Rescue workers and families across northern Venezuela continued searching through collapsed buildings Saturday as the death toll from this week’s twin earthquakes climbed to 1,430 people. Government officials said nearly 68,900 people are still missing, and more than 3,300 others have been injured in one of the country’s worst natural disasters in generations.
The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck Wednesday evening less than a minute apart. The shallow quakes hit west of Caracas and caused heavy destruction across the coastal state of La Guaira, where apartment buildings, roads and entire neighborhoods were left in ruins. Satellite images released after the disaster showed collapsed structures and debris covering parts of cities including Catia La Mar, Macuto and Caraballeda.
As time passes, rescue teams are racing to find survivors. Aid organizations say the first 48 to 72 hours after an earthquake are usually the best chance of pulling people out alive, although some victims can survive longer if they have access to food and water.
Residents have not waited for professional crews to arrive. In many places, families and neighbors have spent days digging through concrete with shovels, hammers, ropes and power tools. Some wore motorcycle helmets because proper safety equipment was not available. Others simply stood nearby and called the names of missing relatives, hoping to hear a voice from beneath the rubble.
Nazareth Jimenez, a resident of La Guaira, said she watched her neighbors try to cut through the remains of an apartment building while she waited for news about her siblings, nieces, nephews and friends.
“We’re making a call for help to the government and countries across the world,” Jimenez said. “There are still people alive in there.”
International rescue teams have now joined the search. Crews from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, France and El Salvador have arrived in Venezuela with specialized equipment and trained personnel. Venezuelan authorities said 17 flights carrying more than 1,600 rescue workers had landed by Saturday.
The United States has pledged $150 million in aid and dispatched search-and-rescue teams from Virginia, California and Florida. The Los Angeles County team brought concrete-cutting machines, listening devices and other equipment designed to locate people trapped under collapsed buildings. The United Nations has also coordinated assistance, and Pope Leo sent an initial donation of 100,000 euros.
Despite the international response, many residents say their government has not done enough. Some accused state workers of arriving briefly, taking pictures and then leaving without helping in rescue operations. At one site, angry residents reportedly stopped an excavator from leaving after workers departed.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said more than 14,000 members of the military and police are patrolling the disaster zone and that access to La Guaira has been restricted so rescue efforts can continue.
Throughout Saturday, helicopters circled overhead while rescue teams climbed over piles of broken concrete and called into small openings, waiting for any sign that someone might still be alive beneath the debris.
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