Rescue teams race against clock to find Venezuela earthquake survivors

International and local rescue teams are in a desperate race against time to find survivors in Venezuela's La Guaira state, four days after two major earthquakes struck the region. As of Sunday afternoon, the government reported 1,450 fatalities, while facing mounting criticism from Venezuelans who deem the official response insufficient and overshadowed by independent civilian rescue operations.

Thousands of people are still missing, according to family databases. Despite the diminishing likelihood of finding survivors as hours pass, rescuers have managed to free some individuals from the rubble, providing anguished families with moments of hope. The critical survival window typically falls within the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster, though access to food and water can extend this period.

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It’s been incredibly hard work, but we’re going strong.

By Saturday, over 2,200 rescue workers from around the globe had arrived, with more expected. The pervasive stench of decomposing bodies has led many to wear masks. "It’s been incredibly hard work, but we’re going strong," said Jason Mercano, a civilian who maintained contact with buried family via social media, expressing unwavering hope.

Rescuers from the U.S. and France successfully extracted a man and his son from the ruins on Sunday morning, carefully transporting them to an ambulance. However, many Venezuelans are struggling to maintain hope amid the escalating desperation. The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have left a devastating landscape, with authorities reporting over 770 buildings totally or partially collapsed – double the number from Friday.

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We’ve never given up hope.