The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has climbed to at least 1,430 people, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez confirmed on Saturday. In a somber update, Rodríguez reported that 3,238 individuals have been injured, and 3,142 families have lost their homes entirely. The country has experienced at least 430 aftershocks since the two main quakes, compounding the destruction and hampering rescue efforts.
Electricity Restoration and Government Response
Venezuelan authorities announced that workers have managed to restore 60% of the electricity supply in the heavily affected La Guaira state. The presidency also activated a new earthquake hotline on Saturday for reporting missing persons or requesting assistance. Search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly through the midday hours, racing against time to find remaining survivors amid the rubble.
In many communities, residents have taken the lead in searching through debris, driven by anguish and desperation. Each passing morning brings a darker reality, as prayers for the miraculous recovery of missing loved ones go unanswered, and survivors endure fitful sleep interrupted by nightmares of collapsing buildings.
Personal Stories of Loss and Frustration
Former policeman Jan Carlos Roa Garcia and his family spent another night sleeping rough in Caracas. Their building, though not destroyed, is too dangerous to return to. With tears streaming down his cheeks, Garcia expressed uncertainty about rebuilding his family's life. "If I was 30 and not 50, then maybe. But I don't know where to begin. And so far, no-one in authority has contacted us," he said, careful not to over-criticize the government despite his exhaustion and anger.
Musician Zaira Castro voiced stronger frustrations. "We're all pretty frustrated because the government is not showing what it should – a serious display of help," she stated in a plaza near two collapsed buildings. "It's actually us, the Venezuelans, who are helping each other. We live in a society that has grown into helping each other. We don't depend on the government – that doesn't exist for us anymore."
Interim President Confronted by Residents
In the Chacao district, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez toured with the mayor and faced residents' ire. One resident shouted, "You're campaigning in the middle of a tragedy! The government isn't doing anything for the people." The area includes the affected neighborhood of Los Palos Grandes, where rescue crews work around the clock at the collapsed Petunia building to reach trapped residents. A friend of a former resident posted on social media that her mother was among the missing under the rubble.
Scenes of Devastation in La Guaira
The coastal town of La Guaira has been hit hardest, with more than 100 flattened buildings creating an apocalyptic scene. As hopes fade, anger grows. Affected resident Eileen Lada pleaded, "There are still people in there, we need machinery. Help us, please." The desperation is palpable as survivors await additional aid and heavy equipment to continue search operations.
