Hope dims as rescue teams continue search after deadly Venezuela earthquakes

Rescue workers in Venezuela continued searching through collapsed buildings on Monday as hopes of finding more survivors faded.

Rescue workers in Venezuela continued searching through collapsed buildings on Monday as hopes of finding more survivors faded nearly five days after two powerful earthquakes devastated large parts of the country. The disaster has claimed at least 1,450 lives and left thousands injured, while many families are still waiting for news about loved ones who remain missing.

Despite the difficult conditions, rescue teams made a remarkable breakthrough on Sunday when French and American specialists pulled a man and his teenage son alive from the rubble in the town of Caraballeda, around 40 kilometres north of Caracas. Their rescue brought a rare moment of hope during an operation that has become increasingly focused on recovering victims rather than finding survivors.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck on Wednesday evening and caused widespread destruction across several regions. Authorities said 774 buildings suffered severe damage, including 189 structures that collapsed completely. Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to piles of concrete and twisted metal, leaving thousands of families without homes.

Search operations remain active in several of the worst affected areas. In the coastal town of Tucacas, emergency workers and volunteers continue digging through the remains of collapsed apartment buildings in search of anyone still trapped. Rescue efforts have become more challenging as time passes, with experts noting that the chances of finding survivors decrease significantly after the first 72 hours following a major earthquake.

Many volunteers described the emotional toll of the operation. Luis Salas, who has been helping with rescue work in Tucacas, said every search begins with hope but often ends in heartbreak when teams discover victims who did not survive. He said rescuers continue working with determination despite the difficult reality they face each day.

In Caracas, volunteers worked side by side with emergency crews to clear debris from damaged buildings. Using drills and basic tools, they carefully removed concrete by hand in the hope of reaching anyone still trapped underneath. Large digital screens in parts of the capital displayed photographs of missing people as families searched desperately for relatives.

Frustration has also grown among residents who believe rescue operations were not launched quickly enough in some areas. Many families say they have received little support while trying to recover relatives buried beneath collapsed buildings. In the coastal city of La Guaira, one resident said his family knew their loved ones were trapped under the rubble but lacked the equipment needed to recover them. Others called on security forces to join rescue efforts instead of standing guard.

The disaster has also created serious humanitarian challenges. Reports of looting have emerged from heavily damaged neighbourhoods, where pharmacies, supermarkets and other businesses have been targeted. At the same time, millions of people are believed to be without reliable access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare and shelter.

Venezuela’s interim government said temporary camps are being established for displaced families while longer term housing projects are being planned. Officials also stressed that rescue operations would continue for as long as there was hope of finding survivors.

International assistance has expanded rapidly, with 24 countries sending emergency supplies, trained rescue dogs and thousands of rescue personnel. The United States has also deployed helicopters, disaster response teams and additional military personnel to help improve the delivery of humanitarian aid. The United Nations estimates that as many as 6.76 million people may require emergency assistance, while the physical damage caused by the earthquakes is expected to cost around 6.7 billion dollars, placing another heavy burden on a country already struggling with years of economic hardship.