Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,954; India Praised for Swift Medical Aid

The death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 2,954 , according to a new report from the Venezuelan Ministry of Information released on Saturday.

The figure represents an increase of 309 fatalities compared to the previous report, which counted 2,645 deaths. Likewise, the number of injured rose to 16,592 , while 16,309 people are currently homeless.

According to new figures presented by Jorge Rodríguez , president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, medical teams have so far attended to 22,445 people affected by the emergency.

Meanwhile, nearly 30,000 officials have been deployed to the affected areas, along with 3,281 international rescuers , to assist in relief efforts.

Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvan Gil on Sunday expressed his thanks to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his greetings on their Independence Day.

How did Venezuela thank India for its support after the devastating earthquakes?

Gil also thanked India for their assistance as Venezuela reels under the arduous aftermath of devastating earthquakes.

"Thank you, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, for your warm greetings to the people of Venezuela on our Independence Day,” he said in a post on X.

“Venezuela and India are trusted partners, united by a longstanding friendship and a promising shared future. I also wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for India's solidarity and meaningful support as Venezuela faces these challenging times. Together, we will continue strengthening the bonds between our nations,” Gil added.

Jaishankar on Sunday extended greetings to the people and government of Venezuela for their National Day.

"Warm greetings to FM Yvan Gil, the Government and people of Venezuela on their National Day. Look forward to enhancing our engagement," he wrote on X, sharing an image of the last meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

On Saturday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil visited the field hospital set up by India under Operation Amistad, and lauded the medical services provided there.

"Operation Friendship, carried out by our sister nation of India, has established a hospital center at the Caracas Racetrack that provides comprehensive and high-quality care to all those affected by the tragedy of the double seismic event,” he said in a post on X.

“We had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness this moving demonstration of solidarity, alongside the Ambassador of India to Venezuela, P.K. Ashok Babu,” he added.

The seismic activity occurred on June 24 , when two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela less than a minute apart. The first quake was centered about 160 kilometers west of Caracas, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

(With inputs from ANI)