LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) – Following back-to-back earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck late Wednesday, Venezuelans have taken it upon themselves to search for missing loved ones amidst a profound lack of government rescue efforts. By Friday, the death toll had risen to at least 920, with over 51,000 individuals reported missing.
Residents digging through the debris of their homes have expressed frustration at the limited presence of state rescue teams in the most severely impacted areas. While authorities have attempted to project a strong response, citizens reported only a handful of rescue teams on-site. The urgency to find potential survivors intensifies as nearly two days pass since the disaster, as aid organizations emphasize the critical first 48 to 72-hour window for locating living victims.
On Friday night, Venezuelan authorities announced a restricted access policy to La Guaira, the epicenter of the devastation, as increasing chaos and traffic hindered rescue operations. Officials stated that individuals wishing to enter the affected area would need to obtain official permits, though specifics on who would be granted access remained sparse.
In parallel, international rescue teams have begun arriving in Venezuela, with many more expected. An international aid effort has been initiated, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, highlighted the situation, stating that “each person saved is a miracle” and vowed to be transparent about the extent of the tragedy.
Families throughout northern Venezuela remain in despair as they sift through the ruins of destroyed buildings in search of relatives and remnants of their lives. Nazareth Jimenez, a resident of La Guaira, watched helplessly as her community attempted to break through concrete slabs to find those trapped beneath. Her family members, including siblings and friends, remain unaccounted for, driving her to plead for more assistance from both the government and international entities.
As government forces distribute food and water to survivors, acting President Delcy Rodríguez emphasized the government’s commitment to rescue efforts during this critical period. However, residents argue that the aid provided is insufficient, highlighting the disparity between the actual response and official statements claiming a robust operation is underway.
The toll of the disaster is exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis in Venezuela, which has persisted for over a decade, leading many citizens to question the legitimacy of the current government. The number of those injured reached over 3,300 by midday Friday, and officials confirmed that 243 people had been rescued thus far.
The International Organization for Migration indicated that up to 6.76 million individuals could be impacted by the earthquakes, with around 2 million affected in Caracas alone. The dual quakes' shallow nature increased the destruction, leading to widespread fear among residents who are reluctant to return to their homes.
Frustration and despair ripple through the community as many continue to search for missing family members, some choosing to sleep outside while mourning those who lost their lives. Omar Reyes, who lost two of his children, expressed desolation over his situation, lamenting the loss of 20 family members due to the earthquakes. Meanwhile, in the city of Maiquetía, where panic and desperation have led to near-looting episodes, residents struggle to acquire basic necessities such as food and hygiene products amidst scarce supply.
Efforts to locate survivors often face interruptions from traffic and chaos, with Mexican soldiers and volunteers pleading for silence to facilitate rescue operations. In one poignant moment, Yuleidy Cadenas awaited news of her loved ones while grieving the loss of her son’s birthday celebration. Having narrowly escaped a collapsing building, she held onto hope, searching for her son, mother, and brother in the destructive aftermath.
As international aid has begun to materialize, Venezuela's officials report that at least 861 volunteers from various nations are engaged in rescue efforts, with additional support expected soon. The United Nations announced the dispatch of 1,000 emergency responders, ready to assist in the search and recovery. Acting President Rodríguez communicated with U.S. officials, securing further commitments for rescue teams and equipment.
The sight of state forces and emergency personnel converging on the highways signals a concerted effort to mitigate the disaster's impact. However, the real challenge lies in the challenge of addressing the needs on the ground, as countless families remain in limbo, awaiting news of their loved ones amidst the ruins.
