Death toll crosses 1,400 in Venezuela quakes as search continues

The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has climbed above 1,400 on Saturday as international rescue teams joined efforts to search for survivors in the worst-affected coastal regions and parts of the capital Caracas.
According to agency reports, the earthquakes, which struck on Wednesday and triggered hundreds of aftershocks, caused widespread destruction across areas including La Guaira and Caracas. Rescue workers, volunteers and families have been digging through collapsed buildings, with many areas reporting shortages of heavy equipment and limited emergency support.Authorities said more than 1,600 foreign rescuers have arrived in Venezuela, with additional teams expected to join the operation. In Caraballeda, one of the hardest-hit areas in La Guaira, rescue teams were deployed by helicopters as they searched damaged buildings for survivors and victims.

The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes rose above 1,400 as foreign rescue teams poured into the country and authorities pressed on with the search for survivors in the hardest-hit coastal areas https://t.co/lvRj33ZDeT pic.twitter.com/6LRORREpK7

— Reuters (@Reuters) June 27, 2026

Among those searching was Alejandro Serrano, a 33-year-old engineer who travelled across the country looking for his 24-year-old sister Ana, who was believed to be inside the destroyed Bahía Mar building in Caraballeda. After searching hospitals and sharing her details with international rescue teams, Serrano said he hoped she would still be found alive.Many residents have been forced to sleep on streets due to continuing aftershocks and fears of further collapses. In Los Corales, residents said several homes were damaged, leaving families struggling after losing their belongings and homes.Authorities restricted access to some areas, citing concerns that traffic was delaying emergency vehicles. Power supplies were gradually being restored, though the country’s electricity network has faced years of instability due to underinvestment and economic challenges.
While the government reported hundreds missing or trapped, more than 55,000 people have been listed as unaccounted for on a website supported by the opposition. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the disaster could potentially result in more than 10,000 deaths, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America in decades.The disaster has also raised political challenges for interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who has presented herself as a reform figure despite serving as vice president under former leader Nicolas Maduro.Global support has continued to grow, with Pope Leo offering prayers for victims and relief workers. The United States has also provided assistance, with officials saying additional aid worth hundreds of millions of dollars could be announced soon, alongside $150 million already committed.