Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 1,400; UN warns of millions affected

The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela have claimed over 1,400 lives, with more than 50,000 people reported missing, the United Nations warned Saturday. The powerful tremors, the worst in 126 years, struck on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction.

The UN estimates that up to seven million people may be affected by the disaster. Material damages are substantial, potentially reaching $6.7 billion, equivalent to 6% of the oil-rich nation's GDP. With rescue operations ongoing nearly 72 hours after the quakes, the chances of finding survivors are diminishing.

In La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit cities located 40 km from Caracas, survivors like Marlon Ochoa are desperately searching the rubble for missing family members. Ochoa expressed frustration over the perceived slow and inadequate response from the government. "I haven't seen the authorities taking charge of the situation here in this area," he told AFP, his voice filled with despair. "They told me they are deliberating. Deliberating what? ... If no one arrives here today, we will start a revolution because we need things here: machinery, power generators, drills, everything."

International aid is beginning to arrive, with the partial reopening of Caracas's Simón Bolívar International Airport to receive cargo flights from the United States. The U.S. has offered $150 million in aid, including military vessels, transport planes, and helicopters. Foreign rescue teams from at least 17 countries are also on the ground, assisting in the search and rescue efforts.