Rescue Teams Race Against Time as Venezuela’s Earthquake Death Toll Rises

LA GUAIRA: Rescue workers in Venezuela are battling against time to locate survivors as the country enters the third day following two devastating earthquakes that caused widespread destruction and a mounting humanitarian crisis.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck northern Venezuela within seconds of each other, leaving hundreds of buildings damaged or destroyed, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, one of the worst-affected areas. Authorities say the confirmed death toll has climbed to more than 920, while over 3,300 people have been injured and tens of thousands remain unaccounted for.

Emergency operations have intensified as the critical window for finding survivors narrows. Search-and-rescue teams, supported by volunteers and local residents, continue to comb through collapsed buildings despite difficult conditions. Officials have restricted access to the disaster zone in La Guaira to reduce congestion and allow rescue operations to proceed more efficiently.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has welcomed international humanitarian assistance, with rescue personnel and relief supplies arriving from several countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Switzerland. However, many affected residents have reported limited access to aid, prompting communities to organise their own rescue and relief efforts.

Millions of people have been impacted by the disaster, with thousands forced to spend nights outdoors as aftershocks continue to shake the region. The catastrophe has placed enormous pressure on Venezuela’s already fragile infrastructure and emergency response system, while humanitarian agencies continue to assess the full extent of the damage.

Authorities have pledged to continue rescue and relief operations around the clock, although hopes of finding more survivors are diminishing as each hour passes.