The death toll from catastrophic twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to over 1,400, with tens of thousands still missing as the desperate search for survivors enters its fourth day. The back-to-back tremors, reaching magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have also left approximately 3,000 injured.
Among the victims were three young soccer players, including 18-year-old Yimvert Berroteran, a rising forward for Venezuela's Under-20 team who had aspirations of playing for the national team. The Venezuelan Football Federation confirmed the deaths of Berroteran, 14-year-old Victor Palacios, and Razan Sijaa, who played for the U-18 Caracas FC team.
Rescue efforts are being complicated by frequent aftershocks, described by aid workers as constant and unnerving. Loyce Pace, the Red Cross director for the Americas, noted the challenges for teams assessing damage and delivering services in communities where infrastructure remains precarious.
International aid has begun to arrive, facilitated by the reopening of a runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas. The United States has deployed two elite search and rescue teams, and a White House official stated they are working closely with interim authorities to address the country's needs.
Other nations contributing to the relief efforts include Lithuania, Germany, the Netherlands, Qatar, and Argentina. A total of 21 international aid delegations, comprising approximately 2,000 workers, 96 search and rescue dogs, 40 cargo vehicles, and 3 metric tons of medicine, have reached Venezuela since Wednesday.