Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 1,430 as global rescue efforts intensify

The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 1,430, while millions of people remain in urgent need of food,

The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 1,430, while millions of people remain in urgent need of food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and sanitation. The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck the country on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across the coastal state of La Guaira and parts of the capital, Caracas.

Rescue operations continue around the clock as emergency teams from at least 17 countries join local authorities in searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. According to Venezuelan officials, more than 1,600 foreign rescue workers have already arrived, with additional international teams expected in the coming days.

The United States has stepped up its humanitarian response by sending military aircraft carrying rescue personnel, search dogs, and emergency supplies. A US naval vessel has also reached Venezuela’s coast, while officials confirmed that one runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport is operational to facilitate relief flights.

Despite the growing international assistance, frustration among residents has intensified over what many describe as a slow and inadequate government response. Families in several affected communities have been forced to dig through rubble with their bare hands while waiting for rescue crews to arrive.

One emotional moment brought hope when local residents rescued an infant alive from the ruins of a collapsed building in La Guaira nearly 32 hours after the earthquakes struck. Images of the rescue quickly spread across social media, symbolising resilience amid widespread tragedy.

The United Nations estimates that nearly 6.8 million people could be affected by the disaster and has warned of an urgent need for emergency shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, and humanitarian aid. The organisation also estimates that physical damage has reached approximately $6.7 billion, equivalent to around six percent of Venezuela’s gross domestic product.

Officials have reported more than 3,200 injuries, while over 50,000 people remain missing. Independent websites promoted by Venezuela’s opposition have listed more than 54,000 individuals as unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise significantly in the coming days.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez acknowledged the scale of the crisis, saying Venezuela was “not alone” and thanking the international community for its assistance. She confirmed holding discussions with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who pledged continued support for relief efforts.

The disaster has struck a nation already struggling with years of economic hardship, weakened public services, and political instability following the removal of former president Nicolas Maduro earlier this year. Hospitals, infrastructure, and the national power grid had already been under severe strain before the earthquakes.

Authorities have deployed approximately 14,000 military and police personnel to the affected regions to assist with rescue operations, maintain public order, and prevent disease outbreaks. However, access to the hardest-hit areas has been restricted to allow emergency vehicles to move freely.

Although electricity has been restored to about 60 percent of affected areas, thousands of residents remain without power. Looting has also been reported in parts of La Guaira as desperate survivors search for food and essential supplies.

As rescue efforts continue, humanitarian organisations warn that Venezuela faces a long and difficult recovery, with millions requiring sustained international support in the weeks and months ahead.