Venezuelans dig for earthquake survivors as 72-hour rescue window nears end

Two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on Wednesday, devastating the coastal area around La Guaira. By Friday evening, authorities moved to restrict access to the area as traffic chaos began to hamper search efforts. At least 920 people are confirmed dead, and more than 51,000 remain missing. The number of injured exceeded 3,300 by midday Friday, while officials reported 243 rescues.

Due to a scarcity of government rescue teams, locals in the hardest-hit areas have resorted to digging through rubble with their hands. Aid agencies warn that the critical 72-hour survival window is closing fast. Officials announced that anyone entering the La Guaira area would now need an official permit, though specific criteria remain unclear.

“Each person saved is a miracle,” said Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly. “We are not going to hide anything about the magnitude of this tragedy.” Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that La Guaira has been “militarised” and that a full response is underway, including distribution of food and water. She welcomed international rescuers and humanitarian aid.

However, residents say the help provided is just a fraction of what is needed. The death toll is expected to rise, as independent databases list tens of thousands of missing, though some reports may be duplicates or due to lack of phone signals. The International Organization for Migration estimates up to 6.76 million people could be affected, about two million of them in Caracas alone.

Experts say the destruction was amplified by the quick succession of shallow quakes. Loyce Pace, International Red Cross regional director for the Americas, noted that “people are still terrified to re-enter what were their homes.” Venezuelan authorities reported that 861 volunteers from Mexico, the US, El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia, and beyond have arrived, with more on the way.