According to Reuters, 189 buildings have been destroyed, and another 774 have sustained serious damage. The coastal state of La Guaira has been hit the hardest.
Rescue operations are underway with the participation of international teams, including specialists from the United States, France, and Mexico. In some areas, debris is still being cleared by hand due to limited access for heavy equipment. K-9 units and heavy machinery are being deployed.
In some areas, residents continue to clear the rubble on their own due to a lack of equipment and delays in clearing the streets. In Caracas’s San Bernardino neighborhood, volunteers are using hand tools and drills to clear collapsed structures. In the Chacao neighborhood, photos of missing persons are being posted on building facades and screens to coordinate the search.
The International Organization for Migration stated that the earthquakes have affected up to 6.76 million people. People need shelter, water, medical care, and basic infrastructure. The UN estimates the damage at approximately $6.7 billion, according to Reuters.
According to Euronews, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated that search and rescue operations will continue. She noted that international teams from 24 countries are participating in the efforts, having deployed more than 2,700 rescue workers and over 500 metric tons of humanitarian aid.
Incidents of looting have been reported in several areas. Local authorities say recovery and rescue efforts are continuing.
