Race against time to save 51,000 missing people in Venezuela earthquake rubble
Baby pulled alive from rubble after Venezuela earthquake
Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of devastating 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes, which have officially claimed 920 lives and left over 51,000 people missing.
The hardest-hit state, La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, has seen citizens taking search efforts into their own hands due to a perceived scarcity of government rescuers.
Authorities have tightened access to La Guaira, requiring permits for entry, and deployed 14,000 military and police personnel, while 1,600 foreign rescue team members have arrived to assist.
The disaster presents a significant challenge for Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office after the removal of Nicolás Maduro, amidst Venezuela’s ongoing economic difficulties.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed discussions with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who pledged rescue teams and aid equipment, as the crucial 48-72 hour window for finding survivors closes.
