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Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 1,430 as massive rescue effort continues

By The South Asia Times

VENZUELA - The death toll from the twin earthquakes that devastated Venezuela has climbed to 1,430, while thousands more remain injured or displaced as rescue teams continue searching for survivors, authorities said on Saturday.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said in a televised address that 3,238 people were injured and 3,142 families have been displaced since the powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday. Rescue operations are continuing across the hardest-hit areas.

More than 30,000 personnel have been deployed to support emergency response efforts, including members of the military, police, medical teams, paramedics, and psychologists assisting affected communities.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart. The magnitude 7.5 quake was centered about 23 kilometers (14.3 miles) southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred approximately 23.9 kilometers (14.9 miles) northeast of San Felipe, also in Yaracuy state.

Rodriguez said the country has recorded 430 aftershocks since the initial earthquakes, raising concerns over further damage and complicating rescue efforts.

He also announced that Venezuela has received assistance from 21 international aid delegations, bringing together more than 2,000 relief workers. International support includes 96 search-and-rescue dogs, 40 cargo vehicles, 32 transport vehicles, 103.7 metric tons of rescue equipment, and 3 metric tons of medical supplies.

Authorities said rescue and relief operations remain underway as emergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings and providing assistance to survivors in the affected regions.