Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Crosses 1,450 as Rescue Efforts Intensify

At least 1,450 people have died since last week's devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, according to a top lawmaker, CNN reported.

US Southern Command said their frantic efforts continue on ground as first responders assisted US Marines climbing through rubble.

In a post on X, the US Southern Command said, "Racing against the clock to save lives in Venezuela: First responders assist a U.S. Marine climbing through rubble during a search for survivors in earthquake-damaged structures.”

“Operating day and night, these crews continue to support international search and rescue operations across the hardest-hit communities. At the direction of SOUTHCOM, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting US Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela,” it added.

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Sunday the creation of a presidential commission to assess the condition of housing and infrastructure damaged by the powerful earthquakes that struck the South American country, and extended school closures for another week, as per CNN.

She noted how earlier in the day, an 11-year-old boy was rescued alive in Caraballeda.

"In these hours, every life is hope for Venezuela," she said.

Why has the Venezuela earthquake struck at the worst possible time for the country’s economy?

The strongest quake to hit Venezuela in more than a century could not have come at a worse time for the country.

Venezuela's once-booming economy had already been crippled by years of US-led sanctions, hyperinflation, government corruption and mismanagement of the oil sector, despite sitting on the world's largest oil reserves. Its GDP has shrunk by roughly 80% since 2013, as per CNN.

Then came the US capture of former President Nicolas Maduro in January.

In his place, Rodriguez has been cautiously liberalizing the economy and courting foreign oil companies, while currying favor with Washington pragmatically and seeking relief from crushing sanctions.

But even though the US has eased sanctions, and oil production has gradually increased, inflation remains high and ordinary citizens continue to struggle with low pay.

(With inputs from ANI)