Maduro quotes Bible from jail, prays for Venezuelan earthquake victims

(CNA New York, 28th, Combined News) Venezuela continues its post-earthquake recovery efforts. Former President Nicolás Maduro released a message on social media today, reportedly written from his jail cell in Brooklyn, expressing condolences and support to the people of his country.

CNN reported that Maduro stated in his post: "Cilia and I pray for the deceased, the injured, the missing, their families, and everyone who continues to fight to save lives minute by minute."

Earlier this year, the United States launched an unprecedented raid, swiftly arresting Maduro and his wife. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, is also being held in detention on drug trafficking charges.

Maduro then quoted from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, including the verse: "'When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

It is unclear whether this message was personally dictated by Maduro or reviewed and released by his team.

Venezuela was hit by a series of earthquakes, magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, on the 24th. The death toll has risen to nearly 1,500, and foreign rescue teams are pouring into La Guaira state on the coast. Venezuela has long been mired in a severe political and economic crisis, and La Guaira state is the most severely affected by this earthquake.

Earlier, interim President Delcy Rodriguez's brother, National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez, said the death toll increased by 20 today to 1,450. He added that 3,150 people are still injured, 12,721 are displaced, and 774 buildings have collapsed.

He said, "We are at a critical juncture, and we must continue to save lives and set up camps so that those who have lost their homes or cannot return to their residences for various reasons have a place to stay." (Compiled by: Chang Hsiao-wen) 1150629

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