Three days after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela's northern shore, the death toll has surged to at least 920. Over 3,300 people are injured, and tens of thousands remain missing.
U.S. search and rescue teams from Virginia, California, and Florida were deployed Friday to assist the critical effort. A 73-member team from Los Angeles County brought specialized equipment, including concrete-busting machines and listening devices, to locate survivors trapped under rubble.
"Day or night, the Department of War is moving critical life-saving equipment to Venezuela," U.S. Southern Command stated. The U.S. has pledged $150 million in emergency aid and deployed Navy warships.
Despite international assistance, residents report a slow government response. Locals in the hardest-hit areas have taken search efforts into their own hands. Venezuelan authorities have now begun blocking access to the worst-hit zone of La Guaira to allow unimpeded search operations.
"We're making a call for help to the government and countries across the world," resident Nazareth Jimenez told the Associated Press. "There are still people alive in there."
The crisis presents a major test for acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who took power after the U.S. operation that deposed former President Nicolás Maduro. Her government's legitimacy, as an unelected administration, is under scrutiny amid the disaster.
The first 48 to 72 hours after an earthquake is the most crucial window for rescuing survivors alive.