UN Mobilizes Aid for Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes

Following twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela, resulting in at least 164 confirmed deaths and 971 injuries, the United Nations is mobilizing support for the affected regions. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, hit northern Venezuela late Wednesday, with the first quake's epicenter near San Felipe.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the need for rapid international support. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric stated that the UN is coordinating with the Venezuelan government to deploy urban search and rescue teams and provide humanitarian assistance.

The Venezuelan government, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, has declared a state of emergency and is working closely with international partners to address the crisis. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is facilitating the deployment of assistance to ensure it reaches those in need as quickly as possible.