Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 589 as rescue efforts continue

The death toll from the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 589, interim President Delcy Rodrguez announced on Friday morning. Government and military authorities said at a joint press conference that 2,980 people have been injured, 250 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and 2,927 families have been left homeless. Officials spoke from La Guaira, the state north of Caracas that has been hardest hit by the initial quakes and the 214 aftershocks recorded since Wednesday evening. According to the unofficial website Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela (Venezuela Earthquake Missing People), around 50,000 people have been reported missing, although more than 7,800 have since been located. Communications outages have made it difficult for families to contact loved ones, prompting many to turn to social media in search of information. “We must report, sadly, that 589 people have died and 2,980 have been injured. At the same time, we have rescued dozens of people. Seeing them reunited with their families and loved ones brings us great joy,” Rodrguez said. The acting president, who took over after Nicols Maduro was captured by the United States in January, also announced that La Guaira would be placed under military control to facilitate the distribution of food and water and help clear blocked roads. The U.S. government announced a widespread operation to aid Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said they would deploy warships, transport planes, search and rescue teams, and helicopters, mobilizing US$150 million in aid. The U.S. Souther Command arrived in Venezuela on Thursday for the relief operation. Argentina offers assistance As international aid begins to arrive, Argentine authorities announced they are prepared to provide humanitarian assistance, including medical personnel and equipment, aircraft, water treatment plants, specialized rescue teams, military units trained in emergency response, and supplies for evacuees. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said he had spoken with his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvn Gil, to offer Argentina’s support and solidarity, adding that both governments remain in contact to coordinate the response. Authorities have not yet announced when the assistance will be deployed. Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with Argentina in 2024 following a public dispute between Maduro and President Javier Milei. “Despite the differences that may exist between our governments, President Javier G. Milei extends his hand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of a natural catastrophe that demands a response from the entire international community,” the Argentine government said in a statement. International response The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said at least 17 countries have deployed search-and-rescue teams to Venezuela. Getting those teams into the hardest-hit areas to reach people trapped beneath the rubble remains a “top priority,” OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke said. “The entire humanitarian system is moving very fast and at scale,” he added. Rescue teams from the United States, Switzerland, Italy, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador and Chile have already arrived.  Teams from Argentina, the Netherlands, France, Qatar, Czechia, Germany, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador are expected to join the operation in the coming days. Pope Leo XIV has also donated 100,000 (over US$114,000) to support relief efforts. Cover photo: abraham95o on Instagram