Emergency response and safety inspections reported in Venezuela and Panama

In Venezuela, the UCV Fire Department has launched a pilot program to establish an ‘Attention Brigade’ at the School of Social Work. The initiative aims to train the university community in first aid, fire extinguisher use, and emergency evacuation procedures. Commander María Rosario Alanís emphasized the importance of maintaining updated data on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, to ensure safe evacuations. The program includes theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and unannounced drills.

In Panama, authorities have begun inspecting school structures in the La Chorrera and Chame districts following recent seismic activity. Firefighters and municipal technical teams are evaluating facilities, including the Moisés Castillo Ocaña and Pedro Pablo Sánchez schools, to ensure the safety of students and staff. Findings will be reported to the Ministry of Education. Additionally, several folklore festivals in the Coclé province, including the National Toro Guapo and National Sombrero Pintado festivals, have been suspended as a gesture of solidarity with families affected by the earthquakes.