Venezuela quake death toll climbs above 900 as rescue efforts expand

The death toll from the pair of powerful earthquakes that struck near Caracas two days ago has risen to 920, according to the New York Times, with about 3,360 people injured and at least 172 still trapped under rubble. More than 1,400 buildings have been damaged, including 13 hospitals and 25 shopping centers.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has sent more than 300 American rescuers and said the State Department will provide $150 million for aid groups working in Venezuela. The Treasury Department also temporarily lifted sanctions on the country to help its government carry out disaster-related transactions.

Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said search operations are continuing and that thousands remain missing. She also said La Guaira state, where the quake’s epicenter was located, will be declared a military zone. La Guaira, a coastal province north of Caracas that also contains the capital’s main airport, was among the hardest-hit areas and the damage there has complicated the arrival of international aid. Rodriguez called it “an area of disaster” and said the government is working with private companies to bring in heavy equipment and speed up rescue work.

Tens of thousands of families remain homeless, and power supplies have been disrupted across large affected areas and elsewhere in the country. Emergency teams and volunteers continued searching collapsed buildings into the night, while residents in some places said aid was delayed and rescue work was being done without proper equipment. An Israeli rescue mission also announced it was leaving for the disaster zone, with 16 staff members from Ready for Rescue, Magen and SmartAID heading to Venezuela to locate survivors, assist rescue efforts and provide initial humanitarian aid.