Caracus/New Delhi: Four days after twin powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast, the death toll has climbed above 1,400, with thousands still missing and rescue efforts growing more desperate by the hour.The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that hit within seconds of each other on June 24 devastated coastal areas, particularly La Guaira state and parts of Caracas.
Buildings collapsed into rubble, roads cracked, and aftershocks, more than 30 reported, continue to shake the region, complicating operations.
Survivors describe scenes of horror: families digging through concrete with bare hands, cries from trapped loved ones, and a severe shortage of heavy equipment. “I hear my son crying beneath the rubble,” one mother told reporters, capturing the anguish felt across the country.
International help is arriving, but delivery remains challenging due to damaged infrastructure. More than 2,000 rescue workers and 44 urban search-and-rescue teams from 27 countries, including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia, have deployed with dogs and specialized gear.
The UN is coordinating the effort, while the US has pledged 150 million dollars in aid.Frustration is mounting in hard-hit communities as the window for finding survivors narrows.
Health officials warn the toll could rise significantly, with estimates of over 68,000 people still unaccounted for in some reports.Venezuela, already facing long-term economic and humanitarian challenges, now confronts billions in damages.
The earthquakes are among the strongest in the country’s modern history, exposing vulnerabilities in its aging infrastructure. As global attention turns to the crisis, the focus remains on saving those still trapped. Every hour counts.
For a nation reeling from disaster, the coming days will test both its resilience and the world’s willingness to help.
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