Emergency aid from the United States has been dispatched to Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes, with Fox News correspondent Nate Foy reporting live from the disaster-stricken areas in Caracas. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes have led to a death toll exceeding 1,400, with over 68,900 citizens unaccounted for. Rescue efforts are ongoing as search-and-rescue teams collaborate with the U.S. military to retrieve survivors from the wreckage of a collapsed 17-story high-rise.
Rescue Operations Amid Rising Casualties
By late Saturday, search-and-rescue crews managed to pull 33 people alive from the debris over the weekend. However, time is running out for nearly 50,000 individuals still feared missing, according to officials and aid workers. The Associated Press reported 1,430 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries, with the same number seeking refuge in shelters.
La Guaira state’s coastal regions faced the greatest damage as apartment blocks and public buildings collapsed during the earthquakes on Wednesday. Numerous aftershocks continue to hinder rescue operations and drive survivors outdoors in the sweltering heat.
Noteworthy Rescues
Among those rescued, a U.S. team saved an infant, a Colombian team found an 11-year-old boy using a scanner, and a Mexican crew rescued another child. Each life saved offers hope during these challenging times, noted Acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Time-Sensitive Rescue Efforts
There exists a window of roughly three days, 72 hours, where the probability afterwards decreases that you can save people alive,stated Swiss rescue-team leader Sebastian Eugster.
With the critical survival window rapidly closing, estimates of missing persons vary, with some claims reaching nearly 50,000 individuals still missing. Families previously listed 68,900 people as missing by Saturday.
US Pledges Aid and Communications Support
The Trump Administration has committed $150 million in aid and deployed Navy warships following the disaster in Venezuela. In addition, Starlink has facilitated communication services for the affected region to ensure connectivity during the humanitarian crisis.
Starlink Mobile announced free connectivity for MovistarVe customers in La Guaira, with plans to extend service to DigitelAyuda and movilnet_ve customers. This service allows families and communities with LTE smartphones to maintain SMS connectivity.
Global Support and Solidarity
On Sunday, Pope Leo expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, offering his support in Spanish during the Angelus prayer in Rome. He expressed his closeness to those affected by the disaster.