Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Crosses 1,450; Thousands Still Missing As Rescue Ops Continue

On Sunday, emergency rescue teams, along with specially trained search dogs, continued their operations across Venezuela after devastating twin earthquakes killed more than 1,450 people and left thousands missing. Last week, the back-to-back earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck, causing widespread destruction across the country. Read on to know more.

Death Toll Crosses 1,450 As Search For Survivors Continues

According to officials, 774 buildings suffered major damage, including 189 that completely collapsed, while more than 3,150 people have been injured. Rescue efforts brought a rare moment of hope after French and American teams pulled a man and his teenage son alive from the rubble in Caraballeda, about 40 km north of Caracas. However, experts say the critical 72-hour window for rescuing survivors has now passed, reducing the chances of finding more people alive.

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Across affected cities, rescue workers from the United States, Mexico and several other countries are working alongside local volunteers, many of whom continue to dig through collapsed buildings by hand in search of loved ones.

Millions Need Urgent Aid As Relief Efforts Continue

The earthquakes have triggered a major humanitarian crisis, with millions now lacking access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare and shelter. In heavily affected areas such as La Guaira, residents have criticised the slow pace of rescue and relief operations. Reports of looting at pharmacies, supermarkets and other businesses have also emerged as shortages of essential supplies worsen.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said rescue efforts would continue as long as there was hope of finding survivors. She thanked the international community for its assistance, revealing that 24 countries have sent over 2,700 rescue personnel, 86 canine search units and 521 tonnes of relief supplies. The United States has also deployed helicopters and additional military personnel to expand relief operations and restore key transport infrastructure.

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According to the United Nations, nearly 6.76 million people may require humanitarian assistance following the disaster. The organisation estimates physical damage at around $6.7 billion, equivalent to nearly 6% of Venezuela’s GDP. The earthquakes have further strained a country already battling a prolonged economic crisis, leaving authorities to manage both an immediate rescue mission and a long-term recovery effort.

We hope the situation gets back to normal soon.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/@JACOBOSOLANOC