Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 920 as Three-Day Rescue Operation Continues

Catastrophic Twin Quakes Strike Venezuela

At least 920 people were killed and more than 3,300 were injured as a pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening. The two quakes—a 7.2 magnitude one followed just seconds later by a 7.5—struck the coast of Venezuela, knocking down buildings in Caracas, the capital, and sending residents racing into the street. The rapid succession of massive earthquakes caused widespread devastation across the country's most populated regions.

Intensive Search and Rescue Operations

Emergency response teams from Venezuelan and other countries were working early on Saturday, combing the rubble for survivors after two powerful earthquakes struck the capital and nearby cities on Wednesday evening. More than 14,000 officials were working in La Guaira, a hard-hit area north of Caracas, the capital. Despite the massive deployment of resources, the search remains ongoing as rescue teams navigate dangerous rubble and damaged infrastructure.

Restoration of Essential Services

Acting President Delcy Rodriguiz said in an update at 1 a.m. local time that electric services had been restored to about 60% of what they had been prior to the quakes. A "saturation" of food and water had been surging into areas where supplies were needed. The restoration effort highlights both the scale of damage and the coordination required to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding across the nation.

International Assistance

At least 30 search teams from various countries were searching the rubble in Venezuela on Friday, according to the U.N. The international response reflects the severity of the disaster and the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian aid in the hours and days ahead.