Venezuela: Race against time in the rubble - Over 1,700 dead, fears of 10,000 victims

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has surpassed 1,700, with authorities expressing grave concerns that the final number of fatalities could climb as high as 10,000. Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodríguez announced the latest figures, reporting 1,719 confirmed deaths, 5,034 injuries, and 15,866 people displaced.

Rescue operations are underway in numerous devastated areas as teams race against time to find survivors. The fate of over 50,000 individuals who remain unaccounted for is unknown, intensifying fears of a further rise in casualties. The United Nations has warned that the final death toll could be significantly higher, as many are believed to be trapped beneath the debris.

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The final number of victims could increase significantly, as it is estimated that many remain trapped under the rubble. The UN is even preparing for the possibility that the dead could reach 10,000.

Despite the dire circumstances, a remarkable rescue occurred when a 21-year-old man, Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, was pulled alive from the rubble in La Guaira state after being trapped for 106 hours. The complex rescue operation involved teams from Venezuela, Mexico, and El Salvador. Vargas is receiving specialized medical care, and rescuers remain hopeful of saving more lives.

A magnitude 4.6 aftershock was registered north of the capital, Caracas, on Monday morning, adding to the ongoing challenges faced by the affected regions. The government is coordinating relief efforts and assessing the full extent of the damage.

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After intense hours of joint work, Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, 21, has been rescued alive from the OPP 25 building, in the Tanaguarena sector, Caraballeda parish, La Guaira state.