The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, led the Cuban government delegation this Monday at noon to the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Havana to sign the book of condolences opened in honor of the victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation on June 24th.
In his message, he expressed, on behalf of the Cuban Party, State, Government and people, his "deepest condolences to the people and Government of the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
Díaz-Canel emphasized his solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims, while reaffirming his commitment to providing support in addressing the consequences of this natural disaster.
The Cuban President also highlighted the work being carried out by Cuban doctors and rescue workers in the Caribbean nation, who, “representing the Homeland, are modestly contributing to the rescue and relief efforts for those affected.” The Head of State guaranteed that they would remain in the area “for as long as necessary.” The message concluded with a hug and heartfelt condolences on behalf of Cuba.
The Cuban delegation included the President of the National Assembly of People's Power, Esteban Lazo Hernández; the Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, both members of the Political Bureau; and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Peñalver Portal. The high-ranking officials were received at the diplomatic mission by the Venezuelan Ambassador to Cuba, Orlando Maneiro Gaspar.
On June 24, a double seismic event of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale hit the northern coast of the country, with main impacts located in the state of La Guaira and the capital, Caracas.
The official death toll reported so far exceeds 3,300, with more than 16,700 injured. The earthquakes caused the total collapse of 190 buildings and left more than 17,345 people homeless.
More than 1,000 specialists from some 20 countries have been deployed to Venezuela to assist in rescue and medical care efforts. As soon as the earthquakes struck, Cuban specialists providing medical services in the Bolivarian nation began treating the injured.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, recently recognized the efforts of the rescue teams, including the Cubans, and awarded them the distinctions "Heroes of Venezuela" and "Canine Heroes of Venezuela."
Despite the time that has passed, rescuers continue working to remove debris and search for survivors, with cases such as that of a woman and three children rescued this Sunday after eleven days trapped under the rubble. (Granma)