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CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) – The death toll from last week’s devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela has surpassed 920, while over 50,000 people have been reported missing, with foreign rescue teams joining local efforts in a bid to locate survivors.
According to reports, the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck on May 3 and 4 have left a trail of destruction across the country, with entire communities buried under the rubble of collapsed homes and buildings.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, potentially making it one of Latin America’s deadliest quakes in a century. The scale of the disaster has left the Venezuelan government struggling to cope, with foreign nations providing humanitarian aid and rescue teams to assist in the relief efforts.
“We are doing everything we can to support the Venezuelan government in this time of need,” said a spokesperson for the US-based disaster response organization, Humanity & Inclusion. “We have sent in teams of rescuers with search and rescue equipment, but we are working in challenging conditions, with limited access to medical facilities and a severe shortage of essential supplies.”
The Venezuelan government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis, stating that the country’s infrastructure was “severely affected” by the quakes. With the country’s economy already reeling under years of crisis, the scale of the destruction has left many communities without access to basic necessities, including food, water, and shelter.
Rescue teams, both local and international, are working tirelessly to locate survivors, with reports of people being pulled from the rubble after extended periods. However, the search efforts are hindered by inadequate equipment and resources, further complicating the rescue operations.
As the international community continues to provide aid and assistance to the embattled nation, hopes remain that the death toll will not exceed the worst-case scenario predicted by the USGS. The crisis serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities and the need for sustained international support in the aftermath of such catastrophes.