Over 900 people have been confirmed dead and more than 3,360 injured following two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday. The Venezuelan government reported the rising casualty figures as rescue operations intensify, with international teams, including specialists from the United Kingdom, now on the ground searching for survivors.
The tremors, one of which registered a magnitude of 7.5 and is among the strongest to hit the country in a century, caused extensive damage across northern Venezuela. The region of La Guaira, situated just north of the capital Caracas, has borne the brunt of the disaster. This area is critical to Venezuela's infrastructure, housing one of its two primary ports and Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, the country's main international gateway. Reports indicate that hundreds of buildings, including hospitals and shopping centres, have been destroyed or severely damaged, with over 1,000 other infrastructure sites also affected.
Amidst the widespread destruction, families are desperately awaiting news of loved ones. Natacha Diaz, speaking to the BBC, shared her anguish over her two daughters, aged 22 and 23, who are believed to be trapped under the rubble of a collapsed shopping centre in La Guaira where they worked. The head of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, stated on Friday that the death toll had reached 920, with at least 172 individuals still unaccounted for. Despite the grim numbers, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez noted that dozens of people have been rescued alive, bringing moments of hope amidst the tragedy.
The international community has mobilised rapidly to assist. The UN's humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, confirmed that nearly 2,000 international rescue workers, supported by 111 search dogs and advanced equipment like micro-drones, are now part of the response. A UK military flight departed from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Friday, carrying British search and rescue specialists from 14 fire services, led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue. Other nations, including the United States, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Switzerland, have also deployed teams. The US has further pledged $150 million in aid and dispatched warships and transport planes.
The aftermath has presented significant challenges to emergency services. Damaged roads, disrupted communications, and a shortage of resources have hampered initial rescue efforts. Surviving medical facilities are reportedly overwhelmed, with local doctors highlighting pre-existing shortages of supplies and medicines, which have now been exacerbated by the disaster. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Venezuela and urges British nationals in the affected areas to follow the advice of local authorities and their tour operators, if applicable.