Venezuela Earthquakes: Death Toll Surpasses 1,400 as Rescue Efforts Continue

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to more than 1,400, as search-and-rescue operations continue across the country’s hardest-hit coastal regions, Reuters reported.

The Venezuelan government said more than 1,600 foreign rescue workers have already arrived, with additional international teams expected in the coming days. Rescue efforts have been complicated by hundreds of aftershocks following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck on Wednesday.

In the worst-affected areas, including La Guaira and parts of the capital, Caracas, relatives, volunteers and emergency responders are searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. Residents, however, have complained about a shortage of heavy equipment and insufficient government support.

U.S. military helicopters have been deployed to transport rescue teams to the devastated area of Caraballeda. Meanwhile, many families continue searching hospitals and emergency shelters for missing relatives.

Fearing further aftershocks, thousands of people have been spending their nights outdoors, unwilling to return to homes damaged by the earthquakes.

Authorities have restricted public access to La Guaira to facilitate emergency operations, while electricity services are being restored gradually.

The government said hundreds of people remain missing or are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. However, an opposition-run website has listed more than 55,000 people as missing.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000. The United States has pledged $150 million in humanitarian assistance, and U.S. officials said a multi-billion-dollar additional aid package could be announced in the coming days.