Ukraine attacks Russian refinery in Ufa again

Official balance of the earthquake in Venezuela

The interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, updated the figures on Thursday night from the double earthquake that shook the north of the country on June 24. The dead total 2,595 and the injured 12,400, he reported at a press conference in Caracas.

La Guaira was the most affected area, with 189 buildings collapsed. Rodríguez defended the government response and assured that the activation was immediate.

“We didn’t wait a day, two days, three days; it was immediately activated,” he declared.

He explained that three hours after the earthquake, international aid was coordinated and the transfer of rescue teams was ordered. An Emergency General Staff was declared and resources were mobilized before dawn on the first day.

Criticism and government actions

Foreign journalists questioned government management. On social networks, relatives of victims and those affected have criticized the government and those in uniform. According to Rodríguez, in the first 24 hours, 4,000 civilian and military personnel were deployed, a figure that rose to 11,000 in 48 hours and exceeds 19,000 a week after the earthquake. He highlighted the role of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces in rescues, food distribution and installation of field hospitals.

Rodríguez accused “media laboratories” of generating chaos by promoting the population to concentrate in La Guaira, which would have hindered rescue efforts. He described those who spread these matrices as “miserable.” He also rejected complaints of delays in aid and claimed to have received thanks from those affected.

He announced an initial fund of 200 million dollars with the International Monetary Fund for reconstruction and housing in safe areas, and the opening of an account at the CAF subject to audits. Support was requested from 72 countries. Regarding the identification of bodies, he guaranteed that no one will be sent to mass graves, and this is done through fingerprints and forensic comparisons with the Prosecutor’s Office and the Civil Registry. The victims number 12,800, according to official figures.

Rodríguez was accompanied by her brother Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, and the Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabello.

Eight days after the earthquakes that devastated the state of La Guaira, rescue teams made a discovery that renewed hope. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, 43 years old, was found alive under the remains of a shopping center in Catia La Mar.

An air pocket and the supply of water and food he received through the debris allowed him to survive. His transfer by ambulance was received with applause and emotional displays of relief among those present.

Increasing numbers and health risks

Despite the rescue, the emergency continues to leave alarming numbers. The Venezuelan government reports at least 2,295 people dead and more than 11,000 injured. Thousands remain missing or in temporary shelters. Medical personnel have warned about the risk of a health crisis due to unattended injuries and possible outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The government response has generated criticism. Various sectors consider the actions of the authorities insufficient. Meanwhile, political uncertainty persists regarding the upcoming expiration of President Delcy Rodríguez’s interim mandate, amid a lack of official information.

International support

The United States reiterated its support for humanitarian efforts and confirmed the presence of military personnel to support rescue and assistance operations. US officials indicated that they are coordinating with local authorities to facilitate aid. Emergency teams continue the search for survivors and care for thousands of affected families.

An attack without clear answers

More than four months after the bombing of a primary school in Minab, Iran, there is no definitive official report. An Associated Press investigation reveals that most of the victims were children.

The campus was within a complex linked to the Revolutionary Guard. On February 28, staff asked parents to pick up their children because of the bombings. Minutes later, explosions destroyed the building.

Confirmed data

Human rights organizations estimate 157 identified deaths: 123 minors and 34 adults. Other sources raise the figure.

Testimonies describe scenes of devastation. Relatives and rescuers found bodies in the rubble. Hospitals received remains of numerous victims.

The investigation indicates that the US Army had indications that a school was hit. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the building had been identified as an educational center years ago, but that information was not properly shared among targeting teams.

The Pentagon maintains an open investigation. The families demand answers and an official count.

The lack of access to the area, Iranian restrictions and verification difficulties prevent the complete clarification of one of the most tragic attacks of the conflict.