Voice of Urdu – International News in English & Urdu

Venezuela earthquake death toll hits 1,719 in La Guaira

Editorial Team

Rescue operations continue as aftershocks persist and thousands remain missing in La Guaira.

The Venezuela earthquake death toll rose to at least 1,719, with 5,034 people reported injured after two powerful quakes struck the northern state of La Guaira on Wednesday. Search operations continued into Monday as tens of thousands remained missing or unaccounted for, authorities said.

The growing casualty toll and the vast number of people still unaccounted for are increasing pressure on the government to sustain rescue operations, restore essential services and provide shelter and basic supplies for those left homeless—amid warnings the disaster’s humanitarian impact could last for years.

Key developments

Authorities said on Monday that at least 1,719 people were killed and 5,034 injured in the twin earthquakes that struck La Guaira on Wednesday.
Tens of thousands of residents remain missing or unaccounted for, intensifying searches and expanding demand for shelter, food and medical care.
Rescuers noted the first 72 hours after a quake are typically critical for finding survivors; that window passed on Saturday, but teams continue to work in damaged neighbourhoods.
Officials said electricity had been restored to 90% of La Guaira and that 15 temporary camps were operating, while police and soldiers distributed canned tuna and crackers to displaced residents.
A magnitude 4.6 aftershock struck near Caraballeda on Monday, one of more than 600 tremors recorded since the initial earthquakes measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5. No new damage was reported.

Context and background

Venezuela has been hit by back-to-back earthquakes that brought down buildings across parts of La Guaira, triggering a sustained rescue and recovery effort. Continued aftershocks have disrupted daily life in affected communities and in the capital, Caracas, complicating efforts to assess damage and reunite families.

For more on Venezuela’s broader links to international support and supplies, see India's leading refiner receives U.S. approval to resume Venezuelan oil imports..

Details and evidence

Voice of Urdu reported that families have been keeping vigil at piles of rubble as civil defence workers search for survivors. Ana Rada, who was waiting as crews searched for her brother, said: “We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep. Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Officials have faced criticism that the response has been slow, while highlighting measures on the ground, including food distribution and the establishment of temporary camps.

In Caracas, Monday’s aftershock prompted residents to evacuate buildings. Concepcion Hernandez, 51, said after leaving her apartment: “Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace.”

For another recent example of rescue efforts amid crisis conditions, read Indian Navy rescues critically injured Chinese sailor.

Current status and next steps

Search operations were still under way on Monday despite the passing of the period rescuers consider most critical for finding survivors. Authorities continued to report aftershocks, including the magnitude 4.6 tremor near Caraballeda, while recovery efforts in La Guaira focused on restoring services and housing displaced residents in temporary camps.