The earthquake in Venezuela continued to devastate the country on Sunday as rescuers found a man and his teenage son alive beneath rubble nearly four days after twin earthquakes struck north of Caracas.
The discovery in Caraballeda, around 40km north of the capital, offered a rare sign of hope as the death toll from Wednesday’s twin quakes rose above 1,450.
French and American rescue teams located the survivors after magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes destroyed nearly 200 buildings in the area. Authorities said rescue operations would continue despite diminishing hopes of finding more people alive.
Growing casualties and missing persons
Interim president Delcy Rodríguez praised rescue workers for continuing efforts despite the passing of the critical 72-hour rescue window often considered crucial after major disasters.
“Today we have rescued people who are still alive, and therefore these efforts will not be suspended,” Rodríguez said.
Officials reported that at least 3,150 people have suffered injuries, while tens of thousands remain missing. Nearly 774 buildings sustained severe damage from the earthquakes, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise further.
Rescue efforts continue amid unrest
International rescue teams from the United States, Mexico and other countries continued operations as residents searched through debris by hand in desperate attempts to locate missing relatives.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of looting in the heavily affected port city of La Guaira, where residents complained of limited aid and delays in relief efforts.
The United States has increased assistance by sending additional military personnel and disaster response teams to support humanitarian operations and infrastructure recovery.
Economic crisis deepens disaster impact
The earthquakes struck a country already struggling with years of economic decline and weakened public services.
The UN migration agency estimates that as many as 6.76 million people could require emergency support, including shelter, healthcare, sanitation and essential supplies.
The United Nations estimates physical damage costs at approximately $6.7 billion, equal to around six per cent of Venezuela’s gross domestic product.
As rescue operations continue, authorities and international organisations face mounting pressure to provide aid and support to millions affected by one of Latin America’s most destructive earthquake disasters.
Also read: Drone footage reveals devastation after Venezuela earthquake
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