In statements to Venezolana de Television, the president declared that she was in direct contact throughout the night with the governor of La Guaira state, Alejandro Teran, and its mayor, Jose Manuel Suarez, because that region was one of the areas declared a disaster zone.

She explained that “a large number of buildings” collapsed there, and that rescue and search efforts should be concentrated there.

Images shared on social media showed numerous buildings completely destroyed or with partial structural damage, as was the case at Simon Bolivar International Airport, which suspended operations.

She noted that rescuers from other states had been deployed to La Guaira to support rescue efforts, and that she was also in talks with authorities in Caracas, where 10 buildings collapsed.

The head of state announced the creation of an initial fund of $200 million, using resources from the International Monetary Fund, to rebuild infrastructure, hospitals, and construct homes for those who lost them.

In addition, she indicated that another fund would be created for the immediate assistance of the victims of the natural disaster that has devastated dozens of families, leaving 164 people dead and 971 injured.

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