On Friday, Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace under the Chavista regime, issued a stark warning about an impending public health crisis in La Guaira. This warning comes as decomposing bodies remain trapped beneath rubble following the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.
According to reports from Monitoreamos on social media, Cabello announced a complete lockdown on access to the state starting at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. He justified this decision citing humanitarian, logistical, and health concerns.
"Today is the 26th, and while it hasn't happened yet, there's a potential for a public health issue. Remember, under the rubble, we have both survivors and unfortunately, deceased individuals. This situation demands immediate attention," stated Cabello.
The restriction mandates that anyone wishing to enter La Guaira must first register at the Poliedro de Caracas, which has been designated as a registration center by interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
"Anyone planning to visit the State of La Guaira must adhere to the established protocols as directed by our President. They must register at the poliedro," Cabello clarified.
Cabello also highlighted that the influx of volunteers and onlookers was hindering rescue efforts and endangering lives.
"Local residents have complained about the sheer number of people obstructing movement, thereby hampering rescue operations. When a siren sounds, it indicates someone injured is being transported. If that person is caught in traffic, their chances of survival decrease," he cautioned.
The official toll from the earthquakes, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude on June 24, has reached 920 fatalities, as announced by Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly. More than 3,360 individuals are injured, 157 remain officially missing, and at least 200 are still trapped under debris.
The actual numbers might be significantly higher. The United Nations estimates up to 50,000 missing and suggests that approximately 6.76 million people were affected by the quakes.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a Red Alert, predicting a 42% likelihood that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
In La Guaira, over 250 buildings have collapsed, José María Vargas Hospital has been destroyed, and Maiquetía International Airport remains closed due to severe infrastructure damage. Rescue teams from 16 countries are working tirelessly amid the ruins, with more than 200 aftershocks recorded since the initial earthquakes.
Cabello urged media outlets to broadcast the access restriction to prevent unregistered individuals from reaching checkpoints.
"I ask the media to disseminate this information so people are aware and don't arrive at controls only to be turned away. First, they need to register at the Poliedro in Caracas," he emphasized.
Impact of Earthquakes in La Guaira
What measures have been taken to control access to La Guaira?
Diosdado Cabello announced a total restriction on entering La Guaira, requiring registration at the Poliedro de Caracas for humanitarian, logistical, and health reasons.
What are the current statistics related to the earthquake disaster in Venezuela?
The official death toll stands at 920, with over 3,360 injured, 157 missing, and at least 200 still trapped. The UN estimates up to 50,000 missing, affecting approximately 6.76 million people.
Which facilities and infrastructure have been severely affected in La Guaira?
Over 250 buildings have collapsed, José María Vargas Hospital has been destroyed, and Maiquetía International Airport is closed due to significant damage.