Venezuela Quake Death Toll Nears 1,000; UN Says 6.8 Million at Risk as Survivors Slam Slow Rescue
Nearly 1,000 people are dead and tens of thousands are missing after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, with the United Nations warning that up to 6.8 million people may be affected and survivors criticizing the slow pace of rescue efforts [183537][183531].
The United Nations reported Saturday that up to 6.76 million people could have been impacted by the two powerful earthquakes that struck the country this week, including about two million residents of the capital, Caracas [183537][183531]. The death toll is approaching 1,000, and tens of thousands remain missing [183537][183531].
Survivors have slammed the rescue operation as too slow [183531]. The UN’s emergency relief chief, Tom Fletcher, described the rescue and recovery effort as “very complex,” noting that over 50,000 people are missing and over 500 are confirmed dead [182496]. “We have over 50,000 missing and over 500 confirmed dead, so there is a huge task ahead of going through the rubble,” Fletcher said [182496].
The first quake, with a magnitude of 7.8, hit the northern coast near the capital early Friday, followed by a second 6.9-magnitude tremor 12 hours later that toppled buildings already weakened by the initial shock [183528]. Rescue teams continue to search through rubble in the hardest-hit cities, including Cumana and Barcelona, but damaged roads and disrupted communications have slowed efforts [183528]. Authorities have declared a state of emergency and requested international aid [183528].
The number of missing, estimated at more than 30,000, includes people in remote areas that remain cut off [183528]. Survivors are in urgent need of food, water, and medical supplies [183528].