The death toll from the twin earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela has climbed to 1,943, according to AFP. The disaster also left more than 10,500 people injured and displaced around 15,000 Venezuelans. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Caracas, the capital, and the southeast of Yumare last week.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing Despite Critical Window Passing
Rescue teams continue to search for thousands of people who remain missing or trapped beneath the rubble, although the critical 72-hour window for rescuing victims after a natural disaster passed on Saturday evening. Authorities believe tens of thousands of people are still missing. The rescue operation involves about 30,000 Venezuelan emergency workers and 2,700 foreign experts, according to Al Jazeera.
On Sunday, interim President Delcy Rodríguez stated that operatives have recovered “people alive and, therefore, operations are not being suspended.” She added, “We always maintain hope.”
USGS Warns of High Potential Death Toll, Liquefaction Risk
The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned last week that the death toll could exceed 10,000, with a 30 per cent chance that fatalities could surpass 100,000. The USGS also highlighted the risk of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon in which loose, water-saturated soil loses strength and behaves like a flowing mass, similar to a lateral landslide. The agency stated that “the disaster is likely widespread” and strong aftershocks could still occur.
The USGS estimates a 44 per cent probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000, and a 30 per cent chance that fatalities could surpass 100,000. It also warned of a significant risk of landslides and ground liquefaction.
International Support and Health Concerns
Authorities report support from 24 countries, which have sent more than 500 tonnes of supplies, 2,700 rescue and support personnel, and about 86 teams with search dogs. The World Health Organisation warned of the risk of disease outbreaks, as preliminary estimates indicate the disaster generated about 1.2 million tons of debris in La Guaira, the area most affected. La Guaira state currently faces severe food shortages, widespread disruptions to basic services, and communications outages.
