Venezuela earthquake death toll nears 1,000, over 50,000 missing

Venezuela is grappling with a devastating earthquake aftermath, as the death toll climbed to 920 and over 50,000 people remain missing. The tremors have left an estimated 4,000 people displaced and damaged around 1,400 buildings, including 13 hospitals. Authorities reported 172 individuals still trapped in the debris.

The situation in the hardest-hit La Guaira state is dire, with a hospital struggling to function due to a lack of running water. Staff resorted to using stored water and saline solutions for basic hygiene, highlighting the critical shortage of resources. The region also faces a severe lack of ambulances and heavy machinery needed for rescue and recovery efforts.

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Over 50,000 people are missing, and the search through the rubble will be a colossal task.

Experts point to years of underinvestment and economic hardship as key factors weakening the nation's disaster response capabilities. The exodus of skilled medical and rescue personnel has left the country ill-equipped to handle such a catastrophe. The United Nations humanitarian chief described the search for over 50,000 missing persons as a "colossal task."

Despite the grim outlook, interim President Delcy Rodríguez reported a call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. has pledged support, including rescue teams, specialized equipment, temporary shelters, and humanitarian aid for affected families. The UN estimates that up to 6.76 million people, including 2 million in Caracas, could be impacted by the earthquakes.

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Up to 6.76 million people, including 2 million residents of Caracas, are estimated to be affected by this earthquake.