Venezuela earthquake death toll passes 1,400 as survival window narrows

Venezuela is grappling with a rising death toll of 1,430 following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country, as the critical window for finding survivors narrows. Thousands remain unaccounted for, prompting residents to take rescue efforts into their own hands amidst concerns about the pace of government assistance.

The twin earthquakes, which hit within 39 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, devastated parts of northern Venezuela. The seismic event, the most powerful in the country in over a century, caused an estimated $US6.7 billion in damage, according to United Nations assessments. The UN's International Organization for Migration warns that up to 6.76 million people could be impacted by the disaster.

Official figures released by the Venezuelan government on Saturday reported 172 people trapped, 3,238 injured, and 3,100 left homeless. Electricity has been partially restored in 60% of affected areas, and telecommunications are being re-established to aid in reuniting families. International rescue teams have begun arriving, with 17 flights carrying over 1,600 personnel having landed, and an additional 25 flights expected within 24 hours.

Despite the deployment of 14,000 military and police personnel for patrol and sanitary measures, residents express urgency for more resources. One lawyer, Ricardo Trias, described the harrowing experience of trying to obtain a death certificate for his godson, whose body was recovered from rubble on Thursday night but remained at the site due to delays in processing. The situation highlights the immense challenges faced by both survivors and authorities in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.

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We want them to give us the body … we can't take it, and here it will rot.