As the critical window for finding survivors closes, Venezuelans are sifting through the wreckage of buildings flattened by last week’s devastating twin earthquakes, amid mounting fears of a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Authorities confirmed Monday that the death toll has risen to at least 1,719, with 5,034 injured, following the powerful quakes that struck Wednesday in the northern state of La Guaira. Tens of thousands remain missing or unaccounted for, intensifying pressure on a government already grappling with severe financial constraints to shelter and feed the displaced.
Rescue teams emphasize that the first 72 hours after a seismic event are vital for locating people alive beneath the rubble. That deadline passed Saturday, yet search operations persist in shattered neighborhoods where families maintain vigil at debris piles. “We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching civil defense workers search for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”
Amid criticism over the pace of the response, officials have ramped up relief efforts. Police and soldiers distributed tuna and crackers to displaced residents in La Guaira, while National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced that electricity had been restored to 90 percent of the state and 15 temporary camps established.
A magnitude 4.6 aftershock struck near Caraballeda on Monday—one of more than 600 tremors recorded since the initial magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes. While no new damage was reported, the shaking sent Caracas residents fleeing into the streets in panic.
“Here we are again, back in the street,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, after evacuating her apartment in the capital. “I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace.”
