2,600 tons of food have been distributed while rescue teams continue operations.

On Friday, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez provided an updated report on rescue operations and assistance to Venezuelan communities affected by the June 24 earthquakes, highlighting that 2,600 tons of food have already been distributed to the population.

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Venezuela Militarizes La Guaira to Guarantee Security and Assistance to the Population

So far, the natural disaster has left 920 people dead, 3,360 injured, and 383 buildings partially or completely damaged, particularly in La Guaira state. Venezuelan authorities have also recorded damage to 14 hospitals, 25 shopping centers and 1,002 other structures.

Rodriguez urged citizens not to travel to La Guaira in order to avoid traffic congestion on roads that are being used primarily to evacuate the injured and transport heavy machinery, food, medicine and medical equipment to the state.

He also asked far-right activists not to seek political gain by spreading fake news, as occurred when they circulated the false report of a tsunami. He called on the public to rely on official sources for information.

Venezuelan rescue specialists have traveled to the hardest-hit areas of La Guaira from the states of Zulia, Merida, Tachira, Trujillo, Barinas, Miranda, Yaracuy, Anzoategui, Portuguesa, Monagas and Cojedes.

Currently, at least 861 specialized rescue workers are part of teams sent by 16 countries, including Mexico, the U.S., El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia, Spain, Ecuador, Chile, and Panama.

Earlier on Friday, Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the militarization of La Guaira state to coordinate humanitarian assistance and public security. The measure authorizes the immediate deployment of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) in this territory.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: teleSUR

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