On Wednesday evening, Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, leading to a death toll that has surpassed 900, with 3,360 injuries reported and more than 50,000 people missing.
The government has confirmed that 172 individuals remain trapped under rubble, particularly in La Guaira state, where rescue efforts have been hampered by a lack of heavy equipment and official presence. Frustration among residents is growing as they rely on community volunteers for rescue operations.
The interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who has been trying to position herself as a reformer, may face political repercussions due to the government's slow response to the disaster. A U.N. report estimates the direct damage from the earthquakes at approximately $6.7 billion. Despite the devastation, Venezuela's oil production remains unaffected, according to Oil Minister Paula Henao.
International aid is beginning to arrive, including a $150 million assistance package from the U.S., which is also easing sanctions to facilitate relief efforts. The situation is dire, with the U.S. Geological Survey estimating that the death toll could exceed 10,000, making this one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America in the last century.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis is compounded by Venezuela's long-standing economic and political instability, which has already displaced millions and weakened infrastructure