Venezuela's Acting President Orders Three Key Post-Earthquake Recovery Steps

Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, has introduced three key measures for rescue and reconstruction efforts after two powerful earthquakes struck the northern region of the country on Wednesday. The acting president ordered the mobilisation of debris-clearing equipment from private companies, the establishment of a $200 million relief fund, and the provision of special credit facilities for affected business owners. These were described as essential steps in the response to the devastating earthquakes, the likes of which have not been seen for decades in the country’s history, according to President of the National Assembly of Venezuela Jorge Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said on Thursday that the country is taking the necessary steps to coordinate international aid. At least 12 countries from the region and other parts of the world have expressed solidarity and offered assistance. Venezuela was rocked by two successive earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday. The disaster caused widespread damage in La Guaira State, located in the north-central region of the country, and severe destruction in the Caracas metropolitan area. As of Thursday afternoon, at least 188 people had died and more than 1,520 were injured as a result of the quakes, according to official data.