health
Venezuela earthquake: father and son found alive in rubble after four days as death toll nears 1,500
President says ‘we always hold onto hope’ as discovery of earthquake survivors spurs fresh search efforts despite dwindling chances of survival
TL;DR
- A father and son were rescued alive from earthquake rubble in Caraballeda, Venezuela, on Sunday.
- The death toll from last week's twin earthquakes has passed 1,450, with 3,150 injured.
- Nearly 200 buildings were destroyed and 774 badly damaged by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes.
- Interim president Delcy Rodríguez praised rescuers and vowed to continue efforts, stating 'we always hold on to hope'.
- Tens of thousands remain missing, and the critical 72-hour rescue window has passed.
- The disaster has hit a country already struggling with severe economic crisis.
- Rescue teams from the US, Mexico, and other nations are assisting, with US helicopters ferrying in aid.
- Looting has occurred in La Guaira, a port city heavily damaged by the quakes.
- The UN migration agency estimates up to 6.76 million people could be affected.
- The bill for physical repairs is estimated at $6.7 billion, 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
- Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado announced her imminent return to the country.