Deaths in Venezuela earthquake rise to 1,430; around 70,000 reported missing

Darwin, 28 Juen : The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 1,430, while around 70,000 people are still reported missing. Even 76 hours after the disaster, rescue operations continue as ordinary citizens join emergency efforts on the ground.

According to the speaker of the National Assembly, as reported by Al Jazeera, around 3,238 people have been injured so far, and hospitals are struggling to cope with the overwhelming number of patients.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the disaster has affected approximately 6.76 million people across the country, with nearly 2 million residents in the capital, Caracas, among those impacted.

Preliminary satellite analysis shows that nearly one-third of buildings in the coastal city of Catia La Mar have been damaged or collapsed.

IOM Director General Amy Pope said that “the first few hours and days after a disaster are extremely critical,” emphasizing the urgency of response efforts. The organization has been rapidly expanding relief and rescue operations, distributing emergency supplies pre-positioned in Caracas to affected areas.

Emergency shelter, essential supplies, and protection services are being coordinated jointly with the Venezuelan government and partners. With many people having lost their homes, there are growing fears of large-scale internal displacement.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that on Wednesday, two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country within just 39 seconds. The quakes hit Yumaré, about 23 km southeast of Urachiche in Yaracuy state, and another location 23.9 km northeast of San Felipe in the same state.

Meanwhile, damage to a major electricity transmission line in central Venezuela has caused power outages at key facilities, including the Puerto Cabello port and El Palito refinery, slowing down rescue and recovery efforts.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has declared La Guaira state a disaster zone, where at least 100 residential buildings, including high-rise apartments, have completely collapsed