Venezuela Earthquakes Leave 1,430 Dead and 3,200 Injured

The president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, announced on Saturday that the death toll from the two consecutive earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday has risen to 1,430.

He added in a statement broadcast on state television that 3,200 people were injured, while 3,100 individuals have been left homeless due to the disaster.

Earlier on Saturday, the Venezuelan government reported the arrival of 1,600 foreign rescue personnel to assist in the search for survivors of the earthquakes, as authorities tightened access restrictions to the hardest-hit state.

Residents and volunteers in La Guaira have expressed concerns over the past days about the shortage of heavy equipment and the limited presence of official authorities. La Guaira, a popular destination for beachgoers, has seen at least 100 buildings destroyed or damaged, including many high-rise residential structures.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, in a televised address overnight, stated that rescue efforts will soon include teams from 10 additional countries. She also noted that 14,000 military and police personnel are currently deployed in La Guaira to conduct patrols and implement health measures.

Foreign rescue and relief teams began arriving in Venezuela on Friday, nearly two days after the devastating earthquakes struck areas in the capital Caracas and its surroundings.

Oliver Blanco, a Foreign Ministry official, said, “In the past few hours, Venezuela has received 17 flights carrying more than 1,600 rescue workers, with 25 additional flights expected within the next 24 hours.”

Blanco added on the X platform early Saturday, “We thank the international community for its support and solidarity during these challenging moments for Venezuelans amid uncertainty.”

Rescue teams continue to move toward locations across La Guaira state and Caracas, but some areas remained largely devoid of official presence as of Friday. Families and neighbors have struggled to find their missing loved ones among the rubble, sometimes resorting to manual searches.

Officials closed the road between La Guaira and neighboring Caracas on Friday evening, citing severe traffic congestion that was impeding the swift passage of emergency vehicles and official rescue teams.

The government previously expressed gratitude to civilians who transported aid—often by motorcycle—to affected residents. Venezuelan state television showed images of thousands of shoes, clothing items, and other supplies collected by the government.

While power outages persisted near the earthquake epicenter in Morón on Friday, and electricity remained completely cut in La Guaira, power was restored in other areas. Rodríguez reported that 60% of electricity supply has now been recovered.

Approximately 235 people died and 4,300 were injured due to the two powerful earthquakes that struck Caracas and its vicinity on Wednesday, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors.

A senior U.S. administration official on Saturday anticipated announcing a funding package in addition to the $150 million previously pledged by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The official stated that about 250 civilian rescuers will be deployed to Venezuela. Two teams, each comprising 80 people along with dogs and heavy rescue equipment, are already on the ground and have found survivors in recent hours. The official also noted that one runway is operational at Caracas International Airport in La Guaira.

Argentina’s Foreign Ministry announced that Buenos Aires has sent three aircraft carrying rescue teams and that Aeropuertos Argentina, a private company managing most of the country’s airports, will assist in rehabilitating the airport.

Rescue teams from Qatar have arrived, and the German government reported dispatching two rescue teams totaling 70 personnel and seven dogs. These teams began operations in La Guaira on Friday evening.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck about 160 kilometers west of Caracas on Wednesday, which was a public holiday.

The U.S. Geological Survey predicted the death toll could exceed 10,000, potentially ranking these earthquakes among the deadliest in Latin America in the past century.