In one of the most critical rescue operations in Venezuela in recent years following the twin deadly earthquakes, rescue teams are racing against time in Caracas and the surrounding areas.
Signs of life continue to be detected beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings. Rescuers are working around the clock, trying to reach as many trapped people as possible and save them.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Canadian Anne Carson Wins the Nobel Prize in Literature
A Look Back at Apollon’s International Soccer Players
Read more: “Every hour counts”: Rescue teams battle in Venezuela as another powerful aftershock is almost certain (VIDEO)
Rescue team working tirelessly!
Prayfor Venezuela
pic.twitter.com/5meMALkn5o
— The Nurse’s Pulse
(@endwelljohn2022) June 25, 2026
According to a recent announcement by Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, 164 people lost their lives in the double earthquake and more than 970 were injured—a toll, however, that is expected to rise dramatically, with the U.S. Geological Survey leaving open the possibility that the death toll could reach as high as 10,000.
Meanwhile, according to the mayor of the municipality of Chacao, Gustavo Duque, rescue teams are not only locating people trapped in the rubble but, in several cases, are still hearing people alive calling for help from beneath the debris.
“Fortunately, we can hear people who are alive beneath the rubble, and we will rescue them all,” he said in a public statement, describing an operation that is unfolding literally second by second.
Dozens Rescued—The Operation Continues Unabated
So far, authorities report that at least 18 to 23 people have been rescued alive from the rubble in the Tsakao area, one of the hardest-hit areas of the capital.
Those rescued are being transported immediately to local medical centers for first aid, while several remain under close observation due to their injuries.
The mayor of Chacao stressed that “we will not leave the scene until we have found the very last person we can save,” highlighting both the pressure and the determination of the rescue teams.
Massive mobilization in areas of Caracas
Search and rescue operations have expanded to many areas of Caracas, with more than 500 rescuers operating simultaneously at critical locations.
The areas with the most severe damage are located in Los Palos Grandes, Altamira, and Bello Campo, where apartment buildings have collapsed or sustained serious structural damage.
According to authorities:
- at least four buildings have completely collapsed
- six others have sustained significant damage and are currently being assessed
- many others show dangerous cracks and instability
Gas service has been cut off in some areas, while parts of the city remain without electricity.
New images of destruction—San Bernardino and northern Caracas
In the San Bernardino neighborhood, crews are clearing debris from a five-unit apartment building that collapsed, while authorities are checking to see if anyone else is trapped.
BBC reporter Vanessa Silva reported that authorities are working to determine if there are any fatalities, as the removal of debris continues.
At the same time, safety authorities are checking the stability of buildings throughout northern Caracas, as the damage is extensive and, in many cases, critical.
“Scenes of chaos”—Residents flee their
homes Thousands of residents have taken to the streets, setting up makeshift tents and impromptu camps, fearing new aftershocks or further collapses.
The accounts are shocking. “Like a horror movie,” many describe the moment of the earthquake, noting that buildings “swayed from side to side,” objects fell from homes and shelves, and streets were filled with dust and debris within seconds.
The sense of insecurity remains acute, as aftershocks continue and the structural instability of many buildings poses a constant danger.
“Lives Come First”
The country’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, stated that the authorities’ priority is “saving human lives,” while coordination for international aid is underway.
As she announced, rescue teams are expected to arrive from the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, among other countries.
At the same time, hotels and shelters have been made available to the homeless, while all non-essential activities and public services have been suspended.
Maduro calls for “unity and calm” in a
post Amid the crisis, the country’s former president, Nicolás Maduro—who remains imprisoned in the U.S.—posted a public message calling for national unity.
“In the face of the powerful earthquakes that have struck our homeland, our prayers go out to the families of the Venezuelans who have been affected. At this difficult time, the call is for national unity, calm, and love,” he said, sending a message of solidarity to the people.
Venezuela’s
toughest ordeal in recent decades The two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela are considered the strongest in the last 126 years, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and public buildings.
The 7.5-magnitude earthquake is the strongest recorded in the country or off its coast since 1900, according to international seismological data.
The La Guaira region has been declared a disaster zone, with dozens of buildings having collapsed and the international airport having sustained serious damage, leading to its temporary closure.
Thousands missing and fears of a further rise in the death toll
Meanwhile, the number of missing persons remains unclear and is constantly rising, with unofficial reports citing thousands of people whose fate has not been confirmed.
According to a website created by the country’s leaders, at least 9,650 people are missing following the two powerful earthquakes.
Authorities warn that the full extent of the disaster will become clear in the coming hours or days, as rescue operations continue on multiple fronts.
A country waiting amid the rubble
As night falls in Caracas, the scene remains dramatic: rescuers digging through the rubble with their bare hands and tools, families waiting for news of the missing, and a country trying to get back on its feet after one of the most powerful earthquakes in its history.
Miracles amid the rubble in Bello Campo, Chacao!
Rescue workers are working tirelessly and continue to achieve the impossible: finding people alive under the rubble.
Their courage, dedication, and hope are saving lives.
Stay strong, guys! Venezuela thanks you for your… pic.twitter.com/vhQ9DyeRLj— Maibort Petit (@maibortpetit) June 25, 2026
The race against time continues, with every minute determining whether lives will be saved or lost beneath the rubble.
Source: iefimerida.gr
