Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 920, 51,000 missing
The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to at least 920, while 3,360 people have been injured, authorities said. Search-and-rescue teams continue to race against time as thousands remain missing beneath the rubble.
The 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes, which struck on Wednesday, caused widespread destruction across the country, with La Guaira emerging as the worst-hit region. Officials have now restricted access to the city, requiring special permits for entry to prevent congestion and ensure uninterrupted rescue operations.
Authorities estimate that more than 51,000 people are still missing, although officials cautioned that some reports may involve duplicate entries or individuals who remain unreachable due to disrupted communication networks. So far, rescue teams have pulled 243 survivors from collapsed structures.
Residents in the affected areas have joined rescue efforts, using basic tools to search for trapped family members amid complaints of limited rescue personnel. Aid agencies have stressed that the first 48 to 72 hours after an earthquake are crucial for finding survivors alive.
International assistance has begun arriving, with rescue teams and humanitarian aid from several countries, including the United States, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador and Switzerland. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the government is coordinating relief efforts and welcomed global support as emergency operations continue.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the disaster, making it one of the deadliest natural calamities in Venezuela's recent history.
