Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 1,450

The number of fatalities resulting from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has climbed to 1,450, as reported by Jorge Rodríguez, the President of Venezuela's National Assembly. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, hit the region on Wednesday.

Rodríguez stated that 3,150 individuals have sustained injuries, and 12,721 families have been left homeless. He described the event as the "most brutal natural catastrophe" the country has ever experienced. The damage assessment includes 774 affected buildings, with 189 suffering total collapse and 585 sustaining partial damage. Additionally, 38 hospitals, 44 shopping centers, and 1,645 other structures were impacted.

Relief efforts are underway, with 2,624 international rescuers, 137 dogs, 49 support vehicles, and 84.8 tons of equipment and medical supplies deployed. Approximately 7,876 volunteers have registered to assist in La Guaira, the most severely affected state. Authorities have also established a hotline and a website to aid citizens experiencing anxiety or stress and to help families register missing relatives.

Despite the official figures, social media is filled with posts from individuals seeking information about missing loved ones, many last seen in La Guaira. The interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, expressed gratitude for the international rescue teams' efforts.