Venezuela earthquake: Death toll rises to 920, over 51,000 missing, rescue enters key phase | Today’s news
The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 920, with more than 51,000 people reported missing as rescuers race against time to find survivors under collapsed buildings. Strong earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday, ravaging the country’s northern coast, particularly La Guaira, near the capital Caracas.
Aid agencies warn that the first 48 to 72 hours after a major earthquake are critical for rescuing survivors, making ongoing searches increasingly urgent.
The search for survivors enters a critical phase
Residents of the worst-hit areas have joined the search for missing relatives, saying government rescue teams are scarce despite official assurances of a large-scale response.
Authorities said 243 people had been rescued, while the number of injured climbed to more than 3,300. Officials expect the death toll to continue to rise as rescue teams reach more collapsed buildings.
On Friday night, the government announced it would restrict access to La Guaira and require official permission to enter the disaster area in an effort to limit traffic and improve rescue operations.
Families are asking for help
Scenes of despair unfolded in La Guaira, where families searched the rubble with hand tools and begged for heavy machinery capable of lifting the collapsed concrete slabs.
Many residents said they saw few government rescue teams and instead relied on neighbors and volunteers to search for trapped survivors.
Officials acknowledged the scale of the disaster, and National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez called each rescue a “miracle.”
International rescue efforts are expanding
International aid stepped up, with rescue teams arriving from countries including the United States, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Switzerland, Spain, Chile, Germany, Turkey, India and Israel.
Venezuelan authorities say 861 foreign volunteers are already in the country, while the United Nations says at least 25 international search and rescue teams are being mobilized.
The United States has deployed more than 250 personnel, including specialized urban search and rescue teams, civil engineers, medics, rescuers and search dogs. Washington is also sending more than 200,000 pounds of rescue equipment and $150 million in humanitarian aid.
US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed Washington’s support during a call with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Millions may be affected
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the disaster, including about 2 million in Caracas.
Many survivors are still afraid to return to their damaged homes due to the ongoing aftershocks, forcing thousands to sleep outdoors in makeshift shelters.
The earthquake compounded Venezuela’s long-running economic crisis, which has weakened hospitals, emergency services and critical infrastructure.
Anger at the government’s response
Public frustration has grown over what many residents describe as a slow official response.
During a visit to a devastated neighborhood in Caracas, incumbent President Rodríguez was met with angry chants from residents demanding more government aid.
Residents of several affected communities said a lack of heavy equipment and rescue workers had forced families and volunteers to conduct the search largely on their own.
Read also | India sends aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela under Operation Amistad: Jaishankar
Foreign nationals among the dead
Authorities have confirmed that several foreign nationals died in the disaster, including:
28 Portuguese nationals or people of Portuguese origin
One Italian-Venezuelan dual citizenship
Portugal also reported 85 people missing, while Spain said 133 of its nationals remained missing, with at least 14 believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings.
A historical disaster
The twin earthquakes are the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, and the strongest since a 7.7-magnitude offshore earthquake in 1900.
With tens of thousands of people still missing and rescue crews continuing to search collapsed neighborhoods, authorities warn that the full extent of the disaster may not be known for several days.
Read also | Another 4.9 Magnitude Venezuela Earthquake, Death Toll Exceeds 900
