The official death toll from Venezuela's devastating earthquakes has almost doubled, reaching 920, according to Jorge Rodríguez, president of the national assembly. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has pledged to save "as many people as possible" following the twin 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes that struck on Wednesday evening. The disaster, the worst to hit the country in over a century, has also left nearly 3,000 people injured.
Speaking from La Guaira, one of the most severely affected regions, President Rodríguez confirmed that foreign search and rescue teams are now beginning to arrive to assist with the extensive recovery efforts. This international support comes as frustration grows among the Venezuelan public and volunteer searchers regarding the perceived sluggishness of the government's initial response. Eyewitness accounts describe desperate citizens sifting through rubble with their bare hands in the absence of official emergency workers.
The United Nations aid chief, Tom Fletcher, informed AFP news agency that more than 50,000 people are currently missing following the powerful tremors that flattened buildings across the northern part of the country. Reports from the ground illustrate the scale of the destruction, with residents like Rotny Bombart, a paramedic, recounting harrowing experiences of searching for loved ones amidst collapsed structures. Bombart described seeing dismembered bodies and children in the wreckage, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the catastrophe.
Among the confirmed fatalities are foreign nationals, including 15 people of Portuguese nationality or descent, seven Chinese citizens, two Brazilians, five Spaniards, and an Italian Venezuelan. The international community has mobilised to provide assistance. A 68-strong British search and rescue team, comprising personnel from fire brigades across the UK, six search dogs, and humanitarian staff, has been deployed from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Furthermore, members of the UK Emergency Medical Team have been dispatched to prepare for future medical support, and the British government has allocated £2 million in humanitarian funding.
King Charles and Queen Camilla conveyed their profound sorrow over the disaster. In a personal message, King Charles expressed deep sadness at the tragic loss of life and suffering, extending sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. He also offered special thoughts to the injured, those awaiting news of family and friends, and the emergency responders working tirelessly. The message concluded by admiring the resilience and strength of the Venezuelan people and sending heartfelt condolences to all affected.