The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of two Spaniards in the earthquakes that have struck Venezuela and keeps another 80 Spanish citizens unaccounted for. The update raises the Spanish dimension of a catastrophe that has already left 235 dead and 4,300 injured, according to the provisional toll released by Venezuelan authorities.
Sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have conveyed their condolences to the families of the two deceased Spaniards, whose deaths have been confirmed by their own relatives. The department headed by José Manuel Albares has recalled that the consular emergency lines remain open and operational to assist Spaniards residing in or passing through Venezuela.
In addition to the two deceased Spanish citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lamented the death of a driver from the Spanish Embassy in Caracas, of Venezuelan nationality, who died along with his wife and their two daughters.
Two Spaniards Dead and 80 Unaccounted For
The figure communicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs places the number of deceased Spaniards at two and the number of national citizens who have not yet been located at 80.
The Ministry is working to compile a census of the situation of the Spanish community in Venezuela, a very large community especially concentrated in Caracas and other areas affected by the earthquakes.
The official wording is important: these are Spaniards "unaccounted for" at this time. This means that consular authorities have not yet been able to confirm their situation, not necessarily that they are all trapped or missing under rubble.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Keeps Emergency Lines Open
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Spaniards in Venezuela to contact the Embassy or the corresponding consulate if they have not yet reported their situation.
The consular emergency lines remain permanently open and operational. The Ministry reminds that the numbers can be consulted on the official social media of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Embassy in Venezuela.
The consular priority is to locate Spanish citizens, assist families, coordinate information with Venezuelan authorities, and provide support in the most affected areas.
Spain Sends Rescue Teams
Spain has also activated the dispatch of aid to collaborate in rescue efforts.
The Ministry of Defense has chartered a plane with specialized personnel, including members of the UME, cooperation staff, and emergency teams. The objective is to support the search for survivors, care for the injured, and humanitarian assistance.
The AECID has made its emergency capabilities available, including essential supplies and logistical support. Spain is also working in coordination with European civil protection mechanisms.
The overall toll: 235 dead and 4,300 injured
The earthquakes have already left at least 235 dead and 4,300 injured in Venezuela, according to the latest provisional toll.
The number may continue to rise because there are still people trapped or unaccounted for, and rescue teams continue to work among the rubble.
La Guaira and Caracas are among the most affected areas. In La Guaira, authorities have described a disaster situation due to the collapse of buildings and the magnitude of the damage. In Caracas, several neighborhoods have suffered collapses, evacuations, and cuts to basic services.
The Embassy and Consulate also affected
The emergency has also affected the Spanish network in Venezuela.
According to available information, the Consulate General of Spain in Caracas has suffered significant damage, while the Embassy has sustained minor damage. Nevertheless, consular services remain active to assist Spanish citizens and their families seeking information.
The death of the Embassy's Venezuelan driver along with his family has added a direct impact to the Spanish representation in Caracas.
What Spaniards in Venezuela should do
Spaniards residing in or passing through Venezuela should contact the Embassy or the corresponding consulate to report their situation if they have not already done so.
They should also follow only official channels, avoid damaged buildings, not travel to affected areas unless necessary, and remain attentive to the instructions of local authorities.
In case of emergency, they should use the designated consular lines and provide their full name, location, health status, and contact details.