By Beenish Rashid
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 920 as Families Await News of Missing Loved Ones
Residents across northern Venezuela are desperately digging through collapsed buildings by hand in search of missing relatives after two powerful earthquakes devastated the country, leaving at least 920 people dead and nearly 3,360 injured, according to authorities. International rescue teams have begun arriving as hopes fade for thousands still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
The worst destruction has been reported in La Guaira, where more than 100 buildings collapsed following the back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes. Many survivors say neighbors—not heavy rescue equipment—were the first to begin searching for victims as emergency crews struggled to reach affected areas.
Families have posted photos of missing loved ones across devastated neighborhoods while thousands spent another night outdoors, fearing aftershocks. Authorities warn the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue around the clock.
Why It Matters
The disaster is becoming one of Venezuela's deadliest natural catastrophes in decades, placing enormous pressure on emergency services while triggering a major international humanitarian response