Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 920 as search for survivors continues
10 reported1 unconfirmed
Massive search and rescue operations are underway in Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck west of Caracas on Wednesday evening, killing at least 920 people and injuring at least 3,360 others, according to government officials. Civilians and emergency workers are rushing to find those trapped beneath rubble, but time is running out to ensure thousands still buried are found alive. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes hit less than a minute apart and were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. The U.S. State Department committed $150 million to help Venezuela and deployed a 250-person response team, including three urban search-and-rescue teams. Hospitals reached capacity by Thursday evening, and about 200 people remained trapped beneath collapsed buildings, while around 250 structures were damaged or destroyed, according to Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly. Thousands of people who lost their homes slept outdoors overnight, and travel to La Guaira was restricted starting at 8 p.m. Friday due to rescue needs and fears of a public health crisis. A website created to help locate missing people listed more than 50,000 as unaccounted for, with 8,000 people found so far.
What’s reported
Twin earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck west of Caracas on Wednesday evening less than a minute apart.
At least 920 people killed and at least 3,360 injured, according to government officials.
About 200 people remained trapped beneath collapsed buildings, and around 250 structures were damaged or destroyed.
The U.S. State Department committed $150 million and deployed a 250-person response team with three urban search-and-rescue teams.
Hospitals reached capacity by Thursday evening, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said.
Travel to La Guaira was restricted starting 8 p.m. Friday due to rescue needs and public health fears.
A missing persons website listed more than 50,000 as unaccounted for, with 8,000 found.
Several countries reported citizens among the dead and missing, including Brazil, China, Italy and Spain.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s predictive modeling suggested fatalities could climb to more than 10,000.
Former President Nicolás Maduro, held in a New York jail, commented on the tragedy on X.
Open questions
The exact number of people still trapped or missing beyond the 200 reported trapped and 50,000 listed as unaccounted for.
Key figures
Daniela Guerra, civilian volunteer
Graciela Mora, rescued survivor
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado
Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello
Former President Nicolás Maduro
U.S. President Donald Trump
United Nations’ Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher
Sources: NBC News
