The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that one Chilean citizen died as a result of the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday.
The quakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude, left 920 dead and 3,360 injured according to official reports. More than 50,000 people were initially reported missing and at least 172 remain trapped under rubble.
The Foreign Ministry, led by Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna, stated it remains in contact with the victim's family to provide assistance, guidance and support. The statement was released Friday afternoon.
In response to the emergency, the Chilean government dispatched two flights with rescue teams. The first carried 30 USAR firefighters, Interior Undersecretary Máximo Pavez and a Foreign Ministry official, who are now operating from La Guaira. A second flight brought 17 additional rescuers and humanitarian aid.