CARACAS — The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to more than 1,400 as rescuers continued searching for survivors in the country's hardest-hit coastal areas, while international emergency teams expanded relief operations.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said the confirmed death toll had reached 1,430, with about 3,200 people injured and roughly 3,100 left homeless following the earthquakes, which struck within a minute of each other earlier in the week. The casualty figures remain subject to revision as search operations continue.
Authorities said more than 1,600 foreign rescue workers had arrived to assist Venezuelan emergency services in searching collapsed buildings across La Guaira and parts of Caracas. Rescue teams, supported by sniffer dogs and heavy equipment, continued working despite hundreds of aftershocks that have complicated operations and raised safety concerns.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said emergency personnel had rescued an 11-year-old boy alive from the rubble in Caraballeda, describing the operation as a sign of hope as crews pressed on with searches for additional survivors. Officials also said military and police personnel had been deployed to affected areas to support rescue efforts and maintain security.
Families and volunteers continued to search damaged neighborhoods, with many using hand tools while awaiting additional heavy machinery. Authorities have not provided a final estimate of the number of people still unaccounted for, and rescue operations remain ongoing as officials continue to verify casualties and assess damage.
