Teams scramble to locate survivors 4 days after Venezuela earthquakes

By — Regina Garcia Cano, Associated Press Regina Garcia Cano, Associated Press By — Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press By — Megan Janetsky, Associated Press Megan Janetsky, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/teams-scramble-to-locate-survivors-4-days-after-venezuela-earthquakes Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Teams scramble to locate survivors 4 days after Venezuela earthquakes World Jun 28, 2026 2:01 PM EDT LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — Efforts by local and international rescue teams to pull survivors from the rubble grew increasingly desperate in Venezuela on Sunday, four days after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira. The government reported more than 1,400 dead from the quakes Saturday as it faced growing criticism from Venezuelans that its response was inadequate and was overshadowed by civilian-led efforts to search for loved ones buried under collapsed buildings. Virtual databases used by families to report and find loved ones say thousands are still missing. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday that 33 people had been rescued the day before, although she did not provide an updated death toll. READ MORE: Desperation mounts in Venezuela as the earthquake death toll rises to 1,430 A U.S. rescue team from Virginia pulled a man and his son from the ruins Sunday morning and carried them carefully on a black tarp into an ambulance. Masses of people gathered to watch the rescue as the survivors — covered in dust — were hydrated through an IV. Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a natural disaster as crucial for retrieving people alive, though that can be extended if they have access to food and water. More than 2,200 rescue workers from across the world had arrived by Saturday, the U.N. said, and more were still arriving. As messages of solidarity with Venezuelans flooded in from across the world, Pope Leo offered prayers for "the eternal rest of the deceased." "Likewise, I express my gratitude and encouragement to all those who are generously working in the search and rescue efforts," he said. Tension mounts during rescue efforts Rodríguez said on state television Saturday that more than 14,000 members of the military and police are patrolling the La Guaira state, where access is now blocked and special permits are required to enter. But many in disaster zones said they had seen little of their government. The disaster poses a huge challenge for Rodríguez, the former vice president who took office in January after the U.S. capture and removal of then-President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela has been facing economic disarray for more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents. WATCH: Crews race to find survivors in mountains of rubble after Venezuela earthquakes Some people climbed the remnants of building