Venezuela’s Earthquake Death Toll Approaches 3,000
The official death toll from the catastrophic twin earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 2,954, with international rescue teams now beginning to scale back their operations ten days after the disaster. While the search for survivors enters its final stages, the United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people remain missing following the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors. Coastal regions like La Guaira bore the brunt of the destruction, leaving thousands of families homeless and desperate to recover the remains of their loved ones from the flattened residential complexes.
While interim President Delcy Rodriguez has officially honored the international teams for their service, many local citizens have expressed deep frustration over what they perceive as a sluggish governmental response during the critical first hours of the crisis. Beyond the immense human loss, the country—already weakened by years of economic instability—faces an estimated $6.7 billion in infrastructure damage. As heavy machinery begins the somber task of clearing debris and commercial flights remain grounded at the damaged Maiquetia airport, survivors like Víctor Colivert are left to navigate the heartbreaking reality of losing everything while fighting to hold onto their loved ones in the wreckage.