Residents of La Guaira search for missing loved ones through posters. (Photo: Federico Parra/AFP).
Rescue teams in Venezuela fought desperately against time on Saturday to free survivors still trapped under the rubble.
Tens of thousands of people are still missing. By Sunday morning, the death toll passed the 1,400 mark.
Earlier it was reported that the coastal area of La Guaira, near the capital, Caracas, was the worst hit on Wednesday. Buildings in this area collapsed one after the other after two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 respectively hit the area. Together, the two earthquakes were the most powerful to hit Venezuela since an earthquake in 1900 that registered 7.7.
Experts have warned that the first two hours after a natural disaster are important for locating survivors, after that rescue efforts become a search for bodies.
On Saturday, residents also searched desperately through the rubble of collapsed buildings for survivors. Foreign rescue teams flocked to the area and helped search for survivors.
Late on Saturday evening, an 11-year-old boy was brought to safety under the rubble.
The UN’s migration agency estimates that as many as 6.76 million people could be affected by the disaster. Physical damage is tentatively estimated at $6.7 billion (about R113 billion), which is equivalent to 6% of Venezuela’s gross domestic product.
Tom Fletcher, head of the UN’s emergency fund, said the death toll could rise even further and that there are still around 50,000 people missing.
Against impossible odds, hope endures. ????????
American search and rescue teams rescued an infant from beneath the rubble following the earthquake in Venezuela. Every life saved is a victory. pic.twitter.com/PcFayXEqNP
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 27, 2026
In between, Venezuela’s government deployed the military in the disaster area.
Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim leader, also confirmed that she had pres. Donald Trump of the USA approached for further assistance. According to her, Trump, as well as Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, reaffirmed their willingness to send aid.
The US had earlier confirmed that a rescue team consisting of 250 members and specialist rescue workers was already on its way to Venezuela.