Key facts
- Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
- The death toll has reached 1,943 people.
- Over 10,500 people have been injured.
- Preliminary satellite data suggests over 58,000 buildings may be damaged or destroyed.
- A 2-year-old child was rescued six days after the earthquakes.
- Over 900 U.S. military personnel have been deployed to Venezuela for relief efforts.
- South Korea is considering sending a disaster relief team.
- South Korea has pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid.
- Survivors are criticizing the Venezuelan government's response.
- Health facilities are struggling to cope with the aftermath.
Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast, leading to widespread devastation and a climbing death toll. Official figures report 1,943 deaths and over 10,500 injuries resulting from the twin tremors. Preliminary analysis of satellite data indicates that more than 58,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed, a figure that could surpass current official estimates.
International aid and rescue efforts are underway, with numerous countries and organizations contributing. Over 900 U.S. military personnel have been deployed to Venezuela to support relief operations, including search-and-rescue and intelligence gathering. Jordanian emergency workers successfully rescued a 2-year-old child from rubble six days after the earthquakes, marking the only reported survivor found since the initial tremors. South Korea is also considering dispatching a disaster relief team and has pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid.
Despite international assistance, many Venezuelan survivors are expressing dissatisfaction with their government's response. They cite a lack of organization, empathy, and essential equipment, leading many to rely on civilian efforts and foreign rescue teams for recovery. The health infrastructure is reportedly struggling to cope with the aftermath, raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks.
International aid and rescue teams have arrived to assist in the ongoing search for survivors. The scale of the disaster is significant, with tens of thousands still reported missing.