Venezuela Earthquake: More Than 68,000 Still Missing As Anger Grows Over Slow Rescue Efforts

Last Updated:June 28, 2026, 19:31 IST

Emergency crews, supported by international rescue teams, are racing against time as the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors closes.

The death toll from the Venezuela earthquakes has climbed to 1,430, while more than 68,000 people are still reported missing three days after two powerful tremors struck the country, triggering widespread destruction and a mounting humanitarian crisis.

Rescue teams continued operations on Sunday amid fading hopes of finding survivors following the rare “doublet" earthquakes — a magnitude 7.2 quake followed 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude tremor.

Cities across Venezuela remain littered with collapsed buildings as emergency workers and volunteers search through rubble.

International teams join search efforts

Emergency crews, supported by international rescue teams, are racing against time as the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors closes. Experts say chances of survival drop sharply after this period, with recovery efforts shifting increasingly towards retrieving bodies.

People across affected regions have been using shovels, ropes, heavy machinery and even bare hands to search for trapped relatives. An 11-year-old boy was rescued alive from debris in Caraballeda, north of Caracas, three days after the quakes.

Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez said 24 countries had sent aid, including hundreds of tonnes of supplies, search-and-rescue teams with trained dogs, and thousands of personnel to assist overwhelmed local authorities.

Anger grows over govt response

Public anger is rising over what many Venezuelans describe as a slow and disorganised official response. Residents say security forces and emergency services have struggled to cope with the scale of destruction, while restrictions on access to disaster zones have further fuelled frustration.

Some volunteers have complained about delays in receiving permits to enter affected areas. “You need a permit to save lives — just imagine," one resident told news agency AFP.

“I’ve been here since dawn standing in line so I can go rescue people," another volunteer added. “Look at what time it is… how many lives have we already lost by now?"

The UN estimates that up to 6.76 million people may have been affected by the disaster, with urgent needs including shelter, clean water, sanitation, healthcare and basic relief supplies. It also warned that infrastructure damage could reach $6.7 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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