Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 920: Military Takes Control of Worst-Hit State

The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to deepen after the country's devastating twin earthquakes, with the official death toll rising to 920 while authorities have placed the worst-hit La Guaira state under military control to speed up rescue operations and maintain law and order.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced the latest casualty figures, saying rescue teams are discovering more victims as they gain access to previously unreachable areas. Thousands are still feared trapped under debris, with the toll expected to rise further.

A Rare Twin Earthquake That Shook Venezuela

The disaster struck on Wednesday evening, when two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude hit less than a minute apart.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS):

• The epicentre was near the coastal town of Moron, about 160 km west of Caracas.
• The back-to-back quakes formed a rare seismic "doublet", where two major earthquakes strike the same region within seconds.
• Early USGS modelling estimates the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, depending on the scale of destruction uncovered.

La Guaira Under Military Control

With rescue operations entering a critical phase, the Venezuelan government has placed La Guaira, the state's worst-affected region, under the control of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces.

Officials said the move aims to:

• Ensure public safety.
• Keep evacuation routes clear.
• Prevent congestion that could slow rescue operations.
• Help international teams move equipment into affected areas.

Authorities have also urged people not to travel to La Guaira unless absolutely necessary.

Thousands Injured, Tens of Thousands Still Missing

The disaster has left an enormous humanitarian challenge.

According to official figures:

• 920 people have died.
• More than 3,000 people have been injured.
• A missing persons portal has listed nearly 50,000 people as unaccounted for, although the figure has not been independently verified.

Rescue workers continue searching collapsed buildings in severely affected areas including:

• Caraballeda
• Macuto
• Los Corales
• Catia La Mar

Infrastructure Suffers Massive Damage

The earthquakes have crippled key infrastructure across Venezuela's central coast.

Authorities say:

• 346 buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
• Eight hospitals have suffered severe damage.
• The headquarters of the Venezuelan Red Cross has been hit.
• Simon Bolivar International Airport, serving Caracas, remains closed after sustaining structural damage.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared La Guaira a disaster zone.

Global Rescue Effort Underway

As Venezuela battles one of its deadliest natural disasters in decades, international assistance has begun pouring in.

Rescue teams, equipment and humanitarian aid have arrived from countries including:

• India
• United States
• Mexico
• Spain
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Colombia
• Chile
• Ecuador
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Qatar

Support has also been mobilised through the United Nations, while the US Treasury Department has temporarily eased sanctions to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries.

Authorities Appeal for Public Support

The Venezuelan government has called on citizens to contribute relief material through collection centres in Caracas.

Officials say search-and-rescue operations remain the top priority, warning that the number of casualties is likely to increase as emergency teams continue combing through collapsed structures.