Venezuelan earthquake death toll hits at least 920 as US rescuers race against critical survival window

A heavy construction vehicle operated by the U.S.military hauls aid destined for Venezuela after the country was hit by twin earthquakes on Wednesday.(U.S.Southern Command)

Even with all the assistance coming from the United States, whichhas pledged $150 million to emergency aid,and international organizations, Venezuelans have reported that their government has not had a robust response to the earthquakes.

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Locals told The Associated Press they’ve seen few state rescue teams in the hardest hit areas.According toaid agencies, the first 48 to 72 hours is the most crucial window to retrieve people alive.

DEATH TOLL FROM VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKES RISES TO AT LEAST 589, WITH THOUSANDS REPORTED MISSING

On Friday night, Venezuelan authorities said they would begin blocking access to La Guaira — where the worst destruction occurred — so search teams can operate without getting hampered by citizens.

According to the AP, officials said anyone who wants to enter now will have to get permits, though they did not explain who would be eligible for them.

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Rescue workers place Daniel Cordero on a stretcher after pulling him from the rubble two days after an earthquake struck Catia la Mar, Venezuela, Friday, June 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

This move from the state comes after locals have been taking the search for their missing loved ones into their own hands.

Nazareth Jimenez, who lives in the state of La Guaira, just north of Caracas, said she had to watch as her neighbors used hammers and power tools to try to cut through the concrete of an apartment building.

She stood by and waited to see if her siblings, nephews, nieces and friends would emerge alive.

“We’re making a call for help to the government and countries across the world,” Jimenez told the AP.“There are still people alive in there.”

The Venezuelan government, led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, has distributed food and water to survivors in La Guaira, but residents still say it has not been enough.

Residents walk through the rubble two days after earthquakes struck Catia La Mar, Venezuela, Friday, June 26, 2026.(AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

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The earthquakes pose a great challenge to Rodriguez, the former vice president whose governing coalition took shape after the United States mounted an operation that captured and deposed PresidentNicolás Maduro.

Rodriguez’s leadership and the legitimacy of her government will be tested during this crisis given she was not elected to the presidency and has not given any timetable on when elections will be held.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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