Dominican Government Facilitates Return of Doctors Stranded in Venezuela After Earthquakes

The Dominican government is coordinating the safe return of Dominican doctors who remained in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes on June 24 left an estimated 920 dead and 3,360 injured Source: Listín Diario. Health Minister Víctor Atallah announced via social media that the government is in constant communication with the medical professionals and is facilitating return for those who wish to come home.

Government Response

Atallah stated, "We have maintained permanent communication with Dominican doctors in Venezuela. We listen to their needs and, together with the government, we are coordinating mechanisms for a safe return" Source: Listín Diario. However, Diario Libre notes that authorities have not disclosed how many doctors are in Venezuela or their conditions there Source: Diario Libre.

Earthquake Impact

The first quake, magnitude 7.2, struck west of Morón, followed minutes later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor — the most destructive in Venezuela since 1900, according to the USGS. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez reported 30 aftershocks Source: Listín Diario. The hardest-hit region was La Guaira state, near Caracas.

• 920 deaths and 3,360 injuries reported Source: Listín Diario.
• Two quakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 Source: Listín Diario.
• 30 aftershocks after the main events Source: Listín Diario.

Atallah praised the doctors who chose to stay, saying, "I feel immense pride for our health professionals" Source: Diario Libre.