Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 920, Over 50,000 Missing

At least 920 people have been confirmed dead and 3,360 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday night, as rescue workers continue searching for thousands of missing residents.

According to Sky News, the latest casualty figures were announced on Friday by the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within minutes of each other, leaving widespread devastation across the country. More than 50,000 people have been reported missing, while authorities said at least 172 people remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Rodriguez disclosed that 383 buildings were damaged by the quakes, with the coastal state of La Guaira suffering the worst destruction. He said the area had been fully militarised and urged residents and volunteers to avoid congesting access routes needed by emergency responders.

“We appreciate the overwhelming desire to help, but the roads we are using to transport the injured are becoming congested. The best way to help is to keep the roads clear so that medical teams can transport patients and rescue crews can carry out their work more effectively,” he said.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez also confirmed the deployment of security forces to La Guaira, while the government established an emergency stockpile of food, water and medical supplies at the Foreign Ministry in Caracas.

Authorities said structural assessments were ongoing for buildings that sustained damage but remained standing.

Juan José Ramírez, Venezuela’s Sectoral Vice President for Public Works and Services, said rescue teams were using specialised equipment to break through collapsed concrete in search of survivors.

Rescue efforts have, however, been slowed by continuous aftershocks and a shortage of heavy machinery, forcing some residents to clear debris with basic tools. In several coastal communities, locals have appealed for volunteers with pickaxes and shovels to assist in the search.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise significantly as emergency workers continue combing through the rubble across northern Venezuela.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that fatalities could eventually reach several thousand, with a significant possibility that the final death toll may exceed 10,000.

Relief operations have also been complicated by damage to Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport, which has been shut down.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was prepared to support Venezuela’s emergency response.

“We have a whole-of-government response. It’ll be big; it’ll be fast; and it’ll be effective,” Rubio said.

Meanwhile, families of missing persons have continued uploading photographs of their loved ones to a dedicated online database as the search for survivors enters a critical stage.