Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 1,719 as rescue window closes
10 reported2 unconfirmed
According to a single NBC News report, hopes are fading for finding more survivors from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela, as the critical 72-hour rescue window has passed. The death toll reached 1,719 on Monday, as reported by Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. Three Americans are among the dead, and 12 of the roughly 5,000 Americans believed to be in the country are missing, according to senior Trump administration officials. More than 46,000 people are reported missing on a family-assistance website, though it is unclear how many have been found. International rescue teams continue to arrive, but frustration is growing over the government’s response, with some residents saying they have seen little evidence of the 14,000 military and police personnel reportedly deployed. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez stated that search operations will continue, noting that electricity, water, and road access have been largely restored in the hardest-hit state of La Guaira.
What’s reported
The death toll rose to 1,719 on Monday, according to Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.
Three Americans are among the dead, a senior Trump administration official told NBC News.
Of roughly 5,000 Americans in Venezuela, 12 are missing and over 300 have requested U.S. State Department assistance, per a second senior administration official.
Some 5,000 people were injured and more than 15,000 displaced, Rodríguez said.
More than 46,000 people are missing, according to a website created to help families share details.
A man and his son were pulled alive from rubble after four days by teams from the U.S., France, and Venezuela.
An 11-year-old boy was rescued by a Colombian team after being trapped about 10 feet under debris; his mother and sister were killed.
The U.N. humanitarian affairs agency reported 44 international urban search and rescue teams, with 2,245 specialists and 140 search dogs, deployed.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said over 14,000 military and police personnel were deployed, but some residents reported seeing little evidence of that presence.
A number of civilians blocked an excavator from leaving a collapsed building site after state workers took selfies and left without helping, according to The Associated Press.
Open questions
How many of the more than 46,000 reported missing have been found.
The full extent of the government’s emergency response and why some residents reported a lack of personnel.
Key figures
Jorge Rodríguez, Venezuelan National Assembly President
Delcy Rodríguez, interim President of Venezuela
Oraimis Rodriguez Ramirez, family member organizing a rescue brigade
Senior Trump administration official (unnamed)
Second senior administration official (unnamed)
Sources: NBC News
