By Paul Joseph
The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 1,430, with millions of people now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance as international rescue and relief operations intensify.
The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit the country on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction in the coastal state of La Guaira and parts of the capital, Caracas. Hundreds of buildings collapsed or suffered severe damage, leaving thousands homeless.
Search-and-rescue teams from at least 17 countries have joined efforts to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Earlier on Saturday, Venezuelan authorities announced that more than 1,600 foreign rescue personnel had already arrived, with additional teams expected over the next 24 hours.
In one of the few moments of hope, rescuers pulled an infant alive from the debris in La Guaira about 32 hours after the earthquakes struck.
The United States has stepped up its response after reopening one runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport, allowing military transport aircraft carrying emergency supplies and rescue personnel to land. A US naval vessel has also arrived off Venezuela’s coast to support relief operations.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said millions of people could be affected by the disaster, with urgent needs including clean water, sanitation, shelter and medical care.
Residents in the worst-hit communities have complained about shortages of heavy equipment and delays in official rescue efforts, forcing many families and volunteers to dig through collapsed buildings with their bare hands in search of loved ones.
Authorities have deployed about 14,000 military and police personnel to assist with rescue operations, maintain security and implement health measures, while restricting access to major roads leading to disaster zones to ensure emergency vehicles can move freely.
Electricity is gradually being restored in some affected areas, although large parts of La Guaira and communities near the earthquake’s epicentre remain without power.
Meanwhile, more than 54,000 people have been listed as missing or unaccounted for on an online platform promoted by Venezuela’s opposition, although the government has not confirmed that figure.
The United States Geological Survey warned that the final death toll could climb significantly, while the United Nations estimates that nearly seven million people may have been affected and that the disaster has caused about $6.7 billion in direct damage.
Despite the widespread devastation, Venezuelan officials said the country’s oil production and fuel distribution have not been significantly affected by the earthquakes.
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