CARACAS — Rescue operations continued on Tuesday in areas of northern Venezuela devastated by twin powerful earthquakes last week, as officials reported the death toll surpassing 1,700 with thousands still missing.
The magnitude 7.2 foreshock and 7.5 mainshock struck near Veroes in Yaracuy state on June 24, about 40 seconds apart, causing widespread destruction particularly in La Guaira and the capital Caracas.
Venezuelan authorities said at least 1,719 people had been confirmed dead and more than 5,000 injured, according to statements by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez and other officials. Thousands more remain unaccounted for, with the figure fluctuating as assessments proceed amid ongoing aftershocks.
International urban search-and-rescue teams from more than two dozen countries, coordinated with the United Nations, have been working alongside local emergency services to extract survivors from collapsed buildings. Over 2,000 specialists and search dogs have been deployed.
Dozens of people have been pulled alive from rubble in recent days, including some after more than 100 hours trapped, offering moments of hope amid the grim toll. Nearly 60,000 buildings were estimated damaged or destroyed, based on satellite analysis.
A state of emergency remains in effect in affected regions. Power and telecommunications disruptions have complicated response efforts, while humanitarian agencies warn of risks including disease outbreaks among displaced populations.
The United Nations and international partners are scaling up aid delivery, focusing on shelter, medical support and debris clearance as the search for survivors enters a critical phase.
Rescue operations were expected to continue for several more days, with officials cautioning that the final casualty count could rise further as teams reach more remote or heavily damaged sites.
