Rescue operations across Venezuela are entering their most critical phase as the internationally recognized 72-hour survival window has closed following a series of powerful earthquakes that have left the country facing one of its deadliest natural disasters in decades.
The twin quakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction across coastal regions near Caracas and triggering the collapse or severe damage of hundreds of buildings. Authorities report that more than 774 structures were damaged, including at least 189 that have fully collapsed.
The official death toll has now surpassed 1,450, with thousands more injured and tens of thousands still missing. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said the situation remains fluid, warning that casualty figures could continue to rise as search efforts progress.
Experts emphasize that the first three days after a disaster are decisive for survival chances. As one rescue specialist explained, “there exists a window of roughly three days, 72 hours, where the probability afterwards decreases that you can save people alive.” With that period now passed, the mission is increasingly shifting from rescue to recovery.
