The acting president of the country, Delcy Rodríguez, addressed the nation to report that, so far, the death of at least 32 people and over 700 injured has been confirmed, who are being treated in both public hospitals and private health centers. However, the president warned that these figures are preliminary and could increase drastically, as they do not include the damage assessment from La Guaira state.
Rodríguez described the situation in La Guaira as a "true tragedy" and formally declared the region a "disaster zone" due to the massive collapse of dozens of buildings. Describing the event as an "unprecedented seismic phenomenon," the acting president emphasized that security and emergency forces are currently carrying out "very arduous" rescue operations to try to save as many lives as possible from the rubble.
Given the magnitude of the emergency, the interim government has set up hotels and shelters to accommodate people who have lost their homes or whose infrastructure poses imminent risks. Likewise, the immediate suspension of classes and all activities considered "non-essential" for public services has been ordered. In an emotional message, Rodríguez called for "national unity" and urged citizens to act calmly, ensuring that the country will overcome this tragedy that is currently mourning numerous families.
The international response has been prompt. The president especially thanked the contacts maintained with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and confirmed that countries like Mexico, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic are already preparing to send specialized rescue teams. In addition, nations such as China, Brazil, and Qatar, along with various Caribbean neighbors like Antigua and Barbuda or Dominica, have offered their support to alleviate the effects of this natural disaster.