Death Toll of Spaniards in Venezuela Earthquakes Rises to 26, Missing to 150

Madrid, Jan 1 (KUNA) -- Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced on Wednesday that the number of Spanish citizens killed in the two earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 26, while 150 others remain missing. Albares made the statement at Madrid’s Adolfo Suarez-Barajas Airport, where he saw off, alongside Queen Letizia, the medical emergency team from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, which was dispatched to Venezuela to support Spanish rescue teams operating in the affected areas. Albares added that 11 other Spanish nationals remain trapped under the rubble, emphasizing that all possible efforts are being made to rescue them as quickly as possible. The minister clarified that a new plane to evacuate citizens will arrive in Spain later today, carrying 130 people, including 92 Spanish nationals, as well as citizens from Venezuela and other European countries. Albares said the Spanish government will provide an additional contribution of 300,000 euros ($341,200) to supply shelter and relief materials to the affected areas, praising the expertise of Spanish emergency teams and volunteers participating in relief efforts, and affirming that the mission embodies “the solidarity of the Spanish people with the Venezuelan people” in the face of the disaster. Spain announced last Thursday an initial package of one million euros ($1.14 million) through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to meet the urgent needs of the Venezuelan people. (End) H.N.D./M.A.A.