1,600 International Rescue Workers Arrive in Venezuela as Death Toll Exceeds 900

Venezuela's government confirmed Saturday that 1,600 members of international rescue teams have arrived to assist in the search for survivors following twin earthquakes that have claimed more than 900 lives. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that 17 flights carrying rescue personnel have landed, with 25 additional flights expected within 24 hours. Ten more countries are expected to join rescue operations in the coming days.

The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have devastated coastal areas including La Guaira, where entire residential buildings have collapsed. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the death toll could exceed 10,000, while the United Nations warns that nearly 7 million people may be affected. An opposition-linked website lists over 54,000 people as unaccounted for, though the government has not confirmed this figure.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by infrastructure challenges. Authorities closed roads between La Guaira and Caracas to prioritise emergency vehicle movement, and power remains out in affected areas. However, Rodriguez reported that 60% of electricity has been restored across Venezuela. The government has deployed 14,000 military and police personnel to patrol and implement sanitary measures.

International support has been swift. The United States is mobilizing $150 million in aid and has eased sanctions, dispatching two naval ships and promising helicopter and aircraft support. El Salvador's rescue team has already reported multiple successful rescues. The UN estimates direct damage at approximately $6.7 billion.

Despite the crisis, Venezuela's oil production has not been affected, according to Oil Minister Paula Henao, who assured fuel distribution will continue. However, the disaster comes as Venezuela's already fragile infrastructure—weakened by years of underinvestment and economic sanctions—faces severe strain.