Teams scramble to locate survivors 4 days after Venezuela quakes

Key Points:

• Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela’s La Guaira state, causing over 1,450 deaths and collapsing more than 770 buildings, with thousands reported missing amid ongoing aftershocks.
• Rescue efforts involve over 2,600 international workers and nearly 140 search dogs, with survivors still being pulled from rubble despite diminishing chances of finding live victims after four days.
• Venezuelan citizens have criticized the government’s slow and inadequate response, relying heavily on civilian-led rescue operations and non-governmental digital databases to report missing persons.
• The disaster has strained Venezuela’s already fragile public health system, with hospitals like Domingo Luciani in Caracas managing an influx of injured patients through donations despite shortages.
• Acting President Delcy Rodríguez faces significant challenges managing the crisis amid political instability, economic turmoil, and increased displacement, with international agencies coordinating humanitarian aid efforts.