United Nations mobilises support to help Venezuela earthquake victims

UN Secretary General António Guterres has expressed solidarity with Venezuela following the twin earthquakes that struck the country.

UN spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, said this on Thursday at UN headquarters in New York while briefing journalists on the support the global organisation is offering to the country.

At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and 971 were injured after the powerful tremors hit northern areas late Wednesday less than one minute apart.

However, it is not yet known how bad the situation is in the worst-hit state of la Guaira.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter Scale.

Its epicentre was near the city of San Felipe, home to some 220,000 people. The second quake was registered at 7.5 magnitude and was reportedly the strongest tremor to hit the country in more than 125 years.

Dujarric said Guterres extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

Initial reports indicate significant destruction across several states, including in the capital Caracas.

Many people have reportedly been killed and injured, while others remain trapped or are still missing. Critical infrastructure has been damaged and basic services have been disrupted.

According to him, the United Nations in Venezuela, including the Humanitarian Country Team, is mobilising assistance and working closely with the Government and our partners to support the response.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is facilitating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams.