The death toll from last week’s devastating earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to at least 1,450, according to a senior lawmaker, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors in some of the country’s worst-hit areas.

Emergency crews from Venezuela and international partners remain engaged in round-the-clock operations amid widespread destruction. Authorities are also assessing damage to homes and critical infrastructure, while schools across affected regions will remain shut for another week.

Rescue Operations Continue Across Affected Areas

The US Southern Command said search-and-rescue efforts were continuing in earthquake-ravaged communities, with first responders working alongside American personnel to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

In a post on X, the 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.”

The statement highlighted the involvement of US military personnel in disaster-relief operations being coordinated as part of broader international assistance efforts for the South American nation.

Government Orders Damage Assessment, Extends School Shutdown

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Sunday the formation of a presidential commission tasked with evaluating the condition of housing and infrastructure damaged by the powerful earthquakes, according to CNN.

Rodriguez also extended school closures for an additional week as authorities continue emergency response and recovery operations across affected regions.

She shared updates on rescue efforts throughout the day, including the successful rescue of survivors from heavily impacted areas. Earlier on Sunday, an 11-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble in Caraballeda.

Referring to the rescue, Rodriguez said: “In these hours, every life is hope for Venezuela.”

She also praised the work of civil protection authorities, firefighters, national and international rescue teams, security forces and medical personnel deployed across La Guaira and other affected areas.

Quake Strikes Amid Venezuela’s Economic Struggles

The earthquake is being described as the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, compounding challenges facing a country already grappling with a prolonged economic crisis.

Venezuela’s economy has been severely affected by years of US-led sanctions, hyperinflation, corruption and mismanagement of its oil industry despite possessing the world’s largest proven oil reserves. According to CNN, the country’s gross domestic product has contracted by around 80 per cent since 2013.

The disaster comes months after the US capture of former President Nicolas Maduro in January. Since assuming leadership, Rodriguez has pursued a cautious programme of economic liberalisation, sought closer engagement with foreign oil companies and worked to improve relations with Washington while pressing for sanctions relief.

Although some US sanctions have been eased and oil production has gradually increased, inflation remains elevated and many Venezuelans continue to face economic hardship driven by low wages and rising living costs.

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