Death Toll from Twin Earthquakes in Venezuela Rises to 920

The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela has reportedly risen to 920, according to official government figures and information provided by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. The disaster, which struck on Wednesday evening, has left more than 3,360 people injured in La Guaira, Caracas, and surrounding areas.

Authorities said 172 people remain trapped beneath the rubble, while more than 50,000 people have been reported missing.

The two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck just one minute apart, causing the collapse of numerous multi-story buildings across northern Venezuela.

Nearly two days after the disaster, rescue operations continue to face significant challenges. A shortage of heavy equipment and the limited presence of official emergency response teams have forced local residents and volunteers to search through debris by hand in a desperate effort to rescue survivors. The slow pace of rescue efforts has fueled frustration and anger among affected families.

Panic intensified on Friday afternoon after a 4.9-magnitude aftershock was felt in Caracas and Maracay.

According to a United Nations report, the twin earthquakes have caused an estimated $6.7 billion in direct economic losses. Officials say Venezuela's long-standing economic crisis, weak infrastructure, and poor compliance with building regulations have made disaster response particularly difficult.

At the main hospital in La Guaira, shortages of medical supplies reportedly forced healthcare workers to treat patients on the hospital's parking lot floor.

The country's ongoing migration crisis has further complicated relief efforts, as many experienced doctors and emergency responders had previously left Venezuela, creating a severe shortage of skilled personnel. The disaster has become a major test for the administration of interim President Delcy Rodríguez.

To facilitate rescue operations, authorities have restricted public movement on major roads, allowing access only to registered and official rescue teams. However, Oil Minister Paola Henao said the country's oil production and fuel supply systems remain operational.

As part of the international humanitarian response, specialized rescue teams from Mexico and El Salvador have arrived in Venezuela and begun operations.

Following a telephone conversation between interim President Delcy Rodríguez, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Washington announced $150 million in humanitarian assistance and a temporary easing of sanctions.

Major General Kevin J. Jarard of the U.S. Southern Command has also arrived in Caracas to oversee U.S. rescue operations. The United States has deployed more than 250 personnel, including specialized search-and-rescue teams.

Humanitarian aid and international rescue teams from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, France, and Türkiye have also begun arriving in Venezuela.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as many as seven million people could be affected by the disaster.