Multiple Earthquakes Strike Venezuela, Leaving Thousands Missing or Injured
Caracas, June 28 - At least 1,450 people have been confirmed dead after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue their search for survivors.
According to the Venezuelan government, at least 33 people were rescued alive by Saturday evening, including several children. However, tens of thousands remain unaccounted for, with a website promoted by the country's opposition listing around 49,000 missing or trapped individuals.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that more than 10,000 deaths are possible from the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, which would make them among Latin America's deadliest in recent history.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing since Wednesday, with foreign teams pouring into La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit states. The government has announced a presidential commission to determine the habitability of buildings, and school classes will be suspended for another week due to the disaster.
The U.S. State Department hailed the rescue of an infant by American rescue crews on Saturday, while a Colombian team also saved an 11-year-old boy who had been trapped in rubble.
**Background**
Venezuela has been facing a deep political and economic crisis, which was exacerbated by the recent earthquakes. The country's largest refinery, Amuay, shut down operations on Sunday due to a power outage in western Falcon state.
The international community has pledged support for Venezuela, with a senior U.S. official announcing that a funding package worth hundreds of millions of dollars is expected to be announced soon.