Venezuela quake kills 1,430, leaves 69,000 missing

Photo: Collected

The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen sharply to 1,430, while 68,900 people remain missing, according to the latest figures released by the country's National Assembly.

Authorities also confirmed that at least 3,238 people have been injured in the disaster, as rescue teams continue search and recovery operations across the affected areas.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 6.76 million people may have been affected by the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday.

According to the agency's preliminary assessment, nearly 2 million residents of the capital, Caracas, are among those impacted. Damage assessments remain ongoing, with humanitarian agencies warning that the full scale of the disaster is yet to emerge.

Based on preliminary satellite analysis, the IOM said approximately 31.5 percent of buildings in the coastal city of Catia La Mar have sustained damage.

"The first hours and days after a disaster are critical and shape everything that follows," IOM Director General Amy Pope said.

The IOM said it has rapidly expanded its emergency response, with relief supplies pre-positioned in Caracas already being distributed to the worst-affected communities.

The agency is working with the Venezuelan government and humanitarian partners to provide emergency shelter, essential relief items and protection services. It also warned that internal displacement could increase significantly as thousands of people who have lost their homes seek safety elsewhere.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart on Wednesday.

The magnitude 7.5 quake was centred about 23 kilometres southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy State, while the magnitude 7.2 tremor struck about 23.9 kilometres northeast of San Felipe, also in Yaracuy.

The United Nations has called for a swift and coordinated international response, saying urgent global support will be essential to save lives and assist the Venezuelan people in the difficult days and months ahead.