Venezuela Welcomes 1,600 Foreign Rescuers for Earthquake Search

1. On Saturday, Venezuela’s government announced that 1,600 members of foreign rescue teams had arrived to aid in the search for survivors from the twin earthquakes that killed over 900 people.

2. The interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, stated on state television that an additional 10 countries are set to join the rescue efforts and that 14,000 military and police personnel were deployed in La Guaira to ensure safety and sanitation measures.

3. Foreign ministry official Oliver Blanco reported that 17 flights carrying over 1,600 rescue team members had landed, with another 25 expected within 24 hours.

4. Rodriguez thanked the international community for their support during these uncertain times on X, where she posted a photo of her message.

5. Despite the influx of aid and personnel, some areas in La Guaira remained largely without official presence as families struggled to locate missing loved ones amid the rubble.

6. The government closed the road between La Guaira and Caracas due to heavy traffic hindering emergency vehicles’ access.

7. Civilians not part of official rescue teams needed credentials to pass the roadblock, with Reuters witnesses prevented from using the main road on Saturday morning by police.

8. Over 54,000 people are listed as unaccounted for on an opposition-promoted website, while nearly seven million could be affected, according to the UN, which estimated direct damage at around $6.7 billion.

9. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that more than 10,000 deaths were possible from the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, placing them among the deadliest in recent history.

10. Looting took place at several sites in La Guaira, as reported by Reuters witnesses.

11. Venezuela’s oil production was not affected by the quakes, according to Oil Minister Paula Henao.