Rescue teams raced against time in Venezuela on Sunday as hopes of finding survivors faded after twin powerful earthquakes killed more than 1,450 people and left thousands missing, reports AFP.
Emergency crews with search dogs continued operations across devastated areas, including Caraballeda, where French and American teams pulled a man and his teenage son alive from the rubble, offering a rare moment of hope.
However, authorities said the critical 72-hour survival window had passed, sharply reducing the chances of finding more survivors.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said at least 774 buildings were badly damaged in the earthquakes, including 189 that completely collapsed. He put the death toll at 1,450, with 3,150 people injured.
In La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit coastal areas, residents searched desperately for relatives trapped under debris.
“We do not have the support to get our family out—we cannot do it alone. They are buried there: we know they are dead, but here we are,” said Hector Aguilera. “We have no hope left; all I have are memories.”
Volunteers in Caracas used drills and their hands to clear rubble, while electronic screens in Chacao displayed photos of missing people.
Despite ongoing rescue efforts, looting broke out in parts of La Guaira as pharmacies and supermarkets were ransacked amid delays in aid distribution.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said rescue operations would continue.
“Today we have rescued people who are still alive, and therefore these efforts will not be suspended,” she said. “We always hold onto hope.”
International assistance has poured in, with 24 countries sending more than 520 tons of supplies and over 2,700 search and rescue personnel, according to officials. The United States has also deployed additional military personnel to expand airport and port operations to support relief efforts.
But rescue prospects continue to shrink.
“At this point, they are probably dead bodies,” said one rescue worker from El Salvador. “We still hope we can find people alive.”
The United Nations migration agency warned that up to 6.76 million people could be affected, requiring urgent shelter, water, sanitation, and health services.
The earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck amid Venezuela’s prolonged economic crisis, which has weakened public infrastructure and health systems.
The United Nations estimates total damage at 6.7 billion dollars, equal to about six percent of gross domestic product.
Opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, currently in exile, said she plans to return soon.
“The time has come,” she said. “We need to be together, to embrace, to grieve and mourn together, but also to give each other strength at this difficult time.”
Source: AFP/Gulf News
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
