UN International Migration Organization Estimates…Refugee Numbers Expected to Continue Rising
UN International Migration Organization Estimates…Refugee Numbers Expected to Continue Rising
Venezuela Earthquake
[Reuters=Yonhapnews]
It has been claimed that a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on the 24th (local time) caused damage to up to 6.76 million people, including loss of life and property, evacuation life, and other various damages.
According to Venezuelan daily newspaper El Nacional on the 26th (local time), Joy Brennan, spokesperson for the UN International Migration Organization (IOM), revealed at a joint press conference of UN organizations held in Geneva, Switzerland on the same day that an estimated 6.76 million people, including 2 million residents of Caracas, are estimated to have been affected by this earthquake.
Brennan said, "Buildings have collapsed and essential infrastructure has been damaged, limiting access to basic services," and "Currently, rescuing people from the rubble is the top priority."
He continued, "Investigations are ongoing to understand the full scale," and added, "It is clear that the number of refugees will increase as residents affected by the earthquake move to find safe places."
Spokespersons from other UN organizations also reported that approximately 20 emergency hospitals located in states such as Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon suffered facility damage.
Meanwhile, confirmed casualties from the earthquake site are also increasing over time. Venezuelan authorities reported as of 9 a.m. that day that 589 people died and 2,980 people were injured.
buff27@yna.co.kr
