The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has indicated that the number of people missing in the wake of the earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday could potentially reach 50,000.
According to sources within OCHA, reported by EFE, these figures are unverified and should not be considered official UN data. They are managed parallel to the confirmed count of 920 fatalities and 3,360 injuries as reported by Venezuelan authorities.
The situation appears even more dire based on data from Newsweek, which notes that as of Friday, 57,287 individuals were reported missing, with 49,519 having lost all contact with family or friends.
The Unprecedented Seismic Event
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart on June 24, represent the most powerful seismic activity recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issued a Red Alert due to the anticipated impact.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that up to 6.76 million people might be affected by the earthquakes, including two million in the capital city, Caracas.
Devastation and Response in Venezuela
The state of La Guaira has been hit hardest, declared a "disaster zone" with over 100 buildings having collapsed. In Caracas, at least two structures fell in the Chacao municipality, with more than 90 others damaged, according to reports on the city's destruction.
International aid has been swift and significant: 30 urban search and rescue teams from at least 16 countries, including Switzerland, the United States, France, Spain, Germany, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, have deployed 1,600 personnel and 100 search dogs to the affected areas.
The United States has pledged $150 million in humanitarian assistance, with $100 million allocated to OCHA and $50 million to local organizations. Additionally, OCHA released $15 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund, and the International Red Cross issued an emergency appeal for 50 million Swiss francs.
The Venezuelan Government's Response
The Nicolás Maduro regime, after remaining silent for over an hour following the earthquakes, eventually issued an official report and ordered the militarization of La Guaira. A force of 11,500 troops from the National Guard, Armed Forces, National Police, and National Militia has been dispatched to maintain order and assist in rescue efforts amid the risk of looting in the devastated area.
The pre-existing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, exacerbated by decades of the regime's mismanagement leading to infrastructure collapse, massive power outages, communication failures, and institutional frailty, severely hampers the state's emergency response capabilities. This situation partly explains the vast discrepancy between the confirmed fatalities and the number of missing individuals reported by the UN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venezuela's Earthquake Crisis
How many people are confirmed dead after the Venezuela earthquakes?
According to Venezuelan authorities, there are 920 confirmed fatalities as a result of the earthquakes.
What is the estimated number of missing individuals?
The UN suggests that up to 50,000 people might be missing, although this figure is not officially confirmed.
How has the international community responded to the disaster?
The international response has been robust, with deployment of search and rescue teams from various countries and significant financial aid pledged, including $150 million from the United States.