By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes climbed to 1,430 on Saturday, as rescue teams continued searching for survivors in La Guaira and Caracas. The powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck Wednesday, destroying homes and critical infrastructure. Authorities, the United Nations, and international rescue teams are responding to the disaster, while millions urgently need shelter, clean water, healthcare, and other humanitarian assistance.
Grieving Families Describe Painful Ordeal
Many families continue to face unimaginable grief.
Yessica Mendoza said she personally transported the body of her 25-year-old daughter, Yesimar Rodriguez, to a morgue in Caracas. Rodriguez and her husband, Jhomel Anaya, 26, died when their home collapsed in La Guaira.
“We were the ones who pulled them out ourselves. No help ever came,” Mendoza told AFP.
She added that the couple would be cremated immediately because their bodies had begun decomposing rapidly.
Residents Criticise Government Response
Meanwhile, frustration continues to grow among survivors.
Residents shouted at officials during a visit to a devastated neighbourhood on Friday. They accused the government of failing to provide adequate emergency assistance.
“The government isn’t doing anything for the people,” residents yelled from behind security cordons.
Authorities later restricted access to La Guaira and deployed military personnel to the disaster zone.
International Aid Begins Arriving
International support has started reaching Venezuela.
Officials confirmed that US-backed interim leader Delcy Rodriguez spoke with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both leaders pledged continued assistance for rescue and relief efforts.
The United States also deployed more than 250 disaster response personnel. The team includes three specialised search-and-rescue units with trained search dogs.
In addition, one runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport has reopened, allowing US military C-17 aircraft to deliver emergency supplies. A US naval vessel has also arrived off Venezuela’s coast.
UN Warns Millions Need Humanitarian Assistance
The United Nations warned that the humanitarian crisis could worsen.
According to the International Organization for Migration, up to 6.76 million people may require emergency assistance. Many survivors urgently need temporary shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation services, healthcare, protection, and essential relief supplies.
The UN also estimated physical damage at $6.7 billion, representing about six percent of Venezuela’s Gross Domestic Product.
Missing Persons Raise Fears Death Toll Will Increase
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez confirmed that 1,430 people have died, while 3,238 others suffered injuries.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that the death toll could rise significantly. He also revealed that more than 50,000 people remain missing.
Search-and-rescue teams from at least 17 countries have joined operations across the disaster zone.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
Rescuers continue searching through collapsed buildings despite difficult conditions.
Experts say the first 72 hours after a major earthquake offer the best chance of finding survivors.
Amid the devastation, rescuers celebrated a rare success after pulling an infant alive from the rubble in La Guaira. The child survived nearly 32 hours beneath collapsed buildings following Wednesday’s earthquakes.
A widely shared social media video showed an emotional rescuer holding the baby while fighting back tears.
Venezuela Faces Another Major Crisis
The earthquake has deepened Venezuela’s existing economic and humanitarian challenges.
The oil-rich nation has struggled through more than a decade of economic collapse. Now, millions face additional hardship as emergency responders race to save lives and deliver critical aid.
