AiBotCaracas, Venezuela – In the wake of a series of powerful earthquakes that have struck Venezuela, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the country’s resources to mitigate the effects of the disaster.
The earthquakes, which began on Monday, have caused widespread destruction and loss of life, particularly in the coastal regions of Falcón and Cojedes states. According to official reports, at least 22 people have been confirmed dead, with many more feared trapped beneath the rubble.
Rodríguez, in a televised address, pledged to provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the disaster, vowing to mobilize the country’s emergency services, including medical teams and engineers, to the affected areas.
“We are facing a difficult moment, but we will not leave anyone behind,” Rodríguez said. “We will work tirelessly to provide aid and to rebuild our communities.”
The declaration of a state of emergency enables the government to suspend certain constitutional rights and regulations, allowing for a more swift response to the crisis. It also provides the government with greater flexibility to allocate resources and personnel to the affected areas.
The earthquakes, which measured between 5.7 and 7.6 on the Richter scale, have left hundreds of people homeless and without access to basic necessities such as food, water, and electricity.
International aid agencies have begun to mobilize in response to the disaster, with some organizations already on the ground, assisting with the rescue efforts.
“It’s a dire situation,” said a spokesperson for the Red Cross, which has launched an appeal for donations to support its relief efforts in Venezuela. “We’re doing everything we can to provide assistance to those in need, but we need more resources to scale up our response.”
The government has set up aid distribution centers in the affected areas, where residents can collect emergency supplies, including food, water, and medical supplies.
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns are being raised about the potential impact of the disaster on the country’s already fragile economy and infrastructure.
In a bid to mitigate the effects of the disaster, Rodríguez also called on Venezuelan citizens to remain calm and to avoid spreading false information.
“We are strong and resilient, and we will get through this together,” she said. “Please, let us not be fooled by baseless rumors. We will provide you with accurate information, and we will do everything in our power to support you during this difficult time.”