More than 1,600 foreign rescue workers have reached Venezuela to support emergency operations following a series of powerful earthquakes, authorities said on Saturday, as international assistance continues to scale up.
According to Venezuela’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oliver Blanco, 17 flights carrying international search-and-rescue teams had already arrived in the South American country.
"Over the next 24 hours, the arrival of 25 additional flights is expected. We thank the international community for its support and solidarity during these moments of uncertainty for Venezuelans," Blanco said on X.
The international deployment comes as authorities intensify rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas, where hundreds of people remain missing after the powerful twin earthquakes that struck earlier this week.
According to Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, around 14,000 military and police personnel had also been deployed to La Guaira, one of the worst-affected areas, to support search efforts, maintain security and carry out public health measures.
Authorities have tightened access to La Guaira, restricting traffic on the main highway linking the area with Caracas to allow emergency vehicles and rescue teams to move more quickly.
Civilians who are not part of official response teams are now required to obtain credentials to enter through police checkpoints.
Despite the growing domestic and international response, residents and volunteers have reported shortages of heavy rescue equipment, with some families continuing to dig through collapsed buildings by hand in search of missing relatives.
More than 900 people have so far been confirmed killed, and at least 3,360 injured following the tragedy.
Initial estimates from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) suggest that up to 6.76 million people may be impacted, including as many as 2 million in the capital, Caracas.
According to the agency, early analysis indicates significant structural damage in multiple locations, with satellite images showing that about 31.5 per cent of buildings in Catia La Mar have been damaged. IOM added that displacement is expected to rise as people flee damaged areas in search of safety.
“The humanitarian needs are both immediate and significant. Families who have lost everything require emergency shelter, safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, health care, protection support and essential relief items,” the migration agency said in a statement on Saturday.
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