozens of support vehicles. Authorities said over 75,000 families have received humanitarian assistance, with food and other relief supplies continuing to reach affected communities.

Pic Credit: AFP