FLASH
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Venezuela is in a dramatic situation, three days after two powerful earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.2 and 7.5, devastated areas near the capital Caracas. Authorities and residents continue to struggle to find survivors under the rubble.
The death toll has reached at least 920 dead, with more than 51,000 people still missing, according to the latest figures. Over 3,300 people have been injured, while 243 survivors have been rescued so far.
Rescue operations are mainly focused on the state of La Guaira, where the epicenter of the disaster is located. Authorities have announced that entry to the area will only be allowed with special permits, due to the chaos and traffic jams that are hindering the work of emergency teams.
Race against time under the rubble
Many residents have begun their own searches for their loved ones, criticizing the limited presence of state rescue teams in the hardest-hit areas. Despite government declarations of a broad mobilization, the situation on the ground remains difficult.
"Every life saved is a miracle," declared the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, adding that "nothing will be hidden about the magnitude of this tragedy."
Residents continue to wait outside collapsed buildings, anxiously watching search and rescue operations. In La Guaira, Nazareth Jiménez burst into tears as neighbors tried to break through concrete slabs to reach her trapped relatives.
"Oh God, how are we going to get them out of there?" she said, pleading for help and heavy machinery from the state and the international community. "There are still people alive in there."
International aid and military control
The government has announced that it is distributing food and water to survivors. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described this period as a "crucial hour for rescue" and welcomed international aid teams.
According to authorities, 861 search and rescue workers from Mexico, the United States, El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia and other countries have arrived in Venezuela, while more teams are expected.
La Guaira has been placed under military control, however residents say the aid so far remains insufficient given the scale of the disaster.
Chaos, looting and shortages
Scenes of chaos were recorded in some areas, with long lines outside shops and pharmacies. There were also reports of looting of food and essential goods. In one case, a woman lay on the ground to protect packages of diapers she had bought for her baby.
Rescue operations are also being hampered by heavy traffic and noise, while teams from Mexico and other countries have appealed for calm so they can detect signs of life under the rubble.
Human tragedy
The stories of survivors are heartbreaking. Omar Reyes said he lost about 20 members of his family and said he was "left alone in this life." Meanwhile, many residents continue to wait outside collapsed buildings, unsure of the fate of their loved ones.
In another case, 28-year-old Yueildi Cárdenas said she saw her house collapse before her eyes, while she has not yet received any news about her mother, son, and brother, who were inside.
Decisive hours
International humanitarian organizations emphasize that the period of 48 to 72 hours after such a disaster is crucial for finding survivors, although this deadline can be extended if minimal survival conditions exist.
The International Organization for Migration estimates that up to 6.76 million people may have been affected by the earthquakes, including about two million residents in Caracas alone, as the two seismic shocks further worsened the condition of infrastructure.
Political challenge
The disaster poses a major challenge to the country's political leadership. Incumbent President Delcy Rodríguez faces criticism over the authorities' response, in a country that has been facing economic and political crisis for years.
Rodríguez also announced that he had held talks with US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who confirmed the United States' commitment to sending humanitarian aid and search and rescue teams.
#TerremotosenVenezuela | The residents of #LaGuaira claim support from the authorities before rescuing the people who still remain in the rubble
— El Pitazo (@ElPitazoTV) June 26, 2026
Via: #ReporterosElPitazo pic.twitter.com/Z6OVcjumFF
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