Venezuela Earthquake Deaths Rise to 1,943

The number of people who died from the twin earthquakes in Venezuela has now reached 1,943.

Reports say the disaster injured over 10,500 people and displaced around 15,000 Venezuelans.

The earthquakes hit Caracas, the capital, and the southeast region of Yumare last week. They measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.

Rescue efforts are still ongoing for many people who are missing or trapped under the rubble. Unfortunately, the critical 72-hour period for rescuing victims after a disaster ended on Saturday evening.

Authorities believe that tens of thousands of people could still be missing.

About 30,000 Venezuelan emergency workers and 2,700 foreign experts are part of the rescue team, according to Al Jazeera.

On Sunday, interim President Delcy Rodríguez said that rescuers have saved “people alive and, therefore, operations are not being suspended.”

“We always maintain hope,” she added.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned last week that the death toll might surpass 10,000. They also predicted a 30 percent chance that the fatalities could go beyond 100,000.

The USGS explained that the two earthquakes could lead to ground liquefaction. This is when loose, water-saturated soil loses strength and acts like a flowing mass, similar to a landslide.

According to the agency, “the disaster is likely widespread” and strong aftershocks could still happen.

They estimate a 44 percent chance that the death toll could exceed 10,000. There is also a 30 percent chance that fatalities could go over 100,000. They warned of a significant risk of landslides and ground liquefaction.

Authorities also mentioned they’ve received help from 24 countries. These countries have sent over 500 tonnes of supplies, 2,700 rescue and support workers, and around 86 teams with search dogs.

The World Health Organization has raised concerns about potential disease outbreaks. Preliminary estimates show the disaster created about 1.2 million tons of debris in La Guaira, the area hit hardest.

La Guaira state is now facing serious food shortages, major disruptions to basic services, and communication breakdowns.