News
The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela have become one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country's modern history.
Key developments include:
The death toll has risen to 920, with officials warning it is likely to increase.
More than 50,000 people are reported missing, according to the UN's humanitarian chief, as rescue operations continue.
The hardest-hit area is La Guaira, near Caracas, where thousands of buildings collapsed after the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck within a minute of each other.
Rescue efforts have been slowed by destroyed infrastructure, aftershocks, and a shortage of heavy equipment. Volunteers have joined international teams in searching for survivors.
Public anger has grown over what many residents describe as a slow government response, with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez facing protests during a visit to an affected neighborhood.
The United Nations has mobilized rescue teams from at least 17 countries, while the United States, Spain, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Switzerland, and El Salvador have sent personnel and aid.
The disaster has further strained a country already weakened by years of economic hardship, deteriorating healthcare, and damaged public infrastructure.
Among the victims are foreign nationals from Portugal, Spain, Brazil, China, Chile, and Italy, while many others remain unaccounted for.
A minute of silence was observed before 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on Friday to honor those who lost their lives.
Emergency officials continue to search for survivors, but they have cautioned that the chances of finding people alive are diminishing as time passes. Humanitarian agencies are urging continued international assistance to prevent the disaster from escalating into an even larger crisis.
