The Chinese Embassy in Venezuela has mobilized and coordinated local Chinese-invested institutions and enterprises to engage in rescue operations after two powerful earthquakes rocked the country on Wednesday.
Venezuela was struck by two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, causing widespread destruction in the north-central state of La Guaira and severe damage across the Caracas metropolitan area.
The twin earthquakes have killed at least 235 people and injured more than 4,300 others, the country's Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on state television on Thursday evening.
President of Venezuela's National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez said on Thursday that at least 346 buildings were damaged, including eight hospitals.
A residential building in Caracas suffered a structural collapse on Thursday. The surrounding area was cordoned off as the steel frame and exterior facade of the building were severely damaged, posing a risk of secondary collapse.
Under the coordination of the Chinese embassy, rescue teams from multiple Chinese-invested institutions quickly arrived at the scene and deployed lifting equipment to carry out the removal of hazardous overhead structures and the clearance of debris.
The rescue personnel were divided into two groups working in coordination: one group was responsible for hoisting and dismantling the suspended steel ladders and large metal frameworks, while the other group conducted hazard inspections on the building structure.
The local emergency management authorities also participated in the joint response, working together to complete the evacuation of nearby residents and safety control measures.
The rescue operations are currently being carried out in shifts until all high-risk structural components are completely cleared.
After the completion of this task, the Chinese rescue teams will continue to take part in other disaster relief efforts.
Chinese-invested institutions, enterprises engage in earthquake rescue in Venezuela
