Authorities prioritize rescue operations as international teams join emergency response.
Venezuela has restored 60 percent of the electricity supply in La Guaira, the state hardest hit by Wednesday’s twin earthquakes, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced early Saturday, stressing that rescuing survivors remains the government’s highest priority during the critical first 72 hours after the disaster.
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Speaking from the central command post at 01:00 local time (05:00 GMT), Rodríguez said power had been restored to 60 percent of La Guaira and that authorities expect further progress once a transmission tower that collapsed in the state’s mountainous area is repaired.
“By tomorrow we should make much more progress once we are able to restore the power transmission tower that collapsed in the mountains of La Guaira.”
She added that authorities are simultaneously working to restore drinking water services and ensure food supplies reach communities affected by the earthquakes.
Rodríguez said rescue efforts remain the government’s main focus, highlighting the work of Venezuelan rescue teams, Civil Protection personnel, firefighters, medical workers and Red Cross volunteers.
“The most strategic priority is the rescue process for people who are still alive; it is our priority (…) We have faith that we will rescue them.”
She stressed that the first 72 hours following the earthquakes are crucial for saving lives.
The acting president also said Venezuela has received international support, confirming the arrival of an Italian rescue mission. She added that she had spoken with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who she said was “deeply shocked” by the disaster.
“I want to report that in the coming hours missions from more countries will arrive. Between now and tomorrow, 10 more countries will join the rescue efforts.”
Rodríguez reaffirmed that access to La Guaira remains restricted to ensure security and facilitate emergency operations.
“More than 14,000 military and police personnel are deployed across the state and will continue permanent patrols to guarantee the conditions needed for rescue and recovery efforts.”
She also said collection centers and volunteer hubs have been established nationwide, with hundreds of people already registered to support relief operations.
Authorities continue to prioritize search-and-rescue efforts while advancing the restoration of essential services and coordinating the arrival of additional international rescue missions to support operations in La Guaira.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.