More than 68,000 people are missing in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the nation this week. Back-to-back tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 caused widespread destruction, killing at least 1,430 people and injuring over 3,200.
The critical 72-hour window for rescuing survivors has now closed. International teams have joined the 30,000 Venezuelan specialists leading the search and rescue effort. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that 24 countries have provided support, including supplies, canine units, and thousands of personnel.
The European Union has pledged €5 million in emergency aid. The United Nations estimates direct physical damage from the quakes at $6.7 billion.