Local and international search and rescue teams continued combing rubble in Venezuelas northern state of La Guaira four days after two strong earthquakes. The government reported 1,450 deaths, while thousands were listed as missing in family-run databases. As hopes of finding survivors fade, criticism has grown over the official disaster response.
International
-Sathish Raman
Rescue teams from Venezuela and abroad continued digging through rubble in La Guaira on Sunday. The effort came four days after two strong earthquakes hit the northern state. The government said 1,450 people were dead by Sunday afternoon. Many families were still searching for missing relatives through several databases.
Local and international search and rescue teams continued combing rubble in Venezuelas northern state of La Guaira four days after two strong earthquakes. The government reported 1,450 deaths, while thousands were listed as missing in family-run databases. As hopes of finding survivors fade, criticism has grown over the official disaster response.
More than 2,200 rescue workers from other countries had arrived by Saturday, the UN said. Additional teams were still landing and moving into the disaster zone. Even as survival chances fell, crews kept finding people alive. Aid agencies said the first 48 to 72 hours were key, unless victims had food and water.
Venezuela earthquake rescue teams pull survivors from debris
US and French rescuers saved a man and his son on Sunday morning. They carried both survivors on a black tarp to an ambulance. A crowd watched as medics gave fluids by IV. People nearby saw the dust on their faces. The scene renewed hope for families still waiting at collapsed buildings.
Civilian helpers also joined the search. Jason Mercano said social media helped contact relatives under debris. “Its been incredibly hard work, but were going strong,\” said Jason Mercano. \”Weve never given up hope,\” Jason Mercano added. Many residents said such efforts filled gaps left by officials.
Venezuela earthquake rescue effort faces criticism and access limits
The government faced criticism from Venezuelans who called the response slow. Some said civilian rescue work received more attention than official teams. Rodriguez said on state television Saturday that over 14,000 military and police were patrolling La Guaira. Access was blocked in places, and special permits were required.
Rescue work looked more organised on Sunday than earlier days. Still, some in the disaster areas said they saw little state help. One clash erupted when people stopped an excavator from leaving. They pulled the operator from the cabin. The action followed reports of state workers taking selfies, then leaving.
Venezuela earthquake damage rises as aftershocks continue
Venezuela’s government said over 770 buildings had fully or partly collapsed. That figure was twice the number reported destroyed or damaged on Friday. Experts said damage grew because two shallow quakes hit in quick succession. Smaller aftershocks continued for days. One measured 4.8 on Saturday.
Across coastal communities, dust covered streets and homes. In strong heat, more people wore masks as the smell of decomposition spread. Some climbed broken walls and shouted names into gaps. Elsewhere, teams loaded bodies onto white trucks from a dirt hospital parking lot. Some bodies were bagged, others not.
Venezuela earthquake rescue brings aid arrivals and human moments
Search teams and foreign aid kept arriving from Mexico, the US, Brazil, El Salvador, France and other places. The International Organisation for Migration said over 6 million people could be affected. About 2 million were in Caracas alone. Many residents said seeing foreign teams working beside locals helped morale.
Yonahi Regalado said she shouted for her sister and 1-year-old nephew and godson from 1 am after the quakes. Helicopters circled as aid workers arrived. \”It doesnt matter who it is, whoever, whether its family or somebody else. If there is anyone alive, lets get them out,\” Yonahi Regalado said.
One video showed a rescuer calming an elderly woman trapped under rubble. The woman feared movement would bring another collapse. \”The roof wont cave in. If it falls, Ill be here with you,\” he said. Officials also reported major damage at Simon Bolivar International Airport, which serves Caracas.
One runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport remained operational, officials said. US teams worked to repair the critical route, according to Jeremy Lewin, a senior State Department official for foreign assistance. As Sunday ended, searches continued despite rising deaths, ongoing aftershocks, and anger over delays, while families still checked missing lists.
With inputs from PTI
