At least 1,430 people have died and more than 3,200 have been injured following two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, officials confirmed on Friday. The seismic event, beginning with a 7.2 magnitude quake followed immediately by a 7.5 magnitude tremor, hit the Venezuelan coast, causing widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and prompting residents to flee into the streets.

Intensive rescue operations are underway, with emergency responders working to locate individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated on Thursday that search efforts were ongoing, approaching the 72-hour mark since the initial quakes. The disaster has left a significant mark on the nation, with numerous buildings collapsing and fires breaking out in affected areas.

Jorge Rodriguez, the leader of Venezuela’s National Assembly, announced the latest casualty figures on state television on Saturday, reporting 1,430 fatalities and 3,238 injuries. He also noted that over 400 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes, adding to the ongoing danger and disruption.

The United States has deployed federal search and rescue teams to Venezuela, marking a significant international response to the catastrophe. A U.S. official confirmed on Saturday that two teams from Miami-Dade, Florida, have been activated and are currently operating on the ground, working to extract survivors from collapsed structures. This deployment represents the first time in over a decade that the State Department has sent Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams beyond domestic missions.

In addition to the rescue efforts, U.S. teams have made progress in restoring critical infrastructure, successfully repairing one of the runways at Simón Bolívar airport to facilitate aid delivery. The U.S. administration has also committed substantial financial assistance, with an additional nine-figure aid package reportedly being prepared for announcement, building upon the $150 million already pledged for the earthquake response.

International collaboration is a key component of the ongoing relief efforts. Emergency response teams from Venezuela and other nations are working diligently, combing through debris in search of survivors. The acting president has emphasized the critical nature of these operations as they continue nearly three days after the initial disaster struck.

The scale of the destruction is evident in images from Catia La Mar, a coastal city severely impacted by the quakes. Three days after the event, damaged and burned homes stand as stark reminders of the earthquakes' ferocity. The ongoing aftershocks continue to pose a threat, complicating rescue operations and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has reportedly received calls from international figures, including former President Trump and Senator Rubio, offering support and solidarity in the wake of the disaster. These gestures highlight the global attention and concern directed towards Venezuela as it grapples with the aftermath of this devastating seismic event.