Will Grant

One month after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela's northern coast, more than 5,300 people have been confirmed dead, over 16,500 injured and tens of thousands remain missing. Families in La Guaira and nearby areas continue searching through collapsed buildings, often with limited equipment after international rescue teams departed. Survivors are increasingly angry at the government, questioning whether poor construction or negligence contributed to the collapse of public housing, while the public works minister insists the buildings were sound and the disaster was exceptionally severe. Displaced families are living in tents and relying on humanitarian aid; the government has provided 200 homes against a need potentially 100 times greater. With damage estimated at $19.6bn and reconstruction expected to take years, the country's political situation and US control of its oil industry may determine how recovery proceeds.

A month after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s northern coastline, more than 5,300 people are confirmed dead, over 16,500 injured and tens of thousands are estimated to remain missing. Survivors in La Guaira continue searching for relatives amid dwindling rescue operations, tent-based living and limited humanitarian assistance. Families are increasingly angry at authorities, questioning why numerous public housing blocks collapsed and accusing the government of responding too slowly. Public Works Minister Juan José Ramírez denies negligence and argues that the simultaneous quakes overwhelmed the country. Reconstruction is expected to take years and cost billions, with the World Bank estimating $19.6 billion in damage and uncertainty over funding heightened by US control of Venezuela’s oil industry.

Large areas of Venezuela remain without adequate government assistance following two major earthquakes, leaving residents to lead rescue efforts with minimal equipment. In La Guaira and surrounding regions, volunteers continue searching for thousands of missing people as frustration grows over delayed deployment of heavy machinery and official support. More than 1,700 deaths have been confirmed, with aftershocks and extensive structural collapse worsening conditions. International aid has expanded, including UN resources, US military support, and pledges from the Netherlands and China. Authorities are assessing damage and establishing temporary camps, while isolated rescues continue, though hopes of finding survivors are diminishing.