Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 920, over 50,000 still missing

The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 920, as rescue teams continue searching through the rubble of collapsed buildings across the country. Authorities say more than 50,000 people remain missing, raising fears that the casualty count could rise significantly in the coming days.

In a statement on Friday (June 26), Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodríguez said the bodies had been recovered over the past two days from the hardest-hit areas, including the capital Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira.

He added that 3,360 people have been rescued with injuries, while thousands are still believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

"Every life saved after such a catastrophic earthquake is nothing short of a miracle," Rodríguez said, noting that search-and-rescue operations are continuing around the clock.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Venezuela was struck on June 24 by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, just 40 seconds apart. The twin quakes are being described as one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country's modern history.

The powerful tremors caused widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, flattening residential buildings, high-rises and critical infrastructure in Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding areas.

The USGS has warned that the final death toll could be substantially higher if those still missing are not found alive.

Thousands of desperate families remain gathered near the ruins, hoping rescuers can reach loved ones trapped beneath the debris. La Guaira resident Nazareth Jiménez said several of her relatives and friends remain missing.

"We are asking governments around the world for help. Many people are still alive beneath the rubble," she appealed.

Another resident, Jennifer Palacios, said her six-year-old son and five other family members are believed to be trapped inside the remains of an eight-storey building. She said local volunteers are doing everything possible, but the lack of heavy machinery has severely slowed rescue efforts.

Government officials have acknowledged that shortages of cranes and specialized rescue equipment are hampering operations.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the military has been deployed to lead rescue and relief efforts in the worst-affected areas, particularly La Guaira.

"We still have thousands of missing people. The death toll is expected to rise," she said, welcoming international assistance and stressing that rescuing survivors trapped beneath the rubble remains the government's highest priority.