Death Toll Rises to 1,430 After Devastating Earthquakes in Northern Venezuela

The official death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has risen to 1,430, with thousands more injured. The quakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused widespread destruction across the northern states, collapsing approximately 125 buildings according to UN estimates. Rescue efforts are hampered by severe chaos and delays, as the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors under the rubble has now passed.

More than 430 aftershocks have been recorded since Wednesday, forcing many residents to sleep outdoors fearing further collapses. UNICEF reported that around 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, urgently require humanitarian aid. Regional hospitals are overwhelmed and facing shortages of medical supplies.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis is intensifying political pressure on Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez and testing the country’s relations with the U.S. The United States is leading international support efforts, deploying about 2,700 emergency workers and canine units from 24 countries, alongside substantial financial aid packages. Meanwhile, emergency teams struggle to navigate blocked roads crowded with civilians and volunteers delivering food and medical supplies independently.