Venezuela quake death toll rises to 1,430 as nearly 69,000 reported missing

The death toll continues to rise in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes, as ITV News’ Helen Keenan reports

The death toll following Venezuela’s earthquakes has risen to 1,430, officials said, as desperate searches continue through the rubble for missing loved ones.

Rescue teams were still combing through the debris of collapsed homes on Saturday, several days after two powerful quakes – measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude – struck within minutes of each other on Wednesday.

As of Saturday morning, families had reported at least 68,900 people missing.

A newborn baby was among the survivors rescued from the rubble.

In an emotional video, rescuers could be heard cheering as the 18-day-old baby was recovered.

The baby’s mother was also pulled alive from the rubble, and they’re both recovering in hospital. But for others, their search for loved ones continues.

The death toll is expected to continue to climb in the coming days, with some 3,360 people injured and time running out to find survivors.

Venezuelan authorities announced on Friday night that they would block access to La Guaira, the epicentre of the destruction, as chaos and traffic noise began to hinder search efforts.

Officials said anyone who wants to enter would now have to seek official permits, but provided few details of who would be allowed in.

Acting President, Delcy Rodriquez, said in an update on Saturday that more machinery had been mobilised overnight to assist with the recovery efforts.

Venezuelan authorities announced on Friday night that they would block access to La Guaira, the epicentre of the destruction, as chaos and traffic noise began to hinder search efforts.

Officials said anyone who wants to enter would now have to seek official permits, but provided few details of who would be allowed in.

Meanwhile, Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands, citing a scarcity of government rescuers.

Survivors point at a body trapped in the rubble. / Credit: AP

People reported seeing few state rescue teams in the hardest-hit areas, despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response.

A website for people to register missing loved ones has received nearly 58,500 reports so far, with no contact having been made with more than 50,000 people.

Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours to be a crucial timeframe to find people alive, though that can be extended if they have access to food and water.

“Each person saved is a miracle,” said Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly.

“We are not going to hide absolutely anything about the magnitude of this tragedy,” he added.

Authorities said they have rescued 243 people.

Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble of collapsed buildings. / Credit: AP

Among them was a newborn baby, whose recovery was shared in a video posted online. The baby was reunited with family in an emotional rescue, sparking cheers from relief workers.

Meanwhile, The International Organization for Migration said up to 6.76 million people could have been affected, some 2 million of them in the capital Caracas alone.

The destruction was amplified by the quick succession of shallow quakes, experts said. Many continued to sleep on the streets on Friday night as a result.

Government forces distributed food and water to survivors in La Guaira, just north of the capital, Caracas, and Rodríguez said her government was mounting a full response during these “critical hours for rescuing people alive”.

Rodríguez, the former vice president, took office in January after the US’ capture and removal of then-President Nicolás Maduro.

A toy car lies in the rubble left behind. / Credit: AP

Venezuela has been facing economic disarray for more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents.

The acting president welcomed the arrival of international rescuers and humanitarian aid.

Venezuelan authorities said Friday that 861 volunteers from Mexico, the US, El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia and beyond were in the country, and more were coming from elsewhere.

Rodríguez said she spoke to US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, and that they reaffirmed their commitment to send rescue teams and aid equipment.

A 68-strong search-and-rescue team, including specialist dogs, is expected to arrive in Venezuela from the UK on Saturday.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We are making immediately available £2 million of emergency humanitarian assistance, so that we can get search and rescue teams into Venezuela, so that we can do full assessments of the damage that’s been done.

“We’re also working with the United States, with Canada, with the United Nations, and making sure that we can get support in for Venezuela, for the people who need our help.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer added: “My thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following this week’s devastating earthquakes. The UK stands in solidarity with all those affected, particularly those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.”

Any Britons requiring assistance are advised to follow the advice of local authorities and contact +58 (0) 212 263 8411 from Venezuela and 0207 008 5000 from the UK if they require urgent assistance.