Venezuela Quake Leaves 589 Dead, More Trapped
The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has risen to at least 589, with more than 4,300 people injured as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, struck late Wednesday night about 120 miles west of Caracas, causing widespread destruction to homes, hospitals, schools, roads, and other critical infrastructure across several communities.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the disaster could become significantly worse, with preliminary impact estimates suggesting the final death toll could climb to as many as 100,000 because of the scale of destruction and the number of people still missing.
Venezuela’s Health Minister, Carlos Alvarado, said hospitals in the affected areas have been overwhelmed with casualties, describing medical facilities as being “full of patients” as emergency workers battle to save lives.
According to the minister, more than 4,300 people have sustained injuries, while hundreds are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
The international community has launched a large-scale humanitarian response to support rescue efforts.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has activated a government-wide emergency response, pledging $150 million in humanitarian assistance and deploying U.S. Navy warships to assist with search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical care, and the delivery of relief supplies.
Several countries across the Americas—including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and Cuba—have also sent search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel, and humanitarian aid to assist Venezuelan authorities.
The United Nations has equally mobilised emergency assistance. The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, assured victims that the global community remains committed to helping those affected.
«”To the Venezuelan people, to those whose loved ones are under the rubble, know that we are determined that help gets to you,” Fletcher said.»
Rescue operations are continuing around the clock as emergency workers race against time to locate survivors in the hardest-hit communities. Authorities fear the number of casualties will continue to rise as more isolated areas become accessible and recovery efforts progress.
