Foreign nationals are among the victims of the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week, as the death toll has risen to 1,430, according to official updates.
Authorities said rescue operations are still ongoing amid widespread destruction, with several countries confirming the deaths of their citizens in the disaster that has left millions in urgent need of basic support.
Portugal recorded the highest number of foreign victims, with 28 Portuguese nationals or people of Portuguese descent confirmed dead, while 85 others remain missing, according to the country’s foreign ministry.
China confirmed the deaths of seven of its citizens, with Beijing’s embassy in Caracas also urging nationals in Venezuela to remain alert due to the risk of aftershocks and secondary disasters.
Spain reported at least nine fatalities, along with 131 missing persons and 14 individuals found under rubble. Spanish authorities estimate that more than 140,000 of their nationals live in Venezuela.
Brazil confirmed the deaths of two citizens—a man and a woman—while stating that consular assistance is being provided to their families.
Chile also confirmed the death of one national and said it is offering support and guidance to affected relatives.
Italy reported that an Italian-Venezuelan dual citizen, a man in his mid-50s born in Caracas, was killed when a building collapsed in the La Guaira region, one of the worst-hit areas.
Uruguay confirmed the death of one of its citizens who had lived in Venezuela for many years.
Local authorities also reported that the victim’s wife and eldest daughter were killed in the same incident.
The earthquakes, which struck on Wednesday, have triggered one of the deadliest natural disasters in Venezuela’s recent history, with collapsed buildings, disrupted infrastructure and overwhelmed emergency services.
International aid efforts are gradually being mobilised as authorities continue search-and-rescue operations amid fears that the death toll could rise further.
AFP
