The death toll from the recent earthquakes in Venezuela has exceeded 1,400, prompting an urgent international response. Foreign rescue teams and local volunteers are working tirelessly in La Guaira and Caracas to locate survivors.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
I hope they don't find her in the rubble. But I need to find her.
Alejandro Serrano, Volunteer
Rescue operations were hampered by limited heavy equipment and an uneven official response. In Caraballeda, one of the worst-hit areas, US helicopters have been ferrying rescue teams to critical locations.
Amid the chaos, families like Alejandro Serrano's are searching for loved ones amidst the debris. Serrano traveled from San Cristobal seeking his sister, who lived in a now-collapsed building.
Residents are struggling with the aftermath, as many are forced to sleep outdoors due to continued aftershocks. The emotional toll is evident, with locals expressing deep concern for neighbors and relatives.
Power is gradually returning to affected areas, though the country's aging power grid has long been a source of instability. The Venezuelan government has reported hundreds missing, but opposition sources claim over 55,000 are unaccounted for.
Global figures, including Pope Leo, have expressed condolences and called for solidarity with the Venezuelan people. The United States has announced plans for additional aid, with a funding package expected soon.