Venezuelans turn to self-rescue efforts as earthquake death toll approaches 1,000

Venezuelans took rescue efforts into their own hands on Friday, digging through collapsed buildings to find missing relatives after two powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country. The death toll rose to at least 920, while more than 51,000 people were reported missing.

Residents in the worst-hit areas said government rescue teams were slow to arrive, forcing families and neighbours to search through the rubble themselves. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck late Wednesday, leaving thousands trapped and communities struggling to cope.

With nearly two days passing since the disaster, families raced against time to find survivors. Rescue agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a collapse the most critical period for saving lives, though chances can remain if trapped victims have access to food and water.

Authorities on Friday night restricted access to La Guaira, the epicentre of the destruction, citing traffic and disorder affecting rescue operations. Officials said people would need special permits to enter the area, but details on the process remained unclear.

International rescue teams and humanitarian aid began arriving as countries around the world joined relief efforts.

“Each person saved is a miracle,” said Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, promising transparency over the scale of the disaster.

Families wait anxiously for survivors

Across northern Venezuela, families searched through destroyed homes, hoping to find relatives alive beneath the debris.

In La Guaira, north of Caracas, Nazareth Jimenez watched neighbours use hammers and power tools to break through concrete ruins where her family members were believed to be trapped.

“We’re calling for help from the government and countries around the world,” she said, urging authorities to send heavy machinery to move collapsed structures. “There are still people alive in there.”

The government distributed food and water to survivors and said the affected areas had been secured, while Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said rescue operations were continuing during the “critical hours” for saving lives.

However, many residents said the assistance reaching them was far less than what was needed.

Disaster overwhelms communities

The earthquake created a major challenge for Rodríguez’s administration, which took power after former President Nicolás Maduro was removed by the United States earlier this year. Venezuela has been facing years of economic instability, adding to the difficulties of managing the crisis.

Authorities reported more than 3,300 injured people and said 243 people had been rescued. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as search operations continued.

The International Organization for Migration estimated that up to 6.76 million people could be affected, including around 2 million in Caracas.

Survivors described scenes of grief and desperation. Omar Reyes, who lost two children in the disaster, said around 20 members of his extended family had died.

“I’ve been left alone in this life,” he said while standing near the rubble.

In Maiquetía, residents queued outside shops and pharmacies for essential supplies. Tensions rose as crowds struggled to obtain food and basic goods.

Search teams also faced difficulties as traffic, crowds and motorcycle noise disrupted rescue operations. In some areas, volunteers repeatedly asked people to remain silent so rescuers could hear possible survivors beneath the rubble.

Looting and shortages reported

In Catia La Mar, near Venezuela’s main airport, some residents looted stores for food and basic supplies. Others gathered around aid trucks distributing bread and water.

Makeshift shelters appeared across affected areas as people slept outdoors, afraid to return to damaged homes.

Yuleidy Cadenas, 28, stood outside a collapsed housing building hoping her 12-year-old son, mother and brother would be rescued. She said she escaped a collapsing building barefoot and later discovered her family’s apartment tower had collapsed.

Friday was her son’s birthday.

“I climbed on top of the rubble and asked them to shout back, but nobody did,” she said. “I’m just here waiting for them.”

Global rescue effort expands

Venezuelan authorities said hundreds of international rescuers from countries including Mexico, the United States, El Salvador, Switzerland and Colombia had arrived or were on their way.

The United Nations said around 1,000 emergency responders across 25 search-and-rescue teams were being deployed.

Acting President Rodríguez said she spoke with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who she said pledged support through rescue teams and emergency equipment.

Meanwhile, convoys carrying emergency workers, heavy machinery and supplies moved toward the disaster zone as Venezuela faced one of its biggest humanitarian crises in years.