Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction in the coastal La Guaira region. According to a report by Al Jazeera citing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the estimated damage ranges between $4.7 billion and $8.7 billion. So far, 1,430 bodies have been recovered, while about 69,000 people remain missing. Authorities have declared La Guaira a disaster zone and imposed travel restrictions from Friday night to facilitate rescue operations.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by logistical challenges, prompting local residents to clear debris by hand in search of relatives. Aid agencies warned that the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors is closing. Government officials stated that special permission is required to enter the affected area, though details remain unclear.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez described each life saved as a miracle, while interim President Delcy Rodríguez said the government has deployed all available resources and welcomed international rescue and humanitarian assistance.