Rescue teams in Venezuela have continued their search for survivors in the aftermath of a deadly landslide that struck the coastal town of La Guaira, as the United Kingdom offered satellite imagery to assist in the relief effort.
The disaster, which occurred on Saturday, has left at least 43 people dead and dozens missing. Thousands have been displaced after mudslides swept through the town, destroying homes and infrastructure.
The UK’s offer of satellite imagery was confirmed by the Foreign Office on Monday. The data will be used to map the scale of the destruction and identify areas where survivors may still be trapped. The move is part of a broader international response that has also included offers of aid from neighbouring countries and the United Nations.
The search operation has been hampered by difficult conditions. Heavy rains have made roads impassable, while unstable ground has forced rescuers to proceed with caution. Local authorities have deployed military personnel and specialised dogs to assist in the search.
Venezuela’s government has declared a state of emergency in the affected region. President Nicolas Maduro visited the site on Sunday, promising to provide housing and compensation to those affected. Critics have questioned the government’s ability to deliver on these promises, given the country’s ongoing economic and political crisis.
The UK’s offer of satellite imagery is notable given the strained diplomatic relations between London and Caracas. The British government has imposed sanctions on several Venezuelan officials, and the two countries have been at odds over the legitimacy of Maduro’s presidency. However, the UK’s Foreign Office has stated that the offer is a humanitarian gesture without political conditions.
International aid organisations have called for a coordinated response to the disaster. The Red Cross has launched an appeal for funds, while the UN has said it is ready to provide logistical support. The success of the search operation will depend on the weather improving and further international assistance.
For now, rescuers continue to pick through the debris, hoping to find more survivors. The offer of UK satellite imagery may provide a crucial advantage in a race against time.
