The death toll from the two earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 3,000

The number of The two strong earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week about Three thousand dead, according to official figures, while international rescue teams began to reduce Searching operations under the rubble With hopes of finding survivors fading.

In the city of La Guaira, the city most affected by the disaster, located forty kilometers from the capital, Caracas, entire residential buildings were reduced to rubble as a result of the two earthquakes that struck the country almost simultaneously on June 24.

A large number of those affected are still homeless, sleeping on the streets or taking refuge in public parks.

The search continues

Francisco Saskia, a 38-year-old rescue volunteer and translator, said in front of a building in the Playa Grande neighborhood. "Our operations are still continuing, we are still recovering bodies from under the rubble, and we will continue to work"

The relatives of those trapped under the rubble submitted to the use of heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, in the operations to recover the bodies.

Susana Graterol, 47 years old, whose ten neighbors are still missing, said in front of a collapsed building in the Playa Grande neighborhood. "We families need to turn the page"stewardess "They will be able to find them using heavy machinery. This is the best option, because the past days were very harsh and stressful for us"

Preliminary toll

According to a preliminary toll issued by the Venezuelan Ministry of Communications, at least 2,954 people died and 16,592 others were injured in the two earthquakes, which are considered among the strongest and most destructive earthquakes in Latin America.

The ministry also indicated that more than 16,000 people were left homeless, noting that 856 buildings were damaged.
/>
The two earthquakes occurred 39 seconds apart, and mainly affected northern Venezuela, putting the country into a state of mourning and despair over the lack of finding relatives, whether alive or dead.

Honoring the rescue teams

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez honored the American rescue personnel on Saturday, and told them in a ceremony held for the occasion "The Venezuelan people will never forget this gesture"

Rodriguez honored rescuers from the United Kingdom, Qatar, France, India, Barbados, Brazil, and Argentina. Medals were also awarded to search dogs.

She said that she is in contact with some countries that will contribute to the rehabilitation of Maiquetia Airport in La Guaira, which was closed as a result of the earthquake before it was partially reopened to receive humanitarian relief flights.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter