Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 1,430 as Search for Survivors Enters Critical Stage

Rescue teams continued searching through collapsed buildings across Venezuela on Saturday as the death toll from the country’s devastating twin earthquakes rose to 1,430, while hopes of finding more survivors faded more than three days after the disaster struck.

Authorities said thousands of people remain unaccounted for, with more than 50,000 reported missing after the powerful magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes devastated Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding areas on Wednesday. More than 3,200 people have been injured, while millions are believed to be without access to clean water, sanitation and other essential services.

Emergency experts have warned that the first 72 hours following a major earthquake offer the best chance of rescuing survivors trapped beneath rubble. As that window closes, many rescue workers fear recovery operations may increasingly focus on retrieving victims rather than saving lives.

“At this point, they are probably dead bodies. Thanks to God maybe we can find people still alive,” said a Salvadoran rescue worker involved in search efforts.

Despite the grim outlook, authorities announced that an 11-year-old boy was rescued alive from the debris in Caraballeda on Saturday. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez described the rescue as a symbol of hope, saying every life saved gives strength to the nation during the crisis.

Earlier, residents in La Guaira celebrated after a newborn baby was pulled alive from the rubble around 32 hours after the earthquakes struck. Videos shared online showed emotional rescuers carrying the infant to safety as bystanders applauded.

International assistance continued to expand. The United States confirmed that part of the runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport had reopened to receive military transport aircraft delivering aid and rescue teams. A US naval vessel also arrived off Venezuela’s coast, while authorities said search-and-rescue teams from 21 countries were assisting operations.

The United Nations estimated that up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the disaster and require emergency shelter, medical care, clean water and humanitarian assistance. The organization also estimated physical damage at approximately $6.7 billion, equivalent to around six percent of Venezuela’s gross domestic product.

Many residents expressed frustration over what they described as a slow official response. Volunteers complained that authorities had restricted access to the hardest-hit areas, requiring permits before entering La Guaira to assist with rescue efforts.

“We were the ones who pulled them out ourselves. No help ever came,” said Yessica Mendoza, whose daughter and son-in-law died when their home collapsed.

The earthquakes struck a nation already struggling with years of economic hardship, weakened public services and political instability. Officials warned that the humanitarian crisis could deepen as rescue operations continue and thousands remain displaced.