Optimism for finding survivors continues to dwindle more than four days after consecutive major earthquakes struck Venezuela. The death toll has reached at least 1,450, while tens of thousands remain missing. Frustration is spreading among residents regarding the government’s response to the disaster.
A 4.6 magnitude aftershock struck near Caracas and La Guaira early Monday, heightening concerns for structures already destabilized by earlier tremors. While international teams successfully pulled a father and his teenage son from debris in Caraballeda on Sunday, the standard 72-hour survival window has largely passed. Experts now warn that the mission is shifting toward body recovery.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez confirmed that 774 buildings sustained severe damage, with 189 structures leveled. In regions like La Guaira and Tucacas, volunteers and professional rescuers are working through ruins, though some reported finding only corpses after arduous efforts. Public anger is palpable, with reports of looting in La Guaira and citizens pleading for more direct assistance from the military.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the government is establishing temporary housing and planning for future reconstruction. She emphasized that rescue operations would continue. International support has been significant, with 24 countries contributing over 500 tons of supplies and thousands of personnel. The United States has expanded its footprint, deploying additional troops to manage logistics at ports and airports.
The UN migration agency suggests that nearly 6.76 million individuals could be impacted by the catastrophe. These tremors are the most severe to hit the region in over a century, compounding the strain on a nation already suffering from a decade-long economic collapse that has severely degraded public infrastructure and healthcare.
