Death toll climbs to over 920 in Venezuela earthquake disaster, rescue efforts intensify

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings and debris.

The figures were confirmed on Friday by Jorge Rodríguez, president of the country’s National Assembly, who said, “Each person saved is a miracle.”

7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes strike near Caribbean coast

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, hit late Wednesday near Morón on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, about 170 km west of Caracas.

The shallow depth of the tremors intensified the destruction, flattening buildings and cracking roads across affected regions, particularly in La Guaira.

Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, with residents reporting that some structures collapsed “like a pancake.”

Desperate search for survivors amid widespread devastation

Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with families digging through debris in search of missing relatives. Authorities say thousands remain unaccounted for, while humanitarian groups warn the number of affected could rise significantly.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and grief, with residents using basic tools to remove concrete slabs as they searched for survivors. Many families say they are still receiving no confirmation about the fate of their loved ones.

Government declares emergency, mobilises response

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and said emergency teams had been deployed nationwide, with La Guaira effectively militarised to speed up rescue operations and aid distribution.

The government has also announced a $200 million reconstruction fund aimed at rebuilding hospitals and damaged infrastructure.

Global rescue teams and aid rush in

International assistance has poured into Venezuela, with nearly 1,000 rescue personnel from 25 teams worldwide joining operations, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Teams from Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Chile, Turkey, China, Mexico, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic have already arrived or are en route, bringing search dogs, radar equipment, and emergency supplies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was coordinating a “whole-of-government response,” despite logistical challenges caused by damage to key infrastructure.

Human toll: families shattered and cities in shock

Across Caracas and La Guaira, survivors spent nights in open parks and streets amid fears of aftershocks.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed, while communication disruptions have made it difficult for families abroad to contact relatives.

Residents described heartbreaking scenes of parents searching for children and bodies being recovered from collapsed buildings.

Mass displacement and uncertainty ahead

Authorities estimate up to 6.76 million people could be affected across Venezuela. Many survivors say they have lost everything and have no clarity on when or how rebuilding will begin.

As rescue efforts continue, officials warn the situation remains fluid, with hopes still pinned on finding survivors trapped beneath the rubble.