Venezuela in ‘critical hours’ to find earthquake survivors as more search and rescue teams arrive

Venezuela is facing 'critical hours' in its efforts to rescue survivors trapped beneath rubble following a series of powerful earthquakes, as the death toll has climbed to at least 1,450 people. Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, stated on Tuesday that the time to save lives is rapidly diminishing, emphasizing the urgency of rescue operations and the need to establish temporary camps for those who have lost their homes.

More international search and rescue teams are arriving in the country five days after the twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck on Wednesday evening. These tremors flattened buildings in the northern coastal regions, with the second quake being one of the strongest recorded in Venezuela in a century. Families have reported nearly 69,000 people missing, adding to the grim statistics of 3,150 injured and 12,721 displaced.

Experts consistently highlight that the initial 72 hours after a natural disaster are crucial for rescuing survivors. After this period, the focus typically shifts to recovering bodies. While power has been restored to La Guaira, a port city near the main international airport that suffered extensive damage, the recovery efforts are hampered by a severe shortage of heavy machinery and a lack of state manpower. Consequently, the government is heavily dependent on international aid.

The coastal state of La Guaira bore the brunt of the earthquakes. Images from the region show rescuers and volunteers working amidst the ruins of collapsed buildings, while affected residents line up for food distribution. The devastation has shattered La Guaira, impacting its infrastructure and leaving many families searching through lists of hospitals and missing persons. In response to the disaster, Venezuela's education ministry announced that all schools would remain closed until at least June 6.

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We are in critical hours, in crucial hours to continue rescuing lives and to build camps where those people who have lost their homes, or who cannot return, for whatever reason, to their residences can stay.