Venezuela earthquakes: Death toll surpasses 1,400 as rescue efforts continue

The devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this week have claimed the lives of at least 1,430 people, according to Jorge Rodríguez, a prominent politician and president of the National Assembly. The disaster has left an additional 3,200 individuals injured and rendered 3,100 homeless. The powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Rescue operations are still underway as emergency teams, bolstered by international assistance, search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Families have reported nearly 69,000 people missing. In La Guaira, one of the most severely affected areas, civilians have resorted to using shovels and their bare hands to dig through collapsed buildings in a desperate race against time. The United Nations has estimated the economic damage caused by the earthquakes at $6.7 billion, which represents 6% of Venezuela's GDP. This preliminary assessment focuses on property losses, including housing, but does not encompass the broader economic repercussions. The Venezuelan military and police, numbering over 14,000 personnel, are patrolling affected areas, with access restricted and requiring special permits. Rescue teams from Mexico, the United States, Brazil, El Salvador, France, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the UK have arrived to support the search and rescue efforts. The U.S. military is coordinating flights for rescue workers, mobile hospitals, and essential supplies. A U.S. Navy transport ship is stationed offshore, ready to receive survivors requiring medical attention. Officials described the situation as a "race against the clock" to save lives, while the International Red Cross noted that many survivors remain too terrified to return to their damaged homes. Foreign nationals, including those of Portuguese, Chinese, Brazilian, Spanish, and Italian-Venezuelan descent, have been confirmed among the deceased.

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Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,100 left homeless by the disaster.