Venezuela is bracing itself for a desperate battle against time as rescue teams scramble to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings, five days on from two devastating earthquakes that ravaged the northern region. With each passing hour, hopes dwindle of finding those still alive, prompting National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez to issue a stark warning: "critical hours" lie ahead for search and rescue efforts. The grim toll continues to mount: at least 1,450 lives lost, with 3,150 injured and over 12,700 displaced from their homes.
The two powerful tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude respectively, struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The second earthquake was reportedly the most significant to hit Venezuela in a century. While power has been restored to La Guaira, near the country's main international airport, the shortage of heavy machinery and state manpower has left the Venezuelan government reliant on international aid for assistance.
As the full extent of the disaster unfolds, heart-wrenching stories are emerging. The family of Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo, who plays for Club Sport Maritimo La Guaira in the second division, tragically lost their lives in the earthquakes. Miraculously, his wife Yanina and two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were recovered from the rubble after a three-day search, sparking widespread relief among locals.
Rescue teams from El Salvador, Venezuela, and Mexico are working tirelessly to free 21-year-old Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, who remains trapped under a building in Caraballeda, La Guaira state. Despite efforts being complicated by the presence of a deceased person's body between rescuers and the survivor, President Nayib Bukele has confirmed that Vargas has been located and administered fluids.
As Venezuela begins the long process of recovery, the education ministry has announced that all schools across the country will remain closed until at least 6 June. Some schools are being converted into emergency relief centres and shelters for affected families. The government urges citizens to follow official channels for updates as the country grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic natural disaster.